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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2015

Note: Optical and electronic design of an amplitude-modulated continuous-wave laser scanner for high-accuracy distance measurement

To utilize a time-of-flight-based laser scanner as a distance measurement sensor, the measurable distance and accuracy are the most important performance parameters to consider. For these purposes, the optical system and electronic signal processing of the laser scanner should be optimally designed in order to reduce a distance error caused by the optical crosstalk and wide dynamic range input. Optical system design for removing optical crosstalk problem is proposed in this work. Intensity control is also considered to solve the problem of a phase-shift variation in the signal processing circuit caused by object reflectivity. The experimental results for optical system and signal processing design are performed using 3D measurements.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2019

Computational design and initial corrosion assessment of a series of non-equimolar high entropy alloys

The integrated computational materials engineering approach has been employed to design a series of four single-phase non-equimolar high entropy alloys (HEAs) with systematically varied compositions ($Ni_{38}Fe_{20}Cr_xMn_{21-0.5x}Co_{21-0.5x}$ with x = 6, 10, 14, and 22) and corrosion behavior. The HEAs were successfully designed, synthesized and confirmed to possess a single-phase FCC structure. Preliminary electrochemical corrosion characterization was conducted to gain fundamental understanding of the effects of HEA composition on corrosion resistance, which will be utilized to develop mechanistic corrosion models that enable the optimal design of corrosion resistant HEA. HEA containing 6 at.% Cr showed indications of passivity at a relatively low Cr content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2015

Efficient enhancement of hydrogen production by Ag/Cu{sub 2}O/ZnO tandem triple-junction photoelectrochemical cell

Highly efficient semiconductor photoelectrodes for solar hydrogen production through photocatalytic water splitting are a promising and challenge solution to solve the energy problems. In this work, Ag/Cu{sub 2}O/ZnO tandem triple-junction photoelectrode was designed and prepared. An increase of 11 times of photocurrent is achieved in the Ag/Cu{sub 2}O/ZnO photoelectrode comparing to that of the Cu{sub 2}O film. The high performance of the Ag/Cu{sub 2}O/ZnO film is due to the optimized design of the tandem triple-junction structure, where the localized surface Plasmon resonance of Ag and the hetero-junctions efficiently absorb solar energy, produce, and separate electron-hole pairs in the photocathode.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2020

Invited: Software defined accelerators from learning tools environment

Next generation systems, such as edge devices, will need to provide efficient processing of machine learning (ML) algorithms along several metrics, including energy, performance, area, and latency. However, the quickly evolving field of ML makes it extremely difficult to generate accelerators able to support a wide variety of algorithms. At the same time, designing accelerators in hardware description languages (HDLs) by hand is hard and time consuming, and does not allow quick exploration of the design space. In this paper we present the Software Defined Accelerators From Learning Tools Environment (SODALITE), an automated open source high-level ML framework-to-verilog compiler targeting ML Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) chiplets. The SODALITE approach will implement optimal designs by seamlessly combining custom components generated through high-level synthesis (HLS) with templated and fully tunable Intellectural Properties (IPs) and macros, integrated in an extendable resource library. Through a closed loop design space exploration engine, developers will be able to quickly explore their hardware designs along different dimensions.

High-Level Synthesis, Accelerators, Hardware-Softw↗

DOE OSTI2020

Status and Targets for Polymer-Based Solid-State Batteries for Electric Vehicle Applications

There is growing interest in the development of Li-metal-based solid state batteries, driven by their promise in improving the energy density to satisfy electric vehicle requirements. In this work, we examine the status of Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based solid state batteries for electric vehicle applications using a continuum scale mathematical model. We examine LiFePO4(LFP) cathode/lithium metal anode batteries containing three different electrolytes, namely (1) a liquid electrolyte, (2) the polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (SEO) block copolymer electrolyte, and (3) a single-ion conducting (SIC) block copolymer electrolyte, with the liquid electrolyte serving as the baseline for the comparison. By using an optimization procedure, we assemble "virtual" batteries to identify the optimal design that maximizes energy density while allowing the power requirements of electric vehicles (EVs) to be satisfied. Results show the present status of different SPEs are still below what is considered acceptable and further improvements are needed to achieve electric vehicle targets. The optimization studies conducted here show that for low transference number electrolytes (similar to 0.2) the conductivity target is 5 x 10(-3)S cm(-1), while for a unity transference number electrolyte this target decreases to 4 x 10(-4)S cm(-1). These targets provide guidance for polymer synthesis researchers to develop better polymers for use in EVs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Additively Manufactured, Lightweight, Low-Cost Composite Vessels for Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Storage

