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At least 937 records · Page 52

Demonstrating the Potential of Adaptive LMS Filtering on FPGA-Based Qubit Control Platforms for Improved Qubit Readout in 2D and 3D Quantum Processing Units

Advancements in quantum computing underscore the critical need for sophisticated qubit readout techniques to accurately discern quantum states. This abstract presents our research intended for optimizing readout pulse fidelity for 2D and 3D Quantum Processing Units (QPUs), the latter coupled with Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities. Focusing specifically on the application of the Least Mean Squares (LMS) adaptive filtering algorithm, we explore its integration into the FPGA-based control systems to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of qubit state detection by improving Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Implementing the LMS algorithm on the Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC Gen 3 devices (RFSoC 4x2 FPGA and ZCU216 FPGA) using the Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK) open-source platform, we aim to dynamically test and adjust the filtering parameters in real-time to characterize and adapt to the noise profile presented in quantum computing readout signals. Our preliminary results demonstrate the LMS filter's capability to maintain high readout accuracy while efficiently managing FPGA resources. These findings are expected to contribute to developing more reliable and scalable quantum computing architectures, highlighting the pivotal role of adaptive signal processing in quantum technology advancements.

Johnson, Hans↗

Hydrodynamic characterization of the coastal pioneer array ocean observing system

Ocean observation buoys require relatively small amounts of power, yet traditionally necessitate costly resupply trips for battery replacement. With the offshore location of the buoys and small power requirements, wave energy may be an effective solution for providing consistent and reliable power to support the buoy instrumentation. The US National Science Foundation Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) includes arrays of point absorber-like buoy systems used for ocean observation that have been deployed at multiple locations including the Southern Mid-Atlantic Bight. A study is currently underway to design a pitch resonator wave energy converter to supplement existing renewable energy generation for powering observation instrumentation. This paper details field measurements from surface moorings of the OOI Coastal Pioneer Array, which informs the subsequent development of a numerical model for the moored observation system. The model is developed in Wave Energy Converter Simulator (WEC-Sim), which leverages the Simscape multibody solver within the MATLAB/Simulink framework and linear potential flow theory to simulate the hydrodynamic interactions and multibody dynamics in 6 degrees of freedom. Multiple tuning variables are considered to produce a model for the system that matches well with empirical data (about 8% error). In conclusion, the WEC-Sim model will serve as a platform for integrating the pitch resonator wave energy converter concept and deployment preparation (detailed design including power take-off and control systems, response evaluation, etc.).

hydrodynamic modeling↗

Software-Defined Network for End-to-end Networked Science at the Exascale

Domain science applications and workflow processes are currently forced to view the network as an opaque infrastructure into which they inject data and hope that it emerges at the destination with an acceptable Quality of Experience. There is little ability for applications to interact with the network to exchange information, negotiate performance parameters, discover expected performance metrics, or receive status/troubleshooting information in real time. The work we presen here is motivated by a vision for a new smart network and smart application ecosystem that will provide a more deterministic and interactive environment for domain science workflows. The Software-Defined Network for End-to-end Networked Science at Exascale (SENSE) system includes a model-based architecture, implementation, and deployment which enables automated end-to-end network service instantiation across administrative domains. An intent based interface allows applications to express their high-level service requirements, an intelligent orchestrator and resource control systems allow for custom tailoring of scalability and real-time responsiveness based on individual application and infrastructure operator requirements. This allows the science applications to manage the network as a first-class schedulable resource as is the current practice for instruments, compute, and storage systems. Deployment and experiments on production networks and testbeds have validated SENSE functions and performance. Emulation based testing verified the scalability needed to support research and education infrastructures. Key contributions of this work include an architecture definition, reference implementation, and deployment. This provides the basis for further innovation of smart network services to accelerate scientific discovery in the era of big data, cloud computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Software-defined network for end-to-end networked science at the exascale

