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At least 271 records · Page 15

Multi-Fidelity Active Subspaces for Wind Farm Uncertainty Quantification

Wind plants operate in stochastic environments characterized by complex turbulent flow dynamics and high-dimensional random variables. A key step in uncertainty quantification studies is sensitivity analysis and dimension reduction that can facilitate the development of surrogate models to be used for forward and inverse propagation or optimization under uncertainty. Prior work has shown active subspaces are an effective tool for identifying important directions in the space of stochastic inputs; however, they have only been applied to single-fidelity wind plant models. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of a multi-fidelity active subspace method for analyzing the uncertainty in wind plant power output. The multi-fidelity active subspace estimator offers the promise of increased accuracy in identifying active subspaces as compared to a single-fidelity estimator for the same computational cost, or a reduction in cost for the same accuracy. This makes the study of uncertainty in larger wind plants and with higher fidelity physics tractable. The multi-fidelity active subspace method is applied to gridded and existing wind plant layouts with single and multiple inflow conditions and its performance for surrogate modeling and uncertainty propagation is compared against a single-fidelity active subspace method. This multi-fidelity approach yields substantial computational speedups of 2x - 3.4x across the test cases along with acceptable accuracy in surrogate modeling and computing statistical moments.

active subspace↗

Home energy management under realistic and uncertain conditions: A comparison of heuristic, deterministic, and stochastic control methods

We report home energy management systems (HEMS) have been shown to reduce energy bills and to provide grid services including peak demand reduction and demand flexibility. However, uncertainty in residential energy systems is a significant issue and can reduce the benefits of a HEMS to the homeowner or grid operator. Sources of uncertainty include weather forecasts, predictions of energy-related occupant activities (e.g., hot water draws), and parameter estimation for the building envelope and energy-consuming equipment. This paper tackles the problem of uncertainty by developing a framework that simulates HEMS in uncertain conditions and evaluates the performance of multiple control strategies. A linear, reduced-order residential building model for model predictive control applications is derived and compared to a full-order model. Stochastic model predictive control is shown to perform better than deterministic and heuristic methods when considering realistic forecasts with uncertainty. The framework can evaluate the performance of HEMS in real-world applications, which can help de-risk HEMS deployment.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Robust Solution Approach for Bilevel Demand Response Game at Distribution Level

In this paper, a bilevel electricity pricing and demand response game between a distribution system operator (DSO) and load aggregators (LAs) is considered, and a robust decision model is proposed for the DSO to deal with the uncertainties from the wholesale market prices and demand consumptions of LAs. With the max-min objective at the upper level, the robust bilevel model is converted into a single level model by the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions and prime-dual transformation. Several groups of experiments have been conducted based on different preferences on uncertainty gaps and peak load reductions to show its effectiveness. After-the-fact scenario analysis has indicated that the robust solution is more beneficial in reducing the risk of inaccurate predictions as compared to the risk neutral strategy.

Chen, Yang↗

NASA’s first ground-based Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator: Enabling a new era in space radiobiology research

