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At least 1,693 records · Page 94

Feasibility Study for Disposal Control Rod Assemblies Using UNF-ST&DARDS As-Loaded Zion Dual Purpose Cask Models

This report documents an initial evaluation to support future use of disposal control rod assemblies (DCRAs) for post-closure criticality control in dual purpose canisters (DPCs). The work described herein is an extension of previous efforts performed by Walker using inputs generated by the Used Nuclear Fuel-Storage, Transportation & Disposal Analysis Resource and Data System (UNFST&DARDS) for the Zion site DPCs with as-loaded isotopic compositions. The results of this analysis demonstrate that there are multiple pathways to using DCRA for post-closure criticality control. Various configurations of DCRA material, diameter, number of rods per DCRA, and number and location of DCRAs within a DPC were shown to be effective in varying degrees for the set of DPCs analyzed by Walker. Because of the variations in DPC as-loaded isotopic compositions considered in an array of DCRA parametric sweeps, it can be concluded that a DPC-specific methodology is feasible (i.e., a one-size-fits-all approach may not be needed). Instead, the utility program created for this work can be expanded to develop capabilities to provide DPC-specific DCRA arrangements to limit cost and weight and to allow for operational considerations.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Adaptive Protective Relay Settings – A Vision to the Future

Adaptive relaying utilizes the continuously changing status of the power system as the basis for online adjustment of the power system relay settings. Fundamentally they are protection schemes that adjust settings and/or logic of operations based on the prevailing conditions of the system. These adjustments can include, but are not limited to, the logging of data for post-mortem analysis, communication throughout the system, as well as changing relay parameters. Adaptive relaying considers the fact that the status of a power system can change. These include system configuration changes, load effect, cold load pickup, end-of-line protection, transformer protection, and automatic reclosing. In this research, the author focus on the need for a secure, selective, and reliable system for adaptive overcurrent protection in T&D and Distributed Energy Systems. Various types of adaptive methods are presented and explained along with some pros and cons of each.

Mukherjee, Srijib↗

Topology property analysis and application of stable time-delay regions for linear multiple time-delay systems

This study examines the relationship between the topology of stable time-delay regions and the stability analysis of an linear multiple time delay system. To analyze the topology of stable time-delay regions, we construct a function with a value equal to zero for the time-delay points on the boundaries of stable time-delay regions. The function is continuous and differentiable in the whole defining field with a global minimum of zero so that we can locate the boundaries by minimizing the value of the function. Based on the topology analysis, we proposed a performance validation approach for controllers that are designed to stabilize the system using feedback signals with time delays. The method based on the topology analysis is simple and reliable so that can deal with a linear time-invariant system with high order and multiple time delays (more than 3). The example case study shows that the above method is reliable and enables ultra-low latency coordination and control for the future power grid with ubiquitous power electronics.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Shielding Analysis of a Preclinical Bremsstrahlung X-ray FLASH Radiotherapy System within a Clinical Radiation Therapy Vault

A preclinical radiotherapy system producing FLASH dose rates with 12 MV bremsstrahlung x rays is being developed at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Because of the high expected workload of 6,800 Gy w –1 at the isocenter, an efficient shielding methodology is needed to protect operators and the public while the preclinical system is operated in a radiation therapy vault designed for 6 MV x rays. Here, in this study, an analysis is performed to assess the shielding of the local treatment head and radiation vault using the Monte Carlo code FLUKA and the empirical methodology given in the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report 151. Two different treatment head shielding designs were created to compare single-layer and multilayer shielding methodologies using high-Z and low-Z materials. The multilayered shielding methodology produced designs with a 17% reduction in neutron fluence leaking from the treatment head compared to the single layered design of the same size, resulting in a decreased effective dose to operators and the public. The conservative assumptions used in the empirical methods can lead to over-shielding when treatment heads use polyethylene or multilayered shielding. High-Z/Low-Z multilayered shielding optimized via Monte Carlo is shown to be effective in the case of treatment head shielding and provide more effective shielding design for external beam radiotherapy systems that use 12 MV bremsstrahlung photons. Modifications to empirical methods used in the assessment of MV radiotherapy systems may be warranted to capture the effects of polyethylene in treatment head shielding.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Invited Paper: Benchmarking and Optimizing Data Movement on Emerging Heterogeneous Architectures

