Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “operator complexity”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 901 records · Page 50

A Mechanically Tuned Superconducting Main Injector Cavity

Radio Frequency (RF) superconductivity has been a mainstay of accelerator science for decades. However, its benefits have yet to be applied to proton synchrotrons with demanding tuning requirements. For example, the Main Injector (MI), Fermilab's high-energy proton synchrotron, currently utilizes 20+ ferrite-loaded cavities for a targeted 1.2 s acceleration cycle. Harnessing the extremely high gradients associated with superconductivity, the required number of cavities could be reduced by an order of magnitude, dramatically lowering operational power requirements even with cryogenic considerations. Additionally, the current plans for the Fermilab Accelerator Complex Evolution (ACE) initiative involve almost doubling the number of cavities in MI if the same designs are to be used, further highlighting the potential benefits of superconductivity. These advantages are attractive, but to date, no tunable superconducting cavity suitable for MI has been proposed due to the incompatibility of conventional broadband tuning methods with superconductivity. Here, we present a tunable superconducting cavity concept capable of record-breaking performance. Tuning will be accomplished by using high-speed linear actuators to vary the insertion depth of metallic plungers into the cavity volume. This tuning concept is theoretically viable with currently available technology and will be fully compatible with a superconducting cavity.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Electromagnetic Transient Modeling of Large Data Centers for Grid-Level Studies

The magnitude and complexity of electricity usage patterns from large data centers are having significant impacts on the operation and dynamics of the power grid; grid operators and planners require a range of specialized data center models to properly evaluate these impacts and specify technical solutions as needed. Towards addressing this need, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a library of electromagnetic transient (EMT) models for grid-level studies of data centers called the data center model library (DML). This report describes how the DML was created and how it may properly be used. The models present in the DML are generic models; subject matter expertise and additional technical data are needed to modify these models before they can represent any real data center. However, they will significantly reduce the level of effort required to develop site-specific models and can serve as a common starting point to guide industry towards a more refined consensus. Most of the models within DML are dedicated to representing the power electronics interfaces commonly used in modern data centers, such as double-conversion uninterruptible power supplies and single-phase power factor correction converters. These models are intended for use in grid-level studies and are a simplified aggregation of many small components. That said, background material on the physical and electrical design of large data centers is provided as companion material so that users can be aware of many of the details which have been omitted or streamlined as a matter of practical necessity. Additionally, guidance on the application of EMT analysis for data center interconnection studies is provided, which aids users in identifying when the DML is necessary and what sort of additional model development may be necessary for conducting real-world studies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Electromagnetic Transient Modeling of Large Data Centers for Grid-Level Studies: Beta Release

The magnitude and complexity of electricity usage patterns from large data centers are having significant impacts on the operation and dynamics of the power grid; grid operators and planners require a range of specialized data center models to properly evaluate these impacts and specify technical solutions as needed. Towards addressing this need, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a library of electromagnetic transient (EMT) models for grid-level studies of data centers called the data center model library (DML). This report describes how the DML was created and how it may properly be used. This report details the DML’s beta release, completed in July 2026. This is a revision and expansion of the alpha release, which was made available in January 2026 The models present in the DML are generic models; subject matter expertise and additional technical data are needed to modify these models before they can represent any real data center. However, they will significantly reduce the level of effort required to develop site-specific models and can serve as a common starting point to guide industry towards a more refined consensus. Most of the models within DML are dedicated to representing the power electronics interfaces commonly used in modern data centers, such as double-conversion uninterruptible power supplies and single-phase power factor correction converters. These models are intended for use in grid-level studies and are a simplified aggregation of many small components. That said, background material on the physical and electrical design of large data centers is provided as companion material so that users can be aware of many of the details which have been omitted or streamlined as a matter of practical necessity. Additionally, guidance on the application of EMT analysis for data center interconnection studies is provided, which aids users in identifying when the DML is necessary and what sort of additional model development may be necessary for conducting real-world studies.