With exciting new NASA plans for a sustainable return to the moon, astronauts will once again leave Earth’s protective magnetosphere only to endure higher levels of radiation from galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and the possibility of a large solar particle event (SPE). Gateway, lunar landers, and surface habitats will be designed to protect crew against SPEs with vehicle optimization, storm shelter concepts, and/or active dosimetry; however, the ever penetrating GCR will continue to pose the most significant health risks especially as lunar missions increase in duration and as NASA sets its aspirations on Mars. The primary risks of concern include carcinogenesis, central nervous system (CNS) effects resulting in potential in-mission cognitive or behavioral impairment and/or late neurological disorders, degenerative tissue effects including circulatory and heart disease, as well as potential immune system decrements impacting multiple aspects of crew health. Characterization and mitigation of these risks requires a significant reduction in the large biological uncertainties of chronic (low-dose rate) heavy-ion exposures and the validation of countermeasures in a relevant space environment. Historically, most research on understanding space radiation-induced health risks has been performed using acute exposures of monoenergetic single-ion beams. However, the space radiation environment consists of a wide variety of ion species over a broad energy range. Using the fast beam switching and controls systems technology recently developed at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory, a new era in radiobiological research is possible. NASA has developed the “GCR Simulator” to generate a spectrum of ion beams that approximates the primary and secondary GCR field experienced at human organ locations within a deep-space vehicle. The majority of the dose is delivered from protons (approximately 65%–75%) and helium ions (approximately 10%–20%) with heavier ions (Z ≥ 3) contributing the remainder. The GCR simulator exposes state-of-the art cellular and animal model systems to 33 sequential beams including 4 proton energies plus degrader, 4 helium energies plus degrader, and the 5 heavy ions of C, O, Si, Ti, and Fe. A polyethylene degrader system is used with the 100 MeV/n H and He beams to provide a nearly continuous distribution of low-energy particles. A 500 mGy exposure, delivering doses from each of the 33 beams, requires approximately 75 minutes. To more closely simulate the low-dose rates found in space, sequential field exposures can be divided into daily fractions over 2 to 6 weeks, with individual beam fractions as low as 0.1 to 0.2 mGy. In the large beam configuration (60 × 60 cm 2 ), 54 special housing cages can accommodate 2 to 3 mice each for an approximately 75 min duration or 15 individually housed rats. On June 15, 2018, the NSRL made a significant achievement by completing the first operational run using the new GCR simulator. This paper discusses NASA’s innovative technology solution for a ground-based GCR simulator at the NSRL to accelerate our understanding and mitigation of health risks faced by astronauts. Ultimately, the GCR simulator will require validation across multiple radiogenic risks, endpoints, doses, and dose rates.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A statistical study of the upstream wave boundary outside the earth's bow shock

The location of the forward boundary of the upstream wave region ahead of the earth's bow shock is investigated statistically using plasma and magnetic-field data obtained by Heos 1. The analysis is conducted on the assumption that the waves are produced by protons reflected from the bow shock and traveling upstream with an effective velocity equal to the product of a parameter, p, and the solar-wind bulk velocity. The data-reduction methods are summarized, and uncertainties in the determination of the value of p are discussed. It is found that the overall average boundary corresponds to a velocity of approximately twice the solar-wind velocity for protons reflected from the daytime sector of the bow shock. More refined analysis of the data shows that the value of p is approximately 1.6 near the subsolar point and greater than 2 along the daytime flanks of the bow shock.

Diodato, L.↗

Performance analysis of a filtered wide field-of-view radiometer for earth radiation budget measurements

The proposed Earth Radiation Budget Satellite System (ERBSS) of the 1980's will include a wide field-of-view (WFOV) fixed axes earth radiator discriminator consisting of a shortwave channel and a total (unfiltered) channel. The broadband spectral isolation required for the shortwave channel is achieved by use of a hemispherical fused silica (Suprasil W) dome filter placed in front of a wire wound thermopile radiation detector. A description is presented of the thermal response of the single-fused silica dome filter in the ERBSS WFOV shortwave channel conceptual design and the impact of that response on the channel measurement. Results from design definition and performance analysis studies are included. Problems associated with achieving the desired levels of confidence in a high accuracy filtered, WFOV radiometer are discussed. Design approaches, ground calibration, and data reduction techniques which minimize measurement uncertainties are explained.

Cooper, J. E.↗

Performance of fused silica as a filter in a wide field-of-view earth radiation budget radiometer

The thermal response of the fused silica dome filter in an earth radiation budget WFOV shortwave channel conceptual design and the impact of that response on the channel measurement, is described. Attention is given to results from design definition and performance analysis studies. Consideration is given to problems associated with achieving the desired levels of confidence in a high accuracy filtered earth radiation budget WFOV radiometer. Finally, design approaches, ground calibration, and data reduction techniques that minimize measurement uncertainties are covered.

