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At least 163 records · Page 9

Damaged Fuel Rod Service with German Turnkey Technology NCS 45 Transport Casks and Under-Water-Brazing Technology - 18182

Transportation of damaged irradiated fuel rods with the package NCS 45 developed and operated by DAHER Nuclear Technologies GmbH (DNT) saves considerable technical and financial resources in the German phase-out scenario. The technology can be used world-wide to speed up decommissioning of NPPs. In each German reactor (and most likely in all reactors in the world) a small number of damaged fuel rods have accumulated over the operation phase. In general, transport and storage solutions for fuel are concentrated on the bulk of material, i. e. complete fuel assemblies containing undamaged fuel rods. It is hence a rather straightforward process to remove almost all the fuel from the reactor pools. However, damaged fuel rods - which have to be removed from the pool prior to dismantling - can cause considerable delay in dismantling and high costs for safe-guarding and specialized solutions, even though they only contain a comparatively very tiny amount of fuel. DNT has all required tools, equipment and experience to mitigate the described problem: - The package NCS 45 licensed for the transport of damaged Uranium Oxide (UOX) and Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel rods with a burn-up of up to 120 GWd/MgHM; - A patented underwater brazing (encapsulation) technology to render very high burn-up damaged fuel rods fit for transport; - Qualified personnel to plan, license and operate such encapsulation process and the NCS 45 in a NPP and to carry out the transports; - Proven record of successful removal of damaged fuel rods from several shut-down reactors in Germany. The package NCS 45 is currently licensed in several European countries. Due to its state-of-technique design - type B(U)F-96 approval - it could be licensed and used for world-wide applications. The underwater brazing technology was developed and patented by DNT to address the challenge of transporting high burn-up and/or damaged UOX and MOX fuel rods. Above a burn-up of 55 GWd/MgHM there are neither enough data to assess the behavior of the cladding under stress nor sufficient benchmarks available to validate the source terms of the fuel. Hence, high burn-up fuel rods are encapsulated in the fuel pool by using the underwater-brazing-technology before they are loaded into the package NCS 45. Furthermore, the capacity of the NCS 45 to transport damaged fuel rods can be considerably enhanced by encapsulating these rods. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Pathways to Commercial Success: Technologies and Products Supported by the Fuel Cell Technologies Program

The purpose of the project described in this report is to identify and document the commercial and emerging (projected to be commercialized within the next 3 years) hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and products that resulted from Department of Energy support through the Fuel Cell Technologies (FCT) Program in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). To do this, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) undertook two efforts simultaneously to accomplish this project. The first effort was a patent search and analysis to identify hydrogen- and fuel-cell-related patents that are associated with FCT-funded projects (or projects conducted by DOE-EERE predecessor programs) and to ascertain the patents current status, as well as any commercial products that may have used the technology documented in the patent. The second effort was a series of interviews with current and past FCT personnel, a review of relevant program annual reports, and an examination of hydrogen- and fuel-cell-related grants made under the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs, and within the FCT portfolio.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Fusion materials science and technology research opportunities now and during the ITER era

Several high-priority near-term potential research activities to address fusion nuclear science challenges are summarized. General recommendations include: (1) Research should be preferentially focused on the most technologically advanced options (i.e., options that have been developed at least through the singleeffects concept exploration stage, technology readiness levels >3), (2) Significant near-term progress can be achieved by modifying existing facilities and/or moderate investment in new medium-scale facilities, and (3) Computational modeling for fusion nuclear sciences is generally not yet sufficiently robust to enable truly predictive results to be obtained, but large reductions in risk, cost and schedule can be achieved by careful integration of experiment and modeling.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

System-on-chip integrated circuit technology applications on the DIII-D tokamak for multi-field measurements