As supercomputers evolve, nodes are continually increasing in complexity. As a result, each generation of parallel systems brings new performance challenges. For instance, on recent systems inter-node communication has outperformed inter-socket, resulting in poor performance of many node-aware communication optimizations. Communication optimizations are critical for the performance and scalability of parallel applications, but are dependent on the parallel architecture, which varies significantly among recent generations of supercomputers. Furthermore, this paper investigates the performance of various paths of data movement on recent generations of systems, and analyzes the increased complexity of communication, particularly on recent heterogeneous systems. The paper also introduces MPI Advance, a communication library that enables optimizations to be created based on benchmark analysis of each emerging system.

benchmarking↗

Condenser Enclosure Vibration Isolation Mount Selection

A mini split cooling system will be used to maintain temperature requirements in a mobile secure transport system. While the split cooling system was designed to be used in static residential or commercial applications, it was selected for this transportation application due to a unique set of security requirements. However, the system’s ability maintain reliability and survive prolonged long-term shock and vibration is a significant concern. The mitigation strategy is to select vibration isolation mounts and perform lifetime shock and vibration testing to demonstrate survivability. The goal of this study is to generate a finite element model of the system and perform modal analysis to inform selection of vibration mounts to minimize the amount of vibrational energy transferred to the split cooling system. The scope of this report is limited to study of the condensing unit only, and geometric variation of the assembly will not be allowed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Engineering-Scale Integrated Energy System Data Projection Demonstration via the Dynamic Energy Transport and Integration Laboratory

The objective of this study is to demonstrate and validate the Dynamic Energy Transport and Integration Laboratory (DETAIL) preliminary scaling analysis using Modelica language system-code Dymola. The DETAIL preliminary scaling analysis includes a multisystem integral scaling package between thermal-storage and hydrogen-electrolysis systems. To construct the system of scaled equations, dynamical system scaling (DSS) was applied to all governing laws and closure relations associated with the selected integral system. The existing Dymola thermal-energy distribution system (TEDS) facility and high-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE) facility models in the Idaho National Laboratory HYBRID repository were used to simulate a test case and a corresponding scaled case for integrated system HYBRID demonstration and validation. The DSS projected data based on the test-case simulations and determined scaling ratios were generated and compared with scaled case simulations. The preliminary scaling analysis performance was evaluated, and scaling distortions were investigated based on data magnitude, sequence, and similarity. The results indicated a necessity to change the normalization method for thermal storage generating optimal operating conditions of 261 kW power and mass flow rate of 6.42 kg/s and the possibility of reselecting governing laws for hydrogen electrolysis to improve scaling predictive properties. To enhance system-scaling similarity for TEDS and HTSE, the requirement for scaling validation via physical-facility demonstration was identified.

08 HYDROGEN↗

A Theoretical Approach for Reliability Within Information Supply Chains With Cycles and Negations

Complex networks of information processing systems, or information supply chains, present challenges for performance analysis. Here, we establish a mathematical setting, in which a process within an information supply chain can be analyzed in terms of the functionality of the system’s components. Principles of this methodology are rigorously defended and induce a model for determining the reliability for the various products in these networks. Our model does not limit us from having cycles in the network, as long as the cycles do not contain negation. It is shown that our approach to reliability resolves the nonuniqueness caused by cycles in a probabilistic Boolean network. An iterative algorithm is given to find the reliability values of the model, using a process that can be fully automated. This automated method of discerning reliability is beneficial for systems managers. As a systems manager considers systems modification, such as the replacement of owned and maintained hardware systems with cloud computing resources, the need for comparative analysis of system reliability is paramount. The model is extended to handle conditional knowledge about the network, allowing one to make predictions of weaknesses in the system. Finally, to illustrate the model’s flexibility over different forms, it is demonstrated on a system of components and subcomponents.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A Conceptual Design of the Reactor Cavity Cooling System for the Horizontal Compact High Temperature Gas Reactor (HC-HTGR)