Cooper, J. E.↗

Effect of the potential well on low temperature pressure broadening in CO-He

Previously reported low-temperature pressure-broadening calculations (Green, 1985) for CO-He interacting via an SCF-CI potential are compared with new calculations in which the attractive part of the potential is either reduced by half or eliminated entirely. Results demonstrate that the attractive well is responsible for low-temperature enhancement of pressure-broadening cross sections and suggest that agreement with recent experimental values at 4 K (Messer and DeLucia, 1984) can be obtained by a modest reduction, probably within the expected uncertainty, in the attractive part of the SCF-CI potential.

Palma, A.↗

Space Shuttle ET Friction Stir Weld Machines

NASA and Lockheed-Martin approached the FSW machine vendor community with a specification for longitudinal barrel production FSW weld machines and a shorter travel process development machine in June of 2000. This specification was based on three years of FSW process development on the Space Shuttle External Tank alloys, AL2 195-T8M4 and AL22 19-T87. The primary motivations for changing the ET longitudinal welds from the existing variable polarity Plasma Arc plasma weld process included: (1) Significantly reduced weld defect rates and related reduction in cycle time and uncertainty; (2) Many fewer process variables to control (5 vs. 17); (3) Fewer manufacturing steps; (4) Lower residual stresses and distortion; (5) Improved weld strengths, particularly at cryogenic temperatures; (6) Fewer hazards to production personnel. General Tool was the successful bidder. The equipment is at this writing installed and welding flight hardware. This paper is a means of sharing with the rest of the FSW community the unique features developed to assure NASA/L-M of successful production welds.

Thompson, Jack M.↗

Semi-Empirical Validation of the Cross-Band Relative Absorption Technique for the Measurement of Molecular Mixing Ratios

Studies were performed to carry out semi-empirical validation of a new measurement approach we propose for molecular mixing ratios determination. The approach is based on relative measurements in bands of O2 and other molecules and as such may be best described as cross band relative absorption (CoBRA). . The current validation studies rely upon well verified and established theoretical and experimental databases, satellite data assimilations and modeling codes such as HITRAN, line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM), and the modern-era retrospective analysis for research and applications (MERRA). The approach holds promise for atmospheric mixing ratio measurements of CO2 and a variety of other molecules currently under investigation for several future satellite lidar missions. One of the advantages of the method is a significant reduction of the temperature sensitivity uncertainties which is illustrated with application to the ASCENDS mission for the measurement of CO2 mixing ratios (XCO2). Additional advantages of the method include the possibility to closely match cross-band weighting function combinations which is harder to achieve using conventional differential absorption techniques and the potential for additional corrections for water vapor and other interferences without using the data from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.

Pliutau, Denis↗

Methodologies for Verification and Validation of Space Launch System (SLS) Structural Dynamic Models

Responses to challenges associated with verification and validation (V&V) of Space Launch System (SLS) structural dynamics models are presented in this paper. Four methodologies addressing specific requirements for V&V are discussed. (1) Residual Mode Augmentation (RMA), which has gained acceptance by various principals in the NASA community, defines efficient and accurate FEM modal sensitivity models that are useful in test-analysis correlation and reconciliation and parametric uncertainty studies. (2) Modified Guyan Reduction (MGR) and Harmonic Reduction (HR, introduced in 1976), developed to remedy difficulties encountered with the widely used Classical Guyan Reduction (CGR) method, are presented. MGR and HR are particularly relevant for estimation of "body dominant" target modes of shell-type SLS assemblies that have numerous "body", "breathing" and local component constituents. Realities associated with configuration features and "imperfections" cause "body" and "breathing" mode characteristics to mix resulting in a lack of clarity in the understanding and correlation of FEM- and test-derived modal data. (3) Mode Consolidation (MC) is a newly introduced procedure designed to effectively "de-feature" FEM and experimental modes of detailed structural shell assemblies for unambiguous estimation of "body" dominant target modes. Finally, (4) Experimental Mode Verification (EMV) is a procedure that addresses ambiguities associated with experimental modal analysis of complex structural systems. Specifically, EMV directly separates well-defined modal data from spurious and poorly excited modal data employing newly introduced graphical and coherence metrics.

