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At least 775 records · Page 43

The MOOSE Thermal Hydraulics Module

The Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) is an open-source object-oriented finite element framework written in C++ (Lindsay et al., 2022). The Thermal Hydraulics Module (THM) is an optional MOOSE physics module that provides capabilities for studying thermal hydraulic systems. Its core capability lies in assembling a network of coupled components, for instance, pipes, junctions, and valves. THM provides several new systems to MOOSE to enable and facilitate thermal hydraulic simulations, most notably the Components system, which provides a higher-level syntax to MOOSE’s lower-level objects. This system is extensible by the user, but the current library primarily includes components based on a one-dimensional, single-phase, variable-area, compressible flow model, as well as heat conduction.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Bench Scale Testing of Next Generation Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules

This project seeks to develop a next generation membrane material (PI-2) for application in Air Liquide’s (AL) hybrid process. Combining the cold membrane operation with an integrated CO 2 Compression and Purification Unit (CPU) significantly reduces the overall cost of CO 2 capture. The proposed work will accelerate the membrane bundle fabrication, scale-up and performance validation of this new material. The proposed novel membrane development, combined with the results of the previous Cold Membrane Project, will provide the best opportunity for AL to meet the long term development targets of the DOE with respect to timing, cost, and performance for CO 2 capture. Our previous field test program (DE-FE0013163) showed promising results for the hybrid process utilizing the existing commercial AL membrane bundles (PI-1 material). The project work has also shown the potential for significant improvements through initial laboratory tests with the novel material (PI-2). The initial PI-2 results show a step-change in membrane permeance. This will enable further reduction in the cost of CO 2 capture by reducing the number of membrane modules and associated equipment in the system. In order to capture this value, however, the new material needs to be validated by field testing of large bundles, representative of commercial production. Lastly, a comprehensive evaluation of novel hybrid processes and costs needs to be completed to ensure optimal use of this improved material performance. The current project seeks to develop this next generation membrane to TRL 5 (approximately 600 - 1,000 Nm3/h flue gas, 350 - 600 scfm, 0.2 - 0.3 MWe equivalent). Air Liquide manufacturing methodology will be applied to fabricate prototype (4”) membrane modules from PI-2 material. Once the manufacturing methods prove reliable with the new material, and performance is demonstrated in line with expectation, 6” commercial scale bundles will be fabricated. Recognizing that a low cost membrane solution by itself may not meet DOE’s LCOE target for CO 2 capture, we will also perform simulation studies of novel hybrid processes in combination with the next generation membrane technology. This approach has the best potential for exceeding the DOE targets. The best evaluation of the new commercial units will be performance testing under real flue gas at the NCCC. Finally, a rigorous TEA, which incorporates the novel process studies and field performance, will be completed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

GPHS Module Pre-Impact test Temperature Prediction with ANSYS [PowerPoint]

The purpose of the project was to: Develop a finite element thermal model of the General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) Module loaded with four fueled clads; Perform steady state analysis to validate the thermal model via energy balance; Perform transient thermal analysis to predict clad temperatures at various times; and, Transient model results will be used to inform module soak time needed to reach a desired clad temperature prior to impact.

42 ENGINEERING↗

High-Accuracy Module Emulators from Physically-Constrained AI Algorithms

Focal Area(s): How do we use AI tools to integrate observations, simulated data and physical and chemical fundamentals (Focal Area 3) into model components (Focal Area 2) that have high accuracy and stability and low computational burden to improve Earth System Predictability? Science Challenge: Earth system modeling of the hydrological cycle involves compute-intensive modules representing complex chemical and physical process. Recently, AI tools that are far less compute intensive have been developed that emulate these modules, but many of these efforts are not yet sufficiently accurate or even stable. We know a lot about the physics and chemistry of earth system processes. The Science Challenge is developing AI tools that not only incorporate observations and simulated data, but also incorporate the physics and chemistry of the process, while still maintaining the compute efficiency.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Versatile Remediation Module Final Operational Testing Results

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) successfully demonstrated the Versatile Remediation Module (VRM), a prototype module designed and built by ORNL for performing the on-site remote repair of welded stainless-steel storage containers for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. This report describes the VRM prototype and its design features, components, qualification tests, operational procedures, and demonstration results to support continued long-term storage or off-site transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste currently stored in storage containers. A remote (i.e., 100 ft away from the simulated radiative environment) demonstration of the VRM was successfully performed on a full-scale mock-up welded stainless-steel canister. The VRM is designed with features to accommodate remediation techniques beyond those currently selected and described in this report. Therefore, many of the VRM’s features could benefit other remote nuclear or nonnuclear applications. The VRM is envisioned to serve as a development center to facilitate and enhance the further development of new remediation technologies.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

PACT Perovskite PV Module Stress Testing Protocol (Version 0.0)

The purpose of this protocol is to use accelerated stress testing to assess the durability of metal halide perovskite (MHP) photovoltaic (PV) modules. The protocol aims to apply field relevant stressors to packaged MHP modules to screen for early failures that may be observed in the field. The current protocol has been designed with a glass/glass-PIB edge seal, no encapsulant package in mind. PACT anticipates adding additional testing sequences to evaluate additional stressors (e.g., PID, reverse bias) in the future.

