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At least 199 records · Page 11

Portable Acceleration of CMS Computing Workflows with Coprocessors as a Service

Computing demands for large scientific experiments, such as the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC, will increase dramatically in the next decades. To complement the future performance increases of software running on central processing units (CPUs), explorations of coprocessor usage in data processing hold great potential and interest. Coprocessors are a class of computer processors that supplement CPUs, often improving the execution of certain functions due to architectural design choices. We explore the approach of Services for Optimized Network Inference on Coprocessors (SONIC) and study the deployment of this as-a-service approach in large-scale data processing. In the studies, we take a data processing workflow of the CMS experiment and run the main workflow on CPUs, while offloading several machine learning (ML) inference tasks onto either remote or local coprocessors, specifically graphics processing units (GPUs). With experiments performed at Google Cloud, the Purdue Tier-2 computing center, and combinations of the two, we demonstrate the acceleration of these ML algorithms individually on coprocessors and the corresponding throughput improvement for the entire workflow. This approach can be easily generalized to different types of coprocessors and deployed on local CPUs without decreasing the throughput performance. We emphasize that the SONIC approach enables high coprocessor usage and enables the portability to run workflows on different types of coprocessors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Progressive Hedging Decomposition for Solutions of Large-Scale Process Family Design Problems

Rapid, wide-scale deployment of green process systems, such as carbon capture or water desalination systems, is essential for combatting climate change. Methods relying on traditional design or modularity fail to capture the benefits of both economies of numbers and economies of scale. We have proposed process family design, which designs a family of processes simultaneously exploiting opportunities for common elements. In previous work, we explored different optimization formulations to solve this problem. In this work, we develop a decomposition approach to tackle larger problems efficiently. We solve a water desalination case study, which is too large to solve within a reasonable timeframe with the discretization formulation. We exploit the block angular structure of the discretization problem to decompose and solve using Progressive Hedging (PH). We use the open-source Python package mpi-sppy to execute PH which allows us to leverage parallelization and a HPC cluster to further improve solution time.

Stinchfield, Georgia↗

A semantics-driven framework to enable demand flexibility control applications in real buildings

Decarbonising and digitalising the energy sector requires scalable and interoperable Demand Flexibility (DF) applications. Semantic models are promising technologies for achieving these goals, but existing studies focused on DF applications exhibit limitations. These include dependence on bespoke ontologies, lack of computational methods to generate semantic models, ineffective temporal data management and absence of platforms that use these models to easily develop, configure and deploy controls in real buildings. This paper introduces a semantics-driven framework to enable DF control applications in real buildings. The framework supports the generation of semantic models that adhere to Brick and SAREF while using metadata from Building Information Models (BIM) and Building Automation Systems (BAS). The work also introduces a web platform that leverages these models and an actor and microservices architecture to streamline the development, configuration and deployment of DF controls. The paper demonstrates the framework through a case study, illustrating its ability to integrate diverse data sources, execute DF actuation in a real building, and promote modularity for easy reuse, extension, and customisation of applications. The paper also discusses the alignment between Brick and SAREF, the value of leveraging BIM data sources, and the framework's benefits over existing approaches, demonstrating a 75% reduction in effort for developing, configuring, and deploying building controls.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Agentic traffic intelligence: Augmented human-in-the-loop scenario generation for microscopic traffic simulation

Traditional microscopic traffic simulation generation often relies on static datasets and manual design, limiting its ability to simulate complex conditions easily. This paper presents a novel framework, Agentic Traffic Intelligence, which combines human approval large language models (LLMs), the Real-Twin tool, and multi-agent systems to perform realistic microscopic traffic simulation scenario generation. The proposed framework incorporates human-in-the-loop (HIL) control, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and multi-agent control mechanisms. HIL mechanisms are used to guide multiple LLMs focused on attributes for microscopic simulation generation and to improve the interpretability and transparency of LLM execution for users. RAG enhances context extraction by dynamically integrating external knowledge sources for traffic scenario generation foundations. A multi-agent architecture with supervisory control coordinates the interaction of simulation components, including traffic simulators, control logic, and calibration tools. This enables the synthesis of simulation-ready scenarios that reflect dynamic demand profiles and behavior controls. Furthermore, the framework fuses multisource traffic data with unstructured context and supports iterative refinement through interactive user feedback. Validated through microscopic simulation using Simulation of Urban Mobility, the generated scenarios demonstrate high-fidelity network generation with inflow and turn movement and behavioral calibration, offering a robust and efficient tool for stress-testing and optimizing urban mobility systems.