Coppolino, Robert N.↗

NASA’s Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator at Brookhaven National Laboratory: Enabling Human Exploration Missions to the Moon and Mars

With exciting new Agency plans for a sustainable return to the moon, astronauts will once again leave earth’s protective magnetosphere only to endure higher levels of radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and the possibility of a large solar particle event (SPE). Gateway, lunar landers, and surface habitats will be designed to protect crew against SPE’s with vehicle optimization, storm shelter concepts, and/or active dosimetry; however, the ever-penetrating GCR will continue to pose the most significant health risks especially as lunar missions increase in duration and as NASA sets its aspirations on Mars. The primary risks of concern include epithelial carcinogenesis and leukemia, central nervous system effects resulting in potential in-mission cognitive or behavioral impairment and/or late neurological disorders, degenerative tissue effects including cataracts, circulatory and heart disease, as well as, potential immune system decrements impacting multiple aspects of crew health. Characterization and mitigation of these risks requires a significant reduction in the large biological uncertainties of chronic (low-dose rate) heavy ion exposures and the validation of countermeasures in a relevant space environment. NASA has developed the “GCR Simulator” at Brookhaven National Laboratory to generate a spectrum of ion beams that approximates the primary and secondary GCR field experienced at human organ locations within a deep-space vehicle. The majority of the dose is delivered from protons (~65-75%) and alpha particles (~10-20%) with heavier ions (Z≤3) contributing the remainder. The “GCR Simulator” exposes state-of-the art cellular and animal model systems to 33 sequential beams including 4 proton energies plus degrader, 4 helium energies plus degrader, and the five heavy ions of C, O, Si, Ti, and Fe. A polyethylene degrader is used with the 100 MeV/n H and He beams to provide a nearly continuous distribution of low energy particles. A 500 mGy exposure, delivering doses from each of the 33 beams, requires 75-90 minutes. To more closely simulate the low dose rates found in space, sequential field exposures can be divided into daily fractions over 2-4 weeks, with individual fractions as low as 0.1-0.2 mGy. In the large beam configuration (60 x 60 cm(exp 2)), 54 special housing cages can accommodate 2-3 mice each for a 70-75 min duration or ~15 individually housed rats. Emerging research results from our 2018 runs utilizing mixed heavy ion fields and protracted space exposures are forthcoming and deepen our understanding of the numerous health risks faced by our astronauts. This paper discusses NASA’s innovative technology solution for a ground-based GCR simulator at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory to enable future exploration missions.

Lisa C Simonsen↗

The Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator at the NASA Space Radiation Research Laboratory

With NASA’s new Artemis plan for a sustainable return to the moon, astronauts will once again leave Earth’s protective magnetosphere only to endure higher levels of radiation from galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). The ever penetrating GCR will continue to pose significant health risks especially as lunar missions increase in duration and as NASA sets its aspirations on Mars. The primary risks of concern include carcinogenesis, central nervous system (CNS) effects resulting in potential in-mission cognitive or behavioral impairment and/or late neurological disorders, and degenerative tissue effects including circulatory and heart disease. Characterization and mitigation of these risks requires a significant reduction in the large biological uncertainties of chronic (low-dose rate) heavy ion exposures and the validation of countermeasures in a relevant space environment. Historically, most research on understanding space radiation-induced health risks has been performed using acute exposures of monoenergetic single-ion beams. However, the space radiation environment consists of a wide variety of ion species over a broad energy range. Using the fast beam switching and controls systems technology recently developed at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory, a new era in radiobiological research is possible. NASA has developed the “GCR simulator” to generate a spectrum of ion beams that approximates the primary and secondary GCR field experienced at human organ locations within a deep-space vehicle.