electromagnetic transients↗

General quantum algorithms for Hamiltonian simulation with applications to a non-Abelian lattice gauge theory

With a focus on universal quantum computing for quantum simulation, and through the example of lattice gauge theories, we introduce rather general quantum algorithms that can efficiently simulate certain classes of interactions consisting of correlated changes in multiple (bosonic and fermionic) quantum numbers with non-trivial functional coefficients. In particular, we analyze diagonalization of Hamiltonian terms using a singular-value decomposition technique, and discuss how the achieved diagonal unitaries in the digitized time-evolution operator can be implemented. The lattice gauge theory studied is the SU(2) gauge theory in 1+1 dimensions coupled to one flavor of staggered fermions, for which a complete quantum-resource analysis within different computational models is presented. The algorithms are shown to be applicable to higher-dimensional theories as well as to other Abelian and non-Abelian gauge theories. The example chosen further demonstrates the importance of adopting efficient theoretical formulations: it is shown that an explicitly gauge-invariant formulation using loop, string, and hadron degrees of freedom simplifies the algorithms and lowers the cost compared with the standard formulations based on angular-momentum as well as the Schwinger-boson degrees of freedom. The loop-string-hadron formulation further retains the non-Abelian gauge symmetry despite the inexactness of the digitized simulation, without the need for costly controlled operations. Such theoretical and algorithmic considerations are likely to be essential in quantumly simulating other complex theories of relevance to nature.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Next-Level Energy Management in Manufacturing: Facility-Level Energy Digital Twin Framework Based on Machine Learning and Automated Data Collection

This research introduces an energy prediction framework at the facility level supported by automated data collection and machine learning models. It investigates whether reducing the prediction time scale allows for applying more complex machine learning techniques and if those techniques improve the prediction accuracy. The primary advantages of this framework lie in its automation of the energy prediction process and its provision of real-time energy data suitable for use in energy dashboards or digital twins. A sitewide dataset was created by combining 15 min energy and daily production data of five shops—assembly, battery, body (electric), body (gas), and paint—from a globally recognized electric vehicle manufacturer. Various machine learning models were evaluated on daily, weekly, and monthly datasets, including, in increasingly complex order: naïve, simple linear regression, net regularized generalized linear regression, principal component regression, k-nearest neighbor, random forest, and Bayesian regularized neural network. Compared to the current state-of-the-art energy consumption prediction for the industrial facility level, this research investigates more complex models and smaller time intervals for higher accuracy. The findings revealed that the more complex monthly models require a minimum of a year and a half of data to operate, while weekly models demand a year of data to achieve improved accuracy. Daily models can operate with only six months of data but exhibit poor performance due to reduced prediction accuracy of production. Key challenges identified include access to reliable, high-quality energy and production data and the initial demand for human labor.

digital twin↗

MOCMC: Method of Characteristics Moment Closure, a Numerical Method for Covariant Radiation Magnetohydrodynamics

In this work, we present a conservative numerical method for radiation magnetohydrodynamics with frequency-dependent full transport in stationary spacetimes. This method is stable and accurate for both large and small optical depths and radiation pressures. The radiation stress–energy tensor is evolved in flux-conservative form, and closed with a swarm of samples that each transport a multigroup representation of the invariant specific intensity along a null geodesic. In each zone, the enclosed samples are used to efficiently construct a Delaunay triangulation of the unit sphere in the comoving frame, which in turn is used to calculate the Eddington tensor, average source terms, and adaptively refine the sample swarm. Furthermore, radiation four-forces are evaluated in the moment sector in a semi-implicit fashion. The radiative transfer equation is solved in invariant form deterministically for each sample. Since each sample carries a discrete representation of the full spectrum, the cost of evaluating the transport operator is independent of the number of frequency groups, representing a significant reduction of algorithmic complexity for transport in frequency-dependent problems. The major approximation we make in this work is performing scattering in an angle-averaged way. Local adaptivity in samples also makes this scheme more amenable to nonuniform meshes than a traditional Monte Carlo method. We describe the method and present results on a suite of test problems. We find that Method of Characteristics Moment Closure converges at least as ~N -1 , rather than the canonical Monte Carlo N -1/2 , where N is the number of samples per zone.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

