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DOE OSTI2022

Snowmass 2021 Rare & Precision Frontier (RF6): Dark Matter Production at Intensity-Frontier Experiments

Dark matter particles can be observably produced at intensity-frontier experiments, and opportunities in the next decade will explore important parameter space motivated by thermal DM models, the dark sector paradigm, and anomalies in data. This whitepaper describes the motivations, detection strategies, prospects and challenges for such searches, as well as synergies and complementarity both within RF6 and across HEP.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Large Scale Pumped Storage to Support Renewable Deployment; PSH Resource Assessment and Complementary Analysis for Alaska

The State of Alaska has a rather unique electric power system, as it has two larger transmission grids (Railbelt and Southeast Alaska) and over 150 islanded stand-alone power systems that are serving remote rural communities. In 2010, the Alaska legislature enacted a non-binding goal for 50% of renewable electricity generation by 2025. With the expected increase in wind and solar generation in the future, the role of energy storage becomes increasingly important. Considering the specific power system characteristics in Alaska, energy storage technologies that can supply electricity over an extended period of time, such as pumped storage hydropower (PSH), may play a key role in enabling the reliability and resiliency of both integrated and rural power systems. The overarching objective of the subject study of this presentation is to investigate the prospects and opportunities for PSH in Alaska.

Alaska↗

DOE OSTI2022

Life Cycle Assessment for Closed-Loop Pumped Hydropower Energy Storage in the United States

The federal government has initiated an aggressive set of policies to achieve a net-zero carbon emission goal for the electricity sector by 2050. As a result, rapid growth in deployment of renewable energy technologies is expected. Most commercially mature technologies are temporally variable and do not provide grid inertia, while renewable technologies with high projected deployment have intermittent generation methods. Energy storage technologies are needed to both dispatch power on-demand and help provide the needed grid inertia. Pumped storage hydro (PSH) is a well-established technology that has gained renewed interest in recent years offering energy-balancing, grid stability, control of electrical network frequency, and large-scale storage capacity. For widespread adoption of PSH, more information is needed regarding its current life cycle environmental impacts. The objective of this study is to perform a full life cycle assessment (LCA) of new closed-loop PSH in the U.S. The functional unit for this study is 1 kWh of electrical power delivered to the grid and the base case project lifetime is 80 years. The life cycle inventory for this project accounts for all material and energy flows associated with the green-field construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of a closed-loop PSH plant in the U.S. Collected data represents a range of potential PSH specifications and geographic locations coming from all prospective closed-loop PSH installations in the U.S. with data available. In addition, existing PSH installations are used to provide assumptions for inventory inputs. Results presented will include the global warming potential (GWP IPCC 100a) and Energy Return on Investment (EROI) from our base case (average PSH installation) as well as from scenario analyses and model sensitivity. These results will be compared to the impacts from existing PSH sites and alternate storage technologies. Methods align with the assumptions and guidelines put in place by previous PSH LCAs to ensure an accurate comparison with the results from this report.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,HYDRO ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Making Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings a “Win” for Both Customers and Utilities

Buildings account for more than 70% of U.S. electricity use and at least one-third of U.S. economy-wide CO2 emissions. Changing the timing and overall amount of electricity consumption in buildings would significantly reduce energy costs to consumers and facilitate the transition to a decarbonized economy. Grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) incorporate energy efficiency, smart technologies, and active use of distributed energy resources (DERs) to provide these benefits. As the link between the customer and the power system, utilities are central to widespread deployment of GEBs. Yet, despite the significant cost savings and operational benefits of GEBs for utilities, deployment has remained limited. This paper explores emerging models for enabling utilities to facilitate GEB adoption. Building off foundational research conducted to develop the U.S. DOE’s A National Roadmap for Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings, we describe the most novel recent examples of ways in which utilities and regulators have made demand-side innovation a win for both the customer and the utility. Emerging concepts include: (1) performance incentive mechanisms to align GEB deployment with utility financial motivations, (2) the use of subscription pricing (i.e., fixed monthly bills) to promote load flexibility and energy efficiency, (3) rate-basing utility-controlled behind-the-meter assets, and (4) coupling energy efficiency and load flexibility with electrification proposals to ensure that customer benefits are maximized. The paper concludes with a discussion about prospects for widespread GEB deployment and utilization by utilities, and how to scale efforts.

