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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 595 records · Page 33

New signature method for identifying organic material in atmosphere and water samples

The levels of plastic contamination in the earth’s oceans have steadily increased over the past century, creating a threat to marine life and increasing climate change. Several methods have been developed over the past decade to try to determine the amount and accumulation rate of plastic impurities in the ecosystem. These methods have proven promising but suffer from long measurement times, bulky non-mobile systems, and sample degradation. We propose a smaller, faster system that employs an electron beam to examine seawater samples for polyethylene contamination levels. This process generates a full electron and photon energy spectrum analyses based on the subatomic particles generated from electron interactions. Our simulations have already been developed based on the known molecular composition of seawater and polyethylene, showing the possibility of discerning molecular plastics from microorganisms. With a system the size of a suitcase, this system would be easily deployable to remote locations around the world or installed as a monitoring system for manufacturing facilities. This concept could lead to a new methodology for the science of signatures and be applied to other biological hazard investigations, such as general virus detection.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Measurement of Magnetic Field using Doppler-Free Saturation Spectroscopy (DFSS) in C-2W FRC Plasma

The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and TAE Technologies (TAE) focused on implementing an existing mobile Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy (DFSS) diagnostic to determine the direction of the equilibrium magnetic field within TAE’s C-2W field-reversed configuration (FRC) fusion device. Non-perturbative measurements of magnetic fields in the core of FRCs can provide critical information needed to constrain equilibrium models and for the continued advancement of the fusion research program at TAE. DFSS is a well-established, laser-based absorption spectroscopy technique used to suppress inhomogeneous (Doppler) broadening and reveal the Zeeman fine structure of the target emission lines. The collaboration involved the use of ORNL’s recently constructed mobile DFSS diagnostic. The DFSS diagnostic was shipped and installed on C- 2W in February 2023. TAE’s expertise was used to design and construct the mechanic support structures required to mount the optical hardware on C-2W. Additionally TAE provide critical input to minimize the noise imposed on the DFSS signal by vibrations of the mechanic support structure during operations. DFSS data was obtained for over 500 C-2W shots and will continue until the expiration of this CRADA on September 30 th 2023. Over the course of this work, significant progress was made to maximize the signal to noise (SNR) ratio. Analysis of recently acquired data is on-going, however, initial indications are highly suggestive that a DFSS signal above background has been successfully acquired in C-2W.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

TelemeTrak Final Technical Report – Award DE-SC0022722

We developed a browser-based simulation tool to evaluate whether buffering can be advantageous in various climate zones. This tool leverages the Amazon cloud services to process hundreds of simulations in a parametric sweep. This tool, still under development, will ultimately be usable by installers to determine exactly how much storage of what type to include.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Shape Optimization of Header Pipes in Power Plants for Enhanced Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

In a power plant, the header pipe plays a pivotal role in optimizing the performance of diverse systems by serving as a central conduit for the collection and distribution of steam within the plant. This paper investigates the significance of header pipes within power plant setups, highlighting their critical influence on reliability, efficiency, and the performance of the power plant as a whole. The concept of shape optimization emerges as a crucial factor in power plant design and operation, with the potential to maximize performance while minimizing the use of materials. Shape optimization not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of power plant installations. In this paper, we initially developed a methodology designed for optimizing header shapes with the primary goal of reducing the usage of costly new alloy materials and lowering the overall maintenance operation expenses. Secondly, we conducted a case study based on an authentic header sourced from an operational power plant.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

