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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 937 records · Page 52

An Interface–Type Memristive Device for Artificial Synapse and Neuromorphic Computing

Interface-type (IT) metal/oxide Schottky memristive devices have attracted considerable attention over filament-type (FT) devices for neuromorphic computing because of their uniform, filament-free, and analog resistive switching (RS) characteristics. The most recent IT devices are based on oxygen ions and vacancies movement to alter interfacial Schottky barrier parameters and thereby control RS properties. However, the reliability and stability of these devices have been significantly affected by the undesired diffusion of ionic species. Herein, a reliable interface-dominated memristive device is demonstrated using a simple Au/Nb-doped SrTiO 3 (Nb:STO) Schottky structure. The Au/Nb:STO Schottky barrier modulation by charge trapping and detrapping is responsible for the analog resistive switching characteristics. Because of its interface-controlled RS, the proposed device shows low device-to-device, cell-to-cell, and cycle-to-cycle variability while maintaining high repeatability and stability during endurance and retention tests. Furthermore, the Au/Nb:STO IT memristive device exhibits versatile synaptic functions with an excellent uniformity, programmability, and reliability. A simulated artificial neural network with Au/Nb:STO synapses achieves a high recognition accuracy of 94.72% for large digit recognition from MNIST database. These results suggest that IT resistive switching can be potentially used for artificial synapses to build next-generation neuromorphic computing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Plant-wide simulation model for transient studies on the XE-100 - 18464

This paper gives an overview of the plant-wide simulation model that is used by X-energy LLC for developing their plant design and control philosophy, as well as assessing plant upset conditions. The simulation model was created in Flownex{sup R} thermal-fluid system simulation software, which solves mass, momentum and energy equations for compressible, incompressible and homogeneous two-phase flow. The plant model encompasses all major components, from reactor to condenser, including main control loop elements. The paper pays particular attention to the validation of the two-phase flow framework used for the secondary steam cycle. Two steady-state validation cases are done using operational data from the THTR. Validation of transient operation is done by simulating density wave oscillations, a type of system-level boiling phenomenon. This is regarded as a thorough test of transient capability because of the challenges this phenomenon poses to several aspects of the calculation and to the consistency of the code as a whole. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Robust Measurements of n -Point Correlation Functions of Driven-Dissipative Quantum Systems on a Digital Quantum Computer

We propose and demonstrate a unified hierarchical method to measure n -point correlation functions that can be applied to driven, dissipative, or otherwise open or nonequilibrium quantum systems. In this method, the time evolution of the system is repeatedly interrupted by interacting an ancilla qubit with the system through a controlled operation, and measuring the ancilla immediately afterward. We discuss the robustness of this method as compared to other ancilla-based interferometric techniques (such as the Hadamard test), and highlight its advantages for near-term quantum simulations of open quantum systems. We implement the method on a quantum computer in order to measure single-particle Green’s functions of a driven-dissipative fermionic system. This Letter shows that dynamical correlation functions for driven-dissipative systems can be robustly measured with near-term quantum computers. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Comparison of Doubly-Fed Induction Generator Machine Models for Real-Time Simulations

This work presents a detailed comparison among three implementations of the Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) machine model. The alpha-beta-gamma, synchronous (dqo), and natural frame dynamic machine models were deployed on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and compared in terms of execution time and resource utilization. These machine models were also validated against a physical DFIG machine during balanced and unbalanced grid conditions. A benchmark is presented with the objective of selecting the machine model, orientation and state-space representation that is best suited for real-time simulations. The selected machine model is used to develop a real-time emulator of a Type-3 wind system. This emulator enables the study of wind turbine system in realtime using a validated platform while allowing controller testing without relying on expensive third-party solutions.

