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At least 1,297 records · Page 72

Commercial Building Partnerships Replication and Diffusion

This study presents findings from survey and interview data investigating replication efforts of Commercial Building Partnership (CBP) partners that worked directly with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). PNNL partnered directly with 12 organizations on new and retrofit construction projects, which represented approximately 28 percent of the entire U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) CBP program. Through a feedback survey mechanism, along with personal interviews, PNNL gathered quantitative and qualitative data relating to replication efforts by each organization. These data were analyzed to provide insight into two primary research areas: 1) CBP partners’ replication efforts of technologies and approaches used in the CBP project to the rest of the organization’s building portfolio (including replication verification), and, 2) the market potential for technology diffusion into the total U.S. commercial building stock, as a direct result of the CBP program. The first area of this research focused specifically on replication efforts underway or planned by each CBP program participant. Factors that impact replication include motivation, organizational structure and objectives firms have for implementation of energy efficient technologies. Comparing these factors between different CBP partners revealed patterns in motivation for constructing energy efficient buildings, along with better insight into market trends for green building practices. The second area of this research develops a diffusion of innovations model to analyze potential broad market impacts of the CBP program on the commercial building industry in the United States.

Commercial Building Partnerships↗

Handbook of Advanced Manufactured Material Properties From TCR Structure Builds at ORNL (FY2019)

There is growing interest in the use of additive manufacturing techniques for the production and deployment of components for nuclear power applications. Specifically, the Transformational Challenge Reactor (TRC) program seeks to demonstrate the application of advanced manufacturing to rapidly develop and deploy a microreactor. As part of the TCR objective, a database on materials performance, such as thermophysical properties and mechanical performance, is required to help inform nuclear reactor designers, operators, and regulators regarding possible material limitations using emerging manufacturing techniques. The following report seeks to collect all available data regarding the material performance of candidate alloys and manufacturing processes pursued within the TCR program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. At this time, this database focuses only on materials derived within the program and does not extend to additional manufacturing processes, manufacturers, or other advanced materials. Where appropriate, recommendations for applications of the data are provided and current knowledge gaps are identified.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Mission Concept, Science, and Technology of the PRIMA Astrophysics Probe

PRIMA addresses questions about the origins and growth of planets, supermassive black holes, stars, and dust. Much of the radiant energy from these formation processes is obscured and only emerges in the far infrared (IR) where PRIMA observes (24–261 um). PRIMA’s PI science program (25% of its 5-year mission) focuses on three questions and feeds a rich archival Guest Investigator program: How do exoplanets form and what are the origins of their atmospheres? How do galaxies’ black holes and stellar masses co-evolve over cosmic time? How do interstellar dust and metals build up in galaxies over time? PRIMA provides access to atomic (C, N, O, Ne) and molecular lines (HD, H2O, OH), redshifted PAH emission bands, and far-IR dust emission. PRIMA’s 1.8-m, 4.5-K telescope serves two instruments using sensitive KIDs: the Far-InfraRed Enhanced Survey Spectrometer (continuous, high-resolution spectral coverage with over an order of magnitude improvement in spectral line sensitivity and 3-5 orders of magnitude improvement in spectral survey speed) and the PRIMA Imager (hyperspectral imaging, broadband polarimetry). PRIMA opens new discovery space with 75% of the time for General Observers.

Jason Glenn↗

Training Evaluation: A Case Study of Measuring Impact and ROI

The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the Compliance Officer/Coordinator (CO/CC) training program using Phillips’ approach to training evaluation. INL Learning Performance Consultants (LPCs) applied the ROI Methodology to measure the effectiveness of the CO/CC training program. INL CO/CCs participated in focus groups to provide feedback on their learning, enablers and barriers to applying what they learned, and opportunities to improve the CO/CC learning experience. With collaboration from the CO/CC training program owner, the LPCs demonstrated the business impact and return on investment (ROI) of the CO/CC training program. Included are training program recommendations and lessons learned using the ROI Methodology.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Manned Venus Flyby

This study is one of several being conducted at Bellcomm and in Manned Space Flight whose purpose is to give guidance to the Apollo Applications Program's technical objectives by focusing on a longer range goal. The assumed mission in this case is a three-man flyby of Venus launched in November, 1973 on a single standard Saturn V. The selected flight configuration includes a Command and Service Module similar in some respects to Apollo, an Environmental Support Module which occupies the adapter area and a spent S-IVB stage which is utilized for habitable volume and structural support of a solar cell electrical power system. The total injected weight, 106,775 lbs., is within the capability of a single Saturn V of the early 1970's. The study is focused on the selection of subsystem technologies appropriate to long duration flight. The conclusions are reported in terms of the technical characteristics to be achieved as part of the Apollo Applications Program's long duration objectives.