NASA Space Radiation Laboratory↗

NASA Space Radiation Laboratory Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator

With exciting new Agency plans for a sustainable return to the moon, astronauts will once again leave earth’s protective magnetosphere only to endure higher levels of radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and the possibility of a large solar particle event (SPE). Gateway, lunar landers, and surface habitats will be designed to protect crew against SPEs with vehicle optimization, storm shelter concepts, and/or active dosimetry; however, the ever-penetrating GCR will continue to pose the most significant health risks especially as lunar missions increase in duration and as NASA sets its aspirations on Mars. The primary risks of concern include carcinogenesis, central nervous system effects resulting in potential in-mission cognitive or behavioral impairment and/or late neurological disorders, degenerative tissue effects including cataracts, circulatory and heart disease, as well as, potential immune system decrements impacting multiple aspects of crew health. Characterization and mitigation of these risks requires a significant reduction in the large biological uncertainties of chronic (low-dose rate) heavy ion exposures and the validation of countermeasures in a relevant space environment. NASA has developed the “GCR Simulator” at Brookhaven National Laboratory to generate a spectrum of ion beams that approximates the primary and secondary GCR field experienced at human organ locations within a deep-space vehicle. The majority of the dose is delivered from protons (~65-75%) and helium ions (~10-20%) with heavier ions (Z>3) contributing the remainder. The “GCR Simulator” exposes state-of-the art cellular and animal model systems to 33 sequential beams including 4 proton energies plus degrader, 4 helium energies plus degrader, and the five heavy ions of C, O, Si, Ti, and Fe. A polyethylene degrader is used with the 100 MeV/n H and He beams to provide a nearly continuous distribution of low energy particles. A 500 mGy exposure, delivering doses from each of the 33 beams, requires 75-90 minutes. To more closely simulate the low dose rates found in space, sequential field exposures can be divided into daily fractions over 2-6 weeks, with individual beam fractions as low as 0.1-0.2 mGy. In the large beam configuration (60 x 60 cm2), 54 special housing cages can accommodate 2-3 mice each for a 70-75 min duration or ~15 individually housed rats. Emerging research results from our 2018 runs utilizing mixed heavy ion fields and protracted space exposures are forthcoming and will deepen our understanding of the numerous health risks faced by astronauts. This talk discusses NASA’s innovative technology solution for a ground-based GCR simulator at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory to enable future exploration missions.

galactic cosmic ray simulator↗

Development of a Technical, Economic, and Risk Assessment Tool for the Evaluation of Work Reduction Opportunities

Efficient and cost-effective operation of a nuclear power plant (NPP) is essential to ensuring long-term economical and safe operation. Multiple cost saving opportunities exist, referred to here as work reduction opportunities (WRO). These WROs reduce plant operating costs by employing various cost-effective strategies (e.g., implementation of modern technologies). Identifying and objectively screening WROs is an essential task to help reduce overall costs. However, there is no comprehensive framework for assessing WROs in the nuclear industry and evaluating their impact on plant operations. This report presents a novel framework for systematically evaluating WROs from a technical, economic, and risk perspective. As NPPs continue to add new technology and implement modernization strategies into their current processes, potential WROs are commonly identified. Although most WROs have the potential to reduce costs, not all opportunities will result in significant cost savings due to unforeseen risks, large implementation costs, or benefits that fall short of expectations. Examples of this can be the result of a technology that is not fully developed, uncertainty in the amount of cost reduction, or difficulties introducing a new process into an organization. These uncertainties can manifest several ways and can result in a WRO with limited cost savings or even a loss of investment. The framework developed emphasizes the importance of effectively screening the WROs from a holistic perspective to objectively identify inefficiencies and ensure a positive impact to the organization. This report presents the Technical, Economic, and Risk Assessment (TERA) as a key methodology for the screening and evaluation of potential WROs. The TERA framework begins with a screening phase where the process is examined through a hybrid combination of Lean Six Sigma and Integrated Operations for Nuclear (ION) guiding principles. This framework examines the current processes using the Lean Six Sigma SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Consumers) methodology but retains the ION key elements of People, Technology, Process, and Governance as important factors to the nuclear decision-making process. By combining the principles of Lean Six Sigma and ION, the developed screening process is specific to the nuclear industry in that it systematically evaluates WROs in order to implement new technology that is comprehensively evaluated. The TERA begins by mapping current processes as they relate to WROs and examining the inefficiencies. Furthermore, the created process map can be used to identify and evaluate potential solutions. Using key performance indicators (KPIs), the TERA evaluates each area—technology, economics, and risk—for uncertainties and to perform cost-benefit analysis. The results of the TERA are important KPIs that allow for an evaluation of different processes and technology implementations. This assessment enables decision-makers to compare various WROs based on metrics and then make informed decisions for which opportunity to implement first. This research includes not only the creation of the TERA framework, but also the evaluation of its performance. A case study for screening potential WROs at Southern Nuclear Company is presented that utilizes the TERA methodology. Through the use of TERA, various WROs were screened, and the solutions evaluated for cost-benefit expectations. The report concludes by summarizing the overall effort and implications for utility modernization. The performance of the screening and TERA are discussed as well as the impact on the nuclear industry. The TERA process enables utilities to evaluate and inform investment decisions for WROs and mitigate any potential risks. Through this research, we provide utilities with a valuable framework to optimize operations, reduce costs, and drive continuous process improvement.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Application of Machine Learning Techniques in Calibration and Data Reduction of Multi-Hole Probes

