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DOE OSTI2022

Power Hardware-In-the-Loop Hydropower and Ultracapacitor Hybrid Testbed

Widespread deployment of a proof-of-concept technological solution for power system performance improvement can be accelerated through onsite demonstration and pilot projects. Digital real-time simulation with power hardware-in-the-loop in controlled lab environment is the precursor to de-risk the timely and efficient execution of field demonstration and pilot projects. However, the detailed process of development, characterization, and calibration of such high fidelity simulation testbed needs to be documented in a reproducible and publicly accessible manner to leverage across broader research and development communities. This paper presents such a laboratory testbed to study black start capability of a run-of-river hydro + ultracapacitor hybrid system. Beside the high-fidelity model of the islanded grid with hydropower unit, the testbed includes the energy storage, grid following inverter, and grid emulator hardware. Several aspects such as storage characterization, control and various parameter settings necessary to capture frequency transients during load restoration are described in a comprehensive manner, which led to an effective and timely execution of black start field demonstration with an actual hydropower plant.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

A New Simple-to-Configure Self-Perturbing Multivariable Extremum-Seeking Controller

This paper presents a new stochastic relay-based extremum-seeking controller (ESC) for multi-input-single-output (MISO) systems. The algorithm was developed with the goal of simplifying configuration to enable easier deployment to real-world problems. A solution is developed first for a static map and then adapted for a general class of dynamic systems. The number of configurable parameters is one per input channel for the static case and only one additional parameter is needed for the dynamic version. The problem of gradient identifiability is solved via the use of stochastic relay gains and a simple stability proof for the static case is presented. Simulation tests demonstrate the performance of the strategy for optimizing both static and dynamic systems.

Salsbury, Timothy [BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)]↗

DOE OSTI2021

TBAA20: Task-Based Algorithms and Applications

The new challenges posed by Exascale system architectures have resulted in difficulty achieving a desired scalability using traditional distributed memory runtimes. Task-based programming models show promise in addressing these challenges, providing application developers with a productive and performant approach to programming on next generation systems. Empirical studies show that task-based models can overcome load balancing issues that are inherent to traditional distributed memory runtimes, and that task-based runtimes perform comparably to those systems when balanced. This panel is designed to explore the advantages of task-based programming models on modern and future HPC systems from an industry, university, and national lab perspective. It aims at gathering application experts and proponents of these models to present concrete and practical examples of using task-based runtimes to overcome the challenges posed by Exascale system architectures. This report describes the objectives, activities, and outcomes of the panel TBAA: Task-Based Algorithms and Applications which was held at the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis (SC 20) on November 18, 2020.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

NASA NTRS2004

Performance of multi level error correction in binary holographic memory

At the Optical Computing Lab in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) a binary holographic data storage system was designed and tested with methods of recording and retrieving the binary information. Levels of error correction were introduced to the system including pixel averaging, thresholding, and parity checks. Errors were artificially introduced into the binary holographic data storage system and were monitored as a function of the defect area fraction, which showed a strong influence on data integrity. Average area fractions exceeding one quarter of the bit area caused unrecoverable errors. Efficient use of the available data density was discussed. .

data storage↗

DOE OSTI2024

Leveraging PHIL for Inverter Functionality Requirement Evaluation to Ensure a Reliable Grid

This presentation showcases NREL's ongoing research on advanced Multi-point Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) systems, enabling comprehensive evaluation of interoperability, stability, and wide-area stability in complex power grids. Key features include high-power PHIL capabilities, seamless PHIL Interfaces for effortless Grid-Following (GFL) and Grid-Forming (GFM) mode switching, and advanced multi-domain PHIL/Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) capabilities for evaluating diverse technology mixes, facilitating rigorous testing and validation of emerging power systems for reliable integration, enhanced resilience, and optimal performance.

lab capabilities↗

DOE OSTI2019

New Progress with HF-free Chemical Finishing for Nb SRF Cavities

Jefferson Lab has implemented a bipolar pulsed electropolishing system for final chemical processing of niobium SRF cavities. This FARADAYIC bi-polar electropolishing (BPEP) has been applied to single cells, a 7-cell CEBAF C100 cavity, and to 9-cell TESLA-style cavities.* As a mechanistic characterization of the process emerges, the critical role played by the local current density during each cathodic pulse is becoming clear. This influences system and operational parameter refinement. We present current process parameters, removal characterization, and rf performance of the processed cavities. This is the fruit of collaborative work between Jefferson Lab and Faraday Technology, Inc. directed toward the routine commercialization and industrialization of niobium cavity processing. We also present supporting data from controlled-parameter coupon studies.

