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DOE OSTI2020

Policy-Driven Sustainable Saline Drainage Disposal and Forage Production in the Western San Joaquin Valley of California

Environmental policies to address water quality impairments in the San Joaquin River of California have focused on the reduction of salinity and selenium-contaminated subsurface agricultural drainage loads from westside sources. On 31 December 2019, all of the agricultural drainage from a 44,000 ha subarea on the western side of the San Joaquin River basin was curtailed. This policy requires the on-site disposal of all of the agricultural drainage water in perpetuity, except during flooding events, when emergency drainage to the River is sanctioned. The reuse of this saline agricultural drainage water to irrigate forage crops, such as ‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass and alfalfa, in a 2428 ha reuse facility provides an economic return on this pollutant disposal option. Irrigation with brackish water requires careful management to prevent salt accumulation in the crop root zone, which can impact forage yields. The objective of this study was to optimize the sustainability of this reuse facility by maximizing the evaporation potential while achieving cost recovery. This was achieved by assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of the root zone salinity in selected fields of ‘Jose’ tall wheatgrass and alfalfa in the drainage reuse facility, some of which have been irrigated with brackish subsurface drainage water for over fifteen years. Electromagnetic soil surveys using an EM-38 instrument were used to measure the spatial variability of the salinity in the soil profile. The tall wheatgrass fields were irrigated with higher salinity water (1.2–9.3 dS m -1 ) compared to the fields of alfalfa (0.5–6.5 dS m -1 ). Correspondingly, the soil salinity in the tall wheatgrass fields was higher (12.5 dS m -1 –19.3 dS m -1 ) compared to the alfalfa fields (8.97 dS mm -1 –14.4 dS mm -1 ) for the years 2016 and 2017. Better leaching of salts was observed in the fields with a subsurface drainage system installed (13–1 and 13–2). The depth-averaged root zone salinity data sets are being used for the calibration of the transient hydro-salinity computer model CSUID-ID (a one-dimensional version of the Colorado State University Irrigation Drainage Model). This user-friendly decision support tool currently provides a useful framework for the data collection needed to make credible, field-scale salinity budgets. In time, it will provide guidance for appropriate leaching requirements and potential blending decisions for sustainable forage production. This paper shows the tie between environmental drainage policy and the role of local governance in the development of sustainable irrigation practices, and how well-directed collaborative field research can guide future resource management.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2024

Scale up, Field Testing, and Optimization of Nontoxic, Durable, Economical Coatings for Control of Invasive mussels at Hydropower Facilities (Final Report for CRADA 527)

In this effort, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) demonstrated the technical maturation of a durable, economical, and nontoxic coating (Superhydrophobic Lubricant Infused Composite, SLIC) that prevents invasive mussels and other unwanted organisms from growing on hydropower and marine structures. The physical characteristics of SLIC were measured using a variety of industry standard methods, just as a commercially available paint would, to show that it can rival other antifouling paints on the market not just in antifouling efficacy, but in structural integrity. SLIC also underwent extensive field testing in diverse field sites across the US to demonstrate that it is effective in varying environments. Engagement with industrial partners showed there is continued interest and need for a cost-effective, durable antifouling coating such as SLIC.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Physical Security Model Development of an Electrochemical Facility

Nuclear facilities in the U.S. and around the world face increasing challenges in meeting evolving physical security requirements while keeping costs reasonable. The addition of security features after a facility has been designed and without attention to optimization (the approach of the past) can easily lead to cost overruns. Instead, security should be considered at the beginning of the design process in order to provide robust, yet efficient physical security designs. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate how modeling and simulation can be used to optimize the design of physical protection systems. A suite of tools, including Scribe3D and Blender, were used to model a generic electrochemical reprocessing facility. Physical protection elements such as sensors, portal monitors, barriers, and guard forces were added to the model based on best practices for physical security. Two theft scenarios (an outsider attack and insider diversion) as well as a sabotage scenario were examined in order to optimize the security design. Security metrics are presented. This work fits into a larger Virtual Facility Distributed Test Bed 2020 Milestone in the Material Protection, Accounting, and Control Technologies (MPACT) program through the Department of Energy (DOE). The purpose of the milestone is to demonstrate how a series of experimental and modeling capabilities across the DOE complex provide the capabilities to demonstrate complete Safeguards and Security by Design (SSBD) for nuclear facilities.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Advanced Facility Design and AI/ML Enabled Safeguards to Establish Secure, Economical Recycling of Fast Reactor Fuels (Final Scientific/Technical Report)

