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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Demystifying asynchronous I/O Interference in HPC applications

With increasing complexity of HPC workflows, data management services need to perform expensive I/O operations asynchronously in the background, aiming to overlap the I/O with the application runtime. However, this may cause interference due to competition for resources: CPU, memory/network bandwidth. The advent of multi-core architectures has exacerbated this problem, as many I/O operations are issued concurrently, thereby competing not only with the application but also among themselves. Furthermore, the interference patterns can dynamically change as a response to variations in application behavior and I/O subsystems (e.g. multiple users sharing a parallel file system). Without a thorough understanding, I/O operations may perform suboptimally, potentially even worse than in the blocking case. To fill this gap, here we investigate the causes and consequences of interference due to asynchronous I/O on HPC systems. Specifically, we focus on multi-core CPUs and memory bandwidth, isolating the interference due to each resource. Then, we perform an in-depth study to explain the interplay and contention in a variety of resource sharing scenarios such as varying priority and number of background I/O threads and different I/O strategies: sendfile, read/write, mmap/write underlining trade-offs. The insights from this study are important both to enable guided optimizations of existing background I/O, as well as to open new opportunities to design advanced asynchronous I/O strategies.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Subcriticality Measurements for a Changing Concentration Uranyl Nitrate Solution Tank by Californium Source-Driven Noise Analysis

Subcritical californium source-driven noise analysis (CSDNA) measurements were performed at the Oak Ridge Critical Experiments Facility in 1983 using a stainless-steel tank with an inside diameter of 76.2 cm and a height of 91.4 cm but only filled with a uranyl (93.16 wt.% 235 U) nitrate solution to a height of 76.2 cm for all measurements. The free acid content of the uranyl nitrate solution was less than 0.01 N to minimize hazards in handling. The total available highly enriched uranium for these measurements was 5,296 g. The concentration of the solution was varied from the highest density of 14.71 grams of uranium per liter (g U/L) initially in 16 steps, lowering the concentration to 0.3492 g U/L, and finally using a tank filled with only water. The tank had a Plexiglas lid to minimize evaporation. The Cf source was contained in a re-entrant Lexan tube which could be in the solution parallel to the axis of the cylindrical tank. The detectors were 3 He proportional counters in the solution in shrink-fit tubing to isolate the counters from the fissile solution and adjacent to the outside of the tank. In some cases, the detectors were scintillators adjacent to the outside of the tank. In other cases, the source was external to the tank. Some data presented in this report are from notes and are not in the logbook. The prompt neutron decay constant was obtained from fitting the date from the CSDNA measurements. The purpose of this report is to document the experimental information for the measurements performed so that later, researchers could perform the required uncertainty and calculational analyses and documentation to use these data for an International Nuclear Criticality Safety Benchmark Program (ICSBEP) or a Nuclear Energy Agency benchmark. The prompt neutron decay measurements could be the basis of as International Reactor Physic Benchmark Program. The data from these measurements are available from the Records Management Services Department of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the logbook is also available from the ICSBEP at Idaho National Laboratory. Preparation of the present report is part of a larger cooperative effort between Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to document more than 15 undocumented critical and subcritical experiments enumerated in ORNL/TM-2019/18 and performed by ORNL at ORCEF and other USDOE critical experiments facilities using more than 500 operational days of critical facility time.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2021

Critical and Californium Source-Driven Noise Analysis Subcritical Measurements with an Unreflected Cylindrical Tank of Mixed Uranium-Plutonium Nitrate Solution

