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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 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Transconvolution and the virtual positron emission tomograph-A new method for cross calibration in quantitative PET/CT imaging

Purpose: Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) measurements on small lesions are impaired by the partial volume effect, which is intrinsically tied to the point spread function of the actual imaging system, including the reconstruction algorithms. The variability resulting from different point spread functions hinders the assessment of quantitative measurements in clinical routine and especially degrades comparability within multicenter trials. To improve quantitative comparability there is a need for methods to match different PET/CT systems through elimination of this systemic variability. Consequently, a new method was developed and tested that transforms the image of an object as produced by one tomograph to another image of the same object as it would have been seen by a different tomograph. The proposed new method, termed Transconvolution, compensates for differing imaging properties of different tomographs and particularly aims at quantitative comparability of PET/CT in the context of multicenter trials. Methods: To solve the problem of image normalization, the theory of Transconvolution was mathematically established together with new methods to handle point spread functions of different PET/CT systems. Knowing the point spread functions of two different imaging systems allows determining a Transconvolution function to convert one image into the other. This function is calculated by convolving one point spread function with the inverse of the other point spread function which, when adhering to certain boundary conditions such as the use of linear acquisition and image reconstruction methods, is a numerically accessible operation. For reliable measurement of such point spread functions characterizing different PET/CT systems, a dedicated solid-state phantom incorporating {sup 68}Ge/{sup 68}Ga filled spheres was developed. To iteratively determine and represent such point spread functions, exponential density functions in combination with a Gaussian distribution were introduced. Furthermore, simulation of a virtual PET system provided a standard imaging system with clearly defined properties to which the real PET systems were to be matched. A Hann window served as the modulation transfer function for the virtual PET. The Hann's apodization properties suppressed high spatial frequencies above a certain critical frequency, thereby fulfilling the above-mentioned boundary conditions. The determined point spread functions were subsequently used by the novel Transconvolution algorithm to match different PET/CT systems onto the virtual PET system. Finally, the theoretically elaborated Transconvolution method was validated transforming phantom images acquired on two different PET systems to nearly identical data sets, as they would be imaged by the virtual PET system. Results: The proposed Transconvolution method matched different PET/CT-systems for an improved and reproducible determination of a normalized activity concentration. The highest difference in measured activity concentration between the two different PET systems of 18.2% was found in spheres of 2 ml volume. Transconvolution reduced this difference down to 1.6%. In addition to reestablishing comparability the new method with its parameterization of point spread functions allowed a full characterization of imaging properties of the examined tomographs. Conclusions: By matching different tomographs to a virtual standardized imaging system, Transconvolution opens a new comprehensive method for cross calibration in quantitative PET imaging. The use of a virtual PET system restores comparability between data sets from different PET systems by exerting a common, reproducible, and defined partial volume effect.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Implementation of Design Changes Towards a More Reliable, Hands-off Magnetron Ion Source

As the main H- ion source for the accelerator complex, magnetron ion sources have been used at Fermilab since the 1970’s. At the offline test stand, new R&D is carried out to develop and upgrade the present magnetron-type sources of H- ions of up to 80 mA and 35 keV beam energy in the context of the Proton Improvement Plan. The aim of this plan is to provide high-power proton beams for the experiments at FNAL. In order to reduce the amount of tuning and monitoring of these ion sources, a new electronic system consisting of a current-regulated arc discharge modulator allow the ion source to run at a constant arc current for improved beam output and operation. A solenoid-type gas valve feeds H2 gas into the source precisely and independently of ambient temperature. This summary will cover several studies and design changes that have been tested and will eventually be implemented on the operational magnetron sources at Fermilab. Innovative results for this type of ion source include cathode geometries, solenoid gas valves, current controlled arc pulser, cesium boiler redesign, gas mixtures of hydrogen and nitrogen, and duty factor reduction, with the aim to improve source lifetime, stability, and reducing the amount of tuning needed. In this summary, I will highlight the advances made in ion sources at Fermilab and will outline the directions of the continuing R&D effort.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Monolayer Vanadium‐Doped Tungsten Disulfide: A Room‐Temperature Dilute Magnetic Semiconductor

