Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Multi-energy”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Soft X-ray measurements of transport and MHD activity in the core and edge NSTX plasma (Final Technical Report)

A comprehensive suite of innovative diagnostic instrumentation and techniques has been developed by the Johns Hopkins collaboration for measurements of transport and MHD activity in the core and edge of the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). These include ultrafast multi-energy poloidal soft X-ray arrays, high spatial resolution multi-energy tangential soft X-ray arrays, high spectral resolution transmission grating imaging VUV spectrometers and ultrafast bolometric arrays, which measure over a broad range of spatial, spectral, and temporal scales the emission from ohmic, RF, and beam driven NSTX plasmas. The instrumentation was designed to fulfill the specific measurement needs of the Spherical Torus (ST) magnetic fusion concept and is accompanied by a comprehensive set of numerical tools for data analysis and modeling, aimed at determining as many as possible plasma parameters and at extracting as much as possible physics information from NSTX experiments. The Johns Hopkins diagnostics have been and continue to be instrumental for essentially all the NSTX experiments. In addition, our own research and experiments using these diagnostics has led over the years to fundamental conclusions for the ST fusion physics, such as the establishment of near neoclassical impurity transport in the NSTX core and edge plasma, and the critical role of the Global Alfven Eigenmode (GAE) MHD activity for the ST core electron thermal transport. The Johns Hopkins Diagnostics continue to be operational on the upgraded NSTX-U and will provide key plasma information in its upcoming high field, current and power experimental campaigns. The present report summarizes the main technical characteristics and measurement capabilities of the diagnostic instrumentation and methods developed within our research and describes a key physics result achieved during this research. Success in our research was made possible also by the excellent support and cooperation of the NSTX research team and of PPPL researchers, who are warmly acknowledged here.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Enhancing flexibility for climate change using seasonal energy storage (aquifer thermal energy storage) in distributed energy systems

Long-term energy storage is expected to play a vital role in the deep decarbonization of building energy sectors, while enhancing the flexibility of buildings to withstand future climate variations. However, it is challenging to design distributed multi-energy systems (DMES) while taking into account the uncertainties introduced by climate change, since stochastic optimization of such systems is difficult. The present study introduces a stochastic optimization model to address this bottleneck, taking into account DMES including aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) as the long-term thermal storage. For the first time, a novel optimization algorithm links ATES with the DMES optimization model with the support of a simplified geotechnical model. Subsequently, a case study was conducted, focusing on a residential district in Chicago where the impact of future climate condition, energy demand, and solar and wind energy potentials were evaluated using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) data (up to 2080) and the EnergyPlus model. The study revealed that ATES is an attractive way to improve the renewable energy penetration level and minimize the dependence on fossil fuels with reasonable support from the grid to assist the fluctuations in both demand and generation. Furthermore, ATES notably reduces fuel consumption and dependence while greatly enhancing the flexibility of the energy system to withstand fluctuations in demand and renewable energy generation brought by future climate variations. These qualities will make ATES an important part of distributed energy systems, even though it is not currently the lowest cost alternative due to lack of technology maturity. Furthermore, the design platform introduced in the present study can be used to design DMES enhancing flexibility to accommodate future climate variations.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Analysis of strain in ion implanted 4H-SiC by fringes observed in synchrotron X-ray topography

A novel high energy implantation system has been successfully developed to fabricate 4H-SiC superjunction devices for medium and high voltage via implantation of dopant atoms with multi-energies ranging from 13 to 66 MeV. The significantly higher levels of energy used compared to conventional implantation processes, necessitates detailed characterization of the lattice damage caused by implantation. To achieve this by employing the novel high energy system, 4H-SiC wafer with 12 μm epilayers were blanket implanted by 13.8–65.7 MeV Al atoms. The lattice damages induced by the implantation were primarily characterized by Synchrotron X-ray Plane Wave Topography (SXPWT) and Reciprocal Space Mapping (RSM). Topographs reveal fringe contrast akin to multiple asymmetric diffraction peaks with an angular separation of only 2″ (arcseconds) observed on rocking curves, indicating inhomogeneous strain distribution across the implanted layer. The strain profile of the implanted layer was extracted from the fringe contrast by applying Rocking-curve Analysis by Dynamical Simulation (RADS). In conclusion, the maximum strain value is similar to that measured on the RSM.