Satchwell, Andrew↗

DOE OSTI2021

Simulation of Isotopic Concentrations and Gamma Spectra from Dynamic Fission Sources

A tool was developed to rapidly generate synthetic gamma-ray spectra to evaluate safeguards material control and accounting methods for liquid-fueled molten salt reactors. Molten salt reactor operations pose unique challenges to nuclear safeguards methods and protocols compared to deployed reactors designs (e.g., light water reactors). This research evaluates the use of gamma-ray spectroscopy to monitor fission product isotopic flow through a reactor model to understand expected operations and investigate changes to the spectra with material diversion scenarios. The large design space of molten salt reactors (e.g., liquid-fueled, liquid-cooled, online separations) could potentially lead to many measurement points within the reactor system. The developed analytical tool generates and evaluates synthetic gamma-ray spectra from dynamic reactor simulations by extracting isotopic inventory to generate source terms. An implementation in the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) Application Program Interface (API) uses the source terms, a model of the reactor component, a detector response function, and measurement plan to quickly generate and analyze spectra. Prospective measurements are then evaluated in the more accurate but slower Geant4 simulations. Utilization of the developed modeling tool and analysis of the subsequent spectra enables optimization of collimation, shielding requirements, and expected count rates that are used to determine key measurement points in the modeled reactor design.

O'Brien, Sean↗

DOE OSTI2022

Theory of Neutrino Physics -- Snowmass TF11 (aka NF08) Topical Group Report

This is the report for the topical group Theory of Neutrino Physics (TF11/NF08) for Snowmass 2021. This report summarizes the progress in the field of theoretical neutrino physics in the past decade, the current status of the field, and the prospects for the upcoming decade.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Precision QCD, Hadronic Structure & Forward QCD, Heavy Ions: Report of Energy Frontier Topical Groups 5, 6, 7 submitted to Snowmass 2021

This report was prepared on behalf of three Energy Frontier Topical Groups of the Snowmass 2021 Community Planning Exercise. It summarizes the status and implications of studies of strong interactions in high-energy experiments and QCD theory. We emphasize the rich landscape and broad impact of these studies in the decade ahead. Hadronic interactions play a central role in the high-luminosity Large Hadron Collider (LHC) physics program, and strong synergies exist between the (HL-)LHC and planned or proposed experiments at the U.S. Electron-Ion Collider, CERN forward physics experiments, high-intensity facilities, and future TeV-range lepton and hadron colliders. Prospects for precision determinations of the strong coupling and a variety of nonperturbative distribution and fragmentation functions are examined. We also review the potential of envisioned tests of new dynamical regimes of QCD in high-energy and high-density scattering processes with nucleon, ion, and photon initial states. The important role of the high-energy heavy-ion program in studies of nuclear structure and the nuclear medium, and its connections with QCD involving nucleons are summarized. We address ongoing and future theoretical advancements in multi-loop QCD computations, lattice QCD, jet substructure, and event generators. Cross-cutting connections between experimental measurements, theoretical predictions, large-scale data analysis, and high-performance computing are emphasized.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Better bang for your buck? Comparing savings realization from ESPCs and direct-funded projects

Energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) offer an opportunity to tremendously scale decarbonization projects, given their paid-from-savings premise. However, prospective customers still question whether ESPC is worth the effort and expense. This study evaluates the savings realization rates of ESPCs compared to direct-funded projects using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (ESPM) benchmarking data. It compares normalized EUIs from ESPM before and after energy conservation projects implemented via ESPC or direct funding in roughly 450 federal buildings. This documented change, ideally a savings, can then be compared to the estimated savings from the energy conservation initiative in order to generate a rough realization rate. Preliminary results indicate a notably greater savings realization rate for the ESPC buildings (median = 105% of estimated savings) than those that underwent direct-funded projects (median = 46%). Because of a shortage of good quality data and the wide range in results, the difference is only significant at the p < 0.20 level. However, the higher savings realization of ESPCs corroborates the authors’ 2014 findings using a different comparison method. With continued soft government funding and regulatory impediments for climate change mitigation in the U.S., financed, paid-from-savings project models (e.g., ESPC, PACE, EaaS and others) certainly merit more attention. This study’s results are particularly compelling (and encouraging) given the country’s likely reliance on these vehicles to address existing building retrofits.

Earni, Shankar↗

DOE OSTI2022

2021 Component Innovation Awardee: Windurance, LLC

Distributed wind turbine manufacturers seeking to enter the market are often hampered by two challenges: not enough capital and no specific expertise in developing certified electronic equipment. A harsh reality is that off-the-shelf power electronics are neither certified nor cost-effective. This lack of certified controller equipment in the distributed wind energy industry adds expense and impedes market penetration related to certification for individual wind turbines, wind system projects, and installations. Normally, these certification costs would be borne repeatedly by individual turbine manufacturers or developers on a model-by-model or project-by-project basis, resulting in cost and time delays as well as uncertainty and risk for project developers and prospective owners. Windurance seeks to eliminate these challenges by developing and obtaining third-party certification of a standardized wind turbine controller. This will facilitate development, certification, and production while supporting efficiencies not easily achievable by individual manufacturers. Windurance's Distributed Wind Industry Turbine Controller will enable manufacturers to apply proprietary turbine- specific configurations and functionality. When applicable, manufacturers can expand on a Windurance-provided software framework to add unique or proprietary functionality.