AGR-5/6/7 Irradiation Test Final As-run Report

This document presents the as-run analysis of the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR)-5/6/7 irradiation experiment. AGR-5/6/7 is the last of a series of experiments conducted in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory in support of the development and qualification of tri-structural isotropic low-enriched fuel for use in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors. The test train contained five separate capsules that were independently controlled and monitored. Each capsule contained multiple 24.91-mm-long and 12.25-mm-dimeter compacts filled with low-enriched uranium carbide/oxide tri-structural isotropic fuel particles. The objectives of the AGR-5/6/7 experiment were to: • Irradiate reference-design fuel particles to support fuel qualification. • Establish operating margins for the fuel, beyond normal operating conditions. • Provide irradiated-fuel performance data and irradiated-fuel samples for post-irradiation examination and safety testing. The primary objective of the AGR-5/6 test (Capsules 1, 2, 4, and 5) was to verify the successful performance of the reference-design fuel under normal operating conditions. The AGR-7 test (Capsule 3) was designed to explore fuel performance at higher temperatures. Its primary objective was to demonstrate the capability of the fuel to withstand conditions beyond normal operating conditions, in support of plant design and licensing. AGR-5/6/7 will also provide irradiated-fuel performance data based on the fission gas release from particles during irradiation. To achieve the test objectives, the AGR-5/6/7 experiment was irradiated in the northeast flux trap of the ATR with a planned duration of 500 effective full-power days. The northeast flux trap was selected because its larger diameter provided greater flexibility for test-train design compared to the Large B positions used for the AGR-1 and AGR-2 irradiations, significantly enhancing test capabilities for the combined irradiation campaigns. Due to delays in the ATR schedule, the AGR-5/6/7 irradiation was significantly shorter than the originally planned 13-cycle schedule. Irradiation began on February 16, 2018 and ended on July 22, 2020, spanning nine ATR cycles (162B–168A) over two and a half years. Thus, the AGR-5/6/7 fuel compacts were irradiated for a total of approximately 360.9 effective full-power days. Final burnup values, on a per-compact basis, ranged from 5.66 to 15.26% fissions per initial heavy metal atom, while fast fluence values ranged from 1.62 to 5.55 × 1025 n/m2 (E >0.18 MeV). Time-averaged volume-averaged fuel temperatures on a capsule basis at the end of irradiation ranged from 756°C in Capsule 5 to 1313°C in Capsule 3 excluding days with significantly lower temperature during the two short powered axial locator mechanism cycles, 163A and 167A. By the end of irradiation, 48 out of 54 installed thermocouples had failed (the bottom three capsules lost all thermocouples). During the first five cycles (162B – 165A), the fission-gas isotope release-rate-to-birthrate (R/B) ratios were stable in the 10-8–10-6 range, and no in-pile particle failures were observed based on the gross gamma counts. During this time, the high exposed kernel fraction and high fuel particle temperatures in Capsule 1 led to a maximum R/B value of around 2 ? 10-6 for Kr-85m. The fission gas release in all capsules started to increase from the second half of Cycle 166A, when a large number of in-pile particle failures occurred in Capsule 1 and a gas line problem in this capsule caused fission gas leakage at various degrees into the other four capsules. This gas line problem also prevented a fission gas release measurement for Capsule 1 during the last three cycles due to gas flow isolation. By the end of irradiation, it is estimated that approximately 15 particles failed in Capsule 3, which was considered possible because the experiment was designed to operate beyond the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor normal operating temperature range. A few hundred in-pile particle failures were estimated for Capsule 1 by the end of Cycle 166A, but the total number of failures is unknown due to the lack of fission gas release data in the later cycles. Additionally, four potential in-pile failures were identified for Capsule 2 during the last cycle, Cycle 168A. In contrast, no in-pile failures were identified in the top two capsules (4 and 5) based on the absence of the typical spikes in gross gamma counts and low failure estimates using the AGR-3/4 R/B per exposed kernel model.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Insights into Na + Diffusion in Silicon Modules under Operating Conditions: Measuring Low Concentrations by D-SIMS

Sodium induced shunting under an electric field is a challenging reliability issue in crystalline Si solar modules. The source of this Potential-Induced Degradation of the Shunting type (PID-s) is well understood and its influence on power loss has been intensively studied based on phenomenological models on cell or module level relating the experimental power-loss to stressing parameters (time, temperature, voltage). However, little is known about the Na ion migration kinetics, responsible for PID on a microscopic level, and its quantitative relation to the efficiency degradation. In this paper we present our investigations of sodium ion migration in Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and silicon through Dynamic Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (D-SIMS). Each sample was annealed at field relevant temperatures from 60-90 °C to address typical migration mechanisms of common PV installations. Analysis of the SIMS migration profiles revealed a diffusivity constant D 0,EVA = 0.09 ± 0.14 cm 2 /s and an activation energy E A,EVA = 0.85 ± .04 eV for Na in EVA and diffusivities higher than extrapolated literature values in silicon (D 0,Si = (3.03 ± 2.42)x10 -5 cm 2 /s, and E A,Si = 0.98 ± 0.02 eV). The new insight will be included in a drift-diffusion based degradation model accounting for the partition coefficient across all relevant interfaces. This model can assist in predicting PID-failure in the field based on the given model stack and the diffusion of Na + through each material. Furthermore, this tool can be used for process optimization as well as material selection significantly reducing the cost and time to validate a technology.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Impact of soiling on Si and CdTe PV modules: Case study in different Brazil climate zones

