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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

A simulation‐based integrated virtual testbed for dynamic optimization in smart manufacturing systems

Abstract In a manufacturing system, production control‐related decision‐making activities occur at different levels. At the process level, one of the main control activities is to tune the parameters of individual manufacturing equipment. At the system level, the main activity is to coordinate production resources and to route parts to appropriate workstations based on their processing requirement, priority indices, and control policy. At the factory level, the goal is to plan and schedule the processing of parts at different operations for the entire system in order to optimize certain objectives. Note that the results of such activities at different levels are closely coupled and affect the overall performance of the manufacturing system as a whole. Therefore, it is important to systematically integrate these control and optimization activities into one unified platform to ensure the goal of each individual activity is aligned with the overall performance of the system. In this paper, we develop a simulation‐based virtual testbed that implements dynamic optimization, automatic information exchange, and decision‐making from the process‐level, system‐level, and factory‐level of a manufacturing system into an integrated computation environment. This is demonstrated by connecting a Python‐based numerical computation program, discrete‐event simulation software (Simul8), and an optimization solver (CPLEX) via a third‐party master program. The application of this simulation‐based virtual testbed is illustrated by a case study in a machining shop.

Sun, Yuting↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multi-atom Pt and PtRu catalysts for high performance AEMFCs with ultra-low PGM content

To reduce the platinum group metal (PGM) loading in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), it is important to transition to catalysts with very low PGM content, and eventually to catalysts that are completely PGM-free. Here, in this work, four supported low-PGM Pt and PtRu catalysts were prepared using a new, simple, scalable technique: Controlled Surface Tension (CST) method. CST allows for a high density of very small multi-atom clusters. Catalysts were physically characterized using a wide array of techniques and tested for their ORR and HOR activity both ex-situ and integrated into operating AEMFCs. The PGM loading was reduced by a factor of 14 while achieving comparable performance to commercial catalysts. AEMFCs were also assembled with ultralow PGM loading (0.05 mgPGM cm -2 ), where PtRu anodes were paired with Fe–N–C cathodes to achieve a specific power of 25 W/mg PGM (40 W/mg Pt ).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

A critical review of electrochemical heat pump technologies: Status, challenges, and perspectives

The development of advanced heat pump technologies is critical for reducing global energy consumption in the building sector, where space heating and cooling account for nearly 50% of energy use. Electrochemical heat pumps (EHPs) offer a promising alternative to vapor compression systems by enabling direct electrochemical-to-thermal energy conversion, often with environmentally benign working fluids that exhibit low or zero global warming potential (GWP). Prior literature has predominantly focused on chemically reactive heat pumps, while comprehensive assessments of electrochemical mechanisms remain limited. Here, this review addresses this gap by systematically evaluating the underlying principles, architectures, and performance metrics of EHP systems. Compared to conventional vapor compression systems, EHPs can achieve 10%-30% higher energy efficiency, with reported cooling coefficients of performance (COP c ) ranging from 3.5 to 14.3 under standard operating conditions. Despite these advantages, widespread adoption is hindered by challenges including membrane degradation, electrode fouling, sluggish redox kinetics, and elevated system-level capital costs. To address these limitations, the review outlines three research priorities: (i) the development of advanced membranes, catalysts, and electrode materials with enhanced chemical and mechanical stability; (ii) the application of molecular-level simulations for the rational design of high-performance redox-active working fluids; and (iii) the integration of advanced diagnostic techniques for real-time monitoring and sustained operation of EHPs. By consolidating recent advances and explicitly identifying technological and scientific gaps, this work uniquely contributes a comprehensive framework for guiding future electrochemical heat pump research and facilitating the transition to sustainable thermal management technologies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2023

Shutdown dose rate analysis with the Shift Monte Carlo radiation transport code and modular verification workflow