This project will develop a process to combine AM via direct ink writing (DIW) technology for CFC printing and to use design optimization tools pioneered at LLNL, with advances in resin/composite formulation enabled by chemical and nano-material modification to produce lightweight low-cost CNG tanks. Our approach will yield sub-scale prototype composite pressure tanks equivalent to Type-5 CNG vessel designs that demonstrate a potential cost-benefit advantage. Central to our vision is using agile AM and design based on computationally informed DIW of both short and continuous CF, further coupled with high-performance thermoset polymer matrixes modified by emergent nanomaterials. Our single-stage, multi-material AM technology, combined with a decreased volume fraction of CF and an increased proportion of economically advantaged short fiber, all together drive the reduction in manufacturing time and overall cost. Importantly, reductions in continuous fiber and overall fiber volume fraction will be achieved without detriment to the mechanical strength of the composite vessel. This will be achieved by employing a single process using multi materials grading involving a thermoset resin “ink” modified with aligned nanoplatelets to leverage the efficient tortuous-path gas barrier effect, printed as an inner flexible gas barrier as the initial stage in our manufacturing process before compositionally grading the AM feedstock in real-time to transition to a rigid, structural CF-filled resin. The proposed hybrid construction is projected to achieve pressure ratings at a service range of 2,900–3,600 psi with a 3× burst safety factor comparable to conventional filament-wound composite tanks with an estimated 30–50% reduction in total manufacturing cost.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Heating Ventilation Air-Conditioning (HVAC) System Analysis and Optimization for Revit with the OpenStudio Analytical Framework (CRADA Final Report)

This project proposes to integrate the NREL-developed OpenStudio (OS) and its accompanying Analytical Framework (OSAF) into Autodesk’s (ADSK’s) market leading suite of building information modeling (BIM) tools. As a result, BIM users will gain access to advanced (but user-friendly) building energy modeling (BEM), calibration, and design optimization capabilities. Following integration, the BIM software will automatically generate a consistent OS-based BEM model, allowing users to develop projects in an integrated manner, moving back and forth between architectural and engineering perspectives without redundancy or data loss, saving time and effort.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2017

SRF Systems for the Jefferson Lab Electron Ion Collider (JLEIC)

We report on the development of new CW SRF systems for the colliding rings of a proposed electron-ion collider (EIC) at Jlab. Jefferson Lab is developing new strongly HOM-damped SRF cavities for the ion collider ring and a high-energy electron cooler at 952.6 MHz. The baseline design JLEIC will re-use the PEP-II 476 MHz cavities for the electron ring with a possible future upgrade to 952.6 MHz SRF cavities at a later date. We discuss the design optimization of the new high current cavities and compare options for the strong HOM damping required. A concept for a modular cryostat to house these various cavities will be shown, and an overview of the challenging high-level parameters will be presented. These designs and concepts may be useful in other high current storage rings and ERLs.

Rimmer, Robert↗

DOE OSTI2023

Transition Core Modeling for Extended Enrichment & Accident-Tolerant Fuels Using Polaris/PARCS

Commercial light water reactor (LWR) operators and fuel vendors are currently interested in increasing the low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel enrichments from the current limit of 5.0 $^w/_o$ $^{235}U$ up to 10 $^ w/_o$ $^{235}U$ (referred to as "LEU+") in their current fleets; they are also interested in using accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) with both LEU and LEU+ fuel. This report aims to identify modeling challenges and accuracy concerns in transition core analysis using the SCALE Polaris lattice physics code and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission core simulator PARCS. At the time this study was started, no publicly available LEU+ core designs existed for boiling water reactor (BWR) or pressurized water reactor (PWR) systems. Therefore, fuel lattices were shuffled within a multi-assembly model to mimic neutronically challenging lattice combinations seen in transition cores, such as a fresh LEU+ lattice next to depleted LEU lattices. In addition to multi-assembly models, whole-core BWR transition core calculations were performed for ATF and LEU+ fuel using an existing Hatch-1 Cycle 3 core model. A whole-core BWR model was chosen due to the more heterogeneous core designs compared to those for a PWR core. Since the original core is an old checkerboard core design and no core or fuel design optimization was performed for the modeled fuel types, these core calculations were intended only to provide: (1) Comparisons of core characteristics of interest, such as the pin power distributions and peaking factors, Doppler temperature coefficients (DTCs), and control blade worths (CBWs) under challenging core designs, (2) Identification of reactor physics challenges in modeling LEU+ and ATF cores, and (3) A stress test for the Polaris/PARCS two-step modeling approach, including characterization of the relative accuracy for predicting characteristics of interest such as pin power distributions.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Off-Design Load Analysis of sCO2 Bottoming Cycle for a Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant with Carbon Capture