Tian, Hui↗

NASA NTRS2019

Scale-Up of the Carbon Dioxide Removal by Ionic Liquid Sorbent (CDRILS) System

The Carbon Dioxide Removal by Ionic Liquid Sorbent (CDRILS) system is designed for efficient, safe and reliable carbon dioxide (CO2) removal from cabin air on long-duration missions to the Moon, deep space, and Mars. CDRILS integrates an ionic liquid sorbent with hollow fiber membrane contactors for rapid CO2 removal and recovery. The liquid-based system provides continuous CO2 delivery, which avoids complicated valve networks to switch between absorbing and desorbing beds and enables simpler integration to the Sabatier without the need for the CO2 Management System (CMS). Ionic liquids are particularly desirable as liquid absorbents for space applications since they are non-volatile, non-odorous, and have high oxidative stability. The hollow fiber membrane contactors offer both high contact area and rigorous containment between the gas and liquid phases in a microgravity environment. Scale-up of the CDRILS technology has presented a series of fascinating challenges, since the interaction between hollow fiber properties, ionic liquid properties and performance is complex. Properties measured with lab-scale hollow fiber contactors are used to estimate the performance of contactors that are similar in scale to flight-scale demonstrations. To accomplish this, component and system models have been built to relate the key scrubber and stripper design and operating variables with performance, and experiments directed to validate the models have been performed. System size, weight and power are determined by component selection, arrangement, and operating conditions. Reliability will be extremely important for any long-range mission and depends on the stability of the ionic liquids and hollow fiber contactors. We report on our continuing long term stability experiments for the ionic liquid and contactor materials and our investigation of the physical properties of additional ionic liquids.

Yates, Stephen F.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Development and implementation of high-throughput proteomic and metabolomics assays by using advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric systems (CRADA Final Report)

The mission of this CRADA with Agilent was to couple powerful MS platforms (QQQ, IM-QTOFMS) with Agilent’s novel Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) fast metabolomic workflows and perform ABF Machine Learning (ML) to generated datasets. Agilent transferred UHPLC methods to PNNL and LBNL and methods were implemented and demonstrated in both labs, achieving total acquisition times of < 10 min. Metabolites analyzed using Agilent’s shared methods included metabolites from central carbon metabolism, common across hosts, and metabolites unique to engineered strains. Standards were acquired in an UHPLC-Drift Tube Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometer (DTIMS) system for the first time within the context of ABF and methods were optimized based on Agilent’s protocols. Samples from ABF hosts Pseudomonas putida, Aspergillus pseudoterreus, Aspergillus niger and Rhodosporidium toruloides were analyzed using the UHPLC-DTIMS platform for a total of 276 runs. A data analysis workflow compatible with the Experimental Data Depot (EDD) and completely shareable was developed for the acquired UHPLC-DTIMS data. Samples were analyzed using a Data Independent Acquisition Approach (DIA), which for most of the standards provided more transitions therefore increasing detection confidence. Using the data acquired by PNNL, LBNL, and Agilent’s specifications from previous ML projects, SNL applied an ensemble ML strategy to pick the best performing model for automated LC-method selection. Finally, with the contribution of the participant labs and Agilent, SNL developed an Automated Method Selection (AMS) software tool to predict the best liquid chromatography method for analysis of any new molecules of interest. Samples with novel pathways and new metabolite targets of interest are generated at a high pace in the ABF. Overall, the project advanced rapid metabolomics by combining liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry, and data-independent mass spectrometry with machine learning. This multidimensional approach uses retention time, collision cross-section, precursor mass, and fragment-ion information to distinguish chemically similar metabolites that can be difficult to resolve using conventional liquid- or gas-chromatography methods. The resulting workflow also provided automated metabolite-identification error estimates, addressing a recognized need for statistical confidence measures in metabolomics.