Calculation of the shutdown dose rate is crucial for safe fusion reactor operations. The Rigorous-two-step (R2S) method is a method that requires connected neutron transport, activation, and gamma transport. Shift has integrated variance reduction with a deterministic solver Denovo, supports multiple geometry formats, and is scalable. These features make it an attractive transport solver choice for an R2S workflow. An R2S workflow for the Shift Monte Carlo code is developed and compared to the existing Oak Ridge National Laboratory Shutdown Dose Rate Code Suite (ORCS) workflow. Also, a Python framework for integrating two R2S workflows is developed to mix and match each step in the R2S workflow for improved collaboration and verification experience. In this study, results show that the Shift-Denovo R2S workflow and the ORCS workflow calculate the shutdown dose rate of the ITER Shutdown Dose Rate benchmark problem with an average relative error of 2.285%.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Three-State Electrochiroptical Switches Derived from Chiral Stable Carbenes

Chiral redox switches have been used to develop stimuli-responsive materials and organic electronics wherein small molecule chirality produces new functionality. Despite the widespread use of stable carbenes in redox-active materials and asymmetric synthesis, their integration into chiral redox switches remains largely unexplored. Herein, we show that chiral stable carbenes can be used to construct helically chiral overcrowded alkenes which function as three-state electrochiroptical switches. Redox-driven (de)aromatization triggers the reversible exchange of helical and axial chirality via a helically chiral π-radical cation. Due to dramatic changes in both electronic and geometric structure, including the inversion of helical chirality, each state exhibits distinct chiroptical properties. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate multiple cycles of electrochemical ON–OFF switching and sign inversion of the electronic circular dichroism response. Overall, this work establishes chiral stable carbenes as promising building blocks for chiral and redox-switchable materials.

Chirality↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electro-activated indigos intensify ampere-level CO 2 reduction to CO on silver catalysts

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to carbon monoxide (CO) is challenged by a selectivity decline at high current densities. Here we report a class of indigo-based molecular promoters with redox-active CO 2 binding sites to enhance the high-rate conversion of CO 2 to CO on silver (Ag) catalysts. Theoretical calculations and in situ spectroscopy analyses demonstrate that the synergistic effect at the interface of indigo-derived compounds and Ag nanoparticles could activate CO 2 molecules and accelerate the formation of key intermediates (*CO 2 – and *COOH) in the CO pathway. Indigo derivatives with electron-withdrawing groups further reduce the overpotential for CO production upon optimizing the interfacial CO 2 binding affinity. By integrating the molecular design of redox-active centres with the defect engineering of Ag structures, we achieve a Faradaic efficiency for CO exceeding 90% across a current density range of 0.10 − 1.20 A cm –2 . The Ag mass activity toward CO increases to 174 A mg –1 Ag . This work showcases that employing redox-active CO 2 sorbents as surface modification agents is a highly effective strategy to intensify the reactivity of electrochemical CO 2 reduction.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Crystal structure and catalytic mechanism of drimenol synthase, an unusual bifunctional terpene cyclase–phosphatase

Drimenol synthase fromAquimarina spongiae(AsDMS) is a highly unusual chimera that integrates two distinct, sequential isoprenoid processing activities within a single polypeptide chain. AsDMS catalyzes the class II cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to form drimenyl diphosphate, which then undergoes enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis to yield drimenol, a bioactive sesquiterpene alcohol with antifungal and anticancer properties. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structures of AsDMS and its complex with a sesquiterpene thiol. The AsDMS structure exhibits a didomain architecture consisting of a terpene cyclase β domain and a haloacid dehalogenase-like phosphatase domain, with two distinct active sites located on opposite sides of the protein. Mechanistic studies show that dephosphorylation of the drimenyl diphosphate intermediate proceeds through stepwise hydrolysis such that two equivalents of inorganic phosphate rather than inorganic pyrophosphate are coproducts of the reaction sequence. When the AsDMS reaction is performed in H 2 18 O, 18 O is not incorporated into drimenol, indicating that the hydroxyl oxygen of drimenol originates from the prenyl oxygen of FPP rather than a water molecule from bulk solution. These results correct a mechanistic proposal previously advanced by another group. Surprisingly, AsDMS exhibits substrate promiscuity, catalyzing the conversion of the slowly reactive substrate mimic farnesyl-S-thiolodiphosphate into cyclic and linear sesquiterpene products. Structural and mechanistic insights gained from AsDMS illustrate the functional diversity of terpene biosynthetic enzymes and provide a foundation for engineering “designer cyclase” assemblies capable of generating a wide variety of terpenoid products.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hybrid MEMS-CMOS ion traps for NISQ computing

