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At least 1,297 records · Page 72

Design and Analysis of a Mutual Inductance Level Sensor for Liquid Metals

Here, this article describes the design and analysis of an electromagnetic level sensor for use in high-temperature liquid metal systems. The mutual inductance level sensor (MILS) described in this work was fabricated using two single-conductor mineral insulated cables wrapped in a bifilar fashion around a stainless steel tube core and was housed in an isolating thimble that preserved the pressure boundary of the test vessel. Two sensor variations were fabricated that differ only in active length, 1016 and 1778 mm. Experimental data were collected using the 1016-mm sensor (MILS-MKII-040) that demonstrated a sensitivity of 9.2 μ V/mm in a room temperature testing stand that used solid aluminum as a surrogate for liquid metal. Experimental data were collected using the 1778-mm sensor (MILS-MKII-070) that demonstrated a sensitivity of 6.9 μ V/mm in the high-temperature (300 ° C) liquid sodium environment at the mechanisms engineering test loop (METL) of Argonne National Laboratory. The sensor performance was found to be repeatable over the course of several months, with roughly ±1% deviation from nominal output. Finite element models were developed in COMSOL Multiphysics that fully describe each test setup, and the models were validated using experimental data. The validated COMSOL models were used to perform an array of analyses that examined the performance of the sensor in differing environments. Maximizing the coil diameter inside the isolating thimble was found to maximize the signal and sensitivity of the sensor. An optimal operating frequency was found near 1000 Hz using both experimental data and COMSOL. The influence of a metallic thimble surrounding the sensor and a metallic sensor core was quantified and found to be negligible at the optimal operating frequency. The sensitivity of the sensor was quantified when monitoring the level of additional liquid metals. These include lead, lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE), sodium-potassium alloy (NaK), and lithium (in addition to sodium). The sensitivities were quantified using liquid metal properties at 350 ° C and 650 ° C. The geometry of the test stand model, all material properties used in the model, and the results are presented in a manner that allows the reader can replicate the model and perform additional analyses.

COMSOL↗

Detecting Anomalies for Fire Prevention in Distribution Systems: Challenges and Analytical Techniques

Electric utilities in California have historically been linked to up to 10% of wildfires. To mitigate this risk, Southern California Edison has invested significantly in wildfire prevention strategies, including undergrounding cables and enhancing equipment inspections. This article explores a novel approach to fire prevention by detecting anomalies in the distribution system that may indicate potential fire hazards. The focus is on identifying arcing conditions through high-resolution point-on-wave (POW) measurements. Arcing, a precursor to fires, is challenging to detect due to its subtle transients and complex system topology. The article discusses the use of advanced signal processing and machine learning techniques, such as spectral correlation function and discrete wavelet transform, to extract features from POW data and accurately identify arcing events. The study demonstrates a high accuracy rate in detecting arcing, paving the way for improved fire prevention measures in electric distribution systems.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Visualizing Fault Induced Traveling Waves In Medium Voltage Systems

Traveling waves are induced in power systems during most transient events in the grid. These waves travel close to the speed of light in overhead lines and 50% to 60% the speed of light in underground cables. Even though traveling wave-based protection schemes for transmission systems are available commercially, traveling waves in medium voltage distribution networks are still in research space. Compared to transmission system, medium voltage distribution systems contain more reflections and refractions. Thus, visualization is challenging and is critical in locating faults in distribution network. To address this visualization challenge, this paper presents an open-source tool to visualize the traveling waves using Bewley lattice approach. The developed visualization tool will be useful for the protection engineers to detect and triangulate fault locations in the medium voltage systems and isolate the faults.

