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At least 1,243 records · Page 69
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Combining physics-based and data-driven models for quantitatively accurate plasma profile prediction that extrapolates well; with application to DIII-D, AUG, and ITER tokamaks

For design, scenario planning, and control, ITER and all other envisioned tokamaks rely on a variety of statistical and physics-based models to extrapolate to unseen regimes; most notably from low plasma current to high. A 'meta-learning' methodology for combining the accuracy of data-driven models with the generalizability of physics-based models is described and tested, yielding a 5–10 percent improvement in performance beyond either alone for the task of extrapolating time-dependent plasma profile prediction from low- to high- plasma current DIII-D tokamak discharges. Meanwhile, it is shown that both machine learning models extrapolated far-distribution and state-of-the-art 'physics-based' profile predictors fare worse than merely assuming plasma profiles do not change from their initial values. Finally, a variety of other mechanisms for helping data-driven models generalize—transfer learning, adding contextual information from physics simulators, and adding data from the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak—are attempted for similar extrapolation tasks but, in the methodology used in this paper, yield no significant improvement beyond simple data-driven models. Results are summarized in figures 15 and 16.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Planting a Lyman alpha forest on ABACUSSUMMIT

The full-shape correlations of the Lyman alpha (Ly$α$) forest contain a wealth of cosmological information through the Alcock Paczynski effect. However, these measurements are challenging to model without robustly testing and verifying the theoretical framework used for analyzing them. Here, we leverage the accuracy and volume of the $N$-body simulation suite ABACUSSUMMIT to generate high-resolution Ly$α$ skewers and quasi-stellar object (QSO) catalogs. One of the main goals of our mocks is to aid in the full-shape Ly$α$ analysis planned by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) team. We provide optical depth skewers for six of the fiducial cosmology base-resolution simulations ($L$ box = 2 $h$ -1 Gpc, $N$ = 6912 3 ) at $z$ = 2.5. We adopt a simple recipe based on the Fluctuating Gunn-Peterson Approximation (FGPA) for constructing these skewers from the matter density in an $N$-body simulation and calibrate it against the 1D and 3D Ly$α$ power spectra extracted from the hydrodynamical simulation IllustrisTNG (TNG; $L$ box = 205 $h$ -1 Mpc, $N$ = 2500 3 ). As an important application, we study the non-linear broadening of the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) peak and show the cross-correlation between DESI-like QSOs and our Ly$α$ forest skewers. We find differences on small scales between the Kaiser approximation prediction and our mock measurements of the Ly$α$×QSO cross-correlation, which would be important to account for in upcoming analyses. The ABACUSSUMMIT Ly$α$ forest mocks open up the possibility for improved modelling of cross correlations between Ly$α$ and cosmic microwave background (CMB) lensing and Ly$α$ and QSOs, and for forecasts of the 3-point Ly$α$ correlation function. Furthermore, our catalogues and skewers are publicly available on Globus via the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) (full link under Data Availability).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electron Cooling Experiment for Proton Beams with Intense Space-Charge in IOTA

Electron cooling as a method of creating intense ion beams has a practical upper limit when it comes to the peak phase space density of ion beams which can be achieved in practice. We describe a new experiment to study electron cooling of 2.5 MeV protons at the intensity limit using the Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA), which is a storage ring dedicated to beam physics research at Fermilab. This system will enable the study of magnetized electron cooling of a proton beam with transverse incoherent tune shifts approaching -0.5 due to the presence of intense space-charge forces. We present an overview of the hardware design, simulations and specific experiments planned for this project.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Design of a SMART Valve Testbed for Nuclear Thermal Dispatch

By the year 2050, the United States aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. To achieve this target, the licensing of the Light Water Reactor (LWR) fleet has been extended for 20 more years. To stay economically competitive with other power sources such as renewable and fossil-fuel power plants, the U.S. Department of Energy has introduced a plan to modernize the existing LWR fleet and diversify the revenue stream. One of the plans is to dispatch thermal energy to endothermic industrial processes. SMART valves will play an important role in this initiative by efficiently balancing the load by regulating valves in a coordinated manner while monitoring the thermal-hydraulic systems to enhance safety and maintain the integrity of the power plant. This research aims to develop a facility to test the coordinated control algorithm and produce various test results for training the monitoring system. The constructed facility is capable of simulating various operational and accidental scenarios by coordinating all the valves (positions) and pump (flowrate). The facility is developed with an Internet of Things (IoT)-based custom system and a python-based valve position control and coordination mechanism. It has achieved stable sensor outputs, pump control, and coordinated valve regulation in all three valves with minimum obstruction in the system.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Seasonal variability of wake impacts on US mid-Atlantic offshore wind plant power production