As an alternative to a steam cycle, a supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) power cycle can be considered. Able et. al performed an analysis of an sCO2 cycle in a 2x2-1 configuration; however, this study did not include carbon capture. Previous studies assumed an H-Frame turbine and added a solvent based 95% carbon capture system and performed a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) optimization for the plant. Their results suggest a LCOE slightly better than when using a steam cycle. In the study, steam is still generated in the heat recovery sections for the solvent regeneration in the carbon capture stripper reboiler. H-Frame gas turbines are also assumed. This work starts with the optimal design from the mentioned work to analyze the off-design performance of the power plant from 100% down to 50% load. The main operational findings and plant-efficiency for off-load conditions while maintaining the target CO2 capture rate are presented. H-Frame gas turbine off-design performance and exhaust conditions to the heat recovery section are obtained from commercial software, Thermoflow®. The CO2 turbomachinery, heat exchangers and other unit operations are sized and implemented in an Aspen Plus® model. Using the gas turbine exhaust conditions as input, the sCO2 cycle is optimized by adjusting stream split ratios, sCO2 circulation flowrate and compressor speed for maximum efficiency. This is done while keeping the target 95% CO2 capture.

Chinen, Anderson Soares↗

DOE OSTI2025

A two-dimensional numerical study of the magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor instability with FLASH: Application to the staged Z-pinch concept

Magnetically driven implosions involving a liner collapsing onto a target are inherently vulnerable to the magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor instability (MRTI). Among the various approaches proposed to achieve fusion conditions within the target, the staged Z-pinch (SZP) concept employs a high-Z liner, the advantages of which remain an active area of investigation. Consequently, ongoing design optimization efforts are essential, while critical physical processes such as magnetic field (B-field) diffusion and radiation transport increase the complexity of required simulations. In this study, we utilize the new capabilities of the FLASH code to simulate in 2D, for the first time using this code, staged Z-pinch configurations (designated SZP1 and SZP1*), focusing on their stability. First, a comparison of simulation results with theoretical predictions of MRTI growth provide new insights into the often-overlooked influences of high mesh resolution and initial perturbation seeding on instability dynamics. These findings then lead to a discussion on potential improvements for future SZP experiments. These include the use of an axial B-field stabilization and the optimization of radiation transport processes during the implosion. The results presented herein establish the framework for simulating multi-dimensional Z pinches using the FLASH code and pave the way for the development of innovative experimental configurations leveraging its advanced simulation capabilities.

Adaptive mesh refinement↗

DOE OSTI2019

Matching networks for wireless power transfer and related techniques

In one implementation, an analytical approach to determining an improved and/or optimal design of a matching network in a capacitive or inductive WPT system is provided. In one implementation, for example, a framework is provided to enable stage(s) of the network to simultaneously provide gain and compensation. The multistage matching network efficiency can be improved and/or optimized, such as by using the method of Lagrange multipliers, resulting in the optimum distribution of gain and compensation among the L-section stages.

Sinha, Sreyam↗

DOE OSTI2022

LaSDI: Parametric Latent Space Dynamics Identification

Enabling fast and accurate physical simulations with data has become an important area of computational physics to aid in inverse problems, design-optimization, uncertainty quantification, and other various decision-making applications. This paper presents a data-driven framework for parametric latent space dynamics identification procedure that enables fast and accurate simulations. The parametric model is achieved by building a set of local latent space model and designing an interaction among them. An individual local latent space dynamics model achieves accurate solution in a trust region. By letting the set of trust region to cover the whole parameter space, our model shows an increase in accuracy with an increase in training data. Herein we introduce two different types of interaction mechanisms, i.e., point-wise and region-based approach. Both linear and nonlinear data compression techniques are used. We illustrate the framework of Latent Space Dynamics Identification (LaSDI) enable a fast and accurate solution process on various partial differential equations, i.e., Burgers’ equations, radial advection problem, and nonlinear heat conduction problem, achieving 0 (100)x speed-up and 0 (1)% relative error with respect to the corresponding full order models.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2015

Multicaloric effect in bi-layer multiferroic composites

The multicaloric effect was theoretically proposed in 2012 and, despite numerous follow up studies, the effect still awaits experimental confirmation. The main limitation is the fact that the multicaloric effect is only observed at a temperature equal to the transition temperature of the magnetic and electric phases coexisting within a multiferroic (MF) (i.e., T ≈ T{sub c}{sup m} ≈ T{sub c}{sup e}). Such condition is hard to fulfill in single phase MFs and a solution is to develop suitable composite MF materials. Here, we examine the multicaloric effect in a bi-layer laminated composite MF in order to determine the optimal design parameters for best caloric response. We show that magnetically induced multicaloric effect requires magnetic component of heat capacity smaller than that of the electric phase, while the layer thickness of the magnetic phase must be at least 5 times the thickness of the electric phase. The electrically induced multicaloric effect requires the magnetic layer to be 10% of the electric phase thickness, while its heat capacity must be larger than that of the electric phase. These selection rules are generally applicable to bulk as well as thin film MF composites for optimal multicaloric effect.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2023