Ferrari Maglia, Max↗

GHOST (Grid Hardware Open Source Testbed) [SWR-18-32]

The software was developed for the purpose of Microgrid Controller Procurement where multiple Microgrid Controller vendors were competing to prove the best performance. Each microgrid controller was connected to Real-Time Simulator (Opal-RT) where the Real-Time model of microgrid was simulated. Microgrid controllers were able to control most of the assets in the model. To be able to fairly compare controller's performance each controller was evaluated using exactly the same model, with the same initial conditions and exactly the same test sequence. The microgrid evaluation test sequence lasted 100 minutes and consist of various grid disturbances to which a microgrid controller must respond. The microgrid and power system will experience multiple types of disturbances while performing dispatch functions. Many functions are tested in grid-connected and islanded modes such as unexpended failures of generators, energy storage trip events, and large load fluctuations. The test sequence focuses on fault scenarios that cause the highest short-circuit fault current contribution; force a swing bus or generator capable of being a swing bus offline; cause the most reconfigurations; and cause conflicting objectives for the microgrid controller. During the test sequence execution multiple datapoints are being recorded and stored. During data postprocessing key performance parameters are extracted allowing quantitative comparison of performance on multiple aspects including: resiliency, fuel utilization, grid interconnection, ancillary services and power quality and eventually after summing all key performance parameters by comparing the overall result. To be able to perform such testing multiple tools had to be developed included in this repository including: - Real time model of microgrid (Urban-Banshee, Remote-smaller model) - Test sequence configuration tools - Test execution real-time scripts - Post processing scripts - Human Machine Interface software

Koralewicz, Przemyslaw↗

Demand Response Performance of GE Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater

This report describes a project to evaluate and document the DR performance of HPWH as compared to ERWH for two primary types of DR events: peak curtailments and balancing reserves. The experiments were conducted with GE second-generation “Brillion”-enabled GeoSpring hybrid water heaters in the PNNL Lab Homes, with one GE GeoSpring water heater operating in “Standard” electric resistance mode to represent the baseline and one GE GeoSpring water heater operating in “Heat Pump” mode to provide the comparison to heat pump-only demand response. It is expected that “Hybrid” DR performance, which would engage both the heat pump and electric elements, could be interpolated from these two experimental extremes. Signals were sent simultaneously to the two water heaters in the side-by-side PNNL Lab Homes under highly controlled, simulated occupancy conditions. This report presents the results of the evaluation, which documents the demand-response capability of the GE GeoSpring HPWH for peak load reduction and regulation services. The sections describe the experimental protocol and test apparatus used to collect data, present the baselining procedure, discuss the results of the simulated DR events for the HPWH and ERWH, and synthesize key conclusions based on the collected data.

Demand Response↗

Proof-of-Concept Study for Uncertainty Quantification and Sensitivity Analysis using the BRL Shaped-Charge Example

These are the slides for a graduate presentation at Mississippi State University. It covers the following: the BRL Shaped-Charge Geometry in PAGOSA, mesh refinement study, surrogate modeling using a radial basis function network (RBFN), ruling out parameters using sensitivity analysis (equation of state study), uncertainty quantification (UQ) methodology, and sensitivity analysis (SA) methodology. In summary, a mesh convergence study was used to ensure that solutions were numerically stable by comparing PDV data between simulations. A Design of Experiments (DOE) method was used to reduce the simulation space to study the effects of the Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) Parameters for the Composition B main charge. Uncertainty was quantified by computing the 95% data range about the median of simulation output using a brute force Monte Carlo (MC) random sampling method. Parameter sensitivities were quantified using the Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (FAST) spectral analysis method where it was determined that detonation velocity, initial density, C1, and B1 controlled jet tip velocity.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Godiva-IV Dosimetry Exercise 2022 (IER-538 CED4A Report)

This report presents the final results of IER 538, The International Nuclear Accident Dosimeter (NAD) Intercomparison Exercise with Godiva-IV. The purpose of the exercise, held in August of 2022, was to test participants’ NADs and dosimetry personnel to the dose estimation requirements established by ANSI/HPS-N13.3 Dosimetry for Criticality Accidents and DOE-STD-1098-2017, Radiological Control. Two prompt critical bursts of the Godiva critical assembly were used to simulate criticality accidents, and NADs from participating laboratories were placed at known locations around Godiva, mounted on either BOttle Manikin ABsorptions (BOMABs) phantoms (to simulate doses received by people) or plates (to simulate doses in free air). Similar exercises have been held in 2016 and 2018 using National Criticality Experiments Research Center’s (NCERC’s) Flattop and Godiva assemblies.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

H2@Scale - Validating an Electrolysis System with High Output Pressure: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-18-00741

