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DOE OSTI2021

National Reactor Innovation Center NRC Early Site Permit Roadmap

The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in Idaho Falls, Idaho, was authorized under the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (Public Law 115–248) to provide private sector technology developers with resources and infrastructure for testing, demonstration, and performance assessment to accelerate deployment of new advanced reactor technology concepts. NRIC’s mission is to enable clean, affordable, reliable energy by supporting U.S. government investments in nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of new nuclear energy systems. It intends to provide existing facilities and other undeveloped and previously developed sites at INL to advanced reactor vendors for prototype technology testing and deployment. Some of these demonstration projects may be subject to DOE authorization, while other projects may require approval by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) prior to construction and operation. NRIC and INL are considering whether to pursue one or more ESPs to help facilitate new reactor deployment at the INL Site. An ESP would allow early investment in licensing infrastructure in advance of a reactor design being ready to deploy. Through the ESPs, NRIC would help reduce the cost and time required to deploy demonstration reactors at the INL Site. This also will allow INL to bring its nuclear and siting experience to the ESP development process allowing for better and more efficient improvements and utilization of the Site. A preapproved ESP at INL will also remove the uncertainty of NRC siting approvals from the demonstration project proponents, who may not be well positioned to complete the analyses in a timely manner. The purpose of this NRIC ESP roadmap is to provide rigor and understanding needed for INL and DOE decision-makers to make data-informed decisions on pursuing NRC ESPs in support of future advanced reactor demonstrations at INL. The roadmap provides a structured method for addressing potential challenges and identifying options for resolution.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

NASA NTRS1981

Combustion characteristics of hydrogen. Carbon monoxide based gaseous fuels

An experimental rig program was conducted with the objective of evaluating the combuston performance of a family of fuel gases based on a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. These gases, in addition to being members of a family, were also representative of those secondary fuels that could be produced from coal by various gasification schemes. In particular, simulated Winkler, Lurgi, and Blue-water low and medium energy content gases were used as fuels in the experimental combustor rig. The combustor used was originally designed as a low NOx rich-lean system for burning liquid fuels with high bound nitrogen levels. When used with the above gaseous fuels this combustor was operated in a lean-lean mode with ultra long residence times. The Blue-water gas was also operated in a rich-lean mode. The results of these tests indicate the possibility of the existence of an 'optimum' gas turbine hydrogen - carbon monoxide based secondary fuel. Such a fuel would exhibit NOx and high efficiency over the entire engine operating range. It would also have sufficient stability range to allow normal light-off and engine acceleration. Solar Turbines Incorporated would like to emphasize that the results presented here have been obtained with experimental rig combustors. The technologies generated could, however, be utilized in future commercial gas turbines.

Notardonato, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Development of an Ion Thruster and Power Processor for New Millennium's Deep Space 1 Mission

The NASA Solar Electric Propulsion Technology Applications Readiness Program (NSTAR) will provide a single-string primary propulsion system to NASA's New Millennium Deep Space 1 Mission which will perform comet and asteroid flybys in the years 1999 and 2000. The propulsion system includes a 30-cm diameter ion thruster, a xenon feed system, a power processing unit, and a digital control and interface unit. A total of four engineering model ion thrusters, three breadboard power processors, and a controller have been built, integrated, and tested. An extensive set of development tests has been completed along with thruster design verification tests of 2000 h and 1000 h. An 8000 h Life Demonstration Test is ongoing and has successfully demonstrated more than 6000 h of operation. In situ measurements of accelerator grid wear are consistent with grid lifetimes well in excess of the 12,000 h qualification test requirement. Flight hardware is now being assembled in preparation for integration, functional, and acceptance tests.

Sovey, James S.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Developing Urban Air Mobility Vehicle Models to Support Air Traffic Management Concept Development

To support Urban Air Mobility (UAM) research efforts at NASA, the Airspace Target Generator (ATG) software used in the FutureFlight Central (FFC) air traffic control tower simulator is undergoing updates to support physics-based UAM vehicle models. A process was developed to integrate UAM vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft into the fixed-wing ATG modeling environment without significant change to the underlying equations of motion and vehicle model database. The VTOL aircraft models were converted from a six degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) representation into a four degrees-of-freedom (4-DOF) representation for integration within ATG. Three vehicle designs from the NASA Revolutionary Vertical-Lift Technologies (RVLT) project were selected: a lift-plus-cruise (LPC) aircraft model and quadrotor, electric-powered (QEP) 1-seater and 6-seater models. With the LPC model comprised of a nonlinear force and moment build-up, and the QEP models comprised of linearized stability derivatives, two separate processes were developed to convert the lift, drag, and propulsion characteristics of each model into the ATG model database. Key aircraft performance characteristics including climb, cruise, and descent performance were preserved during the conversion process. Because ATG simulates fixed-wing aircraft through ground taxi and takeoff to approach and landing, acceleration command algorithms were developed to model the vertical takeoff and vertical landing phase of UAM operations. A strategy was then developed to transition the aircraft model to- and from- the new control mode.