Surging interest in engineering quantum computers has stimulated significant and focused research on technologies needed to make them manufacturable and scalable. In the ion trap realm this has led to a transition from bulk three-dimensional macro-scale traps to chip-based ion traps and included important demonstrations of passive and active electronics, waveguides, detectors, and other integrated components. At the same time as these technologies are being developed the system sizes are demanding more ions to run noisy intermediate scale quantum (NISQ) algorithms, growing from around ten ions today to potentially a hundred or more in the near future. To realize the size and features needed for this growth, the geometric and material design space of microfabricated ion traps must expand. In this paper we describe present limitations and the approaches needed to overcome them, including how geometric complexity drives the number of metal levels, why routing congestion affects the size and location of shunting capacitors, and how RF power dissipation can limit the size of the trap array. Finally, we also give recommendations for future research needed to accommodate the demands of NISQ scale ion traps that are integrated with additional technologies.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Bridging the Gap: User-Centric Energy Monitoring for Policy-Driven Application Optimization in HPC Data Centers

Application energy optimization in HPC data centers face two critical gaps. Systematic methodologies that connect data center policies to application decisions and accessible monitoring tools that enable data-driven optimization. We address both gaps through two complementary pillars. First, we present a methodology based on extended weighted Energy Delay Product (EDP) to translate data center operational priorities and integrate energy considerations into the energy optimization workflow which starts from continuous monitoring through targeted optimization. Second, we present a user-space monitoring tool, Omnistat, that enables this methodology by providing developers with direct access to actionable energy telemetry. Through deployment on the Frontier supercomputer and case studies exploring performance-energy trade-offs, we show how these pillars help energy as an integral optimization target for developers as active participants in data center efficiency.

Shin, Woong [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000172077814)↗
DOE OSTI2024

FECM/NETL CO2 Saline Storage Cost Model CO2_S_COM 2024 (v4)

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), in collaboration with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), has developed the FECM/NETL CO2 Saline Storage Cost Model (CO2_S_COM). This Excel-based tool provides a comprehensive framework for estimating the costs and breakeven prices associated with storing carbon dioxide (CO2) in deep saline formations. Designed from the perspective of a CO2 storage site owner, the CO2_S_COM incorporates four integrated modules—project management, financial analysis, activity cost estimation, and geological evaluation—to deliver fast, robust and actionable insights for screening project finances.

CO2 storage↗
DOE OSTI2021

Metal-Supported Ceria Electrolyte-based SOFC Stack for Scalable, Low-Cost, High-Efficiency and Robust Stationary Power Systems (Final Report)

This is the end of project report for the DOE Project DE-FE-0027844 “Metal-Supported Ceria Electrolyte-based SOFC Stack for Scalable, Low-Cost, High-Efficiency and Robust Stationary Power Systems”. The objectives of the project were to develop several technologies required for the mass adoption of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell systems for medium to large power generation applications. The key achievements of this project were: 1) Development of fuel cells with complete internal fuel reforming capability. 2) Fuel cell power scale up with production of cells with larger active areas. 3) Assembly of an integrated 5 kW modular stack platform capable of installation into medium to large power systems. 4) Demonstration of a 10 kW Fuel Cell Power System utilizing the integrated 5 kW modular stack platform. 5) Cost modelling to show system cost of $1,500/kW are achievable at production volumes. 6) Development of cathode air poison getters for reduced degradation and extended fuel cell life. 7) Assessment of fuel poison on anode degradation, particularly poisons frequently produced from the process of gasification of coal. The Cummins led Voice of Customer (VOC) work identified several significant markets for natural gas powered fuel cell systems, where the end customer is interested in reducing energy consumption and emissions, or increasing reliability of electrical supply. Data centers and truck Auxiliary Power Units (APU) were highlighted as 2 key future markets for fuel cell systems.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2021