The reported experiments were performed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) at the Battelle Northwest Laboratory’s (now Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) critical experiments facility at Hanford, Washington in 1981 and used 16 days of critical facility time, not including 10 days for setup and removal of ORNL equipment. These measurements were to assess the capability of the Cf source-driven noise analysis (CSDNA) method to measure the subcriticality (keff) of mixed U-Pu nitrate solutions. In addition to the CSNDA measurements, measurements were also performed near delayed criticality where CSDNA measurements cannot be performed. This report documents the experiments that were not reported at that time by presenting the ORNL experimental results and any online analysis performed during and shortly after the measurements. The mixed nitrate solution had a U concentration at 188 grams per liter (g/L), a Pu concentration of 280 g/L, free acid normality of 2.80, H ion molarity of 5.9 and a specific gravity of 1.754 g/cm 3 , a 240 Pu isotopic content of 7.981 wt. %, and a 235 U isotopic content of 0.724 wt. %. The stainless-steel tank for the solution had an inside diameter of 35.38 cm, an outside diameter of 35.53 cm, a height of 56.72 cm, and bottom thickness of 0.9525 cm. A Zircaloy pipe with a 3.1496 cm outside diameter, a 2.7788 cm inside diameter, and bottom thickness of 0.635 cm was available for insertion of the Cf source in the center of the fissile solution. The Cf source was also located at the outside surface of the tank (solution height varied from 10 to 53 cm) and in the center of the solution (solution height varied from 10 to 60.7 cm). The CSDNA measurements were not analyzed online to determine the subcritical neutron multiplication factors. At all subcritical states, the break frequency noise analysis data was fitted to obtain the prompt neutron decay constant. The neutron multiplication factors were determined for the two configurations of the measurements near delayed criticality. The subcritical neutron multiplication factors from the CNSDA measurements can be obtained with further analysis. However, the near delayed critical configuration, the prompt neutron decay constants, the count rates, and the measured cross and auto power spectral densities can be calculated directly for benchmarking. Much of data presented in this report are from ORNL notes—not in the ORNL logbooks. For the final benchmark analysis, the data from the Battelle Northwest Laboratory (which operated the critical facility in 1981) critical facility logbook should be consulted and be incorporated where appropriate. The purpose of this report is to document the experimental information for the measurements performed so that at a later date researchers could perform the required uncertainty and calculational analyses and documentation to use these data for an International Criticality Safety Benchmark Program (ICSBEP) or Nuclear Energy Agency benchmark. The data from these measurements are available from the ORNL Records Management Services Department, and the logbook is available from ICSBEP at Idaho National Laboratory. Preparation of the present report is part of a larger cooperative effort between Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to document more than 15 undocumented critical and subcritical experiments enumerated in ORNL/TM-2019/18 and performed by ORNL at ORCEF and other USDOE critical experiments facilities using more than 500 operational days of critical facility time.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Statement of Work for Impact Testing

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (“LLNL”) will outsource impact testing (also known as drop hammer testing) of PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate) to Safety Management Services Inc. (“Subcontractor”). This document describes the objective, technical approach, and deliverables. Subcontractor will conduct impact testing studies on three PETN samples. LLNL will provide the samples. LLNL selected this company for impact testing because LLNL has an impact test machine purchased from the same vendor. The objective of this work is to answer the following questions: 1) What are the variations in impact sensitivity results between three PETN samples LLNL will provide?; 2) What is the effect of starting mass on impact sensitivity of PETN?

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Initial Delayed Critical Configuration of SHEBA I and Subcritical Measurements by Californium Source-Driven Noise Analysis