A1. Characterization↗

Constructing high-performance radiation-resistant ternary YSZ-MgO-CNT nanocomposites via tailored nanostructures

Developing long-lifetime bulk-form ceramic-based materials with high irradiation resistance is crucial for advanced nuclear systems. Here, we incorporated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and magnesia (MgO) nanocrystals to fabricate bulk YSZ-MgO-CNT nanocomposites with abundant ternary nanostructures by spark plasma sintering. To understand the role of tailored ternary nanostructure on irradiation, we investigated the microstructure and mechanical properties evolutions of the YSZ-MgO-CNT nanocomposites irradiated by multi-energy He + ions at high temperature to different fluences. Compared with the single-phase YSZ and ultrafine-grained YSZ-MgO composites, the YSZ-MgO-CNT nanocomposites possessed higher ability to manage irradiation-induced He bubbles/defects via the defect-interface interactions of proposed “loading-unloading” and “loading-transporting-unloading” mechanisms for controlling the dynamical behaviors of He atoms/defects in the CNT-doped ternary nanostructures, thereby presenting more stable microstructure and better performance in resisting irradiation hardening. In conclusion, this work provides insight into the design of advanced inert matrix nuclear fuel and new nuclear waste management materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Role of chemical disorder on radiation-induced defect production and damage evolution in NiFeCoCr

Understanding chemical disorder in many concentrated solid solution alloys (CSAs) at the levels of electrons and atoms has attracted increasing attention as a path forward to reveal and identify underlying mechanisms for extraordinary mechanical properties and improved radiation tolerance. Single-phase NiFeCoCr CSA is a common base for many high-entropy alloys (HEAs) that have shown improved mechanical strength and radiation tolerance. In this study, defect production and damage evolution in NiFeCoCr under ion irradiation at room temperature to dose over 20 dpa are determined using ion channeling technique along both <100> and <110> directions utilizing multiple probing beam energies. The results obtained from the multi-axial and multi-energy channeling analysis are compared with those previously obtained for Ni crystals irradiated under similar conditions. The influence of chemical complexity on defect production and clustering at early-stage under room temperature irradiation up to dose of 1 dpa is discussed based on positron annihilation spectroscopy results. Defect structure evaluation in Ni and NiFeCoCr is also discussed based on transmission electron microscopy results over a prolonged irradiation at both room and elevated temperatures. Compared with chemically complex NiFeCoCr, larger dislocation loops thus less lattice strain are expected to form in pure Ni. Moreover, the role of chemical disorder in this CSA is also investigated based on ab initio calculations using large supercells. Finally, to understand the impact of chemical complexity effect on defect structure evolution, this integrated research effort attempts to link the relatively large charge redistribution due to difference in valence electron counts resulting from alloying different 3d transition metal elements, moderate lattice distortion arising from similar adaptable atomic size, and notable suppressed or delayed damage evolution in NiFeCoCr.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Photon-triggered jets as probes of multi-stage jet modification

Prompt photons are created in the early stages of heavy ion collisions and traverse the QGP medium without any interaction. Therefore, photontriggered jets can be used to study the jet quenching in the QGP medium. In this work, photon-triggered jets are studied through different jet and jet substructure observables for different collision systems and energies using the JETSCAPE framework. Since the multistage evolution used in the JETSCAPE framework is adequate to describe a wide range of experimental observables simultaneously using the same parameter tune, we use the same parameters tuned for jet and leading hadron studies. The same isolation criteria used in the experimental analysis are used to identify prompt photons for better comparison. For the first time, high-accuracy JETSCAPE results are compared with multi-energy LHC and RHIC measurements to better understand the deviations observed in prior studies. This study highlights the importance of multistage evolution for the simultaneous description of experimental observables through different collision systems and energies using a single parameter tune.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Robust analysis of space-, time-, and energy-resolved soft x-ray measurements of magnetically confined fusion plasmas (invited)

A novel compact multi-energy soft x-ray (ME-SXR) diagnostic based on the PILATUS3 100K x-ray detector has been developed in collaboration between the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and the University of Wisconsin-Madison and tested on the Madison Symmetric Torus (MST) reversed-field pinch. This solid-state photon-counting detector consists of a two-dimensional array of ~100 000 pixels for which the lower photon absorption cutoff energy can be independently set, allowing it to be configured for a unique combination of simultaneous spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution of ~1 cm, 100 eV, and 500 Hz, respectively. The diagnostic is highly versatile and can be readily adapted to diverse plasma operating conditions and scientific needs without any required downtime. New results from improved-confinement and quasi-single helicity plasmas in the MST demonstrate how the detector can be applied to study multiple aspects of the evolution of magnetically confined fusion-grade plasmas. These include observing the evolution of thermal emissivity, characterizing the energy of mid-Z excitation lines, extracting the T e profile, and observing the evolution of non-thermal populations. A technique for integrating the ME-SXR diagnostic into an integrated data analysis framework based on Bayesian inference is also presented. As a result, this allows ME-SXR measurements to be combined with data for complementary diagnostics in order to simultaneously infer Te and nZ from all available information.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Dosimetric delivery validation of dynamically collimated pencil beam scanning proton therapy

Pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy target dose conformity can be improved with energy layer-specific collimation. One such collimator is the dynamic collimation system (DCS), which consists of four nickel trimmer blades that intercept the scanning beam as it approaches the lateral extent of the target. While the dosimetric benefits of the DCS have been demonstrated through computational treatment planning studies, there has yet to be experimental verification of these benefits for composite multi-energy layer fields. The objective of this work is to dosimetrically characterize and experimentally validate the delivery of dynamically collimated proton therapy with the DCS equipped to a clinical PBS system. Approach. Optimized single field, uniform dose treatment plans for 3 × 3 × 3 cm 3 target volumes were generated using Monte Carlo dose calculations with depths ranging from 5 to 15 cm, trimmer-to-surface distances ranging from 5 to 18.15 cm, with and without a 4 cm thick polyethylene range shifter. Treatment plans were then delivered to a water phantom using a prototype DCS and an IBA dedicated nozzle system and measured with a Zebra multilayer ionization chamber, a MatriXX PT ionization chamber array, and Gafchromic™ EBT3 film. Main results. For measurements made within the SOBPs, average 2D gamma pass rates exceeded 98.5% for the MatriXX PT and 96.5% for film at the 2%/2 mm criterion across all measured uncollimated and collimated plans, respectively. For verification of the penumbra width reduction with collimation, film agreed with Monte Carlo with differences within 0.3 mm on average compared to 0.9 mm for the MatriXX PT. Significance. We have experimentally verified the delivery of DCS-collimated fields using a clinical PBS system and commonly available dosimeters and have also identified potential weaknesses for dosimeters subject to steep dose gradients.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Determination of the mean energy of fast electron losses and anisotropies through thick-target emission on WEST

Abstract A new method to obtain the mean energy of fast electron losses in fusion plasmas using a versatile multi-energy hard x-ray (HXR) detector is presented. The method is based on measuring the thick-target emission of tungsten in the divertor region produced by fast electron losses interacting with the target and modeling the tungsten spectra by a Monte Carlo code which simulates the interaction between a beam of electrons and a solid target. The mean energy of the fast electron losses is determined through the comparison between the experimental and synthetic emission. The results show that fast electron losses during lower hybrid current drive discharges at WEST have a mean energy of 90–140 keV and represent only 2% of the total heat flux at the target. Additionally, anisotropic HXR emission has been detected for the first time at the WEST core and edge plasma, with opposite directions. It is due to the forward-peak emission of two distinctive populations of fast electrons: co-current fast electrons in the core and counter-current fast electron losses at the inner strike point. In view of future experiments like ITER where electron cyclotron current drive will generate a fast electron population, this technique could serve as a real-time monitor of fast electron losses and eventually feed an actuator on the current drive generation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

XCal: model-based approach to X-ray CT spectral calibration

Transmission X-ray computed tomography (CT) is widely used to quantitatively reconstruct 3D objects composed of multiple materials. However, accurate CT reconstruction requires the system to be calibrated to account for the effective X-ray spectrum. Unfortunately, measurement of the effective spectrum is ill-posed, and existing calibration methods require that the system be recalibrated when the system parameters are changed. In this paper, we propose XCal, a multi-energy model-based spectral calibration approach for X-ray CT. The XCal approach models the effective spectrum using a separable physics-based model of the CT system. The model parameters are then estimated by fitting calibration data with known objects at multiple energies. An important advantage of XCal is that it allows the user to change scanner settings, such as the source voltage or X-ray filters, without the need for recalibration. Evaluations on simulated and measured datasets demonstrate that XCal significantly improves the accuracy of the estimated spectrum as compared to existing calibration methods.

Li, Wenrui [Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN (Unit↗

Results from extended range SRF cavity tuner tests for LCLS-II-HE

The LCLS-II HE superconducting linac can produce multi-energy beams by supporting multiple undulator lines simultaneously. This could be achieved by using the cavity SRF tuner in the off-frequency detune mode. This off-frequency operation method was tested in 8 cryomodules at Fermilab at 2 K. In all the tests the tuners successfully achieved a frequency shift of -565±80 kHz from the 1.3 GHz value. This study discusses the cavity frequency during each stage of assembly from the cryomodule string to when they are finally tested at 2 K. Monitoring the cavity frequency from this initial stage contributed in reaching this large frequency shift. The specific procedures of tuner setting during assembly will be presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Extended Range SRF Cavity Tuner for LCLS II HE Project