The project, "Advanced Facility Design and AI/ML Enabled Safeguards to Establish Secure, Economical Recycling of Fast Reactor Fuels," represents a significant advancement in nuclear fuel recycling technology. It integrates cutting-edge multimodal sensor fusion, machine learning (ML), and digital twin (DT) technologies to address challenges in material safeguarding, process optimization, and regulatory compliance for pyroprocessing facilities. This research has significantly enhanced the understanding of pyrochemical fuel recycling processes by developing innovative tools and methodologies. The Multimodal Safeguards Monitoring Unit (MSMU) combines electroanalytical techniques, Raman spectroscopy, and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to enable high-fidelity, near-real-time material accountancy measurements. Machine learning techniques, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) autoencoders, are utilized to detect anomalies in material balances and sensor data, improving the reliability of safeguards monitoring. Additionally, digital twin technology has been established to provide real-time system-level monitoring and diagnostics, integrating physics-based models with sensor data to optimize process safety and efficiency.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2020

Valuation and cost reduction of behind-the-meter hydrogen production in Hawaii

A 250kW hydrogen electrolysis facility was recently installed at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority's (NELHA's) campus. This facility that will begin operation in 2020 to produce hydrogen for fuel cell buses on the island to demonstrate of the application of hydrogen to decarbonize transportation. Given the size of the electrolysis station, it has the potential to significantly increase electricity costs for the campus, which is subject to energy and peak demand charges from the local utility. In this paper, we analyze the cost of hydrogen production at NELHA given the rate structure options available from the utility. Production costs are estimated using optimal versus constant scheduling of the facility to meet the buses’ demand. A model of the electrolysis station is used to capture changes in production efficiency over the power range in the optimization routine. The effects of combining the station and campus load versus standalone operation and increasing solar generation are also explored. The analyses surrounding this scenario show the importance of multiple factors on the potential profitability of hydrogen production in behind-the-meter applications and show trends that could have implications for other similar installations.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2024

Multi-objective Bayesian active learning for MeV-ultrafast electron diffraction

Ultrafast electron diffraction using MeV energy beams(MeV-UED) has enabled unprecedented scientific opportunities in the study of ultrafast structural dynamics in a variety of gas, liquid and solid state systems. Broad scientific applications usually pose different requirements for electron probe properties. Due to the complex, nonlinear and correlated nature of accelerator systems, electron beam property optimization is a time-taking process and often relies on extensive hand-tuning by experienced human operators. Algorithm based efficient online tuning strategies are highly desired. Here, we demonstrate multi-objective Bayesian active learning for speeding up online beam tuning at the SLAC MeV-UED facility. The multi-objective Bayesian optimization algorithm was used for efficiently searching the parameter space and mapping out the Pareto Fronts which give the trade-offs between key beam properties. Such scheme enables an unprecedented overview of the global behavior of the experimental system and takes a significantly smaller number of measurements compared with traditional methods such as a grid scan. This methodology can be applied in other experimental scenarios that require simultaneously optimizing multiple objectives by explorations in high dimensional, nonlinear and correlated systems.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Systems Analysis Approach to Polyethylene Terephthalate and Olefin Plastics Supply Chains in the Circular Economy: A Review of Data Sets and Models

The environmental and economic impacts of implementing a circular economy in plastic waste supply chains are not well understood. The proposed systems analysis framework assesses environmental, social, and economic impacts of plastic waste supply chains in a circular economy. The first objective of this article is to identify datasets, models and knowledge gaps associated with waste plastic supply chain processes, mainly in the U.S. Our literature review indicated that the best datasets exist for virgin plastic resin production, mechanical recycling, landfilling, and incineration, with materials recovery facility being intermediate, and with chemical recycling the lowest. The second objective of this article is to develop an illustrative application of the framework by conducting a preliminary systems analysis of PET bottles with closed-loop recycling. Here, the preliminary systems analysis of PET bottles utilized a linear programming optimization method. Our optimization model indicated that both chemical and mechanical recycling processes are needed to achieve a true circular economy of PET bottles with the least greenhouse gas emissions, specifically reductions of 24% when compared with the linear economy. Good quality and standardized life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis studies are needed to better understand the environmental, economic, and social impacts of advanced sorting and chemical recycling technologies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

