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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Concept of an upright wearable positron emission tomography imager in humans

Abstract Background Positron Emission Tomography ( PET ) is traditionally used to image patients in restrictive positions, with few devices allowing for upright, brain‐dedicated imaging. Our team has explored the concept of wearable PET imagers which could provide functional brain imaging of freely moving subjects. To test feasibility and determine future considerations for development, we built a rudimentary proof‐of‐concept prototype (Helmet_ PET ) and conducted tests in phantoms and four human volunteers. Methods Twelve Silicon Photomultiplier‐based detectors were assembled in a ring with exterior weight support and an interior mechanism that could be adjustably fitted to the head. We conducted brain phantom tests as well as scanned four patients scheduled for diagnostic F 18‐ FDG PET / CT imaging. For human subjects the imager was angled such that field of view included basal ganglia and visual cortex to test for typical resting‐state pattern. Imaging in two subjects was performed ~4 hr after PET / CT imaging to simulate lower injected F 18‐ FDG dose by taking advantage of the natural radioactive decay of the tracer (F 18 half‐life of 110 min), with an estimated imaging dosage of 25% of the standard. Results We found that imaging with a simple lightweight ring of detectors was feasible using a fraction of the standard radioligand dose. Activity levels in the human participants were quantitatively similar to standard PET in a set of anatomical ROI s. Typical resting‐state brain pattern activation was demonstrated even in a 1 min scan of active head rotation. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of imaging a human subject with a novel wearable PET imager that moves with robust head movements. We discuss potential research and clinical applications that will drive the design of a fully functional device. Designs will need to consider trade‐offs between a low weight device with high mobility and a heavier device with greater sensitivity and larger field of view.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Adiabatic-connection fluctuation-dissipation DFT for the structural properties of solids—The renormalized ALDA and electron gas kernels

We present calculations of the correlation energies of crystalline solids and isolated systems within the adiabatic-connection fluctuation-dissipation formulation of density-functional theory. We perform a quantitative comparison of a set of model exchange-correlation kernels originally derived for the homogeneous electron gas (HEG), including the recently introduced renormalized adiabatic local-density approximation (rALDA) and also kernels which (a) satisfy known exact limits of the HEG, (b) carry a frequency dependence, or (c) display a 1/k{sup 2} divergence for small wavevectors. After generalizing the kernels to inhomogeneous systems through a reciprocal-space averaging procedure, we calculate the lattice constants and bulk moduli of a test set of 10 solids consisting of tetrahedrally bonded semiconductors (C, Si, SiC), ionic compounds (MgO, LiCl, LiF), and metals (Al, Na, Cu, Pd). We also consider the atomization energy of the H{sub 2} molecule. We compare the results calculated with different kernels to those obtained from the random-phase approximation (RPA) and to experimental measurements. We demonstrate that the model kernels correct the RPA’s tendency to overestimate the magnitude of the correlation energy whilst maintaining a high-accuracy description of structural properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Tandem column isolation of zirconium-89 from cyclotron bombarded yttrium targets using an automated fluidic platform: Anion exchange to hydroxamate resin columns

The development of a tandem column purification method for the production of high-purity 89Zr is presented. The primary column was a macroporous strongly basic anion exchange resin on styrene divinylbenzene co-polymer. The secondary column, with an internal volume of ~27 µL, was packed with hydroxamate resin. A condition of inverted selectivity was developed, whereby the 89Zr eluent from the primary column is synonymous with the load condition on the secondary column. The ability to transfer 89Zr from one column to the next allows two sequential column clean-up methods to be performed prior to the final elution of the 89Zr. This approach assures delivery of high purity 89Zr product and assures a 89Zr product that is eluted in a substantially smaller volume than is possible when using the traditionally-employed single hydroxamate resin column method. The tandem column purification process has been implemented into a prototype automated fluidic system. The system is configured with on-line gamma detection so column effluents can be monitored in near-real time. The automated method was tested using seven cyclotron bombarded Y foil targets. It was found that 95.1±1.3% of the 89Zr present in the foils was recovered in the secondary column elution fraction. Furthermore, elution peak analysis of several 89Zr elution profile radiochromatograms made possible the determination of 89Zr recovery as a function of volume; a 89Zr product volume that contains 90% of the mean secondary column elution peak can be obtained in 0.29±0.06 mL (representing 86±5% of the 89Zr activity in the target). This product volume represents a significant increase in isotope product concentration over the predominant method used in the field. In addition to the reduced 89Zr product elution volume, titrations of the 89Zr product with deferoxamine mesylate salt across two preparatory methods resulted in mean effective specific activity (ESA) values of 279 and 340 TBq·mmole-1 and mean bindable metals concentrations ([MB]) of 13.5 and 16.7 nmole·g-1. These ESA and [MB] values infer that the 89Zr product resulting from this tandem column isolation method has the highest purity reported to date.