Petzold, Christopher [Lawrence Berkeley National L↗

NASA NTRS2002

Materials Science Research Rack-1 Fire Suppressant Distribution Test Report

Fire suppressant distribution testing was performed on the Materials Science Research Rack-1 (MSRR-1), a furnace facility payload that will be installed in the U.S. Lab module of the International Space Station. Unlike racks that were tested previously, the MSRR-1 uses the Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS) to reduce vibration on experiments, so the effects of ARIS on fire suppressant distribution were unknown. Two tests were performed to map the distribution of CO2 fire suppressant throughout a mockup of the MSRR-1 designed to have the same component volumes and flowpath restrictions as the flight rack. For the first test, the average maximum CO2 concentration for the rack was 60 percent, achieved within 45 s of discharge initiation, meeting the requirement to reach 50 percent throughout the rack within 1 min. For the second test, one of the experiment mockups was removed to provide a worst-case configuration, and the average maximum CO2 concentration for the rack was 58 percent. Comparing the results of this testing with results from previous testing leads to several general conclusions that can be used to evaluate future racks. The MSRR-1 will meet the requirements for fire suppressant distribution. Primary factors that affect the ability to meet the CO2 distribution requirements are the free air volume in the rack and the total area and distribution of openings in the rack shell. The length of the suppressant flowpath and degree of tortuousness has little correlation with CO2 concentration. The total area of holes in the rack shell could be significantly increased. The free air volume could be significantly increased. To ensure the highest maximum CO2 concentration, the PFE nozzle should be inserted to the stop on the nozzle.

Wieland, P. O.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Honeywell Cascade Distiller System Performance Testing Interim Results

The ability to recover and purify water through physiochemical processes is crucial for realizing long-term human space missions, including both planetary habitation and space travel. Because of their robust nature, distillation systems have been actively pursued as one of the technologies for water recovery. The Cascade Distillation System (CDS) is a vacuum rotary distillation system with potential for greater reliability and lower energy costs than existing distillation systems. The CDS was previously under development through Honeywell and NASA. In 2009, an assessment was performed to collect data to support down-selection and development of a primary distillation technology for application in a lunar outpost water recovery system. Based on the results of this testing, an expert panel concluded that the CDS showed adequate development maturity, TRL-4, together with the best product water quality and competitive weight and power estimates to warrant further development. The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Water Recovery Project (WRP) worked to address weaknesses identified by The Panel; namely bearing design and heat pump power efficiency. Testing at the NASA-JSC Advanced Exploration System Water Laboratory (AES Water Lab) using a prototype Cascade Distillation Subsystem (CDS) wastewater processor (Honeywell International, Torrance, Calif.) with test support equipment and control system developed by Johnson Space Center was performed to evaluate performance of the system with the upgrades. The CDS will also have been challenged with ISS analog waste streams and a subset of those being considered for Exploration architectures. This paper details interim results of the AES WRP CDS performance testing.

Callahan, Michael R.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Cascade Distiller System Performance Testing Interim Results

The Cascade Distillation System (CDS) is a rotary distillation system with potential for greater reliability and lower energy costs than existing distillation systems. Based upon the results of the 2009 distillation comparison test (DCT) and recommendations of the expert panel, the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Water Recovery Project (WRP) project advanced the technology by increasing reliability of the system through redesign of bearing assemblies and improved rotor dynamics. In addition, the project improved the CDS power efficiency by optimizing the thermoelectric heat pump (TeHP) and heat exchanger design. Testing at the NASA-JSC Advanced Exploration System Water Laboratory (AES Water Lab) using a prototype Cascade Distillation Subsystem (CDS) wastewater processor (Honeywell d International, Torrance, Calif.) with test support equipment and control system developed by Johnson Space Center was performed to evaluate performance of the system with the upgrades as compared to previous system performance. The system was challenged with Solution 1 from the NASA Exploration Life Support (ELS) distillation comparison testing performed in 2009. Solution 1 consisted of a mixed stream containing human-generated urine and humidity condensate. A secondary objective of this testing is to evaluate the performance of the CDS as compared to the state of the art Distillation Assembly (DA) used in the ISS Urine Processor Assembly (UPA). This was done by challenging the system with ISS analog waste streams. This paper details the results of the AES WRP CDS performance testing.