Horizontal Compact High Temperature Gas Reactor (HC-HTGR) is being designed by a multi-disciplinary team of nuclear, mechanical, and structural engineers under the support of a DOE-NE Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program’s Advanced Reactor Concepts-20 (ARC-20) award. The objective of this ARC-20 project is to deliver a conceptual design for the proposed HC-HTGR in 3 years and support its commercialization as a safe, low-cost HTGR. Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) is responsible for the design and analysis of the reactor cavity cooling system (RCCS) as a safety system for passive decay heat removal of the reactor concept. This report documents the design study to derive a conceptual design study of the RCCS for the HC-HTGR. It includes the identification of the functions and requirements of the HC-HTGR RCCS, design analyses including high-level design consideration and the calculations for optimizing design space of the system with supporting component-level analysis to inform the material selection and performance of the water panel, the description of the conceptual design of the HC-HTGR RCCS derived based on the analyses results, and performance evaluation of the conceptual RCCS for the HC-HTGR. A detailed concept of the RCCS has been identified and high-level system requirements has been developed for the HC-HTGR. Design space focusing on the natural circulation loop portion of the RCCS has been investigated to optimize the system performance. The initial baseline dimensions were firstly derived based on the scoping calculations. A component level design analysis was conducted for the water panel to inform the material selection and to assess its conduction performance. A preliminary system-level performance analysis was performed for the 1/8th of the compartment of the initial baseline design of the RCCS using RELAP5-3D. To improve the system thermal performance, the RCCS design has been updated by exploring various design options by design parametric analyses. Based on the results, the conceptual design of the RCCS for the HC-HTGR has been derived, which satisfies the target performance of ~1 MWt at the elevated vessel wall temperature conditions. Transient simulations were conducted for the conceptual RCCS design for the HC-HTGR under various operation modes and heat load conditions using RELAP5-3D. The system dynamics in different operating states was investigated and the system performance under transients of interest was evaluated. The results demonstrated the overall system feasibility that the RCCS design maintains structures temperatures lower than maximum allowable temperature with sufficient system inventory without any active heat removal in the design process with certain transients addressed. The HC-HTGR RCCS will have additional design updates of subsystems or optimization of the system components during the preliminary and final design phases. Since the entire plant has not been integrated yet, this delivered conceptual design is subject to changes for integration, that require additional conceptual design activities and Quality and Assurance implementation (Q&A). The performance assessment of the RCCS for the HC-HTGR will be then revisited and optimized to finalize the system design, and the RCCS integrated primary system analysis will be utilized to simulate selective accident scenarios of interest where efforts are currently undergoing in the project.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Probing Transit Timing Variation and Its Possible Origin with 12 New Transits of TrES-3b

We present 12 new transit light curves of the hot-Jupiter TrES-3b observed during 2012−2018 to probe the transit timing variation (TTV). By combining the midtransit times determined from these 12 transit data with those reestimated through uniform procedure from 71 transit data available in the literature, we derive new linear ephemeris and obtain the timing residuals that suggest the possibility of TTV in the TrES-3 system. However, the frequency analysis shows that the possible TTV is unlikely to be periodic, indicating the absence of an additional body in this system. To explore the other possible origins of TTV, the orbital decay and apsidal precession ephemeris models are fitted to the transit time data. We find the decay rate of TrES-3b to be P-dot {sub q}=−4.1±3.1 ms yr{sup −1}, and the corresponding estimated modified stellar tidal quality factor of Q{sub ∗}{sup ′}∼1.11×10{sup 5} is consistent with the theoretically predicted values for the stars hosting the hot-Jupiters. The shift in the transit arrival time of TrES-3b after 11 years is expected to be T {sub shift} ∼ 69.55 s, which is consistent with the rms of the timing residuals. Besides, we find that the apsidal precession ephemeris model is statistically less probable than the other considered ephemeris models. It is also discussed that despite the fact that the linear ephemeris model appears to be the most plausible model to represent the transit time data, the possibility of the orbital decay cannot be completely ruled out in the TrES-3 system. To confirm this, further high-precision and high-cadence follow-up observation of transits of TrES-3b would be important.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Fourier Analysis and Design of a Shielded 120kW Inductive Wireless System