immunoPET, zirconium-89, laboratory automation, de↗
DOE OSTI2020

Analysis of Air-Purifying Respirator (APR) and Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Cartridge Performance Testing on Hanford Tanks BY-108 and BY-110 Volume 2: Raw Analytical Data

As the Tank Operations Contractor for U.S. Department of Energy operations at the Hanford site in Washington State, Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) is responsible for managing highly radioactive wastes stored in tanks at Hanford. WRPS tests air-purifying respirator (APR) and powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) chemical cartridges commonly used by workers at Hanford Tank Farms to determine the period of time that the cartridges would provide adequate performance for APRs and PAPRs used to protect workers when exposed to a mixture of Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPC) from any vapors exiting headspaces in the storage tanks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard promulgated in Title 29 of the Code of the Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(b)(2) specifies that for protection against gases and vapors, employers shall implement a schedule for cartridges to ensure that change-outs occur before the end of service life. The change schedule can be based on objective information or data that ensures cartridge change-outs occur before the end of their service life. The primary function of the WRPS Cartridge Test Program is to obtain objective data to determine service lives for the APR and PAPR cartridges used at Hanford Tank Farms. WRPS contracted with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to analyze the test data and offer an independent analysis and any recommendations. This report summarizes data analysis of APR and PAPR cartridge testing on BY-110 and BY-108 headspace vapors, respectively. Two different APR cartridges from SCOTT Safety (Monroe, North Carolina) were assessed for the BY-110 headspace vapors, and two different PAPR cartridges—one from MSA Safety Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and another from 3M (Maplewood, Minnesota)—were assessed for the BY-108 headspace vapors. Volume 1 of this report documents the testing, data analysis, results, conclusions, and recommendations resulting from the cartridge testing of vapors from the BY-110 and BY-108 headspaces. Volume 2 provides an introduction to the raw data, including analytical laboratory analysis results that supported the analysis and conclusions documented in Volume 1.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of Cable Anomalies using Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) and Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry (SSTDR)

This report presents a comparative assessment of the performance of frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) and spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) in detecting a wide range of electrical cable anomalies. All tests and results reported herein were performed at the PNNL Accelerated and Real-Time Environmental Nodal Assessment (ARENA) cable and motor test bed. The primary objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of SSTDR, a fledgling cable monitoring technique that shows promise for application in online monitoring of energized cable systems, against FDR, an offline technique widely employed in the nuclear power plant (NPP) industry. FDR tests are becoming more widely used in nuclear power plant cable aging management and test programs – particularly for low voltage cables. FDR capabilities for these kinds of tests have been reported by PNNL and others. The FDR test is performed on de-energized cables by connecting the FDR instrument to two of the cable conductors, or one conductor and the shield. A broad band low voltage (< 5 V) chirp is introduced in the cable, and any reflected response is captured in the frequency domain. The captured reflection is then processed by performing an inverse Fourier transform to a time domain response which can then be converted to a distance response based on the cable velocity of propagation (VoP). SSTDR measurements are functionally similar to FDR measurements in that a broad-band voltage signal composed of a square or sine wave modulated pseudo-random sequence of chips (< 5 volts), is injected onto one of the cable conductors. The injected signal will experience partial energy reflection and transmission at each impedance discontinuity along the transmission line. Any reflected response is detected by computing a cross-correlation between the reflected signals and a delayed copy of the incident SSTDR signal. the time delay for the reflected signal to experience the best matched correlation with the incident signal, indicates the travel time for the signal to reach a change in impedance. By knowing this time delay and velocity of propagation (VoP) of the signal, one can compute the physical distance. A big advantage that SSTDR measurements have over other methods is the ability to be connected to energized or live wires (currently up to 1kV) thereby enabling online monitoring of cables. SSTDR has been used successfully in several applications, e.g., aircraft, rail, and photovoltaic systems. In this work FDR and SSTDR cable assessment techniques were used to characterize a variety of cable anomalies and faults including: (1) Presence or absence of a motor; (2) Ground faults and short circuit faults; (3) Moist environments and water ingress faults; (4) Accelerated thermal aging. Both shielded and non-shielded cables were evaluated in this report. Offline measurements were made using FDR and online measurements were made by SSTDR for a range of test scenarios. Based on the results across all cable anomalies evaluated in this study, FDR displayed high sensitivity towards cable condition assessment, while SSTDR showed promise for future application in monitoring NPP cable systems. However, further developments are suggested to improve the resolution and sensitivity of SSTDR towards faults and anomalies in low voltage cables.rt presents a comparative