Soiling, particulate accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) module surfaces, reduces the available solar resource and the resulting generated device power. This case-study summarizes initial results of 5-year research on the contrasting soiling conditions in the tropical, subtropical, and semi-arid climates in Brazil. A major objective is to present a case study of the effects of soiling on PV module performance in different Brazil climate zones that represent the primary areas for the current and expanding Brazil solar installations. For this, the paper presents methodologies to quantify the soiling ratio (SRatio) and soiling rate (SRate) for two representative commercial technologies, polycrystalline or multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) and thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) modules, through soiling monitoring stations deployed in the selected climate regions. An aim is to add to the growing soiling-research knowledge base through addressing these key factors and their relationships to critical electrical, solar resource, thermal, and local meteorological and environmental parameters. This paper presents, evaluates, and compares soiling rates and losses in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais (Equatorial Tropical: 19.92° S, 43.99° W), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (Humid-Subtropical: 30.05° S, 51.17° W), and Brotas de Macaúbas, Bahia (Semi-Arid: 12.00° S, 42.63° W). The results show that soiling is moderate in all 3-regions, for example with 0.1%/day < SRate < 0.2%/day for Belo Horizonte. Precipitation dominates the cleaning of the modules in the summertime in this climate zone, while it is the major factor year-round in Rio Grande do Sul. Wind is the major issue mitigating the soiling accumulation for the Bahia installation. The methodology incorporates several key refinements, including the normalization and adjustment for the meteorological parameters (temperature, irradiance, wind, precipitation). The evaluations include the region-specific differing effects of non-uniform soiling, natural cleaning, and ambient temperatures.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Renewable energy integration and system operation challenge: control and optimization of millions of devices

The electric power infrastructure, originally designed and built on large-scale power plants, is evolving into a more resilient power generation and delivery system in which millions of smaller units of distributed energy generation resources units will be installed in sub-transmission and distribution networks. In order to control, manage and optimize the future grid, a hierarchical design is presented in this chapter which enables the distributed control on grid edge while inheriting the existing centralized control structure. This layered design of large-scale power system operation and control uses the following principle: reactive power control is treated as a primary control for voltage stability, and the real power control is primarily a grid-level control but can also be a supplementary control for voltage support in the case of insufficient reactive power control capacity. For the purpose of active control and operation at the distribution level, a recursive power network model is derived from nodal injection and branch power flow models. Based on the model, the proposed algorithms of hierarchical control, grid-edge inference and dynamic hosting allowance are developed and presented for multi-level controlled operation. And, a co-simulation architecture of integrated T&D system is presented to validate and demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of proposed algorithms.

Xu, Ying↗

Investigation of a high-temperature combination heat pump for lower-cost electrification in multifamily buildings

The development of space and water heating combination heat pumps capable of generating water temperatures high enough for convective heat emitters will enable more cost-effective and equitable decarbonization solutions for electrifying multifamily buildings. Here, in this paper, multifamily building models and a charge-sensitive mechanistic cycle model of a combination heat pump are developed, and the system performance is predicted based on the models. Unlike other state-of-the-art residential heat pumping equipment, the modeled combination heat pump using an economized, fluid-injected variable-speed compressor can achieve higher temperature lifts of 40° - 85°C, with lower installation costs and complexity. The model predicted heating coefficient of performance (COP h ) is 2.1 at an ambient temperature of -15°C with a high-temperature lift of nearly 85°C, and a seasonal coefficient of performance in heating mode (SCOP h ) ranges from 2 - 4 for different locations. The system shows 30% - 90% lower CO 2 eq emissions over a condensing gas boiler and 9% - 13% lower projected installation costs than two separate space and water heat pumping appliances.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Simulating water dynamics related to pedogenesis across space and time: Implications for four-dimensional digital soil mapping

Digital soil mapping (DSM) relies on machine-learning and geostatistics to represent soil property observations across space. DSM techniques are powerful but often empirical, being limited to the quality and density of point samples. Water dynamics are closely related to soil variability, and the physics that govern water movement are well known. Hydrological properties can hence be simulated by physical models through space and time, unveiling key characteristics about soils. We propose the use of hydrologic models to map soils across the surface (2D), depth (1D), and time (1D)–which provides a 4D approach to digital soil mapping (4DSM). The Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) was applied to a watershed currently under pasture. Moisture sensors and wells were installed at different depths in the watershed on summit, sideslope and toeslope positions to validate the model. DHSVM simulations of soil moisture distribution and depth to saturation were performed during the hydrological year (October 2008-September 2009). Clusters of similar pixels based on soil moisture values were determined using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to align temporal data and K-means. Clustering was performed both seasonally and for the entire year. Temporal patterns simulated by DHSVM matched measurements given by moisture sensors and wells. Seasonal clusters differed from the annual cluster. Distinct clusters were observed for each season and with depth, showing that spatiotemporal soil variability is lost when statically assessing soils. Spatiotemporal clusters corroborated field observations of fragipan occurrence not explicitly spatially mapped by Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO). If a connection can be made between water and soils, static and dynamic soil variability can be predicted using physically based hydrologic models. Hydrologic models can benefit soil mapping by enabling reliable 4D simulation of water dynamics, which are fundamental to soil variability and soil classification and directly relate to biological, physical and chemical soil processes not captured by typical soil sampling protocols.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Intra-hour Solar Irradiance Forecast in Multiple Locations using Deep Transfer Learning