High-power inductive wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for EVs are designed to meet specifications such as stray field, power level, efficiency, misalignment tolerance, and ground clearance. These metrics are all heavily influenced by the coil geometry. Herein this paper proposes a coil design method based on the Fourier Analysis Method (FAM) which is an analytical method for directly designing coil geometries to meet stray field and power level requirements through an optimization of Fourier basis function coefficients. In this work, two 120 kW WPT proof-of-concept demonstrators with low stray field and high efficiency are built from FAM optimization results to validate the models and show the impact of the FAM design process. Experimental validation of the Gen. 2 demonstrator at 120 kW output power resulted in a measured DC/DC efficiency of 97.2% at alignment with a 125 mm airgap. At the 120 kW test point, the stray fields 80 cm away from the center of the airgap between the coil assemblies were 3.4 µT(rms) on the X-axis and 3.5 µT(rms) on the Y-axis, much lower than the 27 µT(rms) ICNIRP limit.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Control system for multi-system coordination via a single reference governor

This report describes the improvements to the Feasible Actuator Range Modifier (FARM) component of the RAVEN-based HYBRID framework for analysis of Integrated Energy Systems (IES). FARM supports the HERON plug-in that solves the power dispatch problem. The solution involves economically optimal dispatches that satisfy the limits on production variables and corresponding rates of variation (explicit constraints) as well as the limits on the process variables tied to the service life of equipment (implicit constraints). The problem can be addressed as a two-stage process, i.e., HERON power dispatcher estimates a solution that meets explicit constraints (low-resolution physics), whereas FARM uses the simulation outcomes of HYBRID high-fidelity model to capture the system dynamic response and enforce implicit constraints (high-resolution physics). The initial version of the code (FARM-Alpha) was released by Argonne National Laboratory in January 2021 followed by FARM-Beta (January 2022) and FARM-Gamma (April 2022).

42 ENGINEERING↗

Monitor for measuring mercury emissions

A mercury emissions monitor includes a mercury sensor tape configured to be fed in a reel-to-reel manner between first and second tape reels, wherein the mercury sensor tape includes a thin metallic film configured to form an amalgam with detected mercury. A mercury collection unit is configured to receive into a chamber a sample of a gas containing mercury, wherein the mercury collection unit is further configured to permit passage of portions of the mercury sensor tape through the chamber containing the gas sample so that the amalgam is formed with the thin metallic film. A mercury analysis unit includes a total reflection x-ray fluorescence (“TXRF”) system configured to perform a TXRF analysis of the amalgam, wherein the mercury analysis unit is configured to permit passage of the mercury sensor tape within a proximity of an XRF detector of the TXRF system. The mercury collection unit and the mercury analysis unit are positioned between the first and second tape reels so that the mercury sensor tape can move in a continuous manner from the first tape reel through the chamber of the mercury collection unit, then within sufficient proximity to the XRF detector, to be then taken up onto the second tape reel.

Kumar, Nalin↗

Squeeze Film Damper Experimental and Numerical Correlation: Test Setup Description and Parameter Identification of Dry System

The process of characterizing a damper involves both experimental techniques and model simulation. Experiments characterize dynamic behavior of a system through empirical modal analysis using impact and shaker testing. The layout of the test setup is crucial for a low-mass, nonlinear system. Physical arrangement, orientation of the system, and instrumentation affect the results that are discussed in this paper. These results can be used to validate a numerical simulation of the same system. With a validated model, important physical input parameters and modeling techniques can be determined and implemented in future designs. In other words, this modeling can be used with confidence to design alternative dampers that may be difficult, costly, and time-consuming to characterize experimentally.