OPTIMAL CONTROL AND ENERGY-SAVING ANALYSIS OF COMMON PRESSURE RAIL ARCHITECTURES: HHEA & STEAM

In recent years several novel hydraulic architectures have been proposed with the intention of significantly increasing system efficiency. Two of these architectures, Steigerung der Energieeffizienz in der Arbeitshydraulik mobiler Arbeitsmaschinen (STEAM), and the Hybrid Hydraulic-Electric Architecture (HHEA), use a system of multiple common pressure rails (CPRs) to serve the multiple degrees-of-freedom of the machine. The key difference is that STEAM throttles hydraulic power from these rails while HHEA combines electric and hydraulic power to meet actuator demands. As a throttle-less architecture, HHEA is expected to save more energy than STEAM at the expense of added complexity. Therefore, it is useful to quantify this additional energy saving. Both systems have discrete operational choices corresponding to how the CPRs are utilized for each actuator. It is necessary to determine optimal operation for each of these architectures for analysis and fair comparison. Techniques for optimal operation of the HHEA have been developed previously from the Langrange multiplier method. Applying the same optimal control method to STEAM encountered some technical challenge leading to the optimal control algorithm not being able to satisfy certain constraints. The issue is analyzed and solved by adding noise to the optimization. Using this proposed algorithm, case studies are performed to compare the energy-saving potentials of STEAM and HHEA for two sizes of excavators and a wheel-loader performing representative duty cycles. The baseline is a standard load-sensing architecture. Results show that STEAM and HHEA can reduce energy consumption between 35-65% and 50-80% respectively

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems for Post-closure Waste Site Maintenance and Surveillance - 20143

The P- and R-Area Reactor buildings, located at SRS near Aiken, SC, were in-situ decommissioned by grouting below-grade portions of the buildings and demolishing some above-grade structures to grade level. Other reactor building structures were left above-grade and sealed to prevent human or animal access. Because the above grade-structures are expected to continue in their present state for hundreds of years, the condition of the building roofs is critical to mitigate rainwater intrusion. For this reason, building roof areas were strengthened with high strength concrete to ensure the long-term integrity of the roof structure. Periodic inspections of the roof structures are required to ensure that the roofs are functioning properly and to identify damage areas. The traditional method of inspecting closed reactor buildings requires the use of a helicopter and photographer to generate photographs and videos for review. This method proved sufficient but lacked the resolution and clarity that is required for a thorough inspection of the building structure. Fortunately, the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) has established a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) program using commercially available and custom-built remote-controlled aircraft. EC and ACP contacted the SRNL program to evaluate whether the sUAS technology could be employed for periodic reactor building inspections. The sUAS can fly within a few meters of the reactor buildings and hover, allowing for a more thorough aerial inspection. The initial sUAS inspection of the P-Area Reactor building was completed in February 2018 and at the R-Area Reactor building in August 2018 and were successful in providing higher resolution photos and videos. The sUAS inspections also revealed that vegetation had begun to grow on the roofs that could potentially damage the structure integrity. SRNL partnered with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to build a custom heavy lift sUAS that could be equipped with herbicides to remotely treat the vegetative growth. Herbicides were successfully applied to the R-Area Reactor building roof using the custom sUAS in September 2018. The use of unmanned aircraft systems at SRS to perform aerial inspections and herbicide treatment in otherwise inaccessible areas has proven to be an efficient and cost-effective technology that provides high value, increases knowledge of facility conditions, and provides for early detection of damage. Periodic inspections of the reactor building roofs using sUAS technology are performed safely, efficiently, and at a significant cost and schedule savings while reducing emissions, noise, and fossil fuel use. The use of sUAS equipment for building inspections and herbicide application at SRS is unique within the DOE complex. The goal of SRS is to apply this remote technology to other waste unit operations and maintenance activities in the future. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Unveiling the Mechanism of Mn Dissolution Through a Dynamic Cathode‐Electrolyte Interphase on LiMn2O4