The off-frequency detune method is being considered to be applied in the LCLS-II-HE superconducting linac to produce multi-energy electron beams for supporting multiple undulator lines simultaneously. To deliver off-frequency operation (OFO) requirements for SRF cavity tuner must be changed. Tuner design modifications and results of the testing eight cavity/tuner system, deployed in verification cryomodule (vCM), will be presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

New Industry Partnerships: Solar Energy Technologies Office Support for Early Projects in the Energy Systems Integration Facility: An Agreement Closeout Summary Report

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO)-funded New Industry Partnerships (NIPs) agreement established multiple new cooperative research projects with industry partners. Each project demonstrated the use of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) as a national asset for research and development, testing, and validation of new technologies to support high penetrations of solar energy on the electric grid. The agreement was launched in 2013 and represented the SETO portion of the DOE EERE-wide Integrated Network Testbed for Energy Grid Research and Technology Experimentation (INTEGRATE) program. The focus of INTEGRATE was on multi-energy system testing and on testing the interactions of energy systems with information technology, communications, and telecommunications (ICT) systems. The NIPs agreement was a bit different from traditional research projects because it was specifically structured to enable partnerships for ESIF testing and as such required at least a 1:1 funds-in cost share from industry partners. In the end, the project engaged six different industry partnerships and resulted in testing a large number of innovative technologies. These included tiny inverters; power-to-gas technologies; and advanced simulation, analysis, and power-hardware-in-the-loop testing techniques. The agreement also provided significant impact for both research and industrial communities. This summary report provides a brief, high-level overview of these projects and their highlights along with lists of citations and other impacts. Readers are referred to the corresponding project reports for more in-depth information.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Results from Extended Range SRF Cavity Tuner Tests for LCLS-II HE

The LCLS-II HE superconducting linac can produce multi-energy beams by supporting multiple undulator lines simultaneously. This could be achieved by using the cavity SRF tuner in the off-frequency detune mode. This off-frequency operation method was tested in 8 cryomodules at Fermilab at 2 K. In all tests, the tuners achieved a frequency shift of -565±80 kHz. This study will discuss cavity frequency during each step as it is being assembled in the cryomodule string and finally when it is being tested at 2 K. Tracking the cavity frequency helped enable the tuners to reach this large frequency shift. The specific procedures of tuner setting during assembly will be presented

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Detector Calibration to Quantify Random Summing in HPGe Spectroscopy

While calibrating a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) Radiation Detector for Xenon-133 (133Xe) the process of random summing occurs which leads to excess counts in the 160.6keV peak from random summing of the 81keV photons at the 162keV energy. Multiple samples of 133Xe with varying levels of radioactivity were assayed to determine a relationship between the occurrence of random summing and the net area of the 160.6keV peak. When the calculated efficiencies in the 160.6keV peak were compared to the theoretical efficiency obtained from a multi-energy calibration at 160.6keV, the amount of random summing could be estimated as excess observed efficiency and correlated to the sample activity. While a trend is apparent in the data, the mechanisms that contribute to the trend are still being studied so the data can be accurately correlated.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Accelerated Lifetime Test of the SRF Dressed Cavity/Tuner System for LCLS II HE Project

The off-frequency detune method is being considered for application in the LCLS-II-HE superconducting linac to produce multi-energy electron beams for supporting multiple undulator lines simultaneously [1]. Design of the tuner has been changed to deliver roughly 3 times larger frequency tuning range. Working requirements for off-frequency operation (OFO) state that cavities be tuned at least twice a month. This specification requires the in-crease of the tuner longevity by 20 times compared with LCLS-II demands. Accelerated longevity tests of the LCLS-II HE dressed cavity with tuner were conducted at FNAL's HTS. Detail analysis of wearing and impacts on performances of the tuner's piezo and stepper motor actuators will be presented. Additionally, results of longevity testing of the dressed cavity bellow, when cooled down to 2 K and compressed by 2.6 mm for roughly 2000 cycles, will be presented.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Tests Of The Extended Range SRF Cavity Tuners For The LCLS-II-HE Project*

The LCLS-II HE superconducting linac can produce multi-energy beams by supporting multiple undulator lines simultaneously. This could be achieved by using the cavity SRF tuner in the off-frequency detune mode. This off-frequency operation method was tested in the verification cryomodule (vCM) and CM 1 at Fermilab at 2 K. In both cases, the tuners achieved a frequency shift of -565$\pm$80 kHz. This study will discuss cavity frequency during each step as it is being assembled in the cryomodule string and finally when it is being tested at 2 K. Tracking the cavity frequency helped enable the tuners to reach this large frequency shift. The specific procedures of tuner setting during assembly will be presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