FY2021 Progress Report on BISON Metallic Fuel Model Development and V&V Using EBR-II Legacy Data

In this report, the activities and achievements made by Argonne National Laboratory for the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) BISON code metallic fuel validation and verification project in FY2021 are summarized. The cladding degradation model based on the FCCI/CCCI wastage calculations has been developed and implemented into BISON. A comprehensive evaluation of the cladding degradation model was performed based on FIPD data of the IFR experiment X447. BISON objects were also developed to enable direct use of time-varying cladding outer surface temperature profile as temperature boundary conditions, which proved to provide more accurate temperature predictions for the metallic fuel pins irradiated in EBR-II. Additionally, a new BISON object was implemented to enable direct comparison between BISON predicted data and FIPD-based post-irradiation examination (PIE) results, which would significantly facilitate BISON metallic fuel verification and validation (V&V) activities. These new BISON-FIPD integration features were used in the establishment of a low-burnup fuel swelling evaluation framework as demonstration. The framework was successfully used to evaluate current fuel swelling models based on the IFR experiment X423.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Advanced Algal Biofoundries for the Production of Polyurethane Precursors [Abstract]

The collaboration between PNNL, LBNL, and UCSD will develop novel algae bioproduction platforms for the generation of polymer precursors. To achieve this, we will design and construct genetic tools for enhanced production of target chemicals. Biosensors will be developed to detect target chemical production. We will expand our knowledge of metabolic and regulatory systems that control or inhibit biosynthesis of the target molecules, and use this knowledge base to optimize production titers. Finally, we will integrate the knowledge gained from each activity to produce a set of the most promising production strains used to demonstrate the economic viability of producing polymer precursors in algal bioproduction platforms at scale under either heterotrophic or photosynthetic growth.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Protecting and Defending against Autonomous Control Systems and Digital Twin Cyber Attacks: Response Strategy for Hyperparameter attacks of Digital Twin Machine Learning Models in Nuclear Power Plants (Final)

Navigating through the complex tapestry of technological advancements, "Response Strategy for Hyperparameter attacks of Digital Twin Machine Learning Model in Nuclear Power Plants" stands at the intersection of cybersecurity and nuclear power plant operations, embarking on a journey through the intricacies of securing digital twins against malicious cyber activities. As nuclear power plants progressively integrate digital twin technology and machine learning models to optimize operations and ensure system reliability, they inadvertently expose themselves to a new spectrum of vulnerabilities, notably in the realm of hyperparameter attacks. Hyperparameters, integral in machine learning model tuning and optimal performance of digital twins, have emerged as a target for adversaries aiming to destabilize the predictive capabilities and therefore, the operational accuracy of these digital entities within critical infrastructures like nuclear plants. This paper, therefore, meticulously threads the needle through the development of a robust response strategy, poised to shield these digital reflections against calculated hyperparameter manipulations, ensuring that the digital twin can effectively and securely function as a reliable proxy for its physical counterpart. The ensuing sections delve into the orchestrated maelstrom of multi-rate time-changing intelligent coordinated hyperparameter attacks and the implementation of event-triggered predictive control, laying down a structured, predictive, and responsive framework that safeguards the nexus where the digital and physical realms of nuclear power plants coalesce. The operational integrity of digital twins in nuclear power plants depends critically on the security of machine learning hyperparameters. This study makes two different contributions. First, a decision-based idea known as a multi-rate time changing intelligent coordinated hyperparameter attack is put forth. In this attack, many hyperparameters are repeatedly changed using both random and intelligent optimal techniques by the attacker. These assaults introduce varied rates at different attack steps, compromise various amounts of hyperparameters, and improve stealth and flexibility. Second, a technique is developed for event triggered predictive control to rapidly respond to potential hyperparameter attacks. This control integrates a sliding window framework, retaining a history of previous data points and employing linear regression to predict the next data point from the current dataset. The control gain K is determined using the Lyapunov-Krasovskii method, and subsequently, an action is developed. Finally, the outcome of the simulation demonstrates the viability of the proposed method for defending nuclear power plant digital twins from hyperparameter attacks.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Wide Bandgap Generation (WBGen): Developing the Future Wide Bandgap Power Electronics Engineering Workforce