Abstract Understanding the formation and evolution of the cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI), which forms at the interface between the cathode and electrolyte, is crucial for revealing degradation mechanisms in cathode materials, especially for developing strategies to stabilize the interphase in the strongly oxidizing conditions that evolve at high operating voltages in next‐generation Li‐ion batteries. However, The present understanding of the CEI is challenged by its complex and dynamic nature. In this work, near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, electrochemical characterization, and reactive molecular dynamics simulations are combined to reveal a mechanism for CEI formation and evolution above model LiMn 2 O 4 (LMO) thin‐film electrodes in contact with conventional carbonate‐based electrolytes. It is found that Mn dissolution from LMO can be understood in terms of repetitive Mn 3 O 4 formation and dissolution behavior during cycling, which is closely connected to electrolyte decomposition and a key aspect of the CEI formation and growth. The behavior of the CEI in this model system offers detailed insight into the dynamic chemistry of the interphase, underscoring the important role of electrolyte composition and cathode surface structure in interphase degradation.

Ou, Wenhan↗

Success Path Method: Introduction to the Success Path Method Software Tool©

As part of its commitment to advancing safety and reliability assessment methodologies, Argonne National Laboratory pioneered the use of an evaluation method called the Success Path Method (SPM) to improve risk management for offshore oil and gas operations. The development of the SPM at Argonne has been driven by the need to improve existing risk assessment methodologies by focusing on the steps necessary for success rather than failure modes alone. This is particularly important for industrial environments like offshore facilities that perform multiple functions under a continuously evolving set of operational conditions – such as water depth and temperature, currents, and weather conditions. In these dynamic environments, the traditional Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) approach is far too complex as it focuses on what can go wrong – which comprises an infinite failure space that must be fully explored and understood. By shifting the focus to a finite space of success paths, the SPM enables operators and decision makers to prioritize a manageable number of steps that must go right to ensure success. Building on its five decades of experience in safety assessments for the nuclear industry, Argonne made major adaptations to existing risk assessment methods utilizing features similar to fault trees that are traditionally used in PRA to map all pathways in which the system can malfunction. In contrast, SPM identifies the components and processes that must function correctly to achieve specific outcomes – such as preventing the uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons during drilling operations. The SPM framework integrates equipment, procedures, software, processes, and human actions to ensure that physical barriers meet critical safety functions in dynamic operational conditions. This approach helps identify failure modes and improve operational risk management by narrowing the focus to key success elements, which in turn reduces uncertainty and helps users understand, manage, and respond to failures.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Evaluating power grid model hydropower feasibility with a river operations model

Production cost models (PCMs) simulate dispatch of generators across a large power grid and are used widely by planners to study the reliability of electricity supply. As energy systems transition away from the thermoelectric technologies that have traditionally balanced electricity supply and demand, hydropower and its representation in PCMs is of increasing importance. A limitation of PCMs applied to continental power grids with diverse generation portfolios is that hydropower generation is simulated without full consideration of complex river dynamics, leading to possible misrepresentation of grid flexibility and performance. In addition, data used in PCMs may reflect outdated operating policies. In this paper we propose a hydropower generation feasibility test for PCMs. The approach uses a detailed hydropower model to determine whether the hourly hydropower schedule from a PCM with simplified monthly parameterization can be attained after accounting for realistic river dynamics and operating policies, such as spill requirements and general water movement and balance through a cascade reservoir system. We perform this hydropower generation test for the ‘Big 10’ hydropower system on the Columbia River (part of the Western Interconnect of the United States), revealing 9% overestimation of available hydropower generation in a PCM solution in an average hydrologic year. Our evaluation provides insight on the cost and opportunities for better representing hydropower in PCMs.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Optimal high-throughput virtual screening pipeline for efficient selection of redox-active organic materials