CIP↗

DOE OSTI2022

2020 Component Innovation Awardee: Windurance LLC

Currently, there is no wind system power-conversion component available to wind turbine OEMs that is certified to applicable standards for use in the U.S. distributed wind energy market. Off-the-shelf industrial drives have features that are not needed by distributed wind OEMs and lack other features that would be valuable for the operation and control of wind turbine generating systems. In addition to adding costs for OEMs, these industrial drives increase uncertainty and risk for project developers and prospective owners. All of this presents barriers and increases costs for the development of distributed wind in the United States. With funding from CIP, Windurance plans to develop an industry-specific power-conversion component that will offer application-specific features at lower cost for distributed wind OEMs.

CIP↗

DOE OSTI2022

GOOML - Finding Optimization Opportunities for Geothermal Operations: Preprint

Geothermal Operational Optimization with Machine Learning (GOOML) is a transferable and extensible component-based geothermal asset modeling framework that considers complex steamfield relationships and identifies optimization prospects using a data-driven approach. We have used this framework to develop digital twins that provide steamfield operators with an operational environment to analyze and understand historical and forecasted power production, explore new steamfield configuration possibilities, and seek optimal asset management for real world applications. The GOOML modeling software is built on a generic component-based systems framework that allows for both historical and forecast analysis. A GOOML model can perform historical data-assimilation using first-principal thermodynamics to create a meaningful data model. Historical production data can then be coupled with a forecast framework to train machine-learning models of steamfield components to predict future outputs. This modeling environment enables digital exploration of steamfield design configurations and operational scenarios. GOOML digital twins have been developed for steamfields in New Zealand and the United States representing differing power generation and field conditions. These digital twins have been validated by comparing hindcast predictions against historical production data. Reinforcement learning experiments were conducted to demonstrate the ability to programmatically explore the operations space using machine learning agents. Our initial results are compelling; two to five percent increases in annual energy production were demonstrated by the GOOML models with no additional infrastructure build required. GOOML offers a new approach to geothermal operations by applying state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms, comprehensive data analytics, and interaction with digital twins. Through application of these tools, operators will realize greater availability and higher net generation which will increase the cost effectiveness of geothermal energy projects.

access↗

DOE OSTI2022

Report of the Snowmass 2021 Topical Group on Lattice Gauge Theory

Lattice gauge theory continues to be a powerful theoretical and computational approach to simulating strongly interacting quantum field theories, whose applications permeate almost all disciplines of modern-day research in High-Energy Physics. Whether it is to enable precision quark- and lepton-flavor physics, to uncover signals of new physics in nucleons and nuclei, to elucidate hadron structure and spectrum, to serve as a numerical laboratory to reach beyond the Standard Model, or to invent and improve state-of-the-art computational paradigms, the lattice-gauge-theory program is in a prime position to impact the course of developments and enhance discovery potential of a vibrant experimental program in High-Energy Physics over the coming decade. This projection is based on abundant successful results that have emerged using lattice gauge theory over the years: on continued improvement in theoretical frameworks and algorithmic suits; on the forthcoming transition into the exascale era of high-performance computing; and on a skillful, dedicated, and organized community of lattice gauge theorists in the U.S. and worldwide. The prospects of this effort in pushing the frontiers of research in High-Energy Physics have recently been studied within the U.S. decadal Particle Physics Planning Exercise (Snowmass 2021), and the conclusions are summarized in this Topical Report.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2022

The quest to understand the fundamental structure of nuclear matter – outlook to QCD and the Electron-Ion Collider

Nuclear matter is made of quarks that are bound by gluons that also bind themselves. Unlike with the more familiar atomic and molecular matter, the interactions and structures in nuclear matter are inextricably mixed up, and observed properties of nucleons and nuclei, such as mass and spin, emerge out of this complex system. Ongoing and future QCD research offers the exciting prospect to obtain a multi-dimensional picture of the inner quark-gluon structure of protons and atomic nuclei and to inform us how the properties and structure of nuclear matter have emerged from the dynamics of QCD. This program is initiated at the 12-GeV Upgraded Jefferson Lab, concentrating on imaging the region in nucleon and nuclear structure where quarks prevail. A future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) is planned at Brookhaven National Lab, in partnership with Jefferson Lab. The EIC will have a versatile range of beam energies, polarizations, and ion species, as well as high luminosity, to precisely image quarks, gluons, and their interactions in protons and complex atomic nuclei. The goal is an understanding of the internal structure of nuclear matter comparable to our knowledge of the electronic structure of atoms. The present status of the EIC will also be presented.