In September 1980, the initial delayed critical configuration of the Solution High-Energy Burst Assembly (SHEBA I) was assembled, and the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) staff performed near critical and subcritical measurements using the californium source-driven noise analysis (CSDNA) method at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Critical Experiments Facility. An unreflected 56 cm outside diameter stainless-steel cylindrical tank was partially filled with uranyl fluoride solution (235U enrichment was 4.95 wt %) until delayed criticality was achieved. Then, measurements were performed for various fuel solution heights from delayed critical to 60% of the height required for delayed criticality. The stainless-steel tank had an inside diameter of 54.6 cm and a height of 105 cm and was partially (20–36.5 cm) filled with an aqueous solution of uranyl fluoride (with a density of 2.162 g/cm 3 ). The density of the uranium in solution was 1.042 g/cm 3 , and the solution had a H/U atomic ratio of 20.43. The tank had a 6.35 mm wall thickness and an axial reentrant tube with an inside diameter of 6.02 cm and wall thickness of 0.165 cm. The tank was essentially unreflected on the top and sides because it was in a thin metal shed. The reactivity of the near–delayed critical configuration was −10.4 cents, which corresponds to a k eff value of 0.99922. In addition to the CSDNA measurements, the prompt neutron decay constants were determined from break frequency noise analysis (BNFA) measurements. The subcritical neutron multiplication factors from CSDNA and BFNA compared extremely well. These data can be used as the basis of International Nuclear Criticality Safety Evaluation benchmark for the near-critical configuration, and the k eff values at various subcritical configurations can be used as subcritical benchmarks. Furthermore, the measured prompt neutron decay constants can be used as reactor physics benchmarks. This report documents the experimental information for the measurements performed so that, at a later date, researchers could perform the required uncertainty and calculational analyses and documentation to use these data for an International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Program (ICSBEP) or Nuclear Energy Agency benchmarks. The measured prompt neutron decay constants can be used as the basis of a benchmark for the International Reactor Physics Evaluation Program (IRPhEP). The data from these measurements are available from the ORNL Records Management Services Department, and the logbook is available from ICSBEP at Idaho National Laboratory.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Enhancing Cloud Cybersecurity: Prescriptive Controls for Operational Technology

This whitepaper provides strategic insights and recommendations into security cloud-based solutions for electric utilities, encompassing operational technology (OT), virtual power plants (VPP), distributed energy resources (DERs), applications, networks, and data storage as they transition to and leverage cloud infrastructure through managed service providers (MSPs) and cloud service providers (CSPs). Principles derived from established frameworks serve as a foundation for best practices across cybersecurity projects and remove the constraints of settling on a single framework. For organizations that prefer not to integrate a specific framework altogether, elements of the proposed approach could be adopted or tailored to best fit defined requirements and expected functionalities. The Cirrus assessment, a utility cloud feasibility tool, and the roadmap it provides serve as a precursor to this paper, which seeks to be a valuable resource for defining next steps following cloud technology integration feasibility appraisal. With its comprehensive approach to adoption, the Cirrus framework offers strategic guidance on responsibly preparing for or deploying a utility cloud solution. The previously published whitepaper, “Use Case-Informed Framework for Utility Cloud Migration,” details the guiding strategy, research, and deployment of cloud solutions within electric and interconnected grid systems. Before implementing the controls suggested in this document, it is recommended that stakeholders complete Cirrus's cloud integration assessment and pair the results with their unique cybersecurity controls to form a comprehensive cloud-based utility cybersecurity plan. The Cirrus outcome will consider a series of future architectures for the grid before and after the energy transition and evaluate the arguments for and against cloud applications for each electric and interconnected grid layer. This document is a companion to the original whitepaper, "Use Case-Informed Framework for Utility Cloud Migration" to further identify and recommend security controls based on Cirrus’s cloud integration assessment output. The following whitepaper outlines the cybersecurity controls that secure cloud-service models pertinent to the electric sector using the predefined categories identify, protect, detect, and respond and recover. The objective is to outline prescriptive security controls based on the type of architecture and data stored in the cloud. The focus includes dissecting the shared responsibility model and elucidating what on-premises Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) entail. A pivotal consideration in this context is allocating responsibility for foundational cybersecurity aspects—having used Cirrus for the cloud integration assessment. The ensuing controls detailed herein also represent a checklist of controls necessary for a secure cloud transition, equipping utilities with the knowledge to navigate this digital transformation with confidence and strategic foresight in a safe and responsible manner.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

TASTI-GRID: Improving Electric Grid Resilience across the State of Tennessee

Residential, industrial, and large load data center facility expansion have exacerbated management backlogs. Additionally, as newer technologies emerge in larger utility providers, a chasm between urban and rural resilience grows – creating segmentation across the state. With new development, industries, and large load additions to the electric grid across the Volunteer state, utilities must contend with these new connections, management backlogs, and technology gaps – while addressing an increase in major outages with more frequent extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Helene in 2024. This issues, in turn, have given way to greater vulnerabilities in adjacent infrastructure – including transportation and emergency management services, among others.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Solar Panel Installation at Goucher College