urban air mobility↗

DOE OSTI2020

Can exascale computing and explainable artificial intelligence applied to plant biology deliver on the United Nations sustainable development goals?

Human population growth and accelerated climate change necessitate agricultural improvements using designer crop ideotypes (idealized plants that can grow in niche environments). Diverse and highly skilled research groups must integrate efforts to bridge the gaps needed to achieve international goals toward sustainable agriculture. Given the scale of global agricultural needs and the breadth of multiple types of omics data needed to optimize these efforts, explainable artificial intelligence (AI with a decipherable decision making process that provides a meaningful explanation to humans) and exascale computing (computers that can perform 1018 floating-point operations per second, or exaflops) are crucial. Accurate phenotyping and daily-resolution climatype associations are equally important for refining ideotype production to specific environments at various levels of granularity. In this article, we review advances toward tackling technological hurdles to solve multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and discuss a vision to overcome gaps between research and policy.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2024

SMART Deliverable 6.1.2a: Application of the ORION tool to the IBDP Carbon Storage Site

Forecasting and managing potential induced seismic activity is one of the challenges facing commercialscale geologic carbon sequestration (GCS), as well as other geologic energy extraction and byproduct disposal technologies. Historically, the process to develop robust, science-based forecasts of induced seismicity has required an integrated effort from experts in seismology, geomechanics, and reservoir engineering to manage data, develop and evaluate models of subsurface processes, and to calibrate and interpret the results from a range of models to understand site behavior relative to prescribed standards and in the context of uncertainty in geologic characterization data, forecasting models, and operational scenario uncertainty. The Operational Forecasting of Induced Seismicity (ORION) toolkit is an open-source, observation-based forecasting toolkit that is being co-developed by two U.S. DOE-funded initiatives: the National Risk Assessment Partnership (NRAP) and the Scienceinformed Machine Learning for Accelerating Real Time Decisions in Subsurface Applications (SMART) Initiative. ORION is designed to provide functionality to support decision making about seismic hazard analysis and risk management for GCS stakeholders ranging from the public to site operators to expert seismologists. The tool, which is written as open-source code in the Python programming language, is composed of a desktop graphical user interface (GUI) and an underlying forecasting engine. The forecasting engine uses available reservoir properties, well and fluid injection scenario details, and observed seismic catalog data as inputs to produce a set of temporal and spatio-temporal seismic forecasts.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Beam study on low dispersion CEBAF arcs

The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab employs recirculating linac SRF technology to generate a high polarization 12 GeV electron beam for nuclear physics users. New opportunities to study multipass energy recovery have also emerged with the proposal of a 5-pass energy recovery demonstration, ER@CEBAF. New beam optics with minimized beta functions have been developed and tested to avoid collective beam instabilities for multi-pass beams and meet the beam requirements of the nuclear physics community. To enable energy recovery for a common arc beam transport of five passes, achromatic and isochronous arc optics conditions were satisfied by re-designing the transverse optics of CEBAF. This paper focuses on beam studies conducted to study the newly-designed, low-dispersion, lowest energy arcs for CEBAF operations and ER@CEBAF.

Neththikumara, I.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Technology Challenges for Deep-Throttle Cryogenic Engines for Space Exploration