Bewley Lattice↗

Mitigation of fault related voltage swell on distribution feeders using DER-based advanced inverter controls

Unbalanced faults in distribution feeders can impact voltages on the non-faulted phases. This paper models a real-life feeder with a high penetration level of solar photovoltaic (PV) units in detail including the secondary circuits, and shows a large voltage swell in one of the non-faulted phases of the feeder during a single line to ground fault. The voltages seen during this swell are more than 1.2 p.u., which can have detrimental impacts on the connected equipment and can also lead to loss of connected generation. The reason for this voltage swell is found to be the equivalent impedance at the fault location resulting from the ratio of zero and positive sequence cable impedances. It is seen that the connected solar PV units with appropriate control are able to reduce the severity of the voltage swell, especially for higher penetration levels of solar PV considered, but not entirely eliminate it.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Linear Solvers for Collector Systems of Generalized Large-scale Inverter-Based Resources

Collector systems for inverter-based resources (IBRs) are typically represented by equivalent circuits for electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations. Recent studies have revealed that modeling a detailed collector system is essential to accurately represent the behavior of IBRs, especially when dealing with partial tripping during external disturbances. However, there are several challenges in simulating a detailed EMT model of a collector system due to the time required to simulate such systems. Thus, this paper investigates the modeling of a detailed collector system, taking into account its configuration and components as defined in IEEE standard 2800. The configurations include the collector systems of generalized large-scale IBR plants. The components include the main IBR transformer, collector bus, and feeders with lines and/or cables. The EMT model of the collector system is represented by differential algebraic equations (DAEs) that are discretized to form linear equations that are solved using linear solvers. In this paper, linear solvers are proposed based on the Schur complement method, which are utilized for simulation of the EMT model of collector systems of generalized large-scale IBRs to accelerate simulation speed while maintaining the accuracy of the results. The proposed solvers are verified by comparing the performance to that of linear solvers provided in MATLAB.

Choi, Jongchan↗

Evaluating the Durability of Balance of Systems Components Using Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing

The degradation of photovoltaic (PV) balance of systems (BoS) components is not well-studied, but the consequences include offline modules, strings, and inverters; system shutdown; arc faults; and fires. A utility provider experienced a ~30% failure rate in their power transfer chain, originally attributed to branch connectors. Field-failed specimen assemblies were therefore examined, consisting of cable connector, branch connector, and discrete fuse components. In this study, unused field-vintage specimens are examined using combined-accelerated stress testing (C-AST) to clarify the most influential environmental stressors as well as the effect of external mechanical perturbation. A benchtop prototype fixture was used to develop the perturbation capability for the C-AST chamber. The benchtop experiments were also used to develop the in-situ data acquisition of specimen current, voltage, and temperature. A significant increase in operating temperature (~100 degrees C from ~40 degrees C) and a different failure mode were observed promptly once periodic mechanical perturbation was applied. The current at failure was decreased from 35 A (with failure in the fuses) to 15 A (failure at the male/female metal pin connection). After initial examination using X-ray computed tomography, the external plastic was machined away from failed specimens to allow for failure analysis, including the extraction of the internal convolute springs for morphological examination (optical and electron microscopy).

balance of systems↗

Quantum State Transfer between Heterogeneous 3D QPUs

We present detailed analyses and microwave simulations of a quantum interconnect architecture that couples two distinct three-dimensional quantum processing units (QPUs): (i) a two-cell superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavity coupled to multiple transmon qubits and (ii) a waveguide-based cavity hosting a planar circuit with transmons and resonators. The modules are linked via a low-loss superconducting coaxial cable, which serves as a quantum bus. Finite-element electromagnetic simulations are performed to optimize coupling strengths and mode frequencies for high-fidelity quantum state transfer between cavities. These simulation results provide a comprehensive blueprint for the experimental realization of a flexible quantum interconnect architecture, coupling heterogeneous QPUs.

Yaker, Joey [Fermilab]↗

Matrix Completion for Improved Observability in Low-Voltage Distribution Grids

This paper considers the problem of recovering missing entries in a partially observed matrix from relatively few measurements (i.e., the so-called matrix completion problem) with the aim of increasing the presently limited observability of low-voltage distribution grids. To this end, the partially observed matrix is formed using scarce voltage magnitude measurements while accounting for their spatial information. Voltage readings are assumed to be collected from distribution utility sensors and/or geographically-distributed cable television network sensors located in immediate proximity to distribution grid nodes. A matrix completion approach built on the parameter-less singular value shrinkage technique is used to estimate voltage magnitudes at otherwise non-observable low-voltage nodes using a small number of single- or multiple-snapshot data. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated using a U.S.-style distribution test system from the synthetic SMART- DS data set under very low- to moderate-observability conditions.