As part of our multi-phased sustainability initiative, Goucher College is implementing a series of necessary changes to become a model “green” campus. This comprehensive approach includes implementing systems designed to reduce energy consumption, water usage, and waste production by 2030. The first phase of this holistic endeavor is to develop two independent solar projects. One will be on the Facility Management Services building (FMS) and the other will be on the Central Utility Plan (CUP). The anticipated duration of this project is expected to be 24 months. When completed, the new photovoltaic panels (PVPs) and resulting solar array system will help offset campus energy consumption. The projects will also help the College achieve its goal of working towards operating primarily on renewable energy. During initial review of the project, it was revealed replacing the roofs prior to installing new PVPs would not only provide a sound structural foundation for the projects, but the new roofing systems will also aid de-carbonization. The project’s scope is divided between two buildings. Building A: FMS is the first building and Building B: CUP is the second building.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Supercritical CO2 Heat Pumps and Power Cycles for Concentrating Solar Power: Preprint

Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) is a promising technology for electricity storage applications. Grid electricity drives a heat pump which moves energy from a cold space to a hot space, thereby creating hot and cold thermal storage. The temperature difference between the storage is later used to drive a heat engine and return electricity to the grid. In this article, supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) is chosen as the working fluid for PTES, and results are compared to ‘conventional’ systems that use an ideal gas. Molten salts are used for the hot storage which means that a CSP plant with thermal storage and an sCO2 power cycle could potentially be hybridized with PTES by the addition of a heat pump. This article describes some of the benefits of this combined system which can provide renewable power generation and energy management services. Two methods by which an sCO2 heat pump can be combined with an sCO2 power cycle for CSP are described and techno-economic results are presented. Results indicate that these systems can achieve reasonable technical performance, but that costs are currently high.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Disrupting EV Charging Sessions and Gaining Remote Code Execution with DoS, MITM, and Code Injection Exploits using OCPP 1.6

Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 1.6 is widely used in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry to communicate between Charging System Management Services (CSMSs) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Unlike OCPP 2.0.1, OCPP 1.6 uses unencrypted websocket communications to exchange information between EVSE devices and an onpremise or cloud-based CSMS. In this work, we demonstrate two machine-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks on OCPP sessions to terminate charging sessions and gain root access to the EVSE equipment via remote code execution (RCE). Second, we demonstrate a malicious firmware update with a code injection payload to compromise an EVSE. Lastly, we demonstrate two methods to prevent availability of the EVSE or CSMS. One of these, originally reported by SaiFlow, prevents traffic to legitimate EVSE equipment using a DoS-like attack on CSMSs by repeatedly connecting and authenticating several CPs with the same identities as the legitimate CP. These vulnerabilities were demonstrated with proof-of-concept exploits in a virtualized Cyber Range at Wright State University and/or with a 350 kW Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) at Idaho National Laboratory. The team found that OCPP 1.6 could be protected from these attacks by adding secure shell (SSH) tunnels to the protocol, if upgrading to OCPP 2.0.1 was not an option. Index Terms—Electric vehicle charging, cybersecurity, OCPP, cyberattack, cyber-resilience. INSPEC Accession Number: 23981565