Abstract Dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS), achieved through substitutional doping of spin‐polarized transition metals into semiconducting systems, enable experimental modulation of spin dynamics in ways that hold great promise for novel magneto–electric or magneto–optical devices, especially for two‐dimensional (2D) systems such as transition metal dichalcogenides that accentuate interactions and activate valley degrees of freedom. Practical applications of 2D magnetism will likely require room‐temperature operation, air stability, and (for magnetic semiconductors) the ability to achieve optimal doping levels without dopant aggregation. Here, room‐temperature ferromagnetic order obtained in semiconducting vanadium‐doped tungsten disulfide monolayers produced by a reliable single‐step film sulfidation method across an exceptionally wide range of vanadium concentrations, up to 12 at% with minimal dopant aggregation, is described. These monolayers develop p‐type transport as a function of vanadium incorporation and rapidly reach ambipolarity. Ferromagnetism peaks at an intermediate vanadium concentration of ~2 at% and decreases for higher concentrations, which is consistent with quenching due to orbital hybridization at closer vanadium–vanadium spacings, as supported by transmission electron microscopy, magnetometry, and first‐principles calculations. Room‐temperature 2D‐DMS provide a new component to expand the functional scope of van der Waals heterostructures and bring semiconducting magnetic 2D heterostructures into the realm of practical application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Solid–liquid separation of lignocellulosic sugars from biomass by rotating ceramic disc filtration

In many biomass conversion processes, the separation of cellulosic sugars from residual, lignin-rich solids is a critical step, and achieving high recovery yields of sugars by conventional tangential crossflow and vacuum filtration is challenged by the presence of biomass solids, which rapidly foul filters, resulting in decreased throughput. Considering the performance limitations of traditional filtration methods, dynamic filtration, which generates high shear at the membrane surface to decrease fouling, is emerging as a viable alternative for demanding solid–liquid separations. For high solids separations, there is little available information regarding the performance, limitations, and energy consumption of dynamic filtration. To that end, here we characterized the performance of a dynamic filtration module, specifically a rotating ceramic disc (RCD) filter, for the aseptic recovery of cellulosic sugars from biomass solids following pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. We show how RCD rotational velocity and percent biomass solids impact the filter throughput. Additionally, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to estimate the shear rate at the membrane surface and to visualize hydrodynamic profiles within the module. With the combined CFD simulations and experimental results, we estimated the energy demand and operating expenses for a viable dynamic filtration system operating with a lignocellulosic feed slurry. Our results indicate that an RCD filter can achieve ≥95% recovery of sugars and produce a retentate slurry containing 12 wt% insoluble solids with low energy consumption (a 2.2-fold improvement over cross-flow filtration) and low operating costs ($\$$0.06 per kg sugars). These results show a viable path towards operationally reliable, energy efficient, and cost-effective separations of sterilized cellulosic sugars from biomass solids and highlight the potential of dynamic filtration systems for challenging solid–liquid separations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Executive Summary to PDCI Oscillation Damping Controller Software Documentation

This report serves as the executive summary to the comprehensive document that describes the software, control logic, and operational functions of the Pacific DC Intertie (PDCI) Oscillation Damping Controller. The purpose of the damping controller (DCON) is to mitigate inter-area oscillations in the Western Interconnection (WI) by active improvement of oscillatory mode damping using phasor measurement unit (PMU) feedback to modulate power flow in the PDCI. This report provides the high level descriptions, diagrams, and charts to receive a basic understanding of the organization and structure of the DCON software. This report complements the much longer comprehensive software document, and it does not include any proprietary information as the more comprehensive report does. The level of detail provided by the comprehensive report on the software documentation is intended to assist with the process needed to obtain compliance for North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC-CIP) as a Bulk energy system Cyber Asset (BCA) device. That report organizes, summarizes, and presents the charts, figures, and flow diagrams that detail the organization and function of the damping controller software. The PDCI Wide-Area Damping Controller is the result of a collaboration between Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Montana Tech University (MTU), and the Department of Energy (DOE).

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2015

SOFC Systems with Improved Reliability and Endurance

The overall goal of this U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored project was the development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology suitable for ultra-efficient central power generation systems utilizing coal and natural gas fuels and featuring greater than 90% carbon dioxide capture. The specific technical objective of this project was to demonstrate, via analyses and testing, progress towards adequate stack life (≥ 4 years) and stack performance stability (degradation rate ≤ 0.2% per 1000 hours) in a low-cost SOFC stack design. This final technical report summarizes the progress made during the project period of 27 months. Significant progress was made in the areas of cell and stack technology development, stack module development, sub-scale module tests, and Proof-of-Concept Module unit design, fabrication and testing. The work focused on cell and stack materials and designs, balance-of-plant improvements, and performance evaluation covering operating conditions and fuel compositions anticipated for commercially-deployed systems. In support of performance evaluation under commercial conditions, this work included the design, fabrication, siting, commissioning, and operation of a ≥ 50 kWe proof-of-concept module (PCM) power plant, based upon SOFC cell and stack technology developed to date by FuelCell Energy, Inc. (FCE) under the Office of Fossil Energy’s Solid Oxide Fuel Cells program. The PCM system was operated for at least 1000 hours on natural gas fuel at FCE’s facility. The factory cost of the SOFC stack was estimated to be at or below the DOE’s high-volume production cost target (2011 $).