Domain science applications and workflow processes are currently forced to view the network as an opaque infrastructure into which they inject data and hope that it emerges at the destination with an acceptable Quality of Experience. There is little ability for applications to interact with the network to exchange information, negotiate performance parameters, discover expected performance metrics, or receive status/troubleshooting information in real time. The work presented here is motivated by a vision for a new smart network and smart application ecosystem that will provide a more deterministic and interactive environment for domain science workflows. The Software-Defined Network for End-to-end Networked Science at Exascale (SENSE) system includes a model-based architecture, implementation, and deployment which enables automated end- to-end network service instantiation across administrative domains. An intent based interface allows applications to express their high-level service requirements, an intelligent orchestrator and resource control systems allow for custom tailoring of scalability and real-time responsiveness based on individual application and infrastructure operator requirements. This allows the science applications to manage the network as a first-class schedulable resource as is the current practice for instruments, compute, and storage systems. Deployment and experiments on production networks and testbeds have validated SENSE functions and performance. Emulation based testing verified the scalability needed to support research and education infrastructures. Key contributions of this work include an architecture definition, reference implementation, and deployment. This provides the basis for further innovation of smart network services to accelerate scientific discovery in the era of big data, cloud computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Intelligent Control of Thermal Energy Storage in the Manufacturing Sector for Plant-Level Grid Response

Industrial facilities are seeking new strategies that help in providing savings mechanisms for demand charges. Demand charges are the charges incurred by industrial facilities as a result of power usage. Thermal energy storage has advanced significantly with lots of new applications, garnering the interest of many industrial facilities. These applications could be used to shave the industrial facilities’ peak electric demand and reduce their demand charges. This paper aims to demonstrate the efficacy of thermal energy storage in reducing demand charges and highlight new developments in the integration of smart control systems with thermal energy storage. The study compares energy consumption and peak demand for a facility equipped with and without thermal energy storage tanks using a fixed schedule for charging and discharging. Additionally, the paper examines the impact of incorporating a smart controller to determine when to charge and discharge the tank based on the facility’s real-time power usage and a given setpoint. The results indicate cost savings from the use of thermal energy storage tanks under two proposed scenarios, reflected in the reduced cost of power consumption for the studied facility. The incorporation of a smart controller with the thermal energy storage tank in the facility studied could provide estimated savings of 3.3% per year of power consumption charges, without considering the contribution of any incentives. The estimated savings provided by the fixed schedule scenario are 2.7% per year.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Integrated Spatial, Spectral, & Temporal Optical Reflectance System for Precision Occupancy & Location Sensing to Improve Building Energy Efficiency

Buildings consume approximately 35% of the electricity used in the U.S. and building owners can significantly reduce this energy use by providing services like heating, electrical power and lighting only when people are present. The ARPAe funded program titled “INTEGRATED SPATIAL, SPECTRAL, & TEMPORAL OPTICAL REFLECTANCE SYSTEM FOR PRECISION OCCUPANCY & LOCATION SENSING TO IMPROVE BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY” demonstrates how a low cost sensor technology developed for measuring distances can be used to count and locate occupants with a high degree of precision with a very low error rates. This platform tells a building control system where occupants are located (but not who they are) so that energy consuming services can be provided only when the services are needed by building occupants. The original proof of concept involved using low cost, commercially available time-of-flight (TOF) sensors that measure distance, but the performance of these existing sensors was lacking, as they could not operate properly in the presence of sunlight, which blinded the simple TOF sensors and limited their utility in buildings. This project proposed a powerful new class of TOF sensors that used state-of-the-art integrated circuit (IC) fabrication processes that combined advanced photonics with conventional silicon chip circuitry for improved sensor performance. An equally important part of this project was to find ways to maximize occupant count and location accuracy while using the fewest number of sensors possible, in order to keep costs low. By using building blueprints to create digital twins of commercial building spaces, the team developed new algorithms to maximize occupant count and tracking accuracy by properly locating the minimum number of sensors at just the right spots in the building. This capability not only minimizes system costs but also simplified sensor installation and system commissioning. Our simulations of our sensor networks for a range of commercial floorplan designs demonstrated that our installed cost target of $0.08/sqft was attainable, though not fully demonstrated during the project. Finally, we noted that the TOF sensor concept could provide a valuable role in health and eldercare by tracking patients without the need for worn sensors and would be useful for fall detection and other patient safety metrics, including tracking healthcare/patient interactions. We feel that, when fully developed, this new class of sophisticated TOF sensors and support software will be a powerful new approach to improving building energy efficiency based on occupant centric control platforms and will also open new levels of patient safety in healthcare operations. To realize this potential, the team formed the Troy Sensor Company LLC to oversee licensing of the programs patents and continue to seek commercialization of this program’s activity sensing technologies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