Isotherm modeling and techno-economic analysis of a TSA moving bed process using a tetraamine-appended MOF for NGCC applications

Tetraamine-appended metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are a new family of amine-functionalized MOF materials that show potential for CO 2 capture from flue gas conditions relevant to natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants. This work presents isotherm modeling of the tetraamine-appended MOF Mg 2 (dobpdc)(3-4-3)(dobpdc 4- =4,4'-dioxidobiphenyl-3,3'dicarboxylate;3-4-3=N,N'bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,4-diaminobutane), process modeling, scale up, and a techno-economic optimization of a moving bed Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA) process for carbon capture using this sorbent. This MOF exhibits a unique two-step CO 2 adsorption profile in three different pressure ranges. Thus, arctangent-based logistic functions and, quadratic and Langmuir models were employed to represent such isotherm behavior. The results of the isotherm model show good fitting vs the experimental data with an RMSE of 0.41. Here, to model the carbon capture process, the isotherm model was embedded into a moving bed contactor model, and this was used to simulate a TSA CO 2 capture cycle and evaluate cost-optimal designs considering flue gas from a -650 MWe NGCC power plant. The capital cost model consists of CAPEX correlations for reactors, compressors, ducting, etc., while the operating costs include steam, water, chemicals, and electricity (following NETL's quality guidelines for energy systems studies). A techno-economic optimization of the capture system was performed by using NETL's Framework for the Optimization and Quantification of Uncertainty and Surrogates tool (FOQUS). Results suggest that a moving bed carbon capture system with tetraamine-appended MOF can be competitive compared to conventional MEA solvent-based capture processes for NGCC plants, when a heat recovery efficiency of at least 40% is achieved, and MOF materials can be produced at a cost below -$9/kg.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2015

Transmissive spectrum splitting multi-junction solar module for hybrid CPV/CSP system

Here, a new scalable, modular hybrid solar power system is designed to generate electricity through two pathways, CPV and CSP, in order to better meet grid energy demands for reliable renewable energy. The key element, a transmissive, spectrum-splitting multi-junction solar module, is modeled and simulated to analyze its electrical, optical, and thermal properties. Optimized designs are proposed to deliver high efficiency visible light-to-electricity conversion while transmitting infrared light to a thermal receiver. Prospective challenges in the upcoming development and fabrication are discussed.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2018

Development of 3-D Geological Model of Tuscarora Sandstone for Feasibility of Deep Direct-Use Geothermal at West Virginia University’s Main Campus

The Morgantown campus of West Virginia University (WVU) is uniquely positioned to host the first geothermal deep direct-use district heating system in the eastern United States. While much of the eastern United States is not blessed with extremely high heat flow and elevated temperatures, the northeastern part of West Virginia is unique in having a basin that is expected to support the achievable flowrate of geofluid through target formations, with sufficient temperatures at depth. These two factors were identified in the 2006 MIT Future of Geothermal Energy Report to be the two most critical factors in minimizing cost of geothermal energy. Our overall project objective is to determine the feasibility of designing a Geothermal District Heating and Cooling (GDHC) system for the West Virginia University campus utilizing Geothermal Deep Direct-Use (DDU) by 1) minimization of the uncertainty and risk associated with developing the geothermal resource for use on campus at WVU and 2) completion of an optimized design for the geothermal system, minimizing the delivered Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH). Our first goal, to minimize the risk of project development, will be achieved by decreasing the uncertainty in both the subsurface geothermal system as well the surface distribution system. The subsurface uncertainty is dominated by the uncertainty in the projections of geofluid flowrate in the target formation, the Tuscarora Sandstone. In this paper, three cores from the heterogeneous reservoir, available through West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey, are analyzed by performing core analysis using CT scanning and permeability measurements via minipermeameter. Additional geological data are collected through cores, published literature, seismic data, and nearby, existing wells to estimate thickness, fracture network configuration and geothermal gradient to minimize the uncertainty of well deliverability. Using these estimated reservoir properties; a 3D conceptual model for the proposed geothermal site is developed.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2018

Beam dynamics validation of the Halbach Technology FFAG Cell for Cornell-BNL Energy Recovery Linac

The Cornell-BNL Electron Test Accelerator (CBETA), a 150 MeV energy recovery linac (ERL) now in construction at Cornell, employs a fixed-field alternating gradient optics return loop: a single beam line comprised of FFAG cells, which accepts four recirculated energies. CBETA FFAG cell uses Halbach permanent magnet technology, its design studies have covered an extended period of time supported by extensive particle dynamics simulations using computed 3-D field map models. As a result, this approach is discussed, and illustrated here, based on the final stage in these beam dynamics studies, namely the validation of a ultimate, optimized design of the Halbach cell.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