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2017

Implementation of Design Changes Towards a More Reliable, Hands-off Magnetron Ion Source [Slides]

As the main H- ion source for the accelerator complex, magnetron ion sources have been used at Fermilab since the 1970’s. At the offline test stand, new R&D is carried out to develop and upgrade the present magnetron-type sources of H- ions of up to 80 mA and 35 keV beam energy in the context of the Proton Improvement Plan. The aim of this plan is to provide high-power proton beams for the experiments at FNAL. In order to reduce the amount of tuning and monitoring of these ion sources, a new electronic system consisting of a current-regulated arc discharge modulator allow the ion source to run at a constant arc current for improved beam output and operation. A solenoid-type gas valve feeds H2 gas into the source precisely and independently of ambient temperature. This summary will cover several studies and design changes that have been tested and will eventually be implemented on the operational magnetron sources at Fermilab. Innovative results for this type of io n source include cathode geometries, solenoid gas valves, current controlled arc pulser, cesium boiler redesign, gas mixtures of hydrogen and nitrogen, and duty factor reduction, with the aim to improve source lifetime, stability, and reducing the amount of tuning needed. In this summary, I will highlight the advances made in ion sources at Fermilab and will outline the directions of the continuing R&D effort.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Impact of atmospheric turbulence on performance and loads of wind turbines: knowledge gaps and research challenges

Wind energy harvesting from the atmosphere takes place in the atmospheric boundary layer. The boundary layer shear and buoyancy create three-dimensional turbulent eddies spanning a range of scales that form a continuous forward cascade of kinetic energy to the smallest scales of motion where energy is dissipated. Large-scale atmospheric circulations modulate the boundary layer turbulence, characterized by coherence and intermittency. As wind turbines grow in size and the integrated control of both turbines and wind farms spans greater distances, the relationship between the scales of atmospheric turbulence and the design and operation of wind energy facilities has entered new territory. The boundary layer turbulence impacts both wind turbine power production and turbine loads. Optimizing wind turbine and wind farm performance requires an understanding of how turbulence affects both wind turbine efficiency and reliability. While the characteristics of atmospheric boundary layer turbulence have been observed and studied in detail over the last few decades, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the impact of turbulence on wind power resources and wind farm operations. This paper outlines the current state of turbulence research relevant to wind energy applications and points to gaps in our knowledge that need to be addressed to effectively utilize wind resources.

Kosović, Branko [Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, M↗
DOE OSTI2018

Differential degradation patterns of photovoltaic backsheets at the array level

There are relatively few field studies on the degradation of non-fluoropolymer-based backsheets, and understanding their in-field behavior is critical for further development of such products. In this paper, backsheet degradation of modules with one of these new types of backsheets (polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)-based) was documented at a four-year old utility-scale array located in Maryland (USA). Visual inspection, colorimetry, glossimetry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed highly varied properties depending on module position within the array. Specifically, modules near the edge of the array and with higher mounting elevations underwent greater amounts of backsheet degradation, as indicated by yellowing and gloss-loss. The reason for these unique degradation patterns were differential backside exposure conditions, especially of ultraviolet light. This was strongly influenced by the array design, including array structural and environmental factors, such as module spacing and ground cover, respectively. Within the array, no clear link between backsheet degradation and module output or safety has been identified. However, such a relationship may be expected to become more pronounced with time, affecting system lifetime and ultimately the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Finally, the observed phenomena have implications for both backsheet product development and array design, especially for modules that utilize newer classes of non-fluoropolymer-based backsheets which are typically more susceptible to environmental degradation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Low Cost (CAPEX and variable): Tool design for cell and module fabrication with thin, free-standing silicon wafers