Electrolysis has been a commercially available product for a while and electrolyzers have been a proven capability to provide additional benefits (e.g. controllable load for grid services) in addition to production of hydrogen. The hydrogen output is typically compressed for storage and dispensing. Compression adds cost and decreases system reliability. Honda’s electrolyzer systems have been developed to include electrochemical compression to leverage the production system itself for at least partial compression. In this project, the team will evaluate Honda’s PEM based electrochemical compression system. The system is capable of compressing hydrogen up to 70 MPa electrochemically. Validation testing is the next step to accelerate this technology into the marketplace, as the validation will provide needed data under a variety of operation conditions and controls. These operating conditions and controls are based on over a decade of NLR research and development with low-temperature electrolysis. The validation testing will include preparing NLR’s site for third party evaluation, benchmark testing of Honda’s stack and system, and simulating operation connected to renewables or in a grid service profile. NLR’s Energy System Integration Lab will be the location for the electrolyzer validation research and integrated into the Hydrogen Infrastructure Test & Research Facility (HITRF). This will build into the existing retail style hydrogen fueling station for a fully integrated experimental setup.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Large-Scale Adoption of Self Synchronized Universal Droop Controller-Based Inverters to Enable Ancillary Services for Different Modes of Distribution System Operations

This poster presents the results of using the self-synchronized universal droop controller to enable solar power to provide ancillary services so that the use of solar power can be increased. A 300-node system using the IEEE 123 bus test feeder are modeled on a real time power system simulator with the results presented.

Arce, Laura↗

Miniature motorized inspection tool for DOE Hanford site tank bottoms - 15700

Recently, small amounts of waste have been found in the annulus of tank AY-102, prompting the need for developing inspection tools that can identify the cause and location of the leak. Three separate access paths can be used to obtain information regarding the tank bottom condition. The inspection may be conducted via: 1) Refractory air slots through the annulus; 2) 4'' annulus air supply pipe to central air slots; 3) 6'' leak detection pit drain from the central sump. There are various environmental and physical constraints which the tool will have to adhere to. In order for the tool to be successful, it must be capable of the following: Travel through small cooling channels with dimensions as small as 1.5'' x 1.5''; Provide live video feedback; Produce enough torque to overcome the tether drag force; Inverted travel to avoid obstacles such as tank corrosion; Navigate up to 38 feet to the tank center, while maneuvering through four 90 deg. turns. A model of the inspection tool has been designed, assembled and reported. Areas of potential performance improvement were observed; these areas are the basis of the following design, as seen above. The changes include: The addition of an additional 4 wheels; Body modification to house the camera; A loft on the bottom from the tools edge to the magnets lowest edge; Shaving the hubs of the current wheels; Control method changed to a joystick. The tank configuration through which the tool will have to maneuver are the following: 72 outer ring slots (1.5'' x 1.5'' x 17'); 36 ring slots (2'' x 1.5'' x 12'); 18 inner slots (3'' x 1.5'' x 7'). The components used for this design iteration are not radiation hardened nor are they designed to withstand elevated temperatures. However, this prototype has been constructed with the final goal of being radiation hardened and able to withstand elevated temperatures in mind. The components that make up this design iteration are the following: Arduino Uno board with ATMega328 micro-controller; Joystick shield kit for the Arduino Uno; Eggsnow USB Borescope Endoscope 5.5 mm inspection camera; 136:1 Sub-micro Plastic Planetary Gearmotor; 14 x 4.5 mm wheels; 3D-printed body; 3D-printed free rolling shafts; Neodymium magnet - 1 h x 3/8 h x 1/16 h; 4.53 lb pull force. In the time to come, there are a few goals that are to be completed. The first group of tasks is associated with the testing and recording of data of the current prototype. This data will be analyzed and appropriate action will be taken based on the results of the testing. The testing will include simulating the challenges that the tool will face in the AY-102 tank. Working with the Hanford DOE site, a bag of Kaolin 2200 will be acquired to be used for the test bed to simulate tank conditions. Further modification will then be made to enable the tool to be able to maneuver through a 90 deg. turn. Completion of this task will be a major milestone, as this tool will be readily usable in the other tanks containing HLW; as other tanks will be easier to maneuver through.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Model-based verification of I and C specifications - 184