Abstract. The mid-Atlantic will experience rapid wind plant development due to its promising wind resource located near large population centers. Wind turbines and wind plants create wakes, or regions of reduced wind speed, that may negatively affect downwind turbines and plants. We evaluate wake variability and annual energy production with the first yearlong modeling assessment using the Weather Research and Forecasting model, deploying 12 MW turbines across the domain at a density of 3.14 MW km−2, matching the planned density of 3 MW km−2. Using a series of simulations with no wind plants, one wind plant, and complete build-out of lease areas, we calculate wake effects and distinguish the effect of wakes generated internally within one plant from those generated externally between plants. We also provide a first step towards uncertainty quantification by testing the amount of added turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) by 0 % and 100 %. We provide a sensitivity analysis by additionally comparing 25 % and 50 % for a short case study period. The strongest wakes, propagating 55 km, occur in summertime stable stratification, just when New England's grid demand peaks in summer. The seasonal variability of wakes in this offshore region is much stronger than the diurnal variability of wakes. Overall, yearlong simulated wake impacts reduce power output by a range between 38.2 % and 34.1 % (for 0 %–100 % added TKE). Internal wakes cause greater yearlong power losses, from 29.2 % to 25.7 %, compared to external wakes, from 14.7 % to 13.4 %. The overall impact is different from the linear sum of internal wakes and external wakes due to non-linear processes. Additional simulations quantify wake uncertainty by modifying the added amount of turbulent kinetic energy from wind turbines, introducing power output variability of 3.8 %. Finally, we compare annual energy production to New England grid demand and find that the lease areas can supply 58.8 % to 61.2 % of annual load. We note that the results of this assessment are not intended to make nor are they suitable to make commercial judgments about specific wind projects.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Impact Analysis of Future Electric Vehicles Using Model of Real Distribution Feeders

Globally, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to increase. This on-going trend poses challenges for power distribution systems. The inclusion of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) should be compatible with a changing energy system, whose structure is becoming increasingly distributed. The impact of future EVs should be analyzed and considered in the system planning and upgrades. In this study, impact analysis of future EVs is conducted for a utility company of U.S. West Coast. Real data of distribution feeders is converted into the GridLAB-D model for running power flow analysis. An estimation of the additional loading of EVs in 2050 is provided by the utility company. Simple mitigation methods are tested to improve voltage profiles and complete this case study.

Xie, Jing↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials response under hypersonic flow conditions probed by multi-modal diagnostics in a benchtop wind tunnel

In this LDRD “Materials response under hypersonic flow conditions probed by multi-modal diagnostics in a benchtop wind tunnel” a peer-reviewed lab-scale hypersonic wind tunnel (WT) was planned to be assembled in-house, along with time and space resolved and related flow and materials diagnostics to derive high quality measurements and the science that is able to inform the development of our modeling and simulation codes for the hypersonic regime. The baseline capability to achieve Mach 3 flow was scheduled to be completed in Q4 2020, in the first year of the LDRD. However due to the COVID-19 delays and travel restrictions starting in March, 2020 this task could not be completed to carry out the materials response studies in-house, or those planned with external partners that were engaged during this LDRD (NASA Langley, NASA Ames, Texas A&M university, and Virginia Tech). Still, using our hypersonic computational fluid simulation codes, many of the hypersonic components have been designed (for Mach 3, 5, and 7) and procured (or in procurement phase), and a new dedicated hypersonic laboratory was facilitized, 2 WT test sections have been manufactured, and a Mach 3 nozzle was 3D printed for prototyping. In parallel, unique materials diagnostics have been tested under static conditions and fully specified and awaiting validation in our partner facilities. Due to the new hypersonic initiative announced in January, 2020 we proposed a related scope increase in hypersonics research requiring energy interactions and new diagnostics well beyond what could be supported by an LDRD ER. A decision was made to end the current LDRD ER and formally propose a new LDRD SI that leverages the current effort, which will be starting in FY21. As a result of the uniqueness of this LDRD work, our early efforts have been encouraged and well received in the hypersonic research community, and is now part of multiple unsolicited internal and external project proposals expected to be funded in the coming years, which is encouraging to make LLNL a leader in experimentally probing extreme physics of local energetics critical to hypersonics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