This project aimed to develop technologies that can potentially enable free-standing thin (<80 μm) wafer in today’s manufacturing lines with high production yield, and thereby reduce capex barriers of silicon photovoltaics cells and modules. One of the major benefits is that thin wafer dramatically reduces the amount of polysilicon required. As a result, it can lead to reduction in the capital expenditures associated with polysilicon refining and wafer fabrication, which together are more than half of the total capital expenditure to manufacture Si PV module. We focused our efforts on developing the tools needed to enable high yield fabrication of wafer, cell, and module with thin silicon wafers. However, as the wafer thickness reduces, the major challenge is that wafer breakage increases significantly. Three technological areas were explored in this project to improve the production yield of the silicon wafer, namely detection of edge cracks via dark-field near-infrared (NIR) scattering; (2) wafer handling using controlled temperature profiles; (3) manufacturable low-stress cell interconnection for multiwire. First, the formation of wafer cracks in submillimeter length is one of the reasons that causes wafer breakages. Crack detection tools are needed to enable us to locate and track the wafer crack during manufacturing, so that we can improve the process to reduce initialization. The state-of-the-art crack detection technique cannot fulfill the need for measuring submillimeter edge cracks detrimental for thin wafers. The prototype developed in this project demonstrates the scanning of microcracks near wafer edges. With a semi-automatic laboratory setup, the submillimeter cracks were reliably detected near the edges in multi-Si wafers. The smallest detectable crack is 200 µm in length in slow scans; and submillimeter cracks are detected in high-throughput scans at the scan speed of >0.5 m/s, which is compatible with the inline detection of a manufacturing line at least 1 sec/wafer. This detection limit is a significant advancement in comparison to the benchmarked industrial tool. Second, wafer handling with the well-controlled temperature profile was thought to be the solution to reduce crack initiation and propagation during the manufacturing. However, without crack detection being widely adopted in production line, we did not find a strong industrial pull toward this technology. We did an initial literature survey and then diverted our efforts to the other tasks. Third, the innovation on low-stress multi-wire interconnection tackles a fundamental problem in the standard interconnection scheme. The standard over-under “zig-zag” interconnection induces a significant amount of stress into the soldering point on the cell whenever PV module is under stress, e.g., thermal cycling, transportation, and installation. Therefore, the interconnection process was re-designed in this project to allow for significant movement between adjacent solar cells, e.g., due to thermal expansion, without building up stresses on the solar cells or solder joints. The new interconnection method with the cross-connect wire also simplifies the tabbing and stringing process by replacing the standard over-under method with an off-cell interconnect from top to bottom. A manual tabbing and stringing tool for this new process was prototyped in the lab to demonstrate the fabrication of this new interconnection design. During the test with brass sheets as our “testing cells”, it was found that the mechanical cycling test only broke the interconnection after more than 50,000 cycles, which is equivalent to more than 130 years of the day-and-night thermal cycles. Lastly, throughout the project, we continuously analyzed the PV market with techno-economic analysis to identify the opportunity for thin Si adoption. Even though the drastic cost reduction has already happened in the past five years, our analysis results indicated that we can still save quite significantly in both manufacturing cost and factory capex, Particularly, in order to grow the PV manufacturing capacity to multi-terawatt level, reducing the thickness of silicon wafer is one of the most effective ways to quickly reduce factory capex, and sustain the high growth rate. The technologies developed in this project are readily available to provide some assistances in tackling the production yield problem.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Reduced Free Energy Perturbation/Hamiltonian Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics Method with Unbiased Alchemical Thermodynamic Axis

We report that replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) has been proven to efficiently improve the convergence of free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations involving considerable reorganization of their surrounding. We previously introduced the FEP/(λ,H)-REMD algorithm for ligand binding, in which replicas along the alchemical thermodynamic coupling axis λ were expanded as a series of Hamiltonian boosted replicas along a second axis to form a two-dimensional (2D) replica-exchange exchange map [Jiang, W.; Roux, B., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2010, 6 (9), 2559-2565]. Aiming to achieve a similar performance at a lower computational cost, we propose here a modified version of this algorithm in which only the end-states along the alchemical axis are augmented by boosted replicas. The reduced FEP/(λ,H)-REMD method with one-dimensional (1D) unbiased alchemical thermodynamic coupling axis λ is implemented on the basis of generic multiple copy algorithm (MCA) module of the biomolecular simulation program NAMD. The flexible MCA framework of NAMD enables a user to design customized replica-exchange patterns through Tcl scripting in the context of a highly parallelized simulation program without touching the source code. Two Hamiltonian tempering boosting scheme were examined with the new algorithm: a first one based on potential energy rescaling of a pre-identified “solute”, and a second one via the introduction of flattening torsional free energy barriers. As two illustrative examples with reliable experiment data, the absolute binding free energies of pxylene and n-butylbenzene to the nonpolar cavity of the L99A mutant of T4 lysozyme were calculated. Lastly, the tests demonstrate that the new protocol efficiently enhances the sampling of torsional motions for backbone and side chains around the binding pocket and accelerates the convergence of the free energy computations.