TPSAS-NF1676L-13013-DND

Description, capabilities and utilization of the NASA Langley Aerothermodynamics Laboratory (LAL) are presented. The LAL consists of four hypersonic, blow-down-to-vacuum wind tunnels that collectively provide a range of Mach number from 6 to 10 (18 simulation), unit Reynolds number from 0.05 to 8 million per foot and, most importantly for blunt configurations, normal shock density ratio from 4 to 12. These wide ranges of hypersonic simulation parameters are due, in part, to the use of two different test gases (air and tetrafluoromethane, CF4), thereby making the facilities unique. The complex represents half of the conventional (as opposed to impulse) -type hypersonic wind tunnels operational in this country. LAL facilities are used to assess and optimize the hypersonic aerodynamic performance and aeroheating characteristics of aerospace vehicle concepts and to provide benchmark aerodynamic/aeroheating data for generating the flight aerodynamic databook and final design of the thermal protection system (TPS). Modifications and enhancements of LAL hardware components and instrumentation have been pursued to increase capability, reliability, and productivity in support of programmatic goals. The facilities are utilized to generate essentially all of the experimental hypersonic aerodynamic and aeroheating information for high-priority, fast-paced Agency programs and were a major contributor to the Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation, space shuttle Return-to-Flight program and Hypersonic Thermodynamic Infrared Measurements (HYTHIRM) project. The LAL has also contributed to the development of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle, Ares launch system, Mars Science Laboratory, Genesis Sample Return Capsule and supported DOD programs including HIFiRE, X-37, Falcon HTV-2 and X-51A.

John R Micol↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA Langley Aerothermodynamics Laboratory: Hypersonic Testing Capabilities

A description of the NASA Langley Research Center’s Langley Aerothermodynamics Laboratory (LAL) will be presented in the paper, along with descriptions and details of the facility test techniques and recent upgrades. The LAL consists of three hypersonic blow-down wind tunnels covering Mach numbers of 6 and 10 and unit Reynolds number ranges of 0.5 to 8.3 million per foot as well as a 60-ft Vacuum Sphere Test Chamber. LAL facilities are used to study and define the aerodynamic performance and aeroheating characteristics of flight vehicle concepts. Data collected in the facilities have been used for design and optimization, anchoring computational predictions, generation of aerodynamic databases and design of Thermal Protection Systems. Over the years modifications and enhancements have been made to the facility hardware and instrumentation to increase efficiency, data quality, capabilities and reliability to better meet the programmatic requirements. Recent utilization information illustrates the need for the capabilities associated with these facilities. Recent test programs include the Space Shuttle Program, Crew Exploration Vehicle/Orion/Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation (HIFiRE), Mars Science Laboratory, Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator System (HIADS) and X-51 among others and usage has been split between NASA, Commercial Crew, Department of Defense and private company programs. Plans for future improvements to the facility infrastructure and instrumentation will also be presented.

Karen Berger↗

DOE OSTI2021

High yield polar direct drive fusion neutron sources at the National Ignition Facility

Polar direct drive neutron source experiments were performed at the National Ignition Facility showing substantial improvement in total neutron yield and efficiency of conversion of laser energy to fusion output. Plastic capsules 3–4 mm in diameter were filled with 1.5 mg/cc of deuterium–tritium (DT) fuel and imploded with laser beam pointing and defocus designed to compensate for polar asymmetry introduced by the facility beam entrance angles. Radiation-hydrodynamics simulations were employed to optimize the multi-dimensional laser and target parameter space, within facility and target fabrication constraints. Ensembles of 1D simulations tuned to match the outputs of early shots in the series were used to design subsequent shots in the series. This allowed the later shots to be designed based on empirically motivated sensitivities to laser and target input parameters, while eliminating the need to explicitly model phenomena such as hydrodynamic instabilities and nonlinear laser–plasma interactions. Additionally, one experiment with a 3.0 mm diameter CH capsule produced 13.6 kJ (4.81 × 10 15 DT neutrons) from a laser input below the NIF optics damage threshold at 585 kJ, 328 TW. Two experiments with 4.0 mm capsules produced 31.3 and 33.6 kJ of fusion output (1.11 × 10 16 and 1.19 × 10 16 DT neutrons) with 1.10 MJ, 390 TW and 1.26 MJ, 425 TW of laser input, respectively.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Electrolytic Renewable Fuel Production Optimal Operation Investigation - H2@Scale: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-19-00818