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

ZIF-8 Membrane Separation Performance Tuning by Vapor Phase Ligand Treatment

Vapor phase ligand treatment (VPLT) of 2-aminobenzimidazole (2abIm) for 2-methylimidazole (2mIm) in ZIF-8 membranes prepared by two different methods (LIPS: ligand induced permselectivation and RTD: rapid thermal deposition) results in a notable shift of the molecular level cut-off to smaller molecules establishing selectivity improvements from ca. 1.8 to 5 for O 2 /N 2 ; 2.2 to 32 for CO 2 /CH 4 ; 2.4 to 24 for CO 2 /N 2 ; 4.8 to 140 for H 2 /CH 4 and 5.2 to 126 for H 2 /N 2 . Furthermore, stable (based on a one-week test) oxygen-selective air separation performance at ambient temperature, 7 bar(a) feed, and 1 bar(a) sweep-free permeate with a mixture separation factor of 4.5 and oxygen flux of 2.6×10 -3 mol m -2 s -1 is established. LIPS and RTD membranes exhibit fast and gradual evolution upon a 2abIm-VPLT, respectively, reflecting differences in their thickness and microstructure. Functional reversibility is demonstrated by showing that the original permeation properties of the VPLT-LIPS membranes can be recovered upon 2mIm-VPLT.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Thermal characterization of full-scale PCM products and numerical simulations, including hysteresis, to evaluate energy impacts in an envelope application

This article presents combined measurements of fatty acid-based organic PCM products and numerical simulations to evaluate the energy benefits of adding a PCM layer to an exterior wall. The thermal storage characteristics of the PCM were measured using a heat flow meter apparatus (HFMA). The PCM characterization is based on a recent ASTM International standard test method, ASTM C1784. The PCM samples were subjected to step changes in temperature and allowed to stabilize at each temperature. By measuring the heat absorbed or released by the PCM, the temperature-dependent enthalpy functions for melting and freezing were determined.Here, the simulations were done using a previously-validated two-dimensional (2D) wall model containing a PCM layer and incorporating the HFMA-measured enthalpy functions. The wall model was modified to include the hysteresis phenomenon observed in PCMs, which is reflected in different melting and freezing temperatures of the PCM. Simulations were done with a single enthalpy curve based on the PCM melting tests, both melting and freezing enthalpy curves, and with different degrees of hysteresis between the melting and freezing curves. Significant differences were observed between the thermal performances of the modeled wall with the PCM layer under the different scenarios.

2D wall model with PCM↗
DOE OSTI2018

Ionic liquid compatibility in polyethylene oxide/siloxane ion gel membranes

Ion gel films were prepared by incorporating eight commercially available ionic liquids in two different cross-linked polymer matrices to evaluate their phase miscibility, gas permeability and ionic conductivity for potential applications as gas separation membranes and solid electrolyte materials. The ionic liquids cations were 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium, 1-ethyl-3-methylpyridinium, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium, tributylmethylphosphonium, and butyltrimethylammonium with a common anion (bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide). In addition, ionic liquids with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation with acetate, dicyanamide and tetrafluoroborate counterions were evaluated. The two polymers were cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide) and cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide)/siloxane copolymer. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry and visual observations were performed to evaluate the ion gels’ miscibility, thermal stability and homogeneity. Ionic liquids with the least basic anion (bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) and aromatic cations containing acidic proton (e.g. imidazolium and pyridinium) gave the most stable and miscible ion gels. Phase stability was shown to be a function of both ionic liquid content and temperature, with phase separation observed at elevated temperatures. In conclusion, gas permeability testing with carbon dioxide and nitrogen and ionic conductivity measurements confirmed that these ionic liquids increased the gas permeability and ionic conductivity of the polymers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

SympNets: Intrinsic structure-preserving symplectic networks for identifying Hamiltonian systems