In the field of nuclear I and C (Instrumentation and Control), the late detection of errors in the specifications and the design of I and C has a strong impact in terms of time and money. The early verification in the V cycle of I and C functions is a key issue to capture inconsistencies and errors before the implementation and on-site tests. EDF, in the framework of the collaborative project CONNEXION, has investigated methods based on simulation to formalize I and C requirements and to evaluate them at the conceptual and basic design phases. Behavioral models of the physic parts of the system and I and C functions, described as functional diagrams, are co-simulated in an integration environment based on the FMI (Functional Mockup Interface) standard. In this specific environment, test scenarios are performed on these models. These scenarios are defined on the basis of a high level model of the studied system that takes into account the states to cover (in normal and degraded situations). Requirements, once formalized, are translated into observers that evaluate their fulfillment during the simulations. Simulation logs are then a tool for the designer to analyze the causes of the possible non-fulfillment of requirements and to fix the corresponding errors in the specifications. The proposed methodology enables to detect errors in the specifications of I and C functions, to generate automatically functional test scenarios taking into account the coverage of the requirements and all the different operational modes of the system. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

TEAMER - AquaHarmonics High Fidelity WEC Sim PTO and Control Model Validation, Test Logs and Results

Collaborative effort between AquaHarmonics, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to revise and validate Aquaharmonics' full wave to wire model, allowing for reduced uncertainty and increased understanding of design requirements of a utility scale wave energy converter (WEC). SNL and NREL in collaboration with AquaHarmonics, will set up and run WEC Simulator (WEC-Sim) models of the AquaHarmonics WEC, building off past model developments for inclusion of custom PTO (power take-off) dynamics. The intent is to review, update, and verify or validate a new WEC-Sim model against wave tank experimental data. Furthermore, the WEC-Sim model will be coupled to an energy storage system model to better understand the wave-to-wire functionality. This data set is described in the "Test Log" excel file. Please refer to that document for details on each specific test date/time, constraint parameters and model hardware setup details. Sim model can be found in the associated MHKDR link below.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Semi-Automatic Geographic Information System Framework for Creating Photo-Realistic Digital Twin Cities to Support Autonomous Driving Research

Digital twin cities are frequently used in vehicle and traffic simulations to render realistic on-road driving scenarios under various traffic and environmental conditions. These digital twins provide a high-fidelity replica of the physical world (e.g., buildings, roads, infrastructures, traffic) to create three-dimensional (3D) virtual-physical environments to support various emerging vehicle and transportation technologies such as connected and automated vehicles. These virtual environments provide a cost-effective digital proving ground to evaluate, validate, and test emerging technologies that include control algorithms, localization, perception, and sensors. Replicating a real-world traffic scenario in a digital twin using a traditional 3D modeling approach is a time-consuming and labor-intensive effort. Here this paper presents a semi-automated spatial framework to construct realistic 3D digital twin cities to support autonomous driving research using readily available geographic information system (GIS) data and 3D prefabricated (prefab) models. We start with a comprehensive review of geospatial data sources of essential digital entities required in a 3D digital twin city and present an integrated GIS-3D modeling pipeline using customized QGIS/GDAL and Blender scripting in Python. The pipeline outputs are realistic 3D digital twin cities compatible with common vehicle simulation software, such as CARLA and IPG CarMaker. The paper closes with a showcase to demonstrate the quality and usability of a digital twin city created to replicate the Shallowford Road corridor in Chattanooga in both Unity and Unreal engine-based virtual environment. The generated digital twin city can be applied to a hardware-in-the-loop simulation environment with an actual testing vehicle to facilitate autonomous driving research.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

SU-F-T-139: Meeting the Challenges of Quality Control in the TOPAS Monte Carlo Simulation Toolkit for Proton Therapy