Ent, Rolf↗

DOE OSTI2023

BOTTLE 7 - Industry Projects & Engagement

One of BOTTLE's primary goals is to work with industry to catalyze new technologies towards our overall vision and mission using a centralized industry engagement plan which aims to 1) solve real-world problems in plastics upcycling via targeted, company-funded projects; 2) promote industrial engagement via streamlined access to BOTTLE partners and technologies; and 3) collaborate with companies to scale and deploy BOTTLE technologies into the economy. Our approach follows a 5-stage model: prospecting, initial engagement, knowledge sharing, proposal and contracting, and opportunity won. Since FY21, BOTTLE has onboarded a full-time Chief Technology Officer to spearhead industry engagement and lead industrially-funded research projects. To date, BOTTLE has engaged with >150 companies, executed 6 industrial funds-in CRADAs, completed 2 industry projects successfully, extended 2 CRADAs with follow-on funds, and submitted over 30 patent applications. Industry projects span the Deconstruction, Upcycling, and Redesign tasks, harness the capabilities of the cross-cutting tasks, and take advantage of the broad IP portfolio developed through DOE funding. BOTTLE partners have an inventory of innovations that can inform the design of industry-specific collaborative projects with the highest probability of producing novel IP. Engaging with a diverse set of companies has also directly informed our R&D portfolio towards maximizing impact and utility of BOTTLE innovations.

BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2023

PARTITIONING AND TRANSMUTATION OF USED NUCLEAR FUEL IN SUPPORT OF GEOLOGICAL WASTE DISPOSAL

Nuclear energy is a low-carbon technology that generates bulk baseload electricity and supports long-lasting eco-friendly sustainability goals. However, it still faces challenges, such as the securing and managing of long-lived nuclear actinides and fission products—most notably the used fuel, which is considered high-level waste (HLW). Direct geological waste disposal would be the most economical option for HLW but requires highly qualified sites whose geophysical behavior will remain stable for 10,000 years. Partitioning and transmutation (P&T) of used fuel reduces radioactivity and decay heat generation, enabling efficient geological waste disposal. P&T research and development, along with the prospects of P&T techniques such as wet/dry separation and accelerator-driven systems, were reviewed to identify critical needs that must be met to foster their successful implementation.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Episomal DNA vectors for plant genetic engineering

This disclosure pertains to a novel platform for genetic engineering of chloroplasts. The disclosure provides episomal DNA vectors containing a chloroplast origin of replication. These vectors remain extra-plastomic and sustainably and autonomously replicate in chloroplasts of the plant cells transformed with the vectors and in the plants regenerated from the transformed plant cells. The episomal DNA vectors do not contain any sequence that shares sequence homology with the plastome DNA and, thus, do not get integrated into the plastome DNA. The vectors can also comprise one or more genes of interest that confer desirable characteristics to the transformed plant cells. The disclosure also provides methods of transforming plant cells with the episomal DNA vectors and regenerating from the transformed plant cells plants having desirable characteristics. The vectors and methods disclosed herein provide a significant advancement in speed, flexibility, and prospects of introducing genes into plant cells for effective metabolic engineering.

Lenaghan, Scott C.↗

DOE OSTI2023

PARTITIONING AND TRANSMUTATION OF USED NUCLEAR FUEL IN SUPPORT OF GEOLOGICAL WASTE DISPOSAL

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Evaluating Portable Parallelization Strategies for Heterogeneous Architectures in High Energy Physics

High-energy physics (HEP) experiments have developed millions of lines of code over decades that are optimized to run on traditional x86 CPU systems. However, we are seeing a rapidly increasing fraction of floating point computing power in leadership-class computing facilities and traditional data centers coming from new accelerator architectures, such as GPUs. HEP experiments are now faced with the untenable prospect of rewriting millions of lines of x86 CPU code, for the increasingly dominant architectures found in these computational accelerators. This task is made more challenging by the architecture-specific languages and APIs promoted by manufacturers such as NVIDIA, Intel and AMD. Producing multiple, architecture-specific implementations is not a viable scenario, given the available person power and code maintenance issues. The Portable Parallelization Strategies team of the HEP Center for Computational Excellence is investigating the use of Kokkos, SYCL, OpenMP, std::execution::parallel and alpaka as potential portability solutions that promise to execute on multiple architectures from the same source code, using representative use cases from major HEP experiments, including the DUNE experiment of the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility, and the ATLAS and CMS experiments of the Large Hadron Collider. This cross-cutting evaluation of portability solutions using real applications will help inform and guide the HEP community when choosing their software and hardware suites for the next generation of experimental frameworks. We present the outcomes of our studies, including performance metrics, porting challenges, API evaluations, and build system integration.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