Here, we propose new symplectic networks (SympNets) for identifying Hamiltonian systems from data based on a composition of linear, activation and gradient modules. In particular, we define two classes of SympNets: the LA-SympNets composed of linear and activation modules, and the G-SympNets composed of gradient modules. Correspondingly, we prove two new universal approximation theorems that demonstrate that SympNets can approximate arbitrary symplectic maps based on appropriate activation functions. We then perform several experiments including the pendulum, double pendulum and three-body problems to investigate the expressivity and the generalization ability of SympNets. The simulation results show that even very small size SympNets can generalize well, and are able to handle both separable and non-separable Hamiltonian systems with data points resulting from short or long time steps. In all the test cases, SympNets outperform the baseline models, and are much faster in training and prediction. We also develop an extended version of SympNets to learn the dynamics from irregularly sampled data. This extended version of SympNets can be thought of as a universal model representing the solution to an arbitrary Hamiltonian system.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Semi-transparent p-type barium copper sulfide as a back contact interface layer for cadmium telluride solar cells

Optically transparent p-type materials play a critical role in transparent electronics including photovoltaic (PV) devices. P-type sulfide materials offer an alternative to oxides for PV application due to improved hole transport properties. Here, we report the solution-based synthesis of earth-abundant p-type transparent conducting barium copper sulfide (α-BaCu 4 S 3 , BCS) thin films. These films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometry, Raman spectroscopy, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. BCS films of ~100 nm thickness transmit >70% of visible light. We report on tests of the hole transport properties of these BCS films for cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaics, finding that the BCS deposition process forms a beneficial tellurium (Te) rich surface on CdTe by selectively removing Cd from the surface. Based on our study, the BCS interface layer plays dual functions for CdTe PV devices as a hole transport material and as an etchant, enhancing the resulting device performance. We observed a significant increase in open-circuit voltage of CdTe solar cells with the BCS buffer layer. Furthermore, we discuss semitransparent CdTe solar cells with BCS as a hole transport layer and indium tin oxide as a finishing electrode. Semitransparent CdTe solar cells shows 13.3% conversion efficiency for the front side illumination and 1.2% efficiency for back side illumination, indicating high recombination of charge carriers generated close to the rear CdTe/BCS/ITO contact.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

RDX Compression, α→ γ Phase Transition, and Shock Hugoniot Calculations from Density-Functional-Theory-Based Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Prediction of the density and lattice compression properties of the α and γ phases of the hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-s-triazine (RDX) crystal and of the low-pressure α → γ phase transition upon pressure increase are general tests used to assess the accuracy of density-functional-theory- (DFT-) based computational methods and to identify the essential parameters that govern the behavior of this high-energy-density material under extreme conditions. The majority of previous DFT studies have analyzed such issues under static optimization conditions by neglecting the corresponding temperature effects. In this paper, we extend previous investigations and analyze the performance of dispersion-corrected density functional theory to predict the compression of RDX in the pressure range of 0–9 GPa and the corresponding α → γ phase transition under realistic temperature and pressure conditions. We demonstrate that, by using static dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations, direct interconversion between the α and γ phases upon compression is not observed. This limitation can be addressed by using isobaric–isothermal molecular dynamic simulations in conjunction with DFT-D2-calculated potentials, an approach that is shown to provide an accurate description of both the crystallographic RDX lattice parameters and the dynamical effects associated with the α→ γ phase transformation. An even more comprehensive and demanding analysis was done by predicting the corresponding shock Hugoniot curve of RDX in the pressure range of 0–9 GPa. It was found that the theoretical results reproduce reasonably well the available experimental Hugoniot shock data for both the α and γ phases. Finally, the results obtained demonstrate that a satisfactory prediction of the shock properties in high-energy-density materials undergoing crystallographic and configurational transformations is possible through the combined use of molecular dynamics simulations in the isobaric–isothermal ensemble with dispersion-corrected density functional theory methods.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effective field theory of dark energy: a dynamical analysis