low-rank matrix completion↗

New Approach and Test Facility for High Field Accelerator Magnets R&D

This paper presents a new approach for developing and demonstrating high field magnet technology based on a magnet and test facility developed specifically for it. The traditional approach for carrying out high field magnet R&D has been building a new magnet to demonstrate a new design, new material or new technology. However, building a high field magnet is time consuming and expensive. To overcome this limitation, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) built and successfully tested a 10 T Nb 3 Sn dipole DCC017 with large enough open or clear space (31 mm wide and 338 mm high) so that a pair of racetrack coils could be inserted into this opening without disassembling the magnet. The motivation be-hind this design was to facilitate a magnet R&D program where the new coils (with a large range in width and height accommodated) would reside in a high field region in direct contact with the existing coils (just as other magnet coils) and thus become an integral part of the magnet. We summarize the approach, the magnet, the test facility, past experiences, current and future test plans and planned up-grade. Here, the magnet facility is now available to service the needs of the wider community for testing cable and insert coils in a back-ground field of up to 10 T.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Preload Characterization of Short Models of MQXF the Nb 3 Sn Low-β Quadrupole for the Hi-Lumi LHC

MQXF is the Nb3Sn Low-β Quadrupole magnet that the HL-LHC project is planning to install in the LHC interaction regions in 2026 as part of an upgrade to increase the LHC inte-grated luminosity by about a factor of ten. The magnet will be fab-ricated in two different lengths: 4.2 m for MQXFA, built in the US by the Accelerator Upgrade Project (AUP), and 7.15 m for MQXFB, fabricated by CERN. In order to qualify the magnet de-sign and characterize its performance with different conductors, cable geometries and pre-load configuration, five short model magnets, called MQXFS, were fabricated, assembled and tested. The latest model, MQXFS6, uses a new powder-in-tube (PIT) su-perconducting wire, featuring a bundle barrier surrounding the filaments. The coil and the support structure were equipped with strain gauges and optical fibres to monitor strain during assembly, cool-down and excitation. In this paper we further develop the conventional azimuthal preload analysis and introduce a new set of tools for MQXF coil pack characterization which we use to an-alyse the behaviour of MQXFS6 room temperature preload and to reanalyse all the short models tested at CERN. A comparison is made between all the studied magnets revealing new characteriz-ing preload parameters.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

YBCO-on-Kapton: Material for High-Density Quan-tum Computer Interconnects with Ultra-Low Thermal Conductance

Development of practical quantum computers would require 1000's of qubits and equally large number of read-outs, bias and drive lines. New materials that combine low passive loss and good RF properties are needed. In this study we report performance of signal interconnects comprised of high-temperature YBCO films that are exfoliated from a metal substrate and transferred to a E-Kapton tape. The technology offers low-loss transition be-tween 60 K to sub-mK environments and interfacing with off-shelf flexible silicon electronics. We demonstrate < 1 dB/m at-tenuation at 6 GHz at 77 K. The microstrip assemblies demon-strated no degradation upon multiple cycles to liquid Nitrogen and conduction cooling down to 18 K. We discuss designs of a practical high-density signal cable with passive heat load well below 1 μW per line. The YBCO-on-Kapton technology offers a practical pathway to large error-corrected quantum computing systems.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Mechanical Comparison of Short Models of Nb$_3$ Sn Low-$\beta$ Quadrupole for the Hi-Lumi LHC

MQXF is the Nb 3 Sn Low-β quadrupole magnet that the HL-LHC project is planning to install in the LHC interaction regions in 2026 to increase the LHC integrated luminosity. The magnet will be fabricated in two different lengths: 4.2 m for MQXFA, built in the US by the Accelerator Upgrade Project (AUP), and 7.15 m for MQXFB, fabricated by CERN. In order to qualify the magnet design and characterize its performance with different conductors, cable geometries and pre-load configurations, five short model magnets, called MQXFS, were fabricated, assembled and tested. We compare the mechanical behavior of short model magnets using experimental data and new numerical models that take into account the measured coil sizes as a function of position.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

A Full-length Quench Antenna for MQXFA Production Series Quadrupole Magnet Testing