Purpose: Monte Carlo particle transport simulation (MC) codes have become important tools in proton therapy and biology, both for research and practice. TOPAS is an MC toolkit serving users worldwide (213 licensed users at 95 institutions in 21 countries). It provides unprecedented ease in 4D placement of geometry components, beam sources and scoring through its user-friendly and reproducible parameter file interface. Quality control (QC) of stochastic simulation software is inherently difficult, and the versatility of TOPAS introduces additional challenges. But QC is vital as the TOPAS development team implements new features, addresses user feedback and reacts to upgrades of underlying software (i.e. Geant4). Methods: Whenever code is committed to our repository, over 50 separate module tests are automatically triggered via a continuous integration service. They check that the various module options execute successfully and that their results are statistically consistent with previous reference values. Prior to each software release, longer end-to-end tests automatically validate TOPAS against experimental data and a TOPAS benchmark. These include simulating multiple properties of spread-out Bragg peaks, validating nuclear models, and searching for differences in patient simulations. Results: Continuous integration has proven effective in catching regressions at the time they are introduced, particularly when implementing new features that involve refactoring code (e.g. multithreading and ntuple output). Code coverage statistics highlight untested portions of code and guide development of new tests. The various end-to-end tests demonstrate that TOPAS accurately describes the physics of proton therapy within clinical tolerances. Conclusion: The TOPAS QC strategy of frequent short tests and pre-release long tests has led to a more reliable tool. However, the versatility of TOPAS makes it difficult to predict how users might combine different modules, and so QC ultimately remains a partnership between the developer and the user. This work was funded by National Cancer Institute grant R01 CA 140735.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

An eddy-permitting ocean-sea ice general circulation model (E3SMv0-HiLAT03): Description and evaluation

We document modeling setups and present results for simulated ocean and sea ice climate from a recently developed, intermediate-resolution global ocean-sea ice model [Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 0 configured for High-Latitude Application and Testing at 0.3° resolution (E3SMv0-HiLAT03)]. The horizontal resolution of HiLAT03 ranges from 33 km in the tropics to 8.5 km at high latitudes, with 100 vertical levels. This resolution allows the explicit representation of some mesoscale eddies, particularly at lower latitudes, therefore being named as an “eddy-permitting model”. Analyses are presented based on the output of two 186-yr control simulations forced by modern atmospheric conditions of climatological and inter-annually varying data sets, respectively. Results are compared to available observational data sets and the 1° NCAR model, which has somewhat similar ocean physics but a coarser resolution and an earlier version of the sea ice component. Analyses focus on ocean temperature and salinity fields, ocean dynamics and circulations, sea ice concentrations and thicknesses. The HiLAT03 model does reasonably well in most oceanic aspects evaluated here, especially in ocean meridional heat transport, despite the fact that no explicit eddy parameterization is applied. Many Arctic sea ice features are much improved compared with the 1° NCAR model, but the Antarctic summer sea ice is still generally low in concentrations and thicknesses. In addition, we discuss the prolonged deep convection (“Antarctic prolonged polynya”) over the Southern Ocean in the inter-annually forced case.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Wave Tank Testing Report for Controls Validation of a Heaving Point Absorber

The core objectives of this project is to improve the power capture of three different wave energy conversion (WEC) devices by more than 50% using an advanced control system and validate the attained improvements using wave tank and full scale testing. In parallel, we will bring along the development of a wave prediction system that is required to enable effective control and test it at full scale. The purposes of this report are to: 1. Plan and document the 1/25th scale device testing at the wave-tank facility; 2. Document the test article, setup and methodology, sensor and instrumentation, mooring, electronics, wiring, and data flow and quality assurance; 3. Communicate the testing results between the associated members; 4. Facilitate reviews that will help to ensure all aspects (risk, safety, testing procedures, etc.); 5. Provide a systematic guide to setting up, executing and decommissioning the experiment.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Measurement of local, internal magnetic fluctuations via cross-polarization scattering in the DIII-D tokamak (invited)

We present new measurements of internal magnetic fluctuations obtained with a novel eight channel cross polarization scattering (CPS) system installed on the DIII-D tokamak. Measurements of internal, localized magnetic fluctuations provide a window on an important physics quantity that we heretofore have had little information on. Importantly, these measurements provide a new ability to challenge and test linear and nonlinear simulations and basic theory. The CPS method, based upon the scattering of an incident microwave beam into the opposite polarization by magnetic fluctuations, has been significantly extended and improved over the method as originally developed on the Tore Supra tokamak. A new scattering geometry, provided by a unique probe beam, is utilized to improve the spatial localization and wavenumber range. Remotely controllable polarizer and mirror angles allow polarization matching and wavenumber selection for a range of plasma conditions. The quasi-optical system design, its advantages and challenges, as well as important physics validation tests are presented and discussed. Effect of plasma beta (ratio of kinetic to magnetic pressure) on both density and magnetic fluctuations is studied and it is observed that internal magnetic fluctuations increase with beta. During certain quiescent high confinement operational regimes, coherent low frequency modes not detected by magnetic probes are detected locally by CPS diagnostics.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