The effective field theory (EFT) of dark energy relies on three functions of time to describe the dynamics of background cosmology. The viability of these functions is investigated here by means of a thorough dynamical analysis. While the system is underdetermined, and one can always find a set of functions reproducing any expansion history, we are able to determine general compatibility conditions for these functions by requiring a viable background cosmology. In particular, we identify a set of variables that allows us to transform the non-autonomous system of equations into an infinite-dimensional one characterized by a significant recursive structure. We then analyze several autonomous sub-systems, obtained truncating the original one at increasingly higher dimension, that correspond to increasingly general models of dark energy and modified gravity. Furthermore, we exploit the recursive nature of the system to draw some general conclusions on the different cosmologies that can be recovered within the EFT formalism and the corresponding compatibility requirements for the EFT functions. The machinery that we set up serves different purposes. It offers a general scheme for performing dynamical analysis of dark energy and modified gravity models within the model independent framework of EFT; the general results, obtained with this technique, can be projected into specific models, as we show in one example. It also can be used to determine appropriate ansätze for the three EFT background functions when studying the dynamics of cosmological perturbations in the context of large scale structure tests of gravity.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Defining a Use Case for the ADMS Test Bed: Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration with Distributed Energy Resources

Advanced distribution management systems (ADMS) integrate multiple enterprise-level functions into a single platform and offer advanced applications such as fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR), to utilities to meet their operational needs for a modernized grid. These applications need to operate reliably even as distributed energy resource (DER) penetration increases on distribution systems. The ADMS test bed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory offers utilities and vendors the opportunity to evaluate the performance of such advanced applications on distribution feeders of the future and to understand their potential benefits for a specific utility. This is done through defining use cases that address specific questions. This paper presents the definition of a use case on the performance of a commercially-available FLISR application on a feeder of an electric cooperative with DERs. After experiments are completed, results from this use case will be disseminated to the electric utility and research community to improve understanding of the challenges and benefits that DERs present to ADMS applications and the operation of a modernized grid.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Institute for Clean Energy Technology Mississippi State University NSR&D Aged HEPA Filter Study Final Report

Data have demonstrated that filter media lose tensile strength and the ability to resist the effects of moisture as a function of age. Testing of new and aged filters needs to be conducted to correlate reduction of physical strength of HEPA media to the ability of filters to withstand upset conditions. Appendix C of the Nuclear Air Cleaning Handbook provides the basis for DOE’s HEPA filter service life guidance. However, this appendix also points out the variability of data, and it does not correlate performance of aged filters to degradation of media due to age. Funding awarded by NSR&D to initiate full-scale testing of aged HEPA filters addresses the issue of correlating media degradation due to age with testing of new and aged HEPA filters under a generic design basis event set of conditions. This funding has accelerated the process of describing this study via: (1) establishment of a Technical Working Group of all stakeholders, (2) development and approval of a test plan, (3) development of testing and autopsy procedures, (4) acquiring an initial set of aged filters, (5) testing the initial set of aged filters, and (6) developing the filter test report content for each filter tested. This funding was very timely and has moved the project forward by at least three years. Activities have been correlated with testing conducted under DOE-EM funding for evaluating performance envelopes for AG-1 Section FC Separator and Separatorless filters. This coordination allows correlation of results from the NSR&D Aged Filter Study with results from testing new filters of the Separator and Separatorless Filter Study. DOE-EM efforts have identified approximately 100 more filters of various ages that have been stored under Level B conditions. NSR&D funded work allows a time for rigorous review among subject matter experts before moving forward with development of the testing matrix that will be used for additional filters. The NSR&D data sets are extremely valuable in as much as establishing a selfimproving, NQA-1 program capable of advancing the service lifetime study of HEPA filters. The data and reports are available for careful and critical review by subject matter experts before the next set of filters is tested and can be found in the appendices of this final report. NSR&D funds have not only initiated the Aged HEPA Filter Study alluded to in Appendix C of the NACH, but have also enhanced the technical integrity and effectiveness of all of the follow-on testing for this long-term study.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Dark Energy Spectrographic Instrument (DESI) Guide-Focus Assembly