42 ENGINEERING↗

PACT Module Preconditioning Protocol (V.0.1)

The purpose of this protocol is to bring metal halide perovskite (MHP) modules to a repeatable and relevant state prior to making a performance measurement. Performance measurements are made before and after a stressor has been applied to the module to quantify the degree of loss resulting from the stressor. This procedure is intended to be carried out both before and after the accelerated test.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Module 6: Exercise 1: Fresh Fuel Receipt for a Nuclear Facility: Nuclear Security Controls [Slides]

This module presents an operational scenario to illustrate the NMAC functions that are recommended for nuclear security. After completing this module, participants should be able to: 1) Describe the role NMAC plays in implementing recommended nuclear security practices. 2) Discuss the coordination between other departments during a primarily NMAC operation.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Resilient GaN-based Power Module with Improved Diagnostic for Future Accelerator

Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test facility (DARHT) play a pivotal role in advancing scientific research and national security initiatives. As a premier facility for neutron science, LANSCE and DARHT provide invaluable insights into fundamental research, materials science, nuclear physics, high-energy physics, material science, and medical imaging. Existing (DC) power supply and pulse modulation technologies used in LANSCE and DARHT face limitations in terms of reliability, maintainability, and diagnostics which hinder the progress of these cutting-edge facilities. By proposing improvements to LANL accelerator facilities’ performance and addressing component failure, we aim to enhance scientific outcomes and minimize disruptions, allowing for more efficient and productive research activities while ensuring the continuity of valuable contributions to the user community. This proposal aims to revolutionize (DC) power supply and pulse power systems for future particle accelerators via the development of a resilient GaN-based power module with improved diagnostic and redundant submodules.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Numerical Studies of the On-Line Reactivity Monitoring Techniques in Subcritical Systems: Revisit of the Area-Ratio Method, the Neutron Source-Modulation Method, and the Flux-to-Current Ratio Method

In the subcritical systems, the subcriticality level must be monitored continuously to ensure the safe operation of the systems. Techniques such as the neutron source-modulation method and the flux-to-current ratio method have been proposed for on-line reactivity measurements of the subcritical systems. However, the accuracy of these methods is unknown in the actual applications. In this report, the fundamental concepts of these techniques are visited, with numerical simulation techniques developed to validate these on-line reactivity monitoring methodologies. Specifically, the Monte Carlo numerical simulation results show that the neutron source-modulation method is not accurate in determining the reactivity of the subcritical systems. The flux-to-current ratio method can provide on-line reactivity measurements, and its spatial effects have been studied and well understood through the numerical simulations of the fuel loading of the neutron source facility of Ukraine. In addition, a modified version of the area-ratio method is proposed for the on-line measurements of the absolute reactivity of the subcritical systems. Monte Carlo numerical simulations showed that this method can provide the absolute reactivity of the subcritical systems within ~5% error, if the neutron detectors are placed close to the fuel assembly interface with the reflector zone or in the reflector zones away from the neutron source.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Advanced Compact Generation Module with Fish Safe Runner Technology

Hydropower is an important contributor of stable, load-leveling renewable energy to our national grid. Increasingly, the development of new hydropower facilities or the retrofit of existing ones hinges not only on minimizing costs but also environmental impact. In this report, the analysis and testing of a modular and scalable low-head hydropower generation design using Natel Energy’s Restoration Hydro Turbine is described. This design leverages many established industry approaches for compactness and efficiency while simultaneously allowing for safe downstream fish passage through the turbines themselves. This unique approach reduces overall hydropower facility costs and enables a simpler inclusive method of project design and operation. To assess this design, mechanical and fluid computational analyses were used to study and optimize key parameters. Passage tests of important migratory species (salmonids, American eel) were conducted through representative turbines. The unique propeller geometry of the fish-safe Restoration Hydro Turbine was subjected to detailed design and testing using advanced manufacturing composite techniques. Comprehensive module cost models were developed and assessed alongside hydraulic efficiency. The results of this project show promising and economical applications for downstream passage offish through Restoration Hydro Turbine modules.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Advanced Fuel Cycle Cost Basis Report: Module D1-2 LWR Pelletized MOX Fuel Fabrication