eLog analysis for accelerators: status and future outlook

This work demonstrates electronic logbook (eLog) systems leveraging modern AI-driven information retrieval capabilities at the accelerator facilities of Fermilab, Jefferson Lab, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. We evaluate contemporary tools and methodologies for information retrieval with Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAGs), focusing on operational insights and integration with existing accelerator control systems. The study addresses challenges and proposes solutions for state-of-the-art eLog analysis through practical implementations, demonstrating applications and limitations. We present a framework for enhancing accelerator facility operations through improved information accessibility and knowledge management, which could potentially lead to more efficient operations.

Accelerator Physics↗

Real-time process monitoring and automated control for direct ink write 3D printing of frontally polymerizing thermosets

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of complex geometries, yet its application to thermosets remains limited by post-processing requirements. Frontal ring-opening metathesis polymerization (FROMP) offers a promising alternative, enabling energy-efficient, in situ curing of freestanding thermoset structures. This study presents a real-time process monitoring and automated control system for direct ink writing (DIW) of FROMP thermosets. By integrating thermochromic leuco dyes and computer vision, we enable real-time polymerization front tracking, allowing autonomous printing parameter adjustments for consistent geometries across resin formulations. The system’s accuracy was validated against manual tracking, demonstrating precise front velocity detection. Its adaptability was confirmed by printing freestanding mechanical springs with different resins, achieving consistent geometries and mechanical properties despite front velocity variations. These findings highlight the potential of automated DIW control for scalable, repeatable, and material-agnostic 3D printing of thermosets.

Mejia, Edgar Brian [Sandia National Laboratories (↗

An Efficient Numerical Algorithm for Solving Data Driven Feedback Control Problems

The goal of this paper is to solve a class of stochastic optimal control problems numerically, in which the state process is governed by an Itô type stochastic differential equation with control process entering both in the drift and the diffusion, and is observed partially. The optimal control of feedback form is determined based on the available observational data. In this work, we call this type of control problems the data driven feedback control. The computational framework that we introduce to solve such type of problems aims to find the best estimate for the optimal control as a conditional expectation given the observational information. To make our method feasible in providing timely feedback to the controlled system from data, we develop an efficient stochastic optimization algorithm to implement our computational framework.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Coupling Subsurface and Above-Surface Models for Optimizing the Design of Borefields and District Heating and Cooling Systems