Callahan, Michael R.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Chasing Fast Dynamos in the Plasma Lab

Self-generating magnetic field research is performed through the operation of the newly built Madison Plasma Dynamo Experiment (MPDX). MPDX is designed to explore a hitherto unexplored part of parameter space where dynamos operate in nature. Dynamos are systems which continuously transform kinetic energy from plasma flow into magnetic energy. Before this project, MPDX had demonstrated the ability to create steady-state, unmagnetized high conductivity, low viscosity plasmas in the lab and shown that sheared flows can be driven from the plasma boundary using an electrostatic stirring technique; the resulting Reynolds numbers and Alfvén Mach numbers easily match those required for our dynamo scenarios. The research activities included: (1) systematic undertaking of a set of plasma hydrodynamics experiments, exploring several different flow geometries, measuring plasma viscosity, how toroidal and poloidal flows self-consistently interact, observing the transition to turbulence and experimentally understanding the boundary conditions (on flow and magnetic field) that make this system unique, (2) searching for slow, laminar dynamos, and (3) searching for fast, turbulent dynamos. Discovering the conditions under which dynamos self-generate magnetic fields and then understanding how this field changes plasma dynamics is one of the most compelling questions in all of plasma astrophysics.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRS2017

Immersive Simulations and Engineering Environment (iSEE)

In January 2017, the Immersive Simulations and Engineering Environment (iSEE), formally known as the Human Factor Tool (HFT), was brought back online. Since August, the lab had been operating at a nominal status, but with dated hardware. An evaluation was done on the present system so that the improvements and capabilities brought about by the upgrades can be quantified. Immediately following the analysis, evaluations with human factor engineers were performed and some upgrades were implemented. Due to a malfunction with a crucial piece of hardware, the lab was reconfigured temporarily. This allowed easy analysis and integration of various other components which improved the laboratories overall performance. Soon after, work began on creating a video to showcase the capabilities of the lab. This video not only served to show the actual functions of the lab, but also show the expanded capabilities the new hardware and software made available. Skills were acquired throughout the renovation process in various fields, all of which were crucial to not only implementing the updates to the lab, but understanding how they will improve it.

Motion Capture↗

DOE OSTI2016

Nuclear Hybrid Energy Systems FY16 Modeling Efforts at ORNL

A nuclear hybrid system uses a nuclear reactor as the basic power generation unit. The power generated by the nuclear reactor is utilized by one or more power customers as either thermal power, electrical power, or both. In general, a nuclear hybrid system will couple the nuclear reactor to at least one thermal power user in addition to the power conversion system. The definition and architecture of a particular nuclear hybrid system is flexible depending on local markets needs and opportunities. For example, locations in need of potable water may be best served by coupling a desalination plant to the nuclear system. Similarly, an area near oil refineries may have a need for emission-free hydrogen production. A nuclear hybrid system expands the nuclear power plant from its more familiar central power station role by diversifying its immediately and directly connected customer base. The definition, design, analysis, and optimization work currently performed with respect to the nuclear hybrid systems represents the work of three national laboratories. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is the lead lab working with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Each laboratory is providing modeling and simulation expertise for the integration of the hybrid system.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