Historically, cryogenic rocket engines have not been used for in-space applications due to their additional complexity, the mission need for high reliability, and the challenges of propellant boil-off. While the mission and vehicle architectures are not yet defined for the lunar and Martian robotic and human exploration objectives, cryogenic rocket engines offer the potential for higher performance and greater architecture/mission flexibility. In-situ cryogenic propellant production could enable a more robust exploration program by significantly reducing the propellant mass delivered to low earth orbit, thus warranting the evaluation of cryogenic rocket engines versus the hypergolic bi-propellant engines used in the Apollo program. A multi-use engine. one which can provide the functionality that separate engines provided in the Apollo mission architecture, is desirable for lunar and Mars exploration missions because it increases overall architecture effectiveness through commonality and modularity. The engine requirement derivation process must address each unique mission application and each unique phase within each mission. The resulting requirements, such as thrust level, performance, packaging, bum duration, number of operations; required impulses for each trajectory phase; operation after extended space or surface exposure; availability for inspection and maintenance; throttle range for planetary descent, ascent, acceleration limits and many more must be addressed. Within engine system studies, the system and component technology, capability, and risks must be evaluated and a balance between the appropriate amount of technology-push and technology-pull must be addressed. This paper will summarize many of the key technology challenges associated with using high-performance cryogenic liquid propellant rocket engine systems and components in the exploration program architectures. The paper is divided into two areas. The first area describes how the mission requirements affect the engine system requirements and create system level technology challenges. An engine system architecture for multiple applications or a family of engines based upon a set of core technologies, design, and fabrication approaches may reduce overall programmatic cost and risk. The engine system discussion will also address the characterization of engine cycle figures of merit, configurations, and design approaches for some in-space vehicle alternatives under consideration. The second area evaluates the component-level technology challenges induced from the system requirements. Component technology issues are discussed addressing injector, thrust chamber, ignition system, turbopump assembly, and valve design for the challenging requirements of high reliability, robustness, fault tolerance, deep throttling, reasonable performance (with respect to weight and specific impulse).

Brown, Kendall K.↗

NASA NTRS2020

Computational Design of Eutectic Molten Salt Mixtures: What Can Thermodynamic Models Do?

In the search for efficient energy storage battery technologies, designing stable electrolytes has been a long-standing challenge. Electrolytes based on molten salt eutectics are known for their stability with minimum parasitic reactions when compared to their widely used organic counterparts. However, the operating temperatures of these molten salt electrolyte-based batteries are dictated by the melting point of the eutectic mixtures. Design and high throughput screening of low melting temperature eutectic molten salt mixtures have been hindered by the lack of computational models. In this work, we develop thermodynamic models to predict the eutectic points of several molten salt mixtures. The framework of the COSMO-SAC model is used for the predictions and is compared with experimental data and other thermodynamic approaches. Rapid thermodynamics-based approaches, as shown in this study, can accelerate the discovery of new materials, complementing experimental techniques.

Ashwin Ravichandran↗

DOE OSTI2022

Hardware-accelerated inference for real-time gravitational-wave astronomy

The field of transient astronomy has seen a revolution with the first gravitational-wave detections and the arrival of multi-messenger observations they enabled. Transformed by the first detection of binary black hole and binary neutron star mergers, computational demands in gravitational-wave astronomy are expected to grow by at least a factor of two over the next five years as the global network of kilometer-scale interferometers are brought to design sensitivity. With the increase in detector sensitivity, real-time delivery of gravitational-wave alerts will become increasingly important as an enabler of multi-messenger followup. In this work, we report a novel implementation and deployment of deep learning inference for real-time gravitational-wave data denoising and astrophysical source identification. This is accomplished using a generic Inference-as-a-Service model that is capable of adapting to the future needs of gravitational-wave data analysis. Overall, our implementation allows seamless incorporation of hardware accelerators and also enables the use of commercial or private (dedicated) as-a-service computing. Based on our results, we propose a paradigm shift in low-latency and offline computing in gravitational-wave astronomy. Such a shift can address key challenges in peak-usage, scalability and reliability, and provide a data analysis platform particularly optimized for deep learning applications. The achieved sub-millisecond scale latency will also be relevant for any machine learning-based real-time control systems that may be invoked in the operation of near-future and next generation ground-based laser interferometers, as well as the front-end collection, distribution and processing of data from such instruments.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2021

Improvement in the spatial resolution of heavy ion beam probe measurements through application of ion optics

A technique for more accurately modeling and improving the spatial resolution of heavy ion beam probe measurements is described. We use a set of particle trajectories to numerically determine the focusing properties of a complicated three-dimensional magnetic field and characterize those properties with a transfer matrix. We then modify the transfer matrix approach of traditional ion optics to include a parameter that describes the ionization location of the detected ions. The ion optics model calculated using this technique enables a more accurate description of the particle trajectories than previously feasible. The model also allows one to easily determine an initial beam focus that could be used during experimental operation to optimize the spatial resolution of measurements. The technique has been applied to the design of a heavy ion beam probe diagnostic for the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator and improvements in the modeled spatial resolution by a factor of about 2 over previous estimates are possible. As a result, the improved spatial resolution will enable measurements of plasma fluctuations with smaller wavelengths than would otherwise be possible.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Neural network accelerator for quantum control