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

Upscaling of asymmetric hollow fiber‐supported thin film membranes for oxygen separation from air: Proof of concept

Abstract Hollow fiber membranes demonstrate various advantages for high performance oxygen separation. However, the small diameters of hollow fibers and the brittleness of ceramics limit their mechanical strength, imposing great difficulties on stack and module development. Gas‐tight sealing is another challenge for upscaling of hollow fiber membrane technology. Low temperature sealant materials of epoxy resin or silicon are typically used for hollow fiber stacks, requiring that the sealing portions be located out of hot zone. Consequently, only partial length of hollow fibers participates in oxygen permeation. In this study, upscaling of our recently developed asymmetric hollow fiber‐supported thin film membranes is conducted, where individual hollow fibers are assembled in parallel to form a stack. A reliable gas‐tight sealing is obtained by combining ceramic paste with conductive adhesive ink cohesively. Comprehensive oxygen permeation test is conducted with the sealing portions being in hot zone and compared with a single hollow fiber membrane. Fundamental mechanism is discussed to understand the performances and their differences. An accelerated long‐term test (∼320 h, 16 thermal cycles) demonstrates excellent stability and robustness of the stack and sealing. The characterization of post‐test samples further confirms excellent stability and robustness of the phases and microstructures of the stack.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluating pulse-shaping capabilities of next-generation pulsed power architectures

This project evaluated the pulse shaping capabilities of next-generation pulsed power (NGPP) architectures. NGPP architectures share several common attributes including multiple independent pulse-generation lines, a radial water-insulated impedance transformer, and a central vacuum insulated load region. A multi-module circuit model was developed, incorporating independent pulse-generation lines and a 2-D transmission line mesh of the radial impedance transformer to assess the effects of azimuthal asymmetry in pulse-shaped experiments. Circuit model simulations demonstrated that NGPP architectures are able to produce the the desired current pulse shapes for exemplar NGPP experiments. Additionally, the project explored automated methods for experiment design, including derivative -ree optimization and machine learning. Pulse-shaped experiments require designers to determine machine parameters that reliably produce the desired current pulse at the load, a process that typically relies on expert knowledge and iterative adjustments using the Z circuit model. Given the increased complexity of NGPP systems, this manual approach may be impractical. While the evaluated methods do not eliminate the need for manual iteration, they can reduce the time required for experiment design. Derivative-free optimization automates much of the trial-and-error process, providing a close starting point for manual adjustments or making small modifications to near-final designs. Meanwhile, deep neural network methods can generate a good qualitative match to the desired current pulse in under one second without requiring circuit model simulations.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2013

Bimodal atomic force microscopy driving the higher eigenmode in frequency-modulation mode: Implementation, advantages, disadvantages and comparison to the open-loop case

We present an overview of the bimodal amplitude–frequency-modulation (AM-FM) imaging mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM), whereby the fundamental eigenmode is driven by using the amplitude-modulation technique (AM-AFM) while a higher eigenmode is driven by using either the constant-excitation or the constant-amplitude variant of the frequency-modulation (FM-AFM) technique. We also offer a comparison to the original bimodal AFM method, in which the higher eigenmode is driven with constant frequency and constant excitation amplitude. General as well as particular characteristics of the different driving schemes are highlighted from theoretical and experimental points of view, revealing the advantages and disadvantages of each. This study provides information and guidelines that can be useful in selecting the most appropriate operation mode to characterize different samples in the most efficient and reliable way.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Developing Multiphysics, Integrated, High-Fidelity, Massively Parallel Computational Capabilities for Fusion Applications Using MOOSE