As global interest in renewable energy continues to increase, there has been a pressing need for developing novel energy storage devices based on organic electrode materials that can overcome the shortcomings of the current lithium-ion batteries. One critical challenge for this quest is to find materials whose redox potential (RP) meets specific design targets. In this study, we propose a computational framework for addressing this challenge through the effective design and optimal operation of a high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) pipeline that enables rapid screening of organic materials that satisfy the desired criteria. Starting from a high-fidelity model for estimating the RP of a given material, we show how a set of surrogate models with different accuracy and complexity may be designed to construct a highly accurate and efficient HTVS pipeline. We demonstrate that the proposed HTVS pipeline construction and operation strategies substantially enhance the overall screening throughput.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ferromagnetic Exchange and Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Cobalt Bis(1,2-dithiolene)-Bridged Dilanthanide Complexes

The construction of multinuclear lanthanide-based molecules with significant magnetic exchange interactions represents a key challenge in the realization of single-molecule magnets with high operating temperatures. Here, we report the synthesis and magnetic characterization of two series of heterobimetallic compounds, (Cp* 2 Ln) 2 (μ-Co(pdt) 2 ) (Ln = Y 3+ , Gd 3+ , Dy 3+ ; pdt 2– = 1,2-diphenylethylenedithiolate) and [K(18-crown-6)][(Cp* 2 Ln) 2 (μ-Co(pdt) 2 )] (Ln = Y 3+ , Gd 3+ ), featuring two lanthanide centers bridged by a cobalt bis(1,2-dithiolene) complex. Dc magnetic susceptibility data collected for the Gd congeners indicate significant Gd–Co ferromagnetic exchange interactions with fits affording J = +11.5 and +7.33 cm –1 , respectively. Magnetization decay and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements carried out on the single-molecule magnet (Cp* 2 Dy) 2 (μ-Co(pdt) 2 ) reveal full suppression of quantum tunneling and open-loop hysteresis persisting up to 3.5 K. These results, along with those of high-field EPR spectroscopy, suggest that transition metalloligands can enforce strong exchange interactions with adjacent lanthanide centers while maintaining a geometry that preserves molecular anisotropy. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of [K(18-crown-6)][(Cp* 2 Gd) 2 (μ-Co(pdt) 2 )] show that increasing the spin of the ground state of the bridging complex may be a viable alternative to increasing J in obtaining well-isolated, strongly coupled magnetic ground states.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Self-regulating behavior of hybrid membrane systems as demonstrated in an element-scale forward osmosis-reverse osmosis hybrid system

Hybrid membrane systems can be difficult to design due to the requisite flow rate matching between up- and downstream unit operations. In this work, we use a forward osmosis-reverse osmosis (FO-RO) hybrid system to demonstrate how some membrane systems can exhibit self-regulating behavior due to osmotic coupling. This can reduce the need for complex control systems for flow balancing. We show this behavior using a module-scale test bed that can mimic the behavior of larger scale operations. The system shows permeate flow rate near-convergence between the FO and RO modules after startup or when perturbed by a change in RO module pressure. The behavior of this hybrid system demonstrates that some membrane operations can exploit osmotic interdependence, rather than expensive control systems, to achieve steady state operation.