DEVELOPMENT OF A 25 MWTH FLAMELESS PRESSURIZED OXY-COMBUSTION PILOT

The Flameless Pressurized Oxy-Combustion (FPO) cycle, a novel flexible fuel technology, is being developed into a large pilot. This effort seeks to complete the preliminary engineering and planning of a 25 MWth Pilot Plant that will demonstrate the technology for scale-up to a commercial unit. The technology, pioneered by ITEA at the 5 MWth scale, must be brought to a higher technology readiness level (TRL) to be viable at the commercial scale. The 25 MWth pilot cycle was optimized for cost and technology development and demonstration. Preliminary drawings, layouts, and plans were defined. Process flow diagrams were used to describe the pilot configuration in greater detail. A heat and mass balance with stream data was created. A master equipment list specified the operating conditions for major pieces of equipment within the pilot using this heat and mass balance. The 25 MWth FPO pilot is assessed for environmental performance. A test campaign is developed to assess the type of test and number of hours required for pilot demonstration. The environmental performance is compared against projected performance at the commercial scale. This project builds upon extensive evaluation of the techno-economic performance of the FPO technology already performed by ITEA. This includes system improvements, such as the addition of a turbo-expander to the flue gas stream. Some of the performance-enhancing components are not as well defined as others. The primary goal of this effort was to bring all of the core cycle components to the same level of design maturity. A techno-economic assessment (TEA) evaluated the FPO technology at the commercial scale in comparison to the NETL baseline cases. The reference plants were used in combination with proprietary equipment estimates to build a plant capital cost and cost of electricity evaluation. FPO performed better than the sub-bituminous post-combustion capture cases. Further preliminary estimates of improvements to the FPO cycle show even further gains when compared to conventional carbon capture methods.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Engineering Computational Practices (Rev. 1)

This manual will attempt to motivate the use of an automated build system for the purposes of computational science and engineering. As part of this motivation, the surrounding computational practices of version control, documen tation, compute environment management, and regression testing will also be addressed as applied to the practice of computational engineering. Specifically, this manual intends to motivate the adoption of these traditional software engineering practices for use in research and production engineering simulation projects. This manual is not the first such effort in the greater scientific computing community. In fact, the authors relied heavily on the lesson plans of the Software Carpentry, established to teach computing skills to researchers in 1998. As the intention for this manual is to lay out fundamental practices of engineering computing, it will not attempt to fully teach the underlying concepts and will instead reference the well designed lesson plans of the Software Carpentry. Where possible, this manual will explain to general computing practices and concepts and limit discussion of specific software implementations to examples or vehicles for practice in concrete application. The specific software taught by the Software Carpentry curriculum is an excellent starting point to learn the core concepts of computational engi neering. However, the authors have found that applications to engineering simulation and analysis require translation of these software development concepts into the language and workflows of computational engineers. Adopting these computational tools may require engineers to re-imagine their workflows in some combination of traditional engineer ing and software concepts. It has also been necessary to extend existing software build systems for engineering practices beyond the simple wrap ping of engineering software execution. Where necessary, examples of specific software and their method of extension to engineering simulations will be given, with reference to the User Manual for recommended practical use. Where this manual relies on specific implementation examples, it should be understood that the practicing engineer may find that different software is more amenable to their specific work. It is always the overall collection of computational practices is more important than any specific software implementation. The ability to recognize which concepts are implemented by a software package will make a practicing engineer agile to changing project needs, computing resources, numeric solvers, programming languages, and even available funding.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Second Target Station Project: LANSCE WNR Target 2 (Blue Room) Experiment 2022

The Second Target Station (STS) at SNS will address emerging scientific challenges by providing a source of intense, cold neutrons to instruments optimized for this source, using rotating, tungsten target blocks. The STS target will receive 1.3 GeV proton beam pulses from the SNS accelerator at a repetition rate of 15 Hz. The facility life is planned for 40 years, and each target assembly life is expected to be approximately 10 years. An accurate strain prediction is then critical for fatigue life assessment of STS target blocks because they will be subject to approximately 108 beam pulses per lifetime. As an R&D activity, the LANSCE WNR Target 2 (blue room) facility was used to test the strain response of prototypical target blocks to the thermal shock of a proton pulse. The blue room was well suited for a pulsed proton beam impact test of subscale STS target blocks; the 800 MeV proton energy is approximately 60% of the 1.3 GeV proton energy expected from the SNS accelerator to the STS. Both the LANSCE Proton Storage Ring (PSR) and SNS are short-pulse proton beam sources with nominal pulse widths of 250 ns and 661 ns, respectively, so the energy deposition in the target occurs in < 1 microsecond pulse duration.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Voltage Stability Constrained Moving Target Defense Against Net Load Redistribution Attacks