The MQXFA production series quadrupoles being built for the Hi-Lumi (HL) LHC upgrade by the US Accelerator Upgrade Project (US-HL-LHC AUP) will have very limited instrumentation for characterizing quench events that occur during magnet training and performance validation testing. In order to understand the origin of the quenches, and whether they have some implication for ongoing magnet fabrication, it was decided to build a full-length Quench Antenna (QA) with axial resolution of 50mm to be employed during cold testing in the anticryostat used for magnetic measurements. The goal is to have fineresolution, full-length coverage detection of quench events axially, as well as to have azimuthal resolution on the order of the cable width (about 1 degree for the cross-section), in a device that can be used both for vertical and horizontal testing. To achieve this, a 5m long QA with 128 channels of high-speed data acquisition has been designed and fabricated. The cylindrical antenna features an array of 12 full-length, dipole- and quadrupole-bucked coils positioned radially in the QA interior for azimuthal localization, and over 100 individual channels of short, high-sensitivity, antennas etched as flexible PCB circuits (which also buck dipole and quadrupole fields) wrapped circumferentially on the cylinder exterior in steps of 50mm along the magnet length for axial detection. This report discusses the design, construction and analysis of the MQXFA QA, and first results from using the antenna during quench testing in the production magnets.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Comparison of Multi-Scale Nonlinear and Conventional Linear Methods for Stress Analysis of Nb 3 Sn Superconducting Magnets

Here this is an extension of the work on a multi-scale nonlinear procedure that demonstrated how to conduct nonlinear stress analysis of Nb 3 Sn superconducting accelerator magnets. The nonlinear procedure uses measured stress-strain curves of annealed copper, Nb 3 Sn strands and coil samples as inputs, which reduces the number of assumptions made for material properties—key uncertainties of any engineering analysis. The results from nonlinear analysis, semi-nonlinear analysis, and linear analysis of the same QFFB2 Nb 3 Sn quadrupole magnet under the same temperature and loads, were compared and discussed. The comparison illustrates that nonlinear stress analysis is significantly more accurate than other methods. As the superconducting coil block is a complex, composite material, it would be inadequate to assume the whole coil block to be linear, either isotropic or orthotropic. It is imperative to conduct nonlinear analysis by simulating the superconducting coil to the level of detail of the individual cables and individual strands. The nonlinear stress analysis procedure can be used to simulate not only Nb 3 Sn magnets, but also NbTi and HTS magnets.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Recent Progress in Developing Nb 3 Sn Conductors With Increased Specific Heat

A possible approach to reducing Nb 3 Sn magnet training is to increase the energy margin of Nb 3 Sn conductors by enhancing their specific heat (C p ). For this study, we have been developing Nb 3 Sn conductors with increased C p by incorporating substances with high C p at 2-10 K based on a conductor design that is compatible with standard Nb 3 Sn strand production. In the past couple of years our efforts have been mainly focused on improving strand design (e.g., position of high- C p filaments, thickness of the Cu tube for the high-C p filaments, ratio of the Cu powder to the high-C p substance, filament spacing, etc.) in order to obtain good strand drawability and to reduce degradation after rolling, which is needed for production of Rutherford cables. We also tried a new high-C p substance, Gd 2 O 2 S, and verified that it has much higher C p over the whole magnetic field range than the Gd 2 O 3 we used before. With that development work we can now produce high-C p strands with good drawability and low levels of degradation after rolling. This paper reports our findings and the current status of the development of high-C p Nb 3 Sn conductors.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

A 2K Design for the Low Beta Quadrupoles Q1ApF/Q1BpF for the Interaction Region of the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC)

The forward hadron magnets of the planned electron-ion collider (EIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) present a set of unique challenges. In addition to the typical magnet requirements in terms of aperture, gradient, and field quality, the field leakage from the hadron magnets to the electron apertures must be negligible. Due to the close proximity of the two apertures the shielding solution for the electron beam can affect the field quality of the hadron magnets. Here, in this paper, a design for the Q1ApF/Q1BpF low beta quadrupoles based on NbTi Rutherford cable operating at 2K is presented. In this design the electron beam shielding and the required field quality in the hadron magnets are achieved using a set of cutouts in the iron yoke solely without resorting to active shielding. The chosen layout along with the key parameters are presented and their effect on hadron magnets in term of field quality and operational margins are also discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