This work explored the optimal design and operation of electrolytic hydrogen production from renewable power. While there are many financial incentives for renewable hydrogen, this work investigated the effects of Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) on the hydrogen breakeven cost. To this end, this project developed optimized operational strategies for electrolytic hydrogen facilities in the California. Four specific model projects were used as the basis for the analysis. Three model projects will be located in California and one in Texas or the Midwest to be determined during the project. All projects include interconnection to the natural gas grid as a method of transport for the product fuel and the hydrogen cases will also consider alternative modes of transport. The operational optimization will maximize project return through fuel production and grid services based on future scenarios for the value of each. The effort will rely on modeling tools developed by NREL and the UCI for grid modeling as well as the integrated resource planning tool (IRP), RESOLVE, which is the official IRP tool used by the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC). The development of this project can help to inform future hydrogen deployment, policy and regulation makers, research and development decisions, and private and public investment.

08 HYDROGEN↗

NASA NTRS1998

Langley Aerothermodynamic Facilities Complex: Enhancements and Testing Capabilities

Description, capabilities, recent upgrades, and utilization of the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Aerothermodynamic Facilities Complex (AFC) are presented. The AFC consists of five hypersonic, blow-down-to-vacuum wind tunnels that collectively provide a range of Mach number from 6 to 20, unit Reynolds number from 0.04 to 22 million per foot and, most importantly for blunt configurations, normal shock density ratio from 4 to 12. These wide ranges of hypersonic simulation parameters are due, in part, to the use of three different test gases (air, helium, and tetrafluoromethane), thereby making several of the facilities unique. The Complex represents nearly three-fourths of the conventional (as opposed to impulse)-type hypersonic wind tunnels operational in this country. AFC facilities are used to assess and optimize the hypersonic aerodynamic performance and aeroheating characteristics of aerospace vehicle concepts and to provide benchmark aerodynamic/aeroheating data fr generating the flight aerodynamic databook and final design of the thermal protection system (TPS) (e.g., establishment of flight limitations not to exceed TPS design limits). Modifications and enhancements of AFC hardware components and instrumentation have been pursued to increase capability, reliability, and productivity in support of programmatic goals. Examples illustrating facility utilization in recent years to generate essentially all of the experimental hypersonic aerodynamic and aeroheating information for high-priority, fast-paced Agency programs are presented. These programs include Phase I of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Advanced Technology Demonstrator, X-33 program, PHase II of the X-33 program, X-34 program, the Hyper-X program ( a Mach 5,7, and 10 airbreathing propulsion flight experiment), and the X-38 program (Experimental Crew Return Vehicle, X-CRV). Current upgrades/enchancements and future plans for the AFC are discussed.

Micol, J. R.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Production Through Simulation: Using Simulation Technologies to Create and Evaluate Nuclear Fuel Fabrication Facility Designs

This project explores how physics-based and discrete-event simulation technologies can be jointly employed to model a suite of nuclear fuel fabrication facility designs with variable radiological environments, optimize their design to lower operational costs subject to a set of design constraints, and evaluate their performance. Initially, three variants of U-20Pu-10Zr metallic nuclear fuel in three specific geometric configurations are modeled and studied across more than 50 physics simulations in nuclear physics software packages SCALE and Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport (MCNP6.2). From these tests, values for effective dose rate and criticality are recorded for each of the nine alloy-geometry configurations. These values are then incorporated into discrete-event models of fuel fabrication in the simulation program ExtendSim Pro 10 as process attributes. This allows one to track the dose to facility personnel as fuel is fabricated, dually enabling us to evaluate the safety of a given facility design in terms of absorbed dose per worker per year and to craft operational guidelines that adhere to federal and local safety regulations.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

NASA NTRS1982

Multidimensional Programming Methods for Energy Facility Siting: Alternative Approaches

The use of multidimensional optimization methods in solving power plant siting problems, which are characterized by several conflicting, noncommensurable objectives is addressed. After a discussion of data requirements and exclusionary site screening methods for bounding the decision space, classes of multiobjective and goal programming models are discussed in the context of finite site selection. Advantages and limitations of these approaches are highlighted and the linkage of multidimensional methods with the subjective, behavioral components of the power plant siting process is emphasized.