As the need for fusion as a clean, sustainable, and abundant energy source grows internationally, so does the need for multiphysics, computational tools to model, study, and predict the complex interactions between plasma, materials, and engineering processes. These tools have a crucial role to play in solving scientific and engineering challenges and accelerating fusion energy deployment. To address these needs, modeling capabilities should enable massively parallel, multiphysics, fully integrated high-fidelity simulations of fusion systems. Additional attributes, such as being open source and modular while maintaining high software quality assurance standards will maximize impact by ensuring accessibility for all and wide acceptance, rapid expansion and development, as well as reliability, efficiency, and robustness. In this paper, we describe how the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework, which has a track record of success in the fission space thanks to the attributes listed above, can be leveraged in the fusion energy field. We highlight key successes of the MOOSE application in the fission space and describe how MOOSE has been and is being applied to fusion applications in the United States---e.g., Tritium Migration Analysis Program, version 8 (TMAP8), MOOSE Fusion Module, Fusion ENergy Integrated multiphys-X (FENIX)---and the United Kingdom---e.g., AURORA, Achlys, Apollo. These efforts aim to establish a suite of tools that can be further extended to accelerate fusion energy deployment.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Big Data Framework with Machine Learning for D and D Applications - 19108

The nuclear industry is experiencing a steady increase in maintenance costs even though plants are maintained under high levels of safety, capability and reliability. Nuclear power plants are expected to run every unit at maximum capacity at all times, efficiently utilizing assets with minimal downtime. Surveillance and maintenance of nuclear decommissioning infrastructure provides lot challenges with respect to maintenance or decommissioning of the buildings. There is a need for a framework to analyze the huge amount of data generated by the sensors on the nuclear reactor components as well as structures, to monitor the conditions of these building over a period of time. Emerging technologies such as big data analytics have become a requirement in the nuclear industry to improve structural health monitoring and diagnostics. FIU will make use of existing mature technologies in the areas of imaging, robotics, big data, and machine learning/deep learning to assess the structural integrity of aging facilities at DOE sites. As these facilities await decommissioning, there is a need to understand the structural health of these structures. Many of these facilities were built over 50 years ago and in some cases these facilities have gone beyond the operational life expectancy. In other cases, the facilities have been placed in a state of 'cold and dark' and they are sitting unused, awaiting decommissioning. Finally, some older facilities are one-of-a-kind operational/production facilities supporting critical DOE missions and cannot be shut down. In any of these scenarios, the structural integrity of these facilities may be compromised, so it is imperative that adequate inspections and data collection/analysis be performed on a continuous and ongoing basis. The primary goals of the research include collecting various formats of data such as structured, unstructured and streaming data from the various sensors deployed in buildings, collect videos/pictures from various imaging sources, ingest them using a Hadoop distributed file system and process the data using Spark to perform batch processing and real time analytics. Research and development on various machine learning/deep learning algorithms will also be performed to analyze the heterogeneous data collected from nuclear decommission infrastructure. FIU will design the big data framework to ingest, store and process huge amounts of heterogeneous data collected from many sources and optimize the algorithms to provide insights into the data and predict anomalies observed when compared against baseline conditions. Various modules of this framework will include heterogeneous data sources, message broker, Hadoop distributed file system, Spark for stream and batch processing, machine learning/ deep learning, Cassandra - persistent data store and visualization. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2013

In-Line Crack and Stress Detection in Silicon Solar Cells Using Resonance Ultrasonic Vibrations

The Phase II project has the following specific tasks: (i) specify optimal configurations of the in-line system's component hardware and software; (ii) develop and justify a system prototype that meets major specifications for an in-line crack detection unit, such as high throughput rate, high level of stability, reproducibility of data acquisition and analysis, and high sensitivity with respect to crack length and crack location; (iii) design a system platform that allows easy integration within and adaptation to various solar cell belt-type production lines; (iv) develop a testing protocol providing quality certification of the production-grade system. Commercial Application of the proposed activity consists of bringing to the solar market a new high-tech product based on an innovative solution and patented methodology to contribute to cost reduction of silicon solar module production. The solar industry, with crystalline silicon as a dominant segment, shows outstanding performance, with approximately 25% yearly growth during the last years. Despite a slowdown with only 5.6 GW installations in 2009, solar module production for the 2010 and 2011 years was recovered. According to European Photonics Industry Consortium new solar PV installations grow by 56% compared to 2010 reached 64.7 GW in 2011. Revenues in the PV industry reached a record high of $93 billion in 2011, a 13.4 percent gain over 2010 and 150 percent over 2009. This growth was forecasted to continue in 2013 with double digits growth. The solar industry is economically driven to make solar panels of the highest conversion efficiency and reliability at the lowest production cost. The Resonance Ultrasonic Vibration system addresses critical needs of the silicon-based solar industry by providing a quality control method and tool, which will improve productivity, increase reliability of products and reduce manufacturing cost of solar panels.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