Moving target defense (MTD) using distributed flexible AC transmission system (D-FACTS) devices is a promising defense strategy to detect stealthy false data injection (FDI) attacks against the power system state estimation. However, all existing studies myopically perturb the reactance of D-FACTS lines without considering the system voltage stability. In this paper, we first illustrate voltage instability induced by MTDs in a three-bus system. To address this issue, we further propose a novel MTD framework that explicitly considers system voltage stability by using continuation power flow and voltage stability indices. We mathematically derive the sensitivity matrix of voltage stability index to line impedance, on which an optimization problem for maximizing voltage stability index is formulated. This framework is tested on the IEEE 14-bus and the IEEE 118-bus transmission systems, in which net load redistribution attacks are launched by sophisticated attackers. Here, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed framework in circumventing the voltage instability while maintaining the detection effectiveness of MTD. We conduct case studies with and without the proposed framework under different MTD planning and operational methods. The impacts of the proposed two methods on attack detection effectiveness and system economic metrics are also revealed.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Avista CEF2 Shared Energy Economy: Modeling and Simulation

This research project supported Avista’s Shared Energy Economy (SEE) Project in Spokane’s University District (UDistrict), as funded by the WA Department of Commerce Clean Energy Fund (CEF) Phase 2. The SEE project comprises a microgrid with two campus buildings, two solar photovoltaic generators, and two batteries. The microgrid can operate grid-connected or off-grid. This research project included modeling the buildings and other microgrid components, simulating a transactive energy system, and supporting Avista’s testing of different use cases for the WA Department of Commerce. The main research finding is that buildings can be modeled successfully in a data-driven approach.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

LOCOMOTIVES - Comprehensive Impact and Cost Assessment Framework of Carbon Lowering Approaches for the US Rail Freight System

The goal of this project is to develop a tool to aid railroads and other stakeholders assess and approach the decarbonization of freight rail operations by identifying new, viable low-carbon energy storage and conversion systems for future locomotive systems and how they should be deployed on the existing US freight rail network. In the first quarter, the project focused on collecting data, establishing a simulation workflow, and engaging industry through the creation of the Industry Advisory Board (IAB). In the second quarter, the project focused on selecting fuel pathways and powertrain technologies, setting performance targets, conducting a techno-economic analyses, and developing the simulation framework that would serve as the backbone of the future toolhead. The third quarter involved developing an industry-oriented interactive dashboard powered by a five-step sequential framework, as well as holding industry advisory board meetings as per the initial technology-to-market plan. In the remaining project quarters, the NUFRIEND dashboard were fine-tuned with the help of IAB member feedback and in-depth scenario analyses were conducted to support the techno-economic analysis of energy sources. Additionally, dashboard documentation, project insights, and open-source code on GitHub were prepared and released. Throughout the project, the team completed testing and analysis of all model components, integrated all initial test scenarios, and conducted stakeholder engagement. Lower-carbon drop-in fuels can be deployed as admixtures and are considered uniform across the network at a desired penetration rate, while hydrogen and battery-electric technology deployment poses a more complex problem as they require significant investments to be made in the siting of refueling/charging facilities and the replacement of locomotive fleets. Thus, strategies for locating and sizing refueling/charging facilities on a railroad’s network to meet their energy demands were developed to inform deployment decisions. To address this challenge, the Northwestern University Freight Rail Infrastructure & Energy Network Decarbonization (NUFRIEND) framework presents a five-step sequential framework to select O-D paths, locate facilities, reroute flows, size facilities, and evaluate the deployment for alternative energy sources that require locomotive powertrains to be converted and new refueling infrastructure to be deployed. The NUFRIEND Framework is an industry-oriented tool for simulating the deployment of new energy technologies across the US freight rail network. The framework provides a comprehensive network-level optimization and scenario simulation tool for decarbonizing the freight rail sector, addressing the uncertainties surrounding technological developments by supporting sensitivity analyses for different operational and technological parameters through a transparent and flexible input module. It offers practical alternatives to diesel locomotives and can be applied for any railroad considering the specific network structure and freight demand, outputting evaluation metrics for the associated emissions and costs relative to diesel operations. A number of relevant simulation scenarios were run and analyzed for key insights on the value of different alternative technologies for freight rail decarbonization. The project developments and findings have been presented at numerous conferences and events.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Cybersecurity Standards for Distributed Energy Resources: Gaps and Harmonization Strategy