Accurate dynamic energy simulation is important for the design and sizing of district heating and cooling systems with geothermal heat exchange for seasonal energy storage. Current modeling approaches in building and district energy simulation tools typically consider heat conduction through the ground between boreholes without flowing groundwater. While detailed simulation tools for subsurface heat and mass transfer exist, these fall short in simulating above-surface energy systems. To support the design and operation of such systems, the study developed a coupled model including a software package for building and district energy simulation, and software for detailed heat and mass transfer in the subsurface. For the first, it uses the open-source Modelica Buildings Library, which includes dynamic simulation models for building and district energy and control systems. For the heat and mass transfer in the soil, it uses the TOUGH simulator. The TOUGH family of codes can model heat and multi-phase, multi-component mass transport for a variety of fluid systems, as well as chemical reactions, in fractured porous media. The study validated the coupled modeling approach by comparing the simulation results with one from the g-function based ground response model. It then looked into effects when the water table and the regional groundwater flow are considered in the ground, from the perspective of heat exchange between borehole and ground, and the electrical consumption of the district heating and cooling systems. To access the simulation models, please find the links in the submission: -- For coupled approach validation: see model Buildings.Fluid.Geothermal.Borefields.Examples.BorefieldsWithTough and Buildings.Examples.DistrictReservoirNetworks.Examples.Reservoir3Variable_TOUGH from the "Modelica Building Library" resource, branch issue1495_tough_interface, commit a2667c0. -- For the study of the effect of water table: see model Buildings.Examples.DistrictReservoirNetworks.Examples.Reservoir3Variable_TOUGH from he "Modelica Building Library" resource, branch issue1495_tough_interface_moreIO, commit 760de49. -- For the study of the effect of regional groundwater flow: see Buildings.Examples.DistrictReservoirNetworks.Examples.Reservoir3Variable_TOUGH from he "Modelica Building Library" resource, branch issue1495_tough_interface_moreIO_3D, commit c2a2d2a. The coupling interface script "GrounResponse.py" can be found from the above links in the folder Buildings/Resources/Python-Sources. Also, the needed files for TOUGH simulation are in the folder Buildings/Resources/Python-Sources/ToughFiles that can be accessed through the above links. A brief description of these files is given below; detailed specifications for the first three files may be found in the TOUGH3 Users Guide (Jung et al., 2018) https://tough.lbl.gov/documentation/tough-manuals/. (1) INCON - initial conditions for each grid block (2) INFILE - main input file with material properties and control parameters (3) MESH - description of the computational grid (4) readsave - Modelica/TOUGH interface program: read the final output of TOUGH simulation after TOUGH time step and prepare for transfer to Modelica for next Modelica time step (5) readsave.inp - input parameters for program readsave (6) writeincon - Modelica/TOUGH interface program: write the output of Modelica after Modelica time step and prepare for transfer to TOUGH as initial conditions for the next TOUGH step (7) writeincon.inp - input parameters for program writeincon

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article (FY21 Final Report)

The Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article (THETA) is a facility that will be used to develop sodium components and instrumentation as well as acquire experimental data for validation of reactor thermal hydraulic and safety analysis codes. The facility will simulate nominal conditions as well as protected/unprotected loss of flow accidents in a sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR). High fidelity distributed temperature profiles of the developed flow field will be acquired with Rayleigh backscatter based optical fiber temperature sensors. The facility is being designed in partnership with systems code experts to tailor the experiment to ensure the most relevant and highest quality data for code validation. THETA is comprised of a traditional primary and secondary system. The primary system is submerged in the pool of sodium and consists of a pump, electrically heated core, intermediate heat exchanger, and connected piping and thermal barriers (redan). The secondary system, located outside of the sodium pool, consists of a pump, sodium to air heat exchanger, and connected piping and valves. Figure 1 illustrates the main components of the primary system. THETA has been installed in the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) with the primary system in the 28 inch Test Vessel #4, Figure 2 and Figure 3. Since the FY20 THETA status report, further water shakedown testing was performed, some final welding modifications were performed, all system components were sanitized, dry assembled, and commissioned. The THETA submersible electromagnetic flowmeter was welded closed to hermetically seal internal components from sodium followed by a helium leak check for the final time. Following installation of THETA into vessel #4, all data acquisition and control systems were brought online and commissioned at room temperature in the argon gas space of the empty vessel. The vessel zone 1 heaters were reinstalled and the flange was then insulated. The vessel 4 heaters were brought to a temperature of 100 °C and the THETA pump was jogged at 600 RPM to ensure it was functioning correctly. The secondary, AC Conduction based electromagnetic pump from CMI Novacast (product number CA-15) was ordered and will be delivered in late calendar year 2021. The custom designed permanent magnet based secondary flowmeter was designed, a drawing package and manufacturing specification created and quote requested from a machine shop. The intermediate heat exchanger design was completed and a drawing package is currently in progress. During the middle of calendar year 2021 the Building 308 sodium scrubber system was shut down in order to replaced some corroded piping and facilitate improvements on the system, thus requiring the sodium in METL to remain frozen. This has imposed a delay in filling vessel 4 with sodium to begin THETA testing. Sodium testing is expected to begin in early fiscal year 2022 as all THETA primary systems are operational.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