The specific research of the DESI project is to study in detail the expansion history of the Universe over the past 10 billion years. In order to do this, the project designed, fabricated, tested and commissioned the DESI instrument which has been deployed at the Mayall Telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona. The DESI project was conducted by approximately 30 US and foreign national laboratories. Our CRADA with the The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) in Barcelona (Spain) involved both research planning for eventual observing on the DESI telescope; and in providing hardware jointly designed by LBNL and IFAE; ten guide and focus sensor systems (GFAs) that either provide feedback to the Mayall telescope tracking system or provide focus position information to the DESI corrector hexapod. The key major goals of this CRADA were achieved.For survey planning, Drs. Fernandez, Fosalba, Garcia-Bellido, and Gaztañaga were all important contributors to the working groups to which they were assigned. Their application of redshift techniques, development of simulations to support target selection, exploration of the use of alternative observables to extract cosmological information like AP and void statistics, and the use of PAU data to assist in the optimization of targeting selections have been vital in the early planning for targets during commissioning. The major role in the project involved Drs. Castander, Miquel, Padilla, and Sànchez. They were all directly involved with the development of the Guide-Focus Assembly (GFA) hardware, software and filter validation. In order to accomplish the goals of the DESI Project, the Mayall telescope must track DESI targeted galaxies for up to 15 minutes and the DESI corrector must be repositioned on its hexapod system for different telescope orientations. The guide and focus assemblies (GFA) provide in this information. There are ten GFA modules on the focal plane, six providing tracking information and four providing focus information. A common GFA design supports both functions by a simple switching of its operating mode. IFAE designed, fabricated, tested and delivered twelve GFAs. Once received at LBNL, the GFAs were integrated with the focal plane. This was an iterative process as the GFA’s were delivered as they were made. Our working relationship with the IFAE scientists and engineers was remarkable given the distance and time zone issues. The GFAs have performed extremely well during the commissioning phase of the instrument.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Oxidation of Spent Fuel During Fuel Handling Accidents Test Plan

The transfer of commercial spent nuclear fuel (CSNF) from transport or dry storage cask into final repository cask represents a scenario where fuel elements are potentially at risk to exposure to air and elevated temperatures. In the event of an accident during handling operations, the facility cooling may cease to function, and the temperature of the fuel would begin to rise due to decay heat generation. CSNF is generally stored in an inert environment, but handling operations could be performed in an air environment. If any damaged fuel elements are present during this postulated accident the fuel could begin to oxidize from UO 2 to U 3 O 8 . If the oxidation event is severe, volume expansion from oxidation could result in large-scale cladding failure and large releases of CSNF debris into the transfer facility. Depending on the design of the fuel handling facility, any SNF release could have an impact on off-site dose.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Defining a Use Case for the ADMS Test Bed: Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration with Distributed Energy Resources: Preprint

Advanced distribution management systems (ADMS) integrate multiple enterprise-level functions into a single platform and offer advanced applications such as fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR), to utilities to meet their operational needs for a modernized grid. These applications need to operate reliably even as distributed energy resource (DER) penetration increases on distribution systems. The ADMS test bed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory offers utilities and vendors the opportunity to evaluate the performance of such advanced applications on distribution feeders of the future and to understand their potential benefits for a specific utility. This is done through defining use cases that address specific questions. This paper presents the definition of a use case on the performance of a commercially-available FLISR application on a feeder of an electric cooperative with DERs. Results from this use case will be disseminated to the electric utility and research community to improve understanding of the challenges and benefits that DERs present to ADMS applications and the operation of a modernized grid.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Analysis of Air-Purifying Respirator (APR) and Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Cartridge Performance Testing on a Hanford AP Tank Farm Exhauster Slipstream: Volume 2 Raw Analytical Data

As the Tank Operations Contractor for U.S. Department of Energy operations at the Hanford site in Washington State, Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) is responsible for managing highly radioactive wastes stored in tanks at Hanford. WRPS tests air-purifying respirator (APR) and powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) chemical cartridges commonly used at Hanford Tank Farms to determine the period of time that the cartridges would provide adequate performance for APRs and PAPRs used to protect workers when exposed to a mixture of Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPC) from any vapors exiting headspaces in the storage tanks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard promulgated in Title 29 of the Code of the Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(b)(2) specifies that for protection against gases and vapors, employers shall implement a schedule for cartridges to ensure that change-outs occur before the end of service life. The change schedule can be based on objective information or data that ensures cartridge change-outs occur before the end of their service life.[2-5] The primary function of the WRPS Cartridge Test Program is to obtain objective data to determine service lives for the APR and PAPR cartridges used at Hanford Tank Farms. WRPS contracted with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to analyze the test data and offer an independent analysis and any recommendations. Volume 1 of this report summarizes data analysis of APR and PAPR cartridge testing on vapors from the AP tank farm exhauster. Previous testing of APR cartridges was conducted on the AP exhauster in June 2016. However, an AP exhauster upgrade was completed in September 2016. Two different APR cartridges from SCOTT Safety (Monroe, North Carolina) were assessed for the new AP exhauster source, along with two different PAPR cartridges—one from MSA Safety Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and another from 3M (Maplewood, Minnesota). Volume 2 provides an introduction to the raw data, including analytical laboratory analysis results that supported the analysis and conclusions documented in Volume 1.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