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2025

The 200 Gbps Challenge: Imagining HL-LHC analysis facilities

The IRIS-HEP software institute, as a contributor to the broader HEP Python ecosystem, is developing scalable analysis infrastructure and software tools to address the upcoming HL-LHC computing challenges with new approaches and paradigms, driven by our vision of what HL-LHC analysis will require. The institute uses a "Grand Challenge" format, constructing a series of increasingly large, complex, and realistic exercises to show the vision of HL-LHC analysis. Recently, the focus has been demonstrating the IRIS-HEP analysis infrastructure at scale and evaluating technology readiness for production. As a part of the Analysis Grand Challenge activities, the institute executed a "200 Gbps Challenge", aiming to show sustained data rates into the event processing of multiple analysis pipelines. The challenge integrated teams internal and external to the institute, including operations and facilities, analysis software tools, innovative data delivery and management services, and scalable analysis infrastructure. The challenge showcases the prototypes - including software, services, and facilities - built to process around 200 TB of data in both the CMS NanoAOD and ATLAS PHYSLITE data formats with test pipelines. The teams were able to sustain the 200 Gbps target across multiple pipelines. The pipelines focusing on event rate were able to process at over 30 MHz. These target rates are demanding; the activity revealed considerations for future testing at this scale and changes necessary for physicists to work at this scale in the future. The 200 Gbps Challenge has established a baseline on today's facilities, setting the stage for the next exercise at twice the scale.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Load Switching Group based Feeder-level Microgrid Energy Management Algorithm for Service Restoration in Power Distribution System

This paper presents a load switching group based energy management system (LSG-EMS) for operating microgrids on a distribution feeder powered by one or multiple grid-forming distributed energy resources. Loads on a distribution feeder are divided into load switching groups that can be remotely switched on and off. The LSG-EMS algorithm, formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem, has an objective function of maximizing the served loads while minimizing the total number of switching actions. A new set of topology constraints are developed for allowing multiple microgrids to be formed on the feeder and selecting the optimal supply path. Customer comfort is accounted for by maximizing the supply duration in the customer preferred service period and enforcing a minimum service duration. The proposed method is demonstrated on a modified IEEE 33-bus system using actual customer data. Simulation results show that the LSG-EMS successfully coordinates multiple grid-forming sources by selecting an optimal supply topology that maximizes the supply period of both the critical and noncritical loads while minimizing customer service interruptions in the service restoration process.

Hu, Rongxing↗
DOE OSTI2023

Valuation of pollination services from habitat management: a case study of utility scale solar energy facilities in the United States

Creating and maintaining pollinator habitats following the ecological infrastructure concept in degraded or unutilized land, such as solar energy facilities, is a practical way to synergistically advance the food, energy, and ecology nexus. Given the large land-use requirements for solar farming—the fastest growing renewable energy technology–considerable attention has been focused on strategies to maximize multiple ecosystem services. In this study, we coupled the principles of agronomy and ecology with economics and integrated national-scale data on crops, pollinators, and solar facilities to identify locations for creating pollinator habitats and estimating the economic value of pollination from the habitats. We examined opportunities for pollination services from pollinator-friendly utility-scale solar facilities adjacent to 42 million hectares of pollination-dependent crops in the conterminous United States at high resolution of 1 ha. We used the net income method to estimate the potential economic value of creating habitat in the land adjacent to solar facilities in the eight states with the greatest number of solar installations. Creating pollinator habitats at the 217 utility-scale solar facilities in these states could support adjacent 80,000 hectares of high pollinator dependent crops, which could potentially generate a pollination value of $\$$120 to $\$$264 million USD. The location-specific information and high-resolution maps generated for the United States demonstrate integration of grey and green infrastructure to support the food, energy, and environment nexus.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Systems and methods for quality of service (QoS) based management of bottlenecks and flows in networks

Techniques based on the Theory of Bottleneck Ordering can reveal the bottleneck structure of a network, and the Theory of Flow ordering can take advantage of the revealed bottleneck structure to manage and configure network flows so as to improve the overall network performance. These two techniques provide insights into the inherent topological properties of a network at least in three areas: (1) identification of the regions of influence of each bottleneck; (2) the order in which bottlenecks (and flows traversing them) may converge to their steady state transmission rates in distributed congestion control algorithms; and (3) the design of optimized traffic engineering policies.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