This Final Technical Report (FTR) summarizes the work conducted at the Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES) under the Wide-Bandgap Generation (WBGen) fellowship and traineeship program established by the Advanced Manufacturing and Technologies Office (AMMTO) of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) at Virginia Tech, which had as main objective to train the next generation of U.S. citizen power engineers with wide-bandgap (WBG) power semiconductor expertise, with the intent to aid in fulfilling the future workforce needs in this field. The latter was deemed of strategic importance given the fast-paced growth observed—and predicted—in the demand of this technical expertise, whose practitioners have become the enablers and executioners of the electrification transformation process that not just the U.S., but the whole world, is currently undergoing as it seeks for more effective and efficient ways to use energy. As such, the WBGen program set forth to achieve its educational goals, which in addition sought to broaden the range of WBG-based power electronics by conducting research and development on high-efficiency grid apparatus and high-efficiency electrical power systems, and to also enhance the power engineering curriculum by formalizing WBG-oriented design procedures replacing existent yet now obsolete design procedures developed for Silicon (Si) based power electronics. This effort led CPES to spearhead the development of a new major within The Bradley Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department at Virginia Tech, namely Electronic Power and Energy Systems (EPES), which coalesced power electronics and power systems courses to provide undergraduate students with a strong formation in the power engineering field, while creating a pipeline of graduate students that could pursue the WBG-based curriculum and conduct research at CPES. In all, in what is considered a true success, eight of the twenty WBGen fellows that graduated program were recruited from the ECE department undergraduate cohort. The traineeship emphasized as well, from its beginning, the partnership with industry and national laboratories, which took advantage of the successful industry consortium at CPES that has historically been formed by 80–90 power and energy companies working in close collaboration with the center. This gave WBGen fellows the accessibility and possibility to conduct internships at partner facilities during the summer months, focused solely on the evaluation, testing, and adoption of WBG devices, which were many times tightly related to their respective research work and plans. In addition, WBGen fellows conducted their main research work within the confines of research programs at CPES conducted with these industry partners, providing them with a unique opportunity to develop not just their technical expertise—while advancing their knowledge, but to also learn and practice a slew of skills needed for their professional growth. As such, the fellows tackled a variety of WBG-related research topics, from device reliability and capability aspects as well as packaging and integration, encompassing the use of advanced materials and new structures, current sharing challenges, and insulation systems, to advanced gate-drivers with integrated sensors and protection mechanisms and active current- and voltage-based control, to optimized layouts seeking to maximize the switching and power processing performance of these devices, to power processing solutions adopting Gallium-Nitride (GaN) and Silicon-Carbide (SiC) power semiconductors for a variety of applications; including radiation-hardened converters for space dc distribution systems, direct three-phase ac-to-ac power converters for aerospace systems, dc-ac inverters for automotive traction drives, high-frequency isolated dc-dc battery chargers also for heavy transportation systems, and medium-voltage dc-dc and dc-ac converters for distribution systems and future power grids. The WBGen program ultimately graduated a total of 20 power engineers, all experts on WBG-based power electronics, awarding 18 M.S. and 2 PhD degrees in the process. These fellows, all U.S. citizens, allowed CPES to increase the number of citizens students to 33 % at the peak of the program, as the traineeship made possible the recruitment of talent with more attractive graduate research assistantship (GRA) contracts. Unfortunately, the present U.S. citizen enrollment at CPES has declined back to historic levels—approximately 10 %, as the regular GRA rates are not competitive enough when compared with entry-level industry jobs. In all, WBGen fellows published a total of 7 peer-reviewed journal articles, 44 papers at international technical conferences, made 42 presentations at international technical conferences, and filed 4 invention disclosures and patent applications, which have since then been granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Their contribution to CPES, Virginia Tech, the United States, and the world, has been significant, and continues to yield results thanks to the exemplary career that the fellows have initiated at many of the partners of the program, which include Wolfspeed, Raytheon Technologies, Infineon, Lockheed Martin, Dominion Energy, Northrop Grumman, Rivian, Aerospace Corporation, Sandia National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, John Hopkins University, and Virginia Tech.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