This report examines cybersecurity standards for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in light of their rapid growth and increasing integration into energy systems. It identifies critical gaps in existing frameworks, including inadequate coverage of DER-specific challenges, complexities in implementing comprehensive standards, integration issues with legacy systems, adoption hurdles for newer standards, and a lack of harmonization across regulatory landscapes. The analysis highlights vulnerabilities such as data integrity risks, unauthorized device control, and denial-of-service attacks across various DER technologies like solar PV, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and hydrogen fuel cells. The report proposes a harmonization strategy to address these deficiencies by developing unified cybersecurity requirements, certification programs, and training resources while fostering collaboration among stakeholders such as government agencies, industry groups, DER operators, manufacturers, and research institutions. A phased roadmap is outlined to refine and implement these measures through pilot testing and widespread adoption. Ultimately, the report underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to enhance DER cybersecurity and ensure the reliable operation of future energy systems.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Vegetation Detection Using Deep Learning and Conventional Methods

Land cover classification with the focus on chlorophyll-rich vegetation detection plays an important role in urban growth monitoring and planning, autonomous navigation, drone mapping, biodiversity conservation, etc. Conventional approaches usually apply the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for vegetation detection. In this paper, we investigate the performance of deep learning and conventional methods for vegetation detection. Two deep learning methods, DeepLabV3+ and our customized convolutional neural network (CNN) were evaluated with respect to their detection performance when training and testing datasets originated from different geographical sites with different image resolutions. A novel object-based vegetation detection approach, which utilizes NDVI, computer vision, and machine learning (ML) techniques, is also proposed. The vegetation detection methods were applied to high-resolution airborne color images which consist of RGB and near-infrared (NIR) bands. RGB color images alone were also used with the two deep learning methods to examine their detection performances without the NIR band. The detection performances of the deep learning methods with respect to the object-based detection approach are discussed and sample images from the datasets are used for demonstrations.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Energy Scheduling-based Operating Envelopes including a Distribution System Branch Screening Algorithm

This paper presents an energy scheduling-based formulation for computing operating envelopes including a distribution branch screening algorithm, termed DBS-ES. The contribution of the paper is two-fold: firstly, it presents an innovative methodology for calculating operating envelopes using energy scheduling (baseline), and secondly, it enhances this methodology by incorporating a custom distribution branch screening algorithm (DBS-ES). The custom algorithm leverages power system knowledge to reduce both model build time and total processing time while maintaining the same scheduling results as the baseline. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through experiments on the IEEE13, IEEE123, and EPRI Secondary test feeders. Results highlight a 24.5% decrease in model build time and an 8.17% decrease in total processing time when using DBS-ES compared to the baseline, specifically for the IEEE123 test feeder. Additionally, the paper briefly discusses the influence of utility-controlled storage on computing operating envelopes, noting a general incre

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enhanced Power Grid Maintenance Planning and Quantum-Inspired Combinatorial Prospects

Efficient and reliable scheduling of maintenance for power generation and transmission infrastructure is essential for minimizing operational costs and ensuring grid stability. This paper introduces an integrated optimization framework for coordinated maintenance scheduling of generators and transmission lines under resource and reliability constraints. The model minimizes a composite cost function including maintenance and generation costs, as well as penalties for delayed maintenance, while satisfying N−1 security constraints, operational limits, and crew availability. Case studies on the IEEE 300-bus test system demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in producing feasible and cost-effective maintenance schedules. To address scalability and combinatorial complexity, the model is mapped into a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) problem, enabling exploration of solution approaches based on Quantum Imaginary Time Evolution (QITE). While the QUBO reformulation provides a foundation for future quantum-inspired optimization, this study focuses primarily on the development and demonstration of the classical optimization framework and illustrates the potential applicability of QITE in large-scale maintenance scheduling.

Chen, Yang [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000271693874)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Contribution of IN2P3 to PIP-II Project: Plans and Progress

IJCLab is one of the labs of IN2P3 (National institute of nuclear and particle physics), one of the ten research institutes composing the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). Since 2018, IJCLab has been involved in the PIP-II project, assisting with the design, development, and qualification of accelerator components for the SSR2 (Single Spoke Resonator type 2) section of the superconducting linac. The first pre-production components (cavity, coupler, and tuner) have been fabricated, and some of the first qualification tests have been performed at IJCLab. This paper will summarize the complete scope of IJCLab¿s contributions to PIP-II and give updates on the performances of the first pre-production components.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