Efficient quantum control is necessary for practical quantum computing implementations with current technologies. Conventional algorithms for determining optimal control parameters are computationally expensive, largely excluding them from use outside of the simulation. Existing hardware solutions structured as lookup tables are imprecise and costly. By designing a machine learning model to approximate the results of traditional tools, a more efficient method can be produced. Such a model can then be synthesized into a hardware accelerator for use in quantum systems. In this study, we demonstrate a machine learning algorithm for predicting optimal pulse parameters. This algorithm is lightweight enough to fit on a low-resource FPGA and perform inference with a latency of 175 ns and pipeline interval of 5 ns with > 0.99 gate fidelity. In the long term, such an accelerator could be used near quantum computing hardware where traditional computers cannot operate, enabling quantum control at a reasonable cost at low latencies without incurring large data bandwidths outside of the cryogenic environment.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Smart Building Technology Training Modules for Academic and Professional Education

Smart building technologies are a new suite of resources that improve building energy efficiency and resilience, reduce carbon emissions, and provide load flexibility to the grid. However, in both college curricula and building professionals’ continuing education, there is a lack of systematic instruction on smart building technologies–topics that include smart building concepts, key components, smart building controls, “Internet of Things” (IoT) devices, and how to integrate multiple energy systems including distributed energy resources (DER). This major gap in smart building education prevents stakeholders from understanding and adopting smart building technologies in building design and operations. Slipstream leads a DOE-funded project developing a semester-long smart building curriculum for college students and adapting the contents into 16 training videos for building professionals and the general public. The education and training cover the drivers and benefits of smart building technologies, key building energy systems, the latest sensor technologies and IoT devices, and focus on topics related to smart building controls (i.e., energy management information systems, smart building control platforms, cybersecurity, grid-interactive-efficient buildings (GEBs), smart building control methods, and occupant-centric control. This paper describes the project approach, provides outlines of the training materials, and identifies lessons learned in creating the content. We also suggest ways to scale the instruction of smart building concepts to empower the workforce to accelerate the adoption of smart building technologies in the real world.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Aberration corrected RF flipper for high resolution neutron spectroscopy

Project Summary Company: Adelphi Technology, Inc. Title: Aberration-corrected High Frequency RF Flipper for High-Resolution Neutron Spectroscopy PI: Dr. Jay Theodore Cremer Topic: C55-11 Enhancement of Scattering Instrumentation Technology Used at Pulsed and Continuous Sources Subtopic: d. Other Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed. The quest to understand heterogeneous and hierarchical materials is gathering momentum, as described in a 2015 report by the Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee on Challenges at the Frontiers of Matter and Energy. For the past 40 years a technique called neutron spin echo (NSE) has been used to probe molecular motions in such non-crystalline materials over time scales from 10’s of picoseconds to 100’s of nanoseconds. The method has provided unique information about the dynamics of soft heterogeneous materials, including confirmation of the de Gennes model of polymer reptation and quantitative measurement of bending constants of biologically relevant lipid membranes. However, scientists continue to clamor for even higher resolution than NSE can provide. Biomaterials, polymers, glasses, and artificially nanostructured materials all manifest slow molecular motions because of weak or competing interactions between subunits and are amenable to study with neutrons, provided sufficiently long dynamical correlation times can be achieved. All these materials have important applications to advanced technologies so understanding them is key to technological progress. General statement of how this problem is being addressed. We will address the need for high-resolution neutron spectroscopy by using a technique called Neutron Resonance Spin Echo (NRSE). While similar to NSE in many respects, this method has the potential to exceed the NSE capabilities, if 2 technical hurdles can be overcome. The major impediments to successful high-resolution NRSE are the availability of two technologies: a very high frequency, efficient, radiofrequency (rf) flipper for neutrons and a method to correct certain magnetic aberrations. Based on previous STTR support and follow-on research we have developed a suitable rf flipper and we have invented a method to correct the magnetic aberrations. Both technologies need refinement to make them suitable for implementation at a neutron source such as the Oak Ridge National Laboratory nuclear reactor. In this proposal we seek to perfect the two technologies and to combine them into a single, operationally convenient device. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits In view of the increasing demand for the unique scientific information that high resolution neutron spectroscopy can provide, we expect several major instrumentation upgrades at both U.S. and foreign neutron centers will require make use of the NRSE method over the coming decade, creating a market for the devices we will design. These components will enhance scientists’ abilities to probe the time dependence of density fluctuations in a wide range of hierarchical and heterogeneous materials many of which are vital to existing and future technologies. Key Words – Polarized Neutrons, Neutron Spin Echo, Neutron Scattering, advanced materials. Summary for Members of Congress Neutron beams are a powerful materials-science probe that provide unique information about the structure of matter. The proposed devices will accelerate scientific discoveries required to achieve national goals for new technological materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2020