In recent years, solar power system installation imposes several challenges on the operations of local and regional power grids due to the inherent variability of ground-level solar irradiance. This work proposes a novel real-time solar forecast methodology for intra-hour solar irradiance based on deep transfer learning from ground-based sky imager for time horizons ranging from 5-15 min. There are three unique aspects of the proposed methodology: (1) a Deep Learning based algorithm development which is modeled as a classification approach rather than a traditional regression approach; (2) the use of the Transfer Learning technique to show generalization capability, robustness, and portability of baseline model in the newly deployed location where availability of enough data for training is typically scarce, and (3) redefinition of point-based irradiation forecast error estimation technique with a window-based one that is more intuitive and user-friendly. The system is developed using multiple years of irradiance and sky image recording in New Jersey and one-year data from Colorado, USA. The method is validated against ground telemetry from these two locations of diverse geographic and climatic conditions. Results show that the forecasting method proposed in this work is robust and highly accurate (8% MAPE error) for multiple locations deployment.

Deep Learning, Convolution Neural Networks, transf↗

Commissioning of the Second JLAB C75 Cryomodule & Performance Evaluation of Installed C75 Cavities

JLAB has long been a hub of SRF technology with the CEBAF accelerator as one of its first large scale adopters. As SRF technology has advanced, the C50 and C100 programs have allowed for the extension of CEBAF's total energy to 6 GeV and nearly 12 GeV respectively. Along with the increase in energy reach, rates of accelerating gradient degradation have been extracted for these cryomodule designs. A plan to mitigate these losses & maintain robust gradient headroom to deliver the 12 GeV program - the CEBAF Performance Plan - established a multi-year effort of cryomodule refurbishments and replacements. Part of this plan included a cost optimization of the C50 program with more modern processing techniques and the replacement of existing cavities with larger grain boundary cavities produced from ingot Niobium (dubbed C75 for 75 MeV gain). Reports have been made on the prototype pair of C75 cavities installed in a C50 cryomodule and the first full C75 cryomodule installed in 2017 and 2021. This paper reports on the results from the qualification of the cavities for the second C75 module in both a vertical cryostat and the commissioning results of the cryomodule in the CEBAF tunnel. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics under contract DE-AC05-06OR23177.

McCaughan, Michael↗

Hydropower Energy Storage Capacity (HESC) Dataset

The Hydropower Energy Storage Capacity (HESC) Dataset catalogs characteristics that are relevant to evaluating reservoir storage and estimates of energy storage capacity based on varying levels of detail. Hydropower dams and reservoirs were included based on information from the National Inventory of Dams (NID; USACE, 2021) and Global Reservoir and Dam (GRanD v1.3) and Existing Hydropower Assets datasets. These data provide a foundation for understanding available resources at existing hydropower facilities and their potential to provide storage of energy and more flexible generation. Estimates of energy storage capacity include: • Level 1 – nominal energy storage capacity based on maximum storage capacities and hydraulic head • Level 2 – nominal energy storage capacity based on historical models or observations of reservoir volume and hydraulic head. These estimates are provided based on capacity from the entire historical period as well as monthly values. • Level 3 – modeled energy generation based on volume-elevation relationships, historical storage, observed/modeled inflows, and hydraulic capacity of turbines and calculated both as overall and on a monthly basis. • Level 4 – modeled energy generation incorporating information from Level 3 and operational constraints. For facilities where installed capacity is known, there are also estimates for discharge duration (the length of time when a facility could provide generation at a given capacity).