Feldman, M. S.↗

Enabling Regulatory and Business Models for Broad Microgrid Deployment (White Paper)

This white paper is one of seven being prepared for the Department of Energy (DOE) Microgrid Research & Development (R&D) program as part of a strategy development effort for the next 10 years. The seven white papers focus on the following areas: 1. Program vision, objectives, and R&D targets in 5 and 10 years, 2. T&D co-simulation of microgrid impacts and benefits, 3. Building blocks for microgrids, 4. Microgrids as a building block for the future grid, 5. Advanced microgrid control and protection, 6. Integrated models and tools for microgrid planning, designs, and operations, 7. Enabling regulatory and business models for broad microgrid deployment. This white paper is focused on Topic 7, as a sustainable regulatory and business environment for microgrid development is a foundational element for securing DOE's vision for the future role of microgrids in the U.S. electric sector. The objective of this white paper is to systematically characterize regulatory issues involved in microgrid deployment and microgrid business models, and from this evidence identify a robust and well-justified set of research recommendations for the Department of Energy Office of Electricity, informing programmatic vision, objectives and activities for the DOE Microgrid R&D Program.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

U.S. Supersonic Commercial Aircraft: Assessing NASA's High Speed Research Program

The legislatively mandated objectives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) include "the improvement of the usefulness, performance, speed, safety, and efficiency of aeronautical and space vehicles" and "preservation of the United States' preeminent position in aeronautics and space through research and technology development related to associated manufacturing processes." Most of NASA's activities are focused on the space-related aspects of these objectives. However, NASA also conducts important work related to aeronautics. NASA's High Speed Research (HSR) Program is a focused technology development program intended to enable the commercial development of a high speed (i.e., supersonic) civil transport (HSCT). However, the HSR Program will not design or test a commercial airplane (i.e., an HSCT); it is industry's responsibility to use the results of the HSR Program to develop an HSCT. An HSCT would be a second generation aircraft with much better performance than first generation supersonic transports (i.e., the Concorde and the Soviet Tu-144). The HSR Program is a high risk effort: success requires overcoming many challenging technical problems involving the airframe, propulsion system, and integrated aircraft. The ability to overcome all of these problems to produce an affordable HSCT is far from certain. Phase I of the HSR Program was completed in fiscal year 1995; it produced critical information about the ability of an HSCT to satisfy environmental concerns (i-e., noise and engine emissions). Phase II (the final phase according to current plans) is scheduled for completion in 2002. Areas of primary emphasis are propulsion, airframe materials and structures, flight deck systems, aerodynamic performance, and systems integration.

Source record↗

Development of a high power 12GHz PPM focused traveling wave tube

An analytical and experimental program to demonstrate the technical feasibility of a high efficiency coupled cavity traveling wave tube with periodic permanent magnetic focusing operating at 12.06 GHz, with 1 to 2 kilowatts CW power is described. Such a tube would ultimately be used for broadcasting power transmission from a satellite. The electron gun was designed to be demountable with a replaceable cathode, and the tube to be operable in a bakeable vacuum chamber with its collector replaced by a collector. Therefore, the high efficiency design was concerned with the slow wave structure only, utilizing velocity resynchronization. A special adapter was designed which incorporated an electromagnet refocusing section and a collector baseplate to facilitate testing the collector. CW output power of 1000 watts yielding 21.5% electronic efficiency was demonstrated, with a minimum output power of 525 watts across the specified 160 MHz bandwidth.