2023 Real-time Optimization Workflow Status Update

Nuclear integrated energy systems are composed of a diverse set of energy generation sources and exist in dynamic and competitive electricity markets. With the inclusion of thermal energy storage, nuclear power systems can store heat for future use through various processes, such as water desalination or hydrogen generation. This heat storage can be managed in such a way as to economically optimize its usage. By combining real-time price data from the day-ahead and real-time markets with predictive and intelligent models, the charging and discharging of the thermal energy storage may be determined and optimized. This research details an approach through models and systems for the real-time optimization (RTO) of capacity allocation. Virtual models of the energy system and its physics phenomenon and component interactions provide intelligence to verification and prediction of operations. An optimization framework can use data generated from both a set of physical assets as well as the virtual models to predict future performance and create optimization and control workflows. Data warehouse technologies can be used to combine data across models, optimization workflows, market price data, and sensor data to intuitively store various types of data and provide integrations to physical control systems as well as user visualizations. Put together, these components can create a system for the RTO of nuclear integrated energy systems. Various virtual models and bench-scale physical demonstrations have been successfully performed and verified using this system. Larger scale testbeds that include thermal energy storage systems have been identified as future opportunities. A gap analysis that details the steps necessary to reach a physical demonstration at this scale is provided, along with conclusions on the current effort and future work.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Mu2e Target Thermal Test Project

The Mu2e experiment requires a production target capable of operating under extreme thermal conditions caused by an 8 GeV proton beam. This project’s objective supports the development of the Mu2e Production Target by testing the Stickman model’s thermal behavior. To test this, Angel Flores Luviano has assisted Jonathan Williams in progressing this project by contributing to the development of a Radiative Cooling Test Fixture (RCTF) that will be used to evaluate the thermal behavior of the new production target model. Engineering calculations were performed to analyze thermal performance and pressure drop within the cold well and water cooling circuit, and determine optimal sizing for key components of the water system. An engineering note was made to document the calculations. CAD models of the water circuit piping, thermocouple mount, and radiator chimney were developed, and prototype test rig components were fabricated using 3D printing. Future work will focus on conti nued RCTF development which includes control system integration, heater hardware design, and interfaces that can be scaled up to increase thermal capacity.

Luviano, Angel Flores [Unlisted]↗

DC input current ripple reduction in SRM drive for high volumetric power density applications

A control system for a switched reluctance machine includes a capacitor and an inverter connected to the capacitor, wherein the inverter generates current signals and a ripple current returned to the capacitor. A switched reluctance machine (SRM) receives the current signals and generates a position signal. A controller receives the ripple current, current signal values of the current signals, and the position signal and generates desired reference current waveforms received by the inverter to adjust the current signals received by the SRM.

Sozer, Yilmaz↗

Biomethanation to Upgrade Biogas to Pipeline Grade Methane

NREL is working closely with DOE, Electrochaea GmbH, and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) to reduce costs of a biomethanation process capable of megawatt-scale deployment that upgrades organic biogas waste streams to produce pipeline quality renewable natural gas (RNG). Biomethanation is a two-step process using a single-celled methanogenic archaea that converts low-carbon low-cost hydrogen (H2) and waste carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce renewable methane (CH4). The process upgrades the biogenic CO2 - while allowing the CH4 to pass through - from biogas sources like dairies, wastewater treatment plants, and landfills. The CH4 produced is a drop-in direct replacement fuel and producers can participate in the growing number of carbon markets; like California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard. NREL and Argonne National Laboratory have completed a life cycle analysis using the GREET model to show that the biomethanation process produces RNG that is carbon negative even when H2 production via low-temperature water electrolysis is driven by the existing carbon intensity of California's electricity grid. And of course, even further carbon negative (-233 kg CO2e/kWh) when the electricity is produced from low-carbon sources like wind and solar. Leveraging lessons learned from operating SoCalGas' 700L 18-bar bioreactor system, NREL is designing and building a flexible RD&D platform that will enable field trials at biogas and other CO2 sources. A custom 16' long trailer will house a 20L 18-bar bioreactor, 3 - 25 kW proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and dosing, thermal, and controls systems to support operations with only power, biogas, and water feedstocks required by the field locations. The end-of-project goal is to demonstrate pipeline quality RNG production (> 95% CH4, < 4% H2, <1% CO2, < 0.2% O2 and < 4 parts per million H2 sulfide) using real biogas feedstocks - thereby recycling both greenhouse gases for injection into the natural gas network or to be used onsite.