Nature of this 2021 Module update from previous AFC-CBRs: Use of U,Pu MOX life cycle cost data from late 1970s Non-proliferation Assessment Systems Analysis Program (NASAP). This archived data has been updated in 2018-2019 to reflect today’s regulatory and economic conditions and is presented in 2017. For the lower unit cost MOX fabrication case the PuO 2 from the reprocessed LWR SNF is assumed to be fabricated immediately after aqueous PUREX reprocessing, thus minimizing the time for undesirable actinide radioisotopes, from the standpoint of radiation safety, to build in. Fabricated MOX utilizing separated and multi-year stored Pu from aqueously reprocessed SNF has also been added to this Module as a second LWR MOX fabrication variant, requiring additional and more costly glovebox design and operations to protect personnel. This new NASAP-informed data augments historical data and unit cost projections appearing in the 2009 (Shropshire et al 2009), 2012 (Dixon et al 2012), and 2017 Dixon et al 2017) AFC-CBRs. The “What-it-takes” 2017 unit fabrication cost values based on the updated NASAP studies are escalated to 2020$ for this 2021 Update Report.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Evaluating the performance of a high resolution SLIM IM module integrated with an Agilent 6560 IM-QTOF MS

Integrate a combined Structures of Lossless Ion Manipulations (SLIM) module that incorporates both constant (not time-varying) field (CF) and oscillatory (time-varying) field (OF) IM separation stages into an Agilent 6560 IM-QTOF mass spectrometer system. Once the SLIM module has been integrated into the Agilent system, its performance will be evaluated using a variety of different samples.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Advanced Fuel Cycle Cost Basis Report: Module D1-7 Contact-Handled Pelletized Pressurized Heavy Water (PHWR) UOX Fuel Fabrication (Rev.1)

In addition to literature-based pressurized heavy-water reactor (PHWR) fuel price information in the 2017 AFC-CBR, the what-it-takes (WIT) unit cost data in this update is informed by new analysis and escalation of the 1978 PHWR-UOX fuel life cycle cost (LCC) data from ORNL reports prepared for the 1977–1980 Nonproliferation Alternative Systems Assessment Program (NASAP). (These reports are referenced and summarized in detail in Module D1-PR.) The PHWR fuel fabrication LCC data in these reports is scaled from a bottom-up cost estimate for a reference technology pressurized-water reactor (PWR)—uranium oxide (UOX) fuel fabrication plant by using algorithms that consider the manufacturing process complexity, fuel design complexity, plant floor space requirements, and the radiation and health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) regulatory environment of PHWR-UOX fuel production vis-à-vis light-water reactor (LWR)-UOX production (PWR fuel in this case). The module name has been changed from “Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU)” to the more generic PHWR fuel fabrication in recognition that not all power reactors that might use this fuel type are considered. Unfortunately, the detailed algorithms and their design bases were not archived at the end of the NASAP effort of the commercial CANDU concept specifically developed in the middle of the last century by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

PV module operating conditions and temperature measurements: an open dataset for PV research

This report describes the structure and content of an open dataset created for the purpose of testing and validating PV module temperature prediction models and their parameters. The dataset contains the main environmental parameters that affect temperature: irradiance, ambient temperature, wind speed and down-welling infrared radiation, as well as measured back-of-module temperature.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Global horizontal spectral irradiance and module spectral response measurements: an open dataset for PV research

This report describes the creation process and final content of a spectral irradiance dataset for Albuquerque, New Mexico accompanied by a set of spectral response measurements for modules deployed at the same location. The spectral irradiance measurements were made using horizontally mounted spectroradiometers; therefore, they represent global horizontal irradiance. The dataset combines non-continuous spectroradiometer and weather measurements from a two-year period into a single calendar year. The data files are accompanied by extensive metadata as well as example calculations and graphs to demonstrate the potential uses of this database. The spectral response measurements were carried out by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory using 12 commercial silicon modules types that are undergoing long-term evaluation at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Advanced Fuel Cycle Cost Basis Report: Module D1-1: Uranium-based Ceramic LWR Fuel Fabrication (Rev.2)

Cost module on LWR fuel fabrication to accompany the Advanced Fuel Cycle Cost Basis Report. In this update, we are adding detailed life cycle cost data and a calculated, levelized fabrication cost derived from a non-proprietary bottom-up estimate prepared in 1978 by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) (Judkins and Olsen 1978a). In 2018, the 1978 ORNL estimate was escalated by SA&I authors to 2017 USD using factors that represent inflation, escalation above inflation typical of nuclear projects, and the effects of more stringent safety and environmental regulations. In this FY-21 document, the $/kgU results in 2017 USD from the unpublished 2018 interim study (Williams and Ganda 2018) can be escalated to 2020 USD using a factor of 1.052. The literature-based unit cost (or price) data from previous (2004–2017) AFC-CBRs are escalated to 2020 USD using factors from Chapter 8 of the main FY-21 AFC-CBR document. This data, in addition to the results of the updated bottom-up estimate, are used to define the “what-it-takes” (WIT) range for the unit fabrication costs for conventional ceramic UOX light-water reactor (LWR) fuel. This FY-23 document also includes calculated unit costs for accident-tolerant LWR fuels (ATFs) of three different types. Some of these fuels constitute a ceramic pelletized form with fuel meat uranium compounds other than UO2 (a.k.a.,. UOX), thus the change in the title of this module in which the word “UO2” is changed to “Uranium-based Ceramic.”

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