Lewis, R.↗

Summary Report on Synthetic Time History Development and Deployment

This report summarizes research work performed at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) and George Washington University (GWU) in support of the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy Integrated Energy Systems (IES) program. In particular, the work focuses on improving and strengthening two fundamental steps in the mathematical and computational framework that is currently being developed to optimize the economic performance of Integrated Energy Systems. One of the innovative approaches taken by the IES program is that, rather than optimizing the system for a specific year or week or day, the optimization is performed using stochastic synthetic data. Synthetic data is generated by training artificial intelligence (AI) using available but limited data sets. The synthetic data should possess the same patterns as the original set and the same statistical properties, but never repeat the same set of values exactly. The work from CSM focuses on this first step; namely, investigating a methodology to determine the quality of the synthetic data and the right settings for properly training the AI. Once a large set of trustworthy data can be generated the problem of stochastic optimization can be tackled. The optimal IES configuration is highly dependent on the rare high peaks or deep depths of the net demand (grid electricity demand less variable renewable energy [VRE] production). Using an unbiased random sampling of the synthetic data, these extremes are very difficult to generate and therefore the optimization can be unrepresentative and inaccurate. GWU has started an approach to increase the likelihood of generating these rare events with the proper associated probabilistic weight. Both of these projects represent a step forward in achieving the capability to properly size the IESs and to properly capture the value that these systems can provide to the grid by absorbing volatility of net demand without disproportionately increasing the cost of maintaining grid reliability.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

NASA's Responsible AI Plan

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an integral part of today’s process of conducting science and technology development. At NASA, AI has become an integral and important tool for researchers, engineers, data scientists, and technologists in pursuing the ground-breaking discoveries that we are known for, including the command and controlling of our spacecraft and other supporting infrastructures. Consequently, research and engineering efforts incorporating AI have permeated almost every area of our work. It is contributing to NASA’s drive toward the future, not just of space science, but for society here at home. We are dedicated to continuing the use of AI in a safe and fully transparent approach so that the public can have high confidence in the outcomes and benefits. We believe that the plan outlined here will be responsive and contribute to the call for openness across the federal government. NASA is committed to responsible use of AI in all of its activities and in all phases of development and deployment of its space and terrestrial programs missions. NASA does not deliberately focus on “AI Research” as a separate field (we have no single “AI office” or “AI program”), rather NASA uses AI to build tools for its programs. This plan, being put forward, adheres to the Responsible AI (RAI) principles set and laid down by the White House in its Presidential Executive Order 13960. Our research, engineering and technical communities have been made aware of these guidelines and we are committed to an on-going process of educating and monitoring its implementation to ensure adherence to those principles. The vast majority of NASA’s use cases, which number almost 75 today, are geared toward analyzing the petabytes of data that NASA collects from its fleet of spacecraft across all disciplines, in human space exploration, and in aeronautics, etc.

Artificial Intelligence↗

A Unified Data-Driven Approach for Programming In Situ Analysis and Visualization Final Scientific/Technical Report

The goal of Kitware’s work has been the study of a unified data-driven approach for programming applications and in situ analysis and visualization. We have especially focused on understanding the interplay between data-centric programming model requirements at extreme-scale and the overall impact of those requirements on the design, capabilities, flexibility, and implementation details for both applications and the supporting in situ infrastructure. We have successfully demonstrated the use of pipeline abstractions within Legion and developed a number of algorithms that were integrated within the Legion simulation framework. This report focuses on describing milestones, mainly those focusing on exploring pipeline abstractions in the context of the Legion programming model.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Evidence of Participation in the Advancement of Knowledge from 25 Years of Publications for the GLOBE Program

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program was announced on Earth Day 1994 and began on Earth Day 1995. Over the first 25 years of its operation, there have been more than 600 formal publications and 340 conference presentations about the program, in at least 15 languages. As the 25th anniversary of the program approached, we began a focused effort to find and characterize those publications in order to better understand GLOBE’s impact to date as well as its future potential. GLOBE was envisioned from the beginning as a science and education program, so GLOBE publications cover a wide range of topics across Earth system science as well as in education and evaluation topics. To characterize the collection, a large set of dimensions was first identified from the literature, across science and education. These include codes related to: motivation and conception of the research investigation, educator practices and training, education outcomes & demonstration that these outcomes were achieved, data and study scope, characteristics of the investigation or its findings. Application of these codes was first tested by three raters (the first three authors) on a subset of the publications, then refined to capture missing aspects. The full set of publications was then rated on the full set of criteria. As a second step, subsets of the collection with particularly in depth discussion of The GLOBE Program are now being analyzed in more detail. This poster will summarize various attributes of the GLOBE bibliography and identify areas of potential for further geoscience investigations.