Several mm-wave diagnostics on the DIII-D tokamak provide multi-scale and multi-dimensional measurements of plasma profile evolution and turbulence fluctuations. Mm-wave fusion plasma diagnostics that adopt system-on-chip integrated circuit technology can provide better space utilization, flexible installation, and improved sensitivity. In order to further extend this technology for additional fusion facilities with a higher toroidal magnetic field, V-band (55–75 GHz) and F-band (90–140 GHz) chips for Microwave Imaging Reflectometer (MIR) and Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) instruments are developed and tested in the Davis Millimeter Wave Research Center (DMRC). Current measurement data show that correlation between these SoC-based diagnostic instruments with other state-of-the-art diagnostics enables co-located multi-field turbulence fluctuation measurement.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

The DUNE Far Detector Vertical Drift Technology. Technical Design Report

DUNE is an international experiment dedicated to addressing some of the questions at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics, including the mystifying preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe. The dual-site experiment will employ an intense neutrino beam focused on a near and a far detector as it aims to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy and to make high-precision measurements of the PMNS matrix parameters, including the CP-violating phase. It will also stand ready to observe supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. The DUNE far detector implements liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) technology, and combines the many tens-of-kiloton fiducial mass necessary for rare event searches with the sub-centimeter spatial resolution required to image those events with high precision. The addition of a photon detection system enhances physics capabilities for all DUNE physics drivers and opens prospects for further physics explorations. Given its size, the far detector will be implemented as a set of modules, with LArTPC designs that differ from one another as newer technologies arise. In the vertical drift LArTPC design, a horizontal cathode bisects the detector, creating two stacked drift volumes in which ionization charges drift towards anodes at either the top or bottom. The anodes are composed of perforated PCB layers with conductive strips, enabling reconstruction in 3D. Light-trap-style photon detection modules are placed both on the cryostat's side walls and on the central cathode where they are optically powered. This Technical Design Report describes in detail the technical implementations of each subsystem of this LArTPC that, together with the other far detector modules and the near detector, will enable DUNE to achieve its physics goals.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DUNE Phase II: scientific opportunities, detector concepts, technological solutions

The international collaboration designing and constructing the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) has developed a two-phase strategy toward the implementation of this leading-edge, large-scale science project. The 2023 report of the US Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5) reaffirmed this vision and strongly endorsed DUNE Phase I and Phase II, as did the European Strategy for Particle Physics. While the construction of the DUNE Phase I is well underway, this White Paper focuses on DUNE Phase II planning. DUNE Phase-II consists of a third and fourth far detector (FD) module, an upgraded near detector complex, and an enhanced 2.1 MW beam. The fourth FD module is conceived as a “Module of Opportunity”, aimed at expanding the physics opportunities, in addition to supporting the core DUNE science program, with more advanced technologies. This document highlights the increased science opportunities offered by the DUNE Phase II near and far detectors, including long-baseline neutrino oscillation physics, neutrino astrophysics, and physics beyond the standard model. It describes the DUNE Phase II near and far detector technologies and detector design concepts that are currently under consideration. A summary of key R&D goals and prototyping phases needed to realize the Phase II detector technical designs is also provided. DUNE's Phase II detectors, along with the increased beam power, will complete the full scope of DUNE, enabling a multi-decadal program of groundbreaking science with neutrinos.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Integrating 5G Technology for Improved Process Monitoring and Network Slicing in ICS

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are crucial for monitoring physical processes that support essential cyber-enabled services like power generation. The use of proprietary communication and lack of effective intrusion detection mechanisms pose constraints for efficient operation. Therefore, there is a need to modernize these systems with decentralized technologies like Edge Computing and 5G. However, integrating 5G and Edge Computing into large-scale ICS networks presents implementation and performance challenges. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an integrated ICS architecture that combines 5G and Edge Computing technologies with traditional ICS protocols. The objective is to minimize implementation and operational difficulties while improving the monitoring of physical processes and enabling robust intrusion detection. The proposed architecture outlines the necessary components, services, and communication protocols required for the integration of 5G and Edge Computing.