Debottlenecking↗

Idaho National Laboratory Water Assessment

Established in 1949, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) complex of national laboratories. INL performs work in each of the strategic goal areas of the department: energy, national security, science, and environment, and is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development. Located in southeastern Idaho, its physical footprint includes 569,180 acres of federally owned land. A water balance for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 year was conducted for INL to identify major water using equipment and calculate the end-use categories. FY 2022 was selected as the evaluation year per the DOE Sustainability Performance Office. This report provides an analysis of facilities on the INL Site operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA). This water balance report focused on the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) Complex, Materials and Fuels Complex, Idaho Falls campus, and Central Facilities Area campuses, which consumed 98% of the 540,611 thousand gallons (kGal) of water used by INL in FY 2022. The resulting water balance identified the use categories for 75.3% of the FY 2022 water consumption.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Machine-learning-assisted automation of single-crystal neutron diffraction

Neutron scattering is a powerful but expensive technique to study materials and discover new matter. Advanced detector technology has significantly improved the efficiency of neutron experiments, increasing the complexity of neutron data reduction and analysis. Machine learning (ML) brings new directions for neutron diffraction data reduction and experiment operation. Here, this work presents an ML-assisted data reduction and analysis method for precise recognition of Bragg peaks and the corresponding regions of interest; it can then automatically screen and align a measured crystal using the recognized peaks, and subsequently plan and optimize the data collection with user-provided information and uncertainty quantification values of detected peaks. This method shows robust performance in different complex sample environments and enables automated single-crystal neutron diffraction.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Reversible solid oxide cells: Early performance and microstructural evolution during electrolysis and switched mode operation

Incorporating more renewables into our energy mix will require a diversity of technological solutions. Reversible solid oxide cell systems (RSOCs) operating reversibly between fuel cell and electrolysis modes with high round-trip efficiencies offer one such solution. However, questions remain about the stability of the oxygen and fuel electrodes under reversible operation. Here, in this study, single cells with the configuration Ni-YSZ|YSZ|GDC10|NNO-NDC50|NNO are operated by reversible cycling under potentiostatic conditions. Test conditions are chosen to be representative of average stack conditions that are likely to be encountered during operation of a stack constructed of such cells. The results of reversible cycling over 500 h (21 cycles) are compared with operating the cells under potentiostatic conditions in the electrolysis-only mode (i.e., without cycling). Voltage-current density (DC), AC complex impedance spectroscopy, distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate excellent reversibility and stability of the neodymium nickelate-based oxygen electrodes in both electrolysis and reversible cycling modes. Degradation behavior is attributed to the loss and coarsening of connected Ni particles in the fuel electrode, particularly in the active layer. However, reversible operation mitigates this degradation compared to operation in the electrolysis-only (SOEC-only) mode.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Important powertrain dynamics for developing models for control of connected and automated electrified vehicles

Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) technology presents significant opportunities for energy saving in the transportation sector. CAV technology forecasts vehicle and powertrain power needs under various terrain, ambient, and traffic conditions. Integration of the CAV technology in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) provides the opportunity for optimal vehicle operation. Indeed, Hybrid Electric Vehicle powertrains present high degrees of flexibility and possibility for choosing optimum powertrain modes based on the predicted traction power needs. In modeling complex CAV powertrain dynamics, the modeler needs to consider short-time scale powertrain dynamics, such as engine transients, and hysteresis of mode-switching for a multi-mode HEV. Therefore, the powertrain dynamics essential for developing powertrain controllers for a class of connected HEVs is presented. To this end, control-oriented powertrain dynamic models for a test vehicle consisting of full electric, hybrid, and conventional engine operating modes are developed. The resulting powertrain model can forecast vehicle traction torque and energy consumption for the specified prediction horizon of the test vehicle. The model considers different operating modes and associated energy penalty terms for mode switching. Thus, the vehicle controller can determine the optimum powertrain mode, torque, and speed for forecasted vehicle operation via utilizing connectivity data. The powertrain model is validated against the experimental data and shows prediction error of less than 5% for predicting vehicle energy consumption. The model is used to create energy penalty maps that can be used for CAV control, for example fuel penalty map for engine torque changes (10–40 Nm) at each engine speed. The results of model-based optimization show optimum switching delays ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 s to avoid hysteresis in mode switching.

Engineering↗