Lin Chambers↗

Recovery Act - Measurement of Parity Violation in Deep Inelastic Scattering and Studies of the Nucleon Spin Structure at JLab 6 and 11 GeV

The program proposed contains two ingredients which aim to address aspects of two of the three research frontiers of nuclear science as identified in the 2007 NSAC Long Range Plan. The first topic, a test of the current Standard Model, is an ongoing project focusing on measurements of the parity-violating asymmetry in ~e-2H deep inelastic scattering (PVDIS). The PVDIS measurement is complementary to other completed or ongoing low- to medium-energy tests of the Standard Model. As the first, exploratory, step, an experiment using a 6 GeV electron beam will be carried out from October to December 2009 at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab). Meanwhile, a program using the upgraded JLab 11 GeV beam is being planned. The PVDIS program as a whole will provide the first precision data on the axial quark neutral-weak coupling constants. This will either put the current Standard Model to a test that has never been done before, or reveal information on where to look for New Physics beyond the current Standard Model. The PVDIS program will also provide results on hadronic physics effects such as charge symmetry violation. The second part of the proposed program uses spin observables to address the research frontier concerning QCD and structure of the nucleon. An experiment using the JLab 6 GeV beam in 2001 showed that, contrary to predictions from perturbative quantum chromodynamics (pQCD), while the valence up quark’s spin is parallel to the nucleon’s spin, the valence down quark’s spin is not. In order to test the limit of QCD in describing the nucleon spin structure to a region beyond the 6 GeV kinematics, this measurement will be extended to a more energetic, “deeper” valence quark region using the upgraded JLab 11 GeV beam with a polarized 3 He target. Although the two topics of the proposed program appear to focus on different physics, for the upgraded JLab 11 GeV beam, both will utilize a new, yet-to-be-built large acceptance spectrometer, called “SoLID”. Once built, SoLID can be used for other topics such as using PVDIS on a proton target to measure the valence quark distributions, using PVDIS on a polarized target to measure new electro-weak interference structure functions of the nucleon, and semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering experiments. SoLID will greatly enhance the exploration potential of JLab. The proposed program will first focus on completion of the 6 GeV PVDIS experiment, its data analysis and publishing physics results. This 6 GeV experiment will explore whether precision PVDIS measurements are feasible, will set limits on the hadronic physics effects, and will improve our knowledge on the quark neutral weak couplings, optimally by a factor of six. Starting early 2010, efforts will be spent on preparation for the 11 GeV program, focusing on simulations of SoLID, optimization and construction of the SoLID detector package, and studies of the polarized 3 He target and its improvements. Funding support for the whole program is requested here.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Missouri Agricultural Energy Saving Team-A Revolutionary Opportunity (MAESTRO)

The Missouri Agricultural Energy Saving Team-A Revolutionary Opportunity (MAESTRO) program brought together a team of representatives from government, academia, and private industry to enhance the availability of energy efficiency services for small livestock producers in the State of Missouri. The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) managed the project via a subcontract with the University of Missouri (MU), College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources, MU Extension, the MU College of Human Environmental Sciences, the MU College of Engineering, and the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA). MU teamed with EnSave, Inc, a nationally-recognized expert in agricultural energy efficiency to assist with marketing, outreach, provision of farm energy audits and customer service. MU also teamed with independent home contractors to facilitate energy audits of the farm buildings and homes of these livestock producers. The goals of the project were to: (1) improve the environment by reducing fossil fuel emissions and reducing the total energy used on small animal farms; (2) stimulate the economy of local and regional communities by creating or retaining jobs; and (3) improve the profitability of Missouri livestock producers by reducing their energy expenditures. Historically, Missouri scientists/engineers conducted programs on energy use in agriculture, such as in equipment, grain handling and tillage practices. The MAESTRO program was the first to focus strictly on energy efficiency associated with livestock production systems in Missouri and to investigate the applicability and potential of addressing energy efficiency in animal production from a building efficiency perspective. A. Project Objectives The goal of the MAESTRO program was to strengthen the financial viability and environmental soundness of Missouri's small animal farms by helping them implement energy efficient technologies for the production facility, farm buildings, and the homes on these farms. The expected measurable outcomes of the project were to improve the environment and stimulate the economy by: • Reducing annual fossil fuel emissions by 1,942 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, reducing the total annual energy use on at least 323 small animal farms and 100 farm homes by at least 8,000 kWh and 2,343 therms per farm. • Stimulating the economy by creating or retaining at least 69 jobs, and saving small animal farmers an average of $2,071 per farm in annual energy expenditures. B. Project Scope The MAESTRO team chose the target population of small farms because while all agriculture is traditionally underserved in energy efficiency programs, small farms were particularly underserved because they lack the financial resources and access to energy efficiency technologies that larger farms deploy. The MAESTRO team reasoned that energy conservation, financial and educational programs developed while serving the agricultural community could serve as a national model for other states and their agricultural sectors. The target population was approximately 2,365 small animal farm operations in Missouri, specifically those farms that were not by definition a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO). The program was designed to create jobs by training Missouri contractors and Missouri University Extension staff how to conduct farm audits. The local economy would be stimulated by an increase in construction activity and an increasing demand for energy efficient farm equipment. Additionally, the energy savings were deemed critical in keeping Missouri farms in business. This project leveraged funds using a combination of funds from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Energy Center and its Soil and Water Conservation Program, from the state's Linked Deposits, MASBDA's agricultural loan guarantee programs, and through the in-kind contribution of faculty and staff time to the project from these agencies and MU. Several hundred Missouri livestock producers were contacted during the MAESTRO project. Of the livestock producers, 254 invited the team to conduct a farm energy assessment which complied with ASABE 612. A total of 147 livestock farm upgrades were implemented, representing 57.5 percent of the farms for which a farm energy assessment was completed. This represented a statewide average annual savings of 1,088,324 kWh and 75,516 therms. The team also reviewed the condition of the livestock producer’s home(s). A total of 106 home energy assessments were completed and 48 individual homes implemented their recommended upgrades, representing 45 percent of the farm homes for which an energy assessment was completed. This represented a statewide average annual savings of 323,029 kWh, and 769.4 therms. More of these farmers likely would have updated their homes but the funding to incentivize them fell short. In spite of the shortfall in incentive funds, some farmers still updated their homes as they saw the value in making these changes to their home.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