Aguayo, Jared M.↗

Buildings R&D Breakthroughs: Technologies and Products Supported by the Building Technologies Program

The purpose of the project described in this report is to identify and characterize commercially available products and emerging (near-commercial) technologies that benefited from the support of the Building Technologies Program (BTP) within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The investigation specifically focused on technology-oriented research and development (R&D) projects funded by BTP’s Emerging Technologies subprogram from 2005-2011.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Buildings R&D Breakthroughs. Technologies and Products Supported by the Building Technologies Program

This report identifies and characterizes commercially available products and emerging (near-commercial) technologies that benefited from the support of the Building Technologies Program (BTP) within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The investigation specifically focused on technology-oriented research and development (R&D) projects sponsored by BTP’s Emerging Technologies subprogram from 2005-2009.

commercially available products↗

Experimental Design for Evaluating Selected Nondestructive Measurement Technologies - Advanced Reactor Technology Milestone: M3AT-16PN2301043

The harsh environments in advanced reactors (AdvRx) increase the possibility of degradation of safety-critical passive components, and therefore pose a particular challenge for deployment and extended operation of these concepts. Nondestructive evaluation technologies are an essential element for obtaining information on passive component condition in AdvRx, with the development of sensor technologies for nondestructively inspecting AdvRx passive components identified as a key need. Given the challenges posed by AdvRx environments and the potential needs for reducing the burden posed by periodic in-service inspection of hard-to-access and hard-to-replace components, a viable solution may be provided by online condition monitoring of components. This report identifies the key challenges that will need to be overcome for sensor development in this context, and documents an experimental plan for sensor development, test, and evaluation. The focus of initial research and development is on sodium fast reactors, with the eventual goal of the research being developing the necessary sensor technology, quantifying sensor survivability and long-term measurement reliability for nondestructively inspecting critical components. Materials for sensor development that are likely to withstand the harsh environments are described, along with a status on the fabrication of reference specimens, and the planned approach for design and evaluation of the sensor and measurement technology.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Airspace Technology Demonstration 3 (ATD-3): Dynamic Weather Routes (DWR) Technology Transfer Document Summary Version 1.0

Airspace Technology Demonstration #3 (ATD-3) is part of NASA's Airspace Operations and Safety Program (AOSP) - specifically, its Airspace Technology Demonstrations (ATD) Project. ATD-3 is a multiyear research and development effort which proposes to develop and demonstrate automation technologies and operating concepts that enable air navigation service providers and airspace users to continuously assess weather, winds, traffic, and other information to identify, evaluate, and implement workable opportunities for flight plan route corrections that can result in significant flight time and fuel savings in en route airspace. In order to ensure that the products of this tech-transfer are relevant and useful, NASA has created strong partnerships with the FAA and key industry stakeholders. This summary document and accompanying technology artifacts satisfy the first of three Research Transition Products (RTPs) defined in the Applied Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) Research Transition Team (RTT) Plan. This transfer consists of NASA's legacy Dynamic Weather Routes (DWR) work for efficient routing for en-route weather avoidance. DWR is a ground-based trajectory automation system that continuously and automatically analyzes active airborne aircraft in en route airspace to identify opportunities for simple corrections to flight plan routes that can save significant flying time, at least five minutes wind-corrected, while avoiding weather and considering traffic conflicts, airspace sector congestion, special use airspace, and FAA routing restrictions. The key benefit of the DWR concept is to let automation continuously and automatically analyze active flights to find those where simple route corrections can save significant time and fuel. Operators are busy during weather events. It is more effective to let automation find the opportunities for high-value route corrections.

ATD-3↗

AERACEPT (Aerosol Rapid Analysis Combined Entry Probe/sonde Technology): Enabling Technology for Planetary Atmospheric Science Probes