biogas upgrading↗

Mu2e Production Target Thermal Test Project

The Mu2e experiment requires a production target that is capable of operating under extreme thermal conditions caused by an 8 GeV proton beam. This project’s objective supports the development of the Mu2e Pro- duction Target by testing the Stickman model’s thermal behavior. Angel Flores Luviano has assisted Jonathan Williams in progressing this project by contributing to the development of a Radiative Cooling Test Fixture (RCTF) that will be used to evaluate the thermal behavior of the new production target model. Engineering calculations were performed to an- alyze thermal performance and pressure drop within the cold well and wa- ter cooling circuit. These calculations also determined the optimal sizing for key components of the water system. An engineering note was made to document these calculations. CAD models of the water circuit piping, thermocouple mounting bars, and radiator chimney were developed, and prototype test rig components were fabricated using 3D printing. Future work will focus on continued RCTF development which includes control system integration, heater hardware design, and interfaces that can be scaled up to increase thermal capacity.

Flores Luviano, Angel Augusto [Unlisted, US]↗

ANL Design Team Analysis: Transportable Modular Reactor by Balance of Plant Elimination

HolosGen LLC is developing “Holos-Quad” a transportable gas-cooled reactor, with integral load following power conversion systems equipping subcritical power modules (SPMs), fully comprised within standard transport containers. The design eliminates the Balance of Plant (BoP) and greatly simplifies the design layout. A closed-loop full Brayton gas thermodynamic cycle converts the fuel cartridges thermal energy into electricity. This ARPA-E project utilizes advanced reactor modeling tools and manufacturing-testing of a scaled SPM equipped with a surrogate fuel cartridge to eliminate the most significant technology gaps to accelerate commercialization. The Argonne Design Team contributes to the research by demonstrating feasibility of various aspects of the Holos-Quad design by performing high-fidelity neutronic modeling, and investigating various reactivity control systems. This work consists of two main tasks: evaluation of HolosGen’s design features and alternative options study for reactivity control.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Demonstration of reconstruction-free static magnetic control of DIII-D plasma with deep reinforcement learning

This paper presents the development and experimental validation of a reinforcement learning (RL)-based magnetic controller on the DIII-D tokamak. The controller directly maps raw magnetic diagnostic signals to actuator commands, replacing the traditional isoflux control algorithm based on equilibrium reconstruction. Four RL controllers are trained using the Soft Actor–Critic algorithm with an asymmetric Actor–Critic architecture in the NSFsim simulator. All controllers are deployed in the DIII-D Plasma Control System and operated with a 4 kHz feedback loop. Two randomization strategies are evaluated during training: evolving kinetic profiles and fixed kinetic profiles within each episode. The latter approach is found to better capture experimental deviations in the current density profile and to provide overall improved control performance. Robust operation is demonstrated across heating power scans in both L- and H-mode plasmas, as well as during transient events such as L–H transitions and pellet injections. Control errors in plasma shape and radial position remained within 1.5–2.0 cm and 1 cm, respectively. A notable discrepancy was observed in the vertical X-point position, with errors of up to approximately 4 cm, attributed to the current density distribution mismatches between simulations and experiments.

DIII-D↗