State Policies on Access to Vaccination Services for Low-Income Adults

Importance State vaccination benefits coverage and access for adult Medicaid beneficiaries vary substantially. Multiple studies have documented lower vaccination uptake in publicly insured adults compared with privately insured adults. Objective To evaluate adult Medicaid beneficiaries’ access to adult immunization services through review of vaccination benefits coverage in Medicaid programs across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Design, Setting, and Participants A public domain document review with supplemental semistructured telephone survey was conducted between June 1, 2018, and June 14, 2019, to evaluate vaccination services benefits in fee-for-service and managed care organization arrangements for adult Medicaid beneficiaries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia (total, 51 Medicaid programs). Exposures Document review of benefits coverage for adult immunization services and supplemental survey with validation of document review findings. Main Outcomes and Measures Benefits coverage for adult Medicaid beneficiaries and reimbursement amounts for vaccine purchase and administration. Results Public domain document review was completed for all 51 jurisdictions. Among these, 44 Medicaid programs (86%) validated document review findings and completed the survey. Only 22 Medicaid programs (43%) covered all 13 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices–recommended adult immunizations under both fee-for-service and managed care organization arrangements. Most fee-for-service arrangements (37 of 49) reimbursed health care professionals using any of the 4 approved vaccine administration codes; however, 8 of 49 programs did not separately reimburse for vaccine administration to adult Medicaid beneficiaries. Depending on administration route, median reimbursement for adult vaccine administration ranged from $\$9.81$ to $\$13.98$ per dose. Median per-dose reimbursement for adult vaccine purchase was highest for 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine ($\$204.87$) and lowest for Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine ($\$18.09$). Median reimbursement was below the private sector price for 7 of the 13 included vaccines. Conclusions and Relevance Even in programs with complete vaccination benefits coverage, reimbursement amounts to health care professionals for vaccine purchase and administration may not fully cover vaccination provision costs. Reimbursement amounts below costs may reduce incentives for health care professionals to vaccinate low-income adults and thereby limit Medicaid adult beneficiary access to vaccination.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Flexible Service Contracting for Risk Management within Integrated Transmission and Distribution Systems

The general objective of our project has been to investigate the ability of Independent Distribution System Operators (IDSOs), functioning as linkage agents for Integrated Transmission and Distribution (ITD) systems, to facilitate the flexible availability and usage of reserve in support of ITD system operations. This general objective is in accordance with Order 2222 of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), titled “Participation of Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations in Markets Operated by Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators”. The Final Rule for FERC Order 2222 was issued on September 17, 2020. The primary contribution of our project is that we have formulated an innovative energy management Transactive Energy Design (TES) approach for ITD systems that provides promising support for our project objective. Specifically, we have developed a new type of IDSO-managed TES design for distribution system operations, as well as new types of swing contracts permitting IDSOs to participate in transmission system operations as providers of reserve harnessed from distribution system resources in return for appropriate compensation. Together, these design elements constitute a scalable market-based approach facilitating efficient reserve procurement for ITD system operations from a fuller range of power resources. The efficacy of our approach has been demonstrated by means of detailed conceptual analyses as well as test case simulations. To implement the latter, we have developed the ITD TES Platform V2.0, a computational platform that permits the modeling and software implementation of ITD system operations over time. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) energy region has been used as the empirical anchor for the development of this platform. Our conceptual and test-case work has been reported in a Wiley/IEEE Press book, two refereed book chapters, and seven refereed journal articles. The key components comprising the ITD TES Platform V2.0 have been released as documented open-source software at online GitHub repositories.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mechanical Failure Risk Management for In-Service CSP Nitrate Hot Tanks

The hot thermal energy storage tanks in many operating (Gen2) concentrating solar power plants are designed to contain molten nitrate solar salt at 565 Degrees Celsius and are constructed from 347H stainless steel (SS). From previous work, it is known that 347H SS weldments are potentially susceptible to stress-relaxation cracking (SRC), particularly in the heat-affected zone above 540 Degrees Celsius when no post-weld heat-treatment (PWHT) is performed. However, residual stresses can be reduced when weldments receive PWHT, while at the same time a crack-resistant microstructure is being generated. The overarching goal of this project was to optimize cost-effective, thickness-dependent, localized PWHT procedures and to investigate for feasible non-destructive evaluation (NDE) at commercial scale for hot tanks in Gen2 CSP using 347H SS.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