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Programmed Supramolecular Assemblies Using Orthogonal Pairs of Heterodimeric Coiled Coil Peptides

Despite recent progress, it remains challenging to program biomacromolecules to assemble into discrete nanostructures with pre-determined sizes and topologies. We report here a novel strategy to address this challenge. By using two orthogonal pairs of heterodimeric coiled coils as the building blocks, we constructed six discrete supramolecular assemblies, each composed of a prescribed number of coiled coil components. Within these assemblies, different coiled coils were connected via end-to-side covalent linkages strategically pre-installed between the non-complementary pairs. The overall topological features of two highly complex assemblies, a “barbell” and a “quadrilateral” form, were characterized experimentally and were in good agreement to the designs. This work expands the design paradigms for peptide-based discrete supramolecular assemblies and will provide a route for de novo fabrication of functional protein materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A review on the sizing and selection of control valves for thermal hydraulics for reactor system applications

This study presents an overview regarding how to model/size, choose, and maintain control valves (CVs) for a reactor system thermal hydraulics experimentation—specifically simulating pipe break(s) and a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) analysis. In a thermal hydraulics test loop, CVs modulate fluid flow according to the control signal generated by the controller to control the process parameter. The selection of a CV in industrial applications involves many factors, including process diversity, safety, and reliability. Further, the key issues and challenges for performing proper mathematical modeling, installation, servicing, and calibration are also discussed for the benefit of operators and end-users. Additionally, this research includes case studies illustrating major plant-level accidents associated with the malfunctioning of valves. Therefore, the study will serve as a knowledge base or reference guide for young professionals and operators who wish to better understand process control applications.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

HERO WEC V1.0 - WEC-Sim Model

This zip file contains the files that are needed to simulate NREL's HERO WEC (hydraulic and electric reverse osmosis wave energy converter). This requires the user to have already installed WEC-Sim. In addition to the standard toolboxes that are required to run WEC-Sim the user will also need the Simscape Fluids and Simscape Driveline packages. In the zip file you will find the following: - HEROV1_HPTO.slx: Simulink-based WEC Sim model of the first gen (V1.0) Hydraulic PTO (power take-off) that was designed for the HERO WEC - wecSimInputFile.m: Input file needed to run the model - userDefinedFunctionsMCR.m: MCR (multi condition run) script that is needed if a use wants to simulate multiple wave conditions. - geometry (folder): Includes the geometry file that is needed for visualization - hydroData (folder): Includes the required WAMIT data to run WEC-Sim

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

TCO Analysis Approach and Regional Analysis of dWPT for Class 8 Tractors

Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (dWPT) is a method by which battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can charge their battery while traveling on the road without the need for a physical conductive connection to the power source. dWPT has been proposed as a strategy to enable a reduction in vehicle battery capacity and associated mass and cost. In this slide deck presented at the EVs@Scale Consortium - Wireless Power Transfer Pillar Deep-Dive Meeting on November 11th, 2023, NREL provides results from an evaluation of dWPT using data from Class 8 tractors driving in the Atlanta Metro Area. NREL selected data for archetypal days representing local, regional, and long-haul trips, defined according to trip length, that included travel on primary roadways. EVI-InMotion (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure - InMotion), a systems planning and optimization tool developed at NREL, was used to evaluate dWPT performance assuming dWPT charging on 120 road segments for a total roadway lane distance of 2,365 miles. The EVI-InMotion results and representative day drive cycles were analyzed with NREL's T3CO (Transportation Technology Total Cost of Ownership) tool to estimate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for scenarios comprising two model years - 2030 and 2040 - and two technology progress cases. TCO was calculated for diesel, fuel cell electric, BEVs with batteries sized assuming no dWPT capabilities, and 200kWh BEVs with dWPT installed. This analysis finds that en-route stationary charging frequency and downtime when not on electrified roadways are the main contributors to TCO for the dWPT vehicles and that these vehicles can achieve cost parity with FCEVs at low electricity costs. Based on the scenario assumptions used here, low electricity costs would further help the cost parity with diesel vehicles in regional and long-haul cases due to stationary fueling downtime. This presentation also concludes that key factors affecting the parity potential of dWPT-capable vehicles include more extensive dWPT road coverage, higher en-route charging power, less expensive power batteries, and higher hydrogen or diesel fuel costs.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗

A Comparison of DER Voltage Regulation Technologies Using Real-Time Simulations

Grid operators are now considering using distributed energy resources (DERs) to provide distribution voltage regulation rather than installing costly voltage regulation hardware. DER devices include multiple adjustable reactive power control functions, so grid operators have the difficult decision of selecting the best operating mode and settings for the DER. In this work, we develop a novel state estimation-based particle swarm optimization (PSO) for distribution voltage regulation using DER-reactive power setpoints and establish a methodology to validate and compare it against alternative DER control technologies (volt–VAR (VV), extremum seeking control (ESC)) in increasingly higher fidelity environments. Distribution system real-time simulations with virtualized and power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL)-interfaced DER equipment were run to evaluate the implementations and select the best voltage regulation technique. Each method improved the distribution system voltage profile; VV did not reach the global optimum but the PSO and ESC methods optimized the reactive power contributions of multiple DER devices to approach the optimal solution.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