FECM/NETL CO 2 Saline Storage Cost Model (2024): User’s Manual

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), in collaboration with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), has developed the FECM/NETL CO 2 Saline Storage Cost Model (CO2_S_COM). This Excel-based tool provides a comprehensive framework for estimating the costs and breakeven prices associated with storing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in deep saline formations. Designed from the perspective of a CO 2 storage site owner, the CO2_S_COM incorporates four integrated modules—project management, financial analysis, activity cost estimation, and geological evaluation—to deliver fast, robust, and actionable insights for evaluating project finances. This is the user's manual for CO2_S_COM. The model may be accessed at this link: FECM/NETL CO2 Saline Storage Cost Model CO2_S_COM 2024 (v4) - Submissions - EDX

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Understanding EV Charging Pain Points Through Deep Learning Analysis

Current and potential electric vehicle (EV) owners express concerns about the charging infrastructure, mentioning non-functional chargers, prolonged charging times, inconvenient charger locations, long wait times, and high costs as major barriers. Addressing these issues often requires analyzing actual vehicle charging data, which is typically proprietary and inconsistent due to diverse standards and protocols. To understand and improve the EV charging experience, customer reviews are typically used to identify common customer pain points (CPPs). However, there is not a comprehensive method to map customer reviews to a standardized set of CPPs. In collaboration with the National Charging Experience (ChargeX) Consortium, this study bridges these gaps by proposing a Systematic Categorization and Analysis of Large-scale EV-charging Reviews (SCALER) framework. SCALER is an integrated, deep learning framework that segments, actively labels, analyzes, and classifies EV charging customer reviews into six CPP categories. To test its effectiveness, we used SCALER to analyze over 72,000 reviews from customers charging various EV models on different networks across the United States. SCALER achieves a classification accuracy of 92.5%, with an F1 score exceeding 85.7%. By demonstrating real-world applications of SCALER, we enhance the industry’s ability to understand and address CPPs to improve the EV charging experience.

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Hanford Immobilized Low-Activity Waste Transportation System Testing Results - 20043

The immobilized low-activity waste (ILAW) transportation system is a first-of-a-kind system that is being designed and tested to transport ILAW glass-filled containers from Hanford's Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility to the Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF) burial trench for permanent disposal. A prototype design and fabrication of one transport trailer and four engineered ILAW pallets was completed in mid-2018. Prototype qualification testing to verify adequacy of the design was completed in 2019 by Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) and affiliate ATKINS SNC-Lavalin Group. Prototype testing was completed to advance design maturation across all operational and facility interfaces, and under adverse environmental and operating conditions, including thermal assessment of the system at peak projected temperatures. Test design, observation, and feedback was well represented and supported by all ILAW Transportation System interfacing organizations: WTP constructor Bechtel National, Inc.; IDF operator CH2M (CHPRC); transportation contractor Mission Support Alliance (MSA); the U. S. Department of Energy Richland Operations Office (DOE/RL) and Office of River Protection (DOE/ORP); and Washington State Department of Ecology. This paper presents the results of prototype qualification testing and opportunities for design improvements based on testing. Changes to the final design as a result of prototype testing include improvements in safety, ergonomics, operational flexibility, and As-Low-As-Reasonably-Achievable (ALARA) applications. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