FIPD: EBR-II Fuels Irradiation & Physics Database

The DOE Advanced Reactor Technology program has supported efforts to recover and preserve metallic fuel data generated throughout the US sodium cooled fast reactor program (SFR). Those efforts have been focused on establishing databases of the experimental data that were mainly generated during the Integral Fast Reactor program including data generated at EBR-II, FFTF, and TREAT reactors, as well as out of pile data. The data is essential for future-licensing activities of metallic fuel based advanced fast reactors. This report describes the EBR-II Fuels Irradiation & Physics Database (FIPD). It covers the scientific knowledge available in the database, the logical storage of the data in the database, and the web interface used to access the data. The report also covers the QA plan (SQAPP) developed to cover all aspects of the FIPD system. Summaries of activities from previous years, the current fiscal year (FY17), and future plans are also provided.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Enhancing Systems Engineering Education Through Case Study Writing

Developing and refining methods for teaching systems engineering is part of Systems Engineering grand challenges and agenda for research in the SE research community. Retention of systems engineering knowledge is a growing concern in the United States as the baby boom generation continues to retire and the faster pace of technology development does not allow for younger generations to gain experiential knowledge through years of practice. Government agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), develop their own curricula and SE leadership development programs to "grow their own" systems engineers. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) conducts its own Center-focused Marshall Systems Engineering Leadership Development Program (MSELDP), a competitive program consisting of coursework, a guest lecture series, and a rotational assignment into an unfamiliar organization engaged in systems engineering. Independently, MSFC developed two courses to address knowledge retention and sharing concerns: Real World Marshall Mission Success course and its Case Study Writers Workshop and Writers Experience. Teaching case study writing and leading students through a hands-on experience at writing a case study on an SE topic can enhance SE training and has the potential to accelerate the transfer of experiential knowledge. This paper is an overview of the pilot experiences with teaching case study writing, its application in case study-based learning, and identifies potential areas of research and application for case study writing in systems engineering education.

Stevens, Jennifer Stenger↗

2016 Annual Progress Report: DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program

In the past year, the DOE Hydrogen Program (the Program) made substantial progress toward its goals and objectives. The Program has conducted comprehensive and focused efforts to enable the widespread commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in diverse sectors of the economy. With emphasis on applications that will effectively strengthen our nation's energy security and improve our stewardship of the environment, the Program engages in research, development, and demonstration of critical improvements in the technologies. Highlights of the Program's accomplishments can be found in the sub-program chapters of this report.

08 HYDROGEN↗

FY 2014 Annual Progress Report - Advanced Combustion Engine Research and Development (Book)

In the past year, the DOE Hydrogen Program (the Program) made substantial progress toward its goals and objectives. The Program has conducted comprehensive and focused efforts to enable the widespread commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in diverse sectors of the economy. With emphasis on applications that will effectively strengthen our nation's energy security and improve our stewardship of the environment, the Program engages in research, development, and demonstration of critical improvements in the technologies. Highlights of the Program's accomplishments can be found in the sub-program chapters of this report.

08 HYDROGEN↗