NASA NTRS2013

Sample Handling in Extreme Environments

Harsh environments, such as that on Venus, preclude the use of existing equipment for functions that involve interaction with the environment. The operating limitations of current high temperature electronics are well below the actual temperature and pressure found on Venus (460 deg C and 92 atm), so proposed lander configurations typically include a pressure vessel where the science instruments are kept at Earth-like temperature and pressure (25 deg C and 1 atm). The purpose of this project was to develop and demonstrate a method for sample transfer from an external drill to internal science instruments for a lander on Venus. The initial concepts were string and pneumatically driven systems; and the latter system was selected for its ability to deliver samples at very high speed. The pneumatic system was conceived to be driven by the pressure difference between the Venusian atmosphere and the inside of the lander. The pneumatic transfer of a small capsule was demonstrated, and velocity data was collected from the lab experiment. The sample transfer system was modeled using CAD software and prototyped using 3D printing. General structural and thermal analyses were performed to approximate the proposed system's mass and effects on the temperature and pressure inside of the lander. Additionally, a sampler breadboard for use on Titan was tested and functionality problems were resolved.

sample handling↗

DOE OSTI2024

Technoeconomic Analysis of Discrete and Unitized Reversible Fuel Cells for Energy Storage Applications

Reversible Fuel Cell (RFC) systems offer promising characteristics for stationary long duration energy storage applications. Two main configurations of RFC systems exist: discrete RFC systems and unitized RFC systems. While discrete RFC systems combine independent fuel cell and electrolyzer systems for energy storage, unitized RFC systems utilize a single electrochemical stack and might share balance of plant (BOP) components for both charging and discharging processes. While this configuration reduces upfront capital costs, challenges of unitized RFC designs include potential performance trade-offs due to dual-mode stack design and operational complexities across varying loads and operating conditions. Furthermore, these tradeoffs might be different for low-temperature PEM RFCs than for high-temperature reversible solid oxide cell systems. The goal of this project is to assess unitized RFC system potential in the context of long duration grid energy storage and HFTO's technical targets for different discrete fuel cell and electrolyzer technologies. This presentation presents preliminary review of state-of-the-art unitized RFC cells and assesses how they perform relative to HFTO's technical targets. It also presents literature-derived system configurations worth investigating. This review indicates that lab-scale unitized RFCs are making good progress towards meeting HFTO's technical targets.

HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2019

Status Report on Development of MARCH Module Designs

The Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility was constructed in the late 1950’s, provided thousands of transient irradiations before being placed in standby in 1994, and was restarted in 2017 in order to resume its crucial role in nuclear heated safety research. Advances in modern computational capabilities and a resurgence of interest in novel reactor technology have created an opportunity for emphasizing modern science-based and separate effects test capabilities at TREAT. An innovative approach to this type of testing leverages the relatively low radioisotope accumulation during brief TREAT irradiations by arranging small fresh fuel specimens in low activation hardware “modules” so that they can be easily extracted and shipped for examination within weeks. The concept was termed the Minimal Activation Retrievable Capsule Holder (MARCH) irradiation vehicle system, and its maturation began under a Lab Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project starting in fiscal year 2017. Within the first year of this project, enough design and predictive modeling had been performed to prove the principle and ascertain support from major direct-funded DOE fuel development programs including the Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF) program that sponsored the first modern fueled test to be performed in TREAT using the MARCH system. Since the design was modular in nature, it was straightforward for other sources to adopt and mature viable test modules while the LDRD project continued concurrently for two more years in conceptualizing and demonstrating the viability of other innovative modules. Many of these modules were adopted for continued development and irradiation under the Advanced Fuels Campaign and other direct sources. This report summarizes the MARCH modules that were conceptualized, designed, and deployed to date with the primary aim of providing reference information to future experiment designers.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2022

AI for Experimental Controls at Jefferson Lab

We report the AI for Experimental Controls project is developing an AI system to control and calibrate detector systems located at Jefferson Laboratory. Currently, calibrations are performed offline and require significant time and attention from experts. This work would reduce the amount of data and the amount of time spent calibrating in an offline setting. The first use case involves the Central Drift Chamber (CDC) located inside the GlueX spectrometer in Hall D. We use a combination of environmental and experimental data, such as atmospheric pressure, gas temperature, and the flux of incident particles as inputs to a sequential Neural Network (NN) to recommend a high voltage setting and the corresponding calibration constants in order to maintain consistent gain and optimal resolution throughout the experiment. Utilizing AI in this manner represents an initial shift from offline calibration towards near real time calibrations performed at Jefferson Laboratory.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