Cook, Jason↗

Modeling Non-UO2 Fuel With UNF-ST&DARDS

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Used Nuclear Fuel-Storage, Transportation & Disposal Analysis Resource and Data System (UNF-ST&DARDS) provides an easy-to-use interface to analyze irradiated UO2 fuel by allowing all analysis to be performed within the software and being able to store and use dozens of fuel assembly, canister, and cask designs [1]. However, performing these same analyses with non-UO2 fuel, such as UN or U3Si2, requires more user intervention in the process. This work uses UN, UN-ZrO2, and U3Si2 fuel to demonstrate how to perform criticality analyses in the current versions of UNF-ST&DARDS and how a non-UO2 fuel will compare to UO2. This work is part of a larger effort that also includes shielding and thermal analyses, but they will not be discussed.

Ivanusa, Pavlo↗

A Comparative Analysis of Infrastructure-Based Perception Sensors for Intelligent Transportation Systems

The rise of privatized and public investment in smart city infrastructure and intelligent transportation systems has generated a heightened demand for perception sensors that effectively track and detect objects while being reliable in diverse weather and lighting conditions. This growing demand for perception sensors has accelerated their development and enhanced their capabilities. With these new capabilities, it is challenging to determine the most suitable sensing unit to use in each situation. Therefore, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and limitations of each sensing unit to effectively leverage their capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed evaluation of various perception sensors. Additionally, this paper will demonstrate the benefits of combining multiple perception sensors, which complement each other by addressing data gaps inherent to single-sensor systems, to facilitate the creation of a digital twin that models the real world. The Infrastructure, Perception, and Control (IPC) team will conduct data analysis using data collected through field testing at traffic intersections in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to make comparisons between sensors. This research aims to provide clear and concise information about modern perception systems, which will support the development of intelligent transportation systems.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

U.S. Solar Photovoltaic System and Energy Storage Cost Benchmarks, With Minimum Sustainable Price Analysis: Q1 2022

NREL's bottom-up cost models can be used to assess the minimum sustainable price (MSP) and modeled market price (MMP) of PV and storage systems having various configurations. MSP can be used to estimate future potential cost-reduction opportunities for PV and PV-plus-storage systems, thus helping guide research and development aimed at advancing cost-effective system configurations. MMP can be used to understand the cost of systems under recent market conditions. The MSP data in this annual benchmarking report will be used to inform the formulation of, and track progress toward, the Solar Energy Technologies Office's Government Performance and Reporting Act cost targets.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Wet Waste Hydrothermal Liquefaction and Biocrude Upgrading to Hydrocarbon Fuels: 2022 State of Technology

Data from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) conversion hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) program for wet waste was used to update the pathway techno-economic analysis (TEA) for the fiscal year 2022 State of Technology (2022 SOT). Figure S.1 shows the modeled minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) for the 2022 SOT, along with the previous years’ SOTs (Snowden-Swan et al. 2020, 2021, 2022). These costs are for a HTL plant scale of 110 dry ton/day sludge feed and a larger centralized upgrading plant scale of 38 million gallons/year biocrude feed, commensurate with the design case. All costs were updated to 2020 dollars. Corresponding cost breakdowns and technical parameters for each case are given in Appendix B. In previous years’ analyses options with and without ammonia (NH 3 ) stripping treatment of the HTL aqueous phase recycle stream were included in the analysis to account for cases with direct recycle of untreated HTL aqueous phase back to the wastewater treatment plant. In the FY21 SOT assessment however, system boundaries for the analysis were adjusted to reflect separate ownership/operatorship for the HTL plant and with that, nutrient surcharge fees associated with disposal of the aqueous phase wastewater to a municipal sewer system were incorporated to provide an improved accounting of true disposal costs for a standalone plant. With these changes, there is no significant cost difference between the case including ammonia removal and the case excluding ammonia removal and therefore the “no NH3 removal” options will not be included in the 2022 and future SOTs.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