Aerosols –clouds, hazes, and dusts –are a key part of planetary mass and energy balance, but difficult to study remotely. Current technology limits in situ measurements to once-in-a-lifetime flagship missions, which is not enough to characterize such highly dynamic systems. AERACEPT (AErosol Rapid Analysis Combined Entry Probe/sonde Technology) is an early-stage technology allowing asingle aeroshell body toact as both anentry vehicle and aerosol-samplingpassivedescent sonde, using the aeroshell’sown velocityto drive aerosol capture and separationthrough a series of embedded inlets.It takes advantage ofrecently developed thermal protection materials (3D-CC and 3MDCP)in combination withheritage aerosol sampling technologies fromboth planetary and airborne science (high-speed inlets and particle separation). By eliminating the need for heat shield separation, deployable parachutes, ordescent control, AERACEPT reducesthe mass, volume, and complexity ofplanetary aerosol sampling. Verifying AERACEPT’s performance involves modeling interdependencies between the size and geometry of the sampling inlets, the material response of the hypersonic phase of entry, the thermal conditions throughout the probe’s descent, the subsonic flow and particle sampling efficiency, the needed amount of sample, andthe cadence at which the sample can be analyzed. AERACEPT’s current predictions, using the Nephele Venus cloud mission concept (sampling between 63km to 39km, all subsonic) indicates AERACEPT can obtain >20 μL of particle material (roughly 10x the limit of detection) from droplets larger than 0.2 μm, with sample heating limited to <15 K above ambient. Validation testing for the thermal material response model has recently been performed at the UIUC Plasmatron facility, and for the flow and particle capture models is planned for this fall at the Ames Fluid Mechanics Laboratory.

AERACEPT↗

INL - NNL an International Technology Collaboration Case Study - Advanced Fogging Technologies for Decommissioning - 13463

International collaboration and partnerships have become a reality as markets continue to globalize. This is the case in nuclear sector where over recent years partnerships commonly form to bid for capital projects internationally in the increasingly contractorized world and international consortia regularly bid and lead Management and Operations (M and O) / Parent Body Organization (PBO) site management contracts. International collaboration can also benefit research and technology development. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) are internationally recognized organizations delivering leading science and technology development programmes both nationally and internationally. The Laboratories are actively collaborating in several areas with benefits to both the laboratories and their customers. Recent collaborations have focused on fuel cycle separations, systems engineering supporting waste management and decommissioning, the use of misting for decontamination and in-situ waste characterisation. This paper focuses on a case study illustrating how integration of two technologies developed on different sides of the Atlantic are being integrated through international collaboration to address real decommissioning challenges using fogging technology. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Enabling fast charging – A battery technology gap assessment

The battery technology literature is reviewed, with an emphasis on key elements that limit extreme fast charging. Key gaps in existing elements of the technology are presented as well as developmental needs. Among these needs are advanced models and methods to detect and prevent lithium plating; new positive-electrode materials which are less prone to stress-induced failure; better electrode designs to accommodate very rapid diffusion in and out of the electrode; measure temperature distributions during fast charge to enable/validate models; and develop thermal management and pack designs to accommodate the higher operating voltage.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

U.S. Department of Energy Fuels & Lubricants Project on Lubricant Technology - Innovation, Discovery, Design, and Engineering (Final Report)

In 2016, the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) of the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a solicitation for the AOP Lab Call research in FY2017 on a number of topics related to vehicles. Topic 6A of the Lab Call focused on research related to advanced lubricants: '...(in) support of the lubricants program goal to, by 2020, demonstrate novel formulations for powertrain and driveline lubricants, compatible with new and legacy vehicles, to achieve at least a 4 percent real-world fuel economy improvement.' Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) was awarded a 3-year multilab project on 'Lubricant Technology - Innovation, Discovery, Design, and Engineering.' Research on the project began in FY2017 at the three laboratories with industry participation; however, in FY2018, the project was terminated due to budgetary constraints. The following is the final report for the project and highlights progress made during the first year of research. The report is divided into sections that highlight the following: goals, objectives, milestones and deliverables; project highlights; outreach - publications, conferences, and reports; milestones accomplished; research progress.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Direct Supercritical CO 2 Power Cycle Technology Research and Development: Technology Gaps and Research Needs

This research and development (R&D) plan aims to identify technology gaps and research needs to help enable the commercialization of the direct supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO 2 ) power cycle technology by 2025. The goal of the plan is to help reduce technical risks to commercialization of the technology by providing guidance to United States (U.S.) national laboratories for closing the technology gaps.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