Solomon, B. D.↗

DOE OSTI2024

HPC Resource Allocation Under Energy Constraints

We discuss the new problem faced by High-Performance Computing (HPC) facilities in allocating resources to users of their facilities: while facilities once allocated a single finite resource—node-hours—now facilities must also concurrently allocate a second scarce resource: electrical energy, which is bounded within each facility's annual operations budget. Current application optimization practices encourage conservation of the first resource, but can be potentially unaffordably wasteful of the second. We describe a framework for reasoning about such allocations that can be utilized by facilities to articulate policy, while encouraging scientific application developers to write code mindfully of both constraints. We outline the requirements on facilities, on developers, and on hardware vendors and integrators that are necessary to enable the implementation of this framework.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2023

Multi-objective optimization of CEBAF heat load management and trip rates using AI/ML

The goal of this project is to investigate the use of RL to simultaneously optimize the cryogenic heat load and trip rate of the CEBAF linacs and make it generic to solve multi-objective problems that will enable its application at other Department of Energy (DOE) facilities with similar challenges. The existing approach optimizes the gradient distribution to minimize the trip rate and does not take into account the total heat load. A secondary objective of the project is the develop a framework to correct cavity quality curves (Q-curves) or RF-heat to Gradient relation curves for individual cavities. These curves are currently obtained using historical measurements and may have changed their behavior due to various events. Correction in these curves will allow us to accurately approximate the total RF heat generated by the linacs which is critical for the optimization.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

NASA NTRS1990

Space Station Freedom Integrated Research and Development Growth

Space Station Freedom is designed to be an Earth-orbiting, multidiscipline research and development (R&D) facility capable of evolution to accomodate a variety of potential uses. One evolution scenario is growth to an enhanced R&D facility. In support of the Space Station Freedom Program Preliminary Design Review (PDR), the NASA Langley Research Center Space Station Office is analyzing growth requirements and evaluating configurations for this R&D utilization. This paper presents a summary of FY1989 study results including time-phased growth plans, R&D growth issues and configurations, and recommendations for the program baseline design which will facilitate evolutionary R&D growth. This study consisted of three major areas of concentration: mission requirements analysis; Space Station Freedom systems growth analysis; and growth accomodations and trades. Mission requirements analysis was performed to develop a realistic mission model of post-Phase 1 R&D missions. A systems-level analysis was performed to project incremental growth requirements of Space Station Freedom needed to support these R&D missions. Identification of growth requirements and specific growth elements led to the need for special accomodations analyses and trades. These studies included identification of hooks and scars on the baseline design, determination of an optimal module growth pattern, analysis of the dual keel length, and determination of an optimal locaton for the customer servicing facility. Results of this study show that Space Station Freedom must be capable of evolving to a dual keel, eight pressurized module configuration (two growth habs and two growth labs); providing 275 kW power (for experimenters and station housekeeping); accomodating a crew of 24; and supporting other growth structures and special facilities to meet projected R&D mission requirements.

Meredith, Barry D.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Nuclear Physics Network Requirements Review Report

The Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) is the Office of Science’s high-performance network user facility, delivering highly reliable data transport capabilities optimized for the requirements of data-intensive science. In essence, ESnet is the circulatory system that enables the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) science mission by connecting each and every DOE lab and its user facilities. ESnet is funded and stewarded by the Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) Program and managed and operated by the Scientific Networking Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). ESnet is widely regarded as a global leader in the research and education networking community. ESnet connects DOE national laboratories, user facilities, and major experiments so scientists can use remote instruments and computing resources as well as share data with collaborators, transfer large data sets, and access distributed data repositories. While ESnet provides network connectivity, it cannot be characterized as an internet service provider as it is specifically built to provide a range of network services that are tailored to meet the unique requirements of DOE’s data-intensive science.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