U.S. HL-LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project: Q1/Q3 Cryostat Assembly and Horizontal Test (Final Design Report)

The Inner Triplet (IT) quadrupoles are the magnetic system for reaching low beta functions around the Interaction Point (IP). The triplet is made of three optical elements: Q1, Q2, and Q3. The upgrade of the Inner Triplets in the high luminosity insertions is the cornerstone of the LHC upgrade. The decision for HL-LHC heavily relies on the success of the advanced Nb 3 Sn technology that provides access to magnetic fields well beyond 9 T, allowing the maximization of the aperture of the IT quadrupoles. A 15-year-long study led by the DOE in the US under the auspices of the U.S. LARP program, and lately by other EU programs, has shown the feasibility of Nb 3 Sn accelerator magnets. The HL-LHC is expected to be the first application of accelerator-quality Nb 3 Sn magnet technology in an operating particle accelerator.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2023

In-Rod Sensor System Overview, Benefits and Recent Irradiation Test Results

Westinghouse is developing an In-Rod Sensor (IRS) System capable of measuring critical fuel rod parameters such as center-line fuel temperature, rod internal pressure and axial fuel pellet stack elongation without having penetrations to the fuel rod. The technology is similar to the Halden Reactor instrumentation, but the IRS system focuses on commercial fuel rod instrumentation. Both systems circumvent fuel rod penetrations, however the IRS system overcomes unique geometric challenges found in commercial fuel rod assemblies. The IRS could also play a key role in accelerated fuel qualification by allowing real-time measurements during separate effects tests, integral fuel testing or during irradiation of lead test rods or lead test assemblies. Combining these measurements with data acquired from targeted separate effects testing and multi-scale modelling could significantly reduce the time required to qualify new fuel and reduce the safety margin uncertainty of operating plants. The IRS is actively in development for Light Water Reactors (LWR) based fuel assemblies but can also be applied to Gen IV reactor designs with minimal modifications.

Carvajal, Jorge↗

DOE OSTI2026

Model-Based Investigation of Multi-Fault Interactions and Performance Degradation in Residential Heat Pump Systems

Faults in heat pump systems can significantly degrade performance, reduce efficiency, and accelerate component wear, leading to higher operating costs and maintenance demands. While numerous studies have investigated the impact of individual faults, the interactions between multiple concurrent faults remain insufficiently understood, despite their common occurrence in real-world operation. This study conducts a comprehensive simulation analysis of multiple simultaneous faults in a vapor compression heat pump using a validated heat pump design model (HPDM) tool. Detailed component-level modeling methods are implemented to examine performance sensitivity under combinations of refrigerant flow and heat exchanger faults. The results reveal complex fault interactions that can mask or amplify system deviations, challenging conventional diagnostic approaches. Findings from this work provide meaningful insights for the development of more robust fault detection and diagnosis algorithms, supporting improved reliability and energy efficiency in next-generation heat pump technologies.

Hu, Yifeng [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000242875185)↗

DOE OSTI2026

Conceptual design of a replacement 2.1 K cold box for the Spallation Neutron Source Central Helium Liquefier

Abstract After more than 20 years of operation, the cold compressor technology in use at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is obsolete, and replacement parts and service are no longer available. SNS has partnered with Jefferson Lab to design and construct a replacement sub-atmospheric cold box outfitted with modern cold compressor technology. The general design follows from Jefferson Lab’s experience on other recent sub-atmospheric cold box projects. Design decisions are backed by thorough engineering analysis to ensure technical requirements are met in a cost-effective manner. Conceptual design of the replacement cold box has been completed, and will be summarized in this paper. It features five cold compressors with an operating flow range of 80-140 g/s, and includes piping and valving to support cold compressor maintenance without interrupting flow circulation to the load. The approach to thermal shielding, insulation, and integration of the upgraded cold compressor hardware into the existing SNS control system will also be addressed.

Mastracci, B [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerato↗