This work presents procedures for implementing machine learning methods into existing algorithms for multi-hole probe calibration and data reduction. It demonstrates that using artificial neural networks (ANNs) can decrease the amount of calibration data needed to achieve a specific calibration uncertainty by over 50%, while also significantly reducing data reduction times. Instead of surface fitting methods, ANNs are employed. Initially, directional calibration coefficients related to flow angles are computed based on pressure measurements, and then these flow angles serve as input parameters for subsequent ANNs to iteratively define Mach number, static pressure, and total pressure. In an alternative approach, new calibration coefficients directly relate pressure measurements from the five-hole probe to the quantities of interest, thereby eliminating the need for iterative algorithms used in conventional surface fitting methods. This method offers several advantages: an average increase of less than 1%in calibration uncertainty for flow angles and a significant reduction in data reduction times to a few seconds on average. Additionally, the methodology is confirmed to avoid both over- and under-fitting.

Machine Learning↗

Application of Machine Learning Techniques in Calibration and Data Reduction of Multi-Hole Probes

This work presents procedures to implement machine learning methods in the existing algorithms for multi-hole probe calibrations and data reduction. It is shown here, that utilizing artificial neural networks (ANNs) can reduce the amount of calibration data that needs to be acquired in order to obtain a specific calibration uncertainty, by more than 50% while simultaneously reducing data reduction times significantly. ANNs were used instead of the surface fitting methods, where first, the directional calibration coefficients related to the flow angles are calculated based on the pressure measurements, and then the flow angles are used as a set of the input parameters for the following ANNs to define Mach number and static and total pressure iteratively. In a second approach, novel calibration coefficients were used to directly relate the pressure measurements from five-hole probe to the quantities of interest thus, eliminating the need for iterative algorithms used in the conventional surface fitting methods. The advantageous features of this method are an average increase of less than 1% in the calibration uncertainty for flow angles and significant reduction of the data reduction times (few seconds). In addition, we confirmed the methodology to avoid over-fitting and under-fitting.

Machine Learning↗

Impact of methane and black carbon mitigation on forcing and temperature: a multi-model scenario analysis

The relatively short atmospheric lifetimes of methane (CH 4 ) and black carbon (BC) have focused attention on the potential for reducing anthropogenic climate change by reducing Short-Lived Climate Forcer (SLCF) emissions. This paper examines radiative forcing and global mean temperature results from the Energy Modeling Forum (EMF)-30 multi-model suite of scenarios addressing CH 4 and BC mitigation, the two major short-lived climate forcers. Central estimates of temperature reductions in 2040 from an idealized scenario focused on reductions in methane and black carbon emissions ranged from 0.18–0.26 °C across the nine participating models. Reductions in methane emissions drive 60% or more of these temperature reductions by 2040, although the methane impact also depends on auxiliary reductions that depend on the economic structure of the model. Climate model parameter uncertainty has a large impact on results, with SLCF reductions resulting in as much as 0.3–0.7 °C by 2040. We find that the substantial overlap between a SLCF-focused policy and a stringent and comprehensive climate policy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions means that additional SLCF emission reductions result in, at most, a small additional benefit of ~ 0.1 °C in the 2030–2040 time frame.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