Hierarchical multi-agent control↗

Efficient continuous Energy-Multigroup hybrid depletion scheme using the Shift Monte Carlo code. Part I: Energy condensation sensitivity analysis

Monte Carlo (MC) codes coupled to depletion solvers are increasingly used to provide high fidelity fuel cycle modeling capabilities. Here, these coupled depletion-MC tools produce accurate results in general but can experience nonphysical spatial oscillations when time steps are large or when a system’s dominance ratio approaches unity. Two substepping techniques have been developed previously to remedy and dampen these spatial oscillations without needing to reduce step sizes. The first approach relied on higher-order techniques to account for spectral changes within steps (extrapolation and interpolation techniques). The second approach used the first order perturbation (FOP) theory to account for the change in the one-group spatial flux distribution within steps. This paper develops a hybrid depletion methodology which, in a way, combines how the flux is handled in both substepping techniques. Specifically, the multigroup (MG) MC Shift code is used to update the flux distribution within steps rather than a one-group FOP solver. A fully reflected pincell is investigated, which is not spatially dependent in the MG representation. Thus, the analysis in this paper is an initial demonstration of hybrid depletion. An upcoming companion paper will focus on how the hybrid depletion dampens spatial oscillations. The hybrid depletion approach is verified to be consistent with previous constant extrapolation depletion (CED) methods. This paper finds that the hybrid CED exhibits some error in the eigenvalue and one group constants within macro steps. To address this discrepancy, a simple interpolation scheme (CELI) is investigated. This work found that CELI sufficiently addresses the discrepancy in spectrum for macro steps up to 100 days. Overall, this work demonstrates that the hybrid depletion method can significantly reduce the number of high fidelity MC executions in a MC-coupled depletion with an acceptable eigenvalue error.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

An iterative bidirectional gradient boosting approach for CVR baseline estimation

Here this paper presents a novel Iterative Bidirectional Gradient Boosting Model (IBi-GBM) for estimating the baseline of Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) programs. In contrast to many existing methods, we treat CVR baseline estimation as a missing data retrieval problem. The approach involves dividing the load and its corresponding temperature profiles into three periods: pre-CVR, CVR, and post-CVR. To restore the missing load profile during the CVR period, the method employs a three-step process. First, a forward-pass GBM is executed using data from the pre-CVR period as inputs. Subsequently, a backward-pass GBM is applied using data from the post-CVR period. The two restored load profiles are reconciled, considering pre-calculated weights derived from forecasting accuracy, and only the leftmost and rightmost points are retained. The newly restored points are then included as inputs for the subsequent iteration. This iterative procedure continues until the original load data in the CVR period is fully restored. We develop IBi-GBM using actual smart meter and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) data. Our results demonstrate that IBi-GBM exhibits robust performance across various data resolutions and in different seasons and outperforms existing methods by achieving a 1-2% reduction in normalized Root Mean Square Error (nRMSE).

42 ENGINEERING↗

A real-time distributed solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) model for cyber-physical simulation

System integration and dynamic operability between SOEC and balance-of-plant (BoP) components are major technical challenges before realizing rapid load following of SOEC systems. Cyber-physical simulation (CPS) is a leading-edge digital engineering approach and is regarded as the next step beyond Digital Twins. CPS approach can be used to research SOEC system integration and develop dynamic controls prior to actual pilot testing without using a real SOEC. To seamlessly couple with BoP hardware and access non-observable operational parameters (e.g., local temperature gradient) during transients, a distributed one-dimensional (1D) real-time SOEC model was developed. Its real-time execution was demonstrated for 20 to 640 nodes at the fixed time step of 5 ms. A higher excess air ratio enabled smaller local temperature gradients on SOEC solid materials and faster transients upon current density step change from 0.15 to 0.55 A cm -2 . During the transients, the magnitude of the peak temperature gradient nearly doubled in 10 s from -3.5 to -5.9 °C cm -1 . This represents a significant operating risk that can impact the dynamic operability of SOEC systems. In addition, the local temperature gradient was found to change directions on all nodes in SOEC solid materials, with the greatest impact on the upstream nodes. The SOEC model was also tested at the thermal neutral voltage using actual process air flow parameters as variable model inputs. Variable process air temperatures were found to induce alternating local temperature gradients on SOEC solid materials. These are new operational mechanisms for SOEC degradation relevant for load following operational modes yet distinct from previous reports. To mitigate these unfavorable features, the SOEC can be operated at voltages that are slightly (±20 mV) deviated from the thermal neutral voltage. Here, the corresponding net thermal energy change was less than 1.6% of the electric power consumption. This 1D real-time SOEC model established the basis of cyber-physical simulation of SOEC hybrid systems.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Prediction of α $IIb$ $β$ 3 integrin structures along its minimum free energy activation pathway

The adhesion protein integrin is a transmembrane heterodimer that plays a pivotal role in cellular processes such as cell signaling and cell migration. To execute its function, integrin undergoes extensive conformational changes from a bent-closed to an extended-open state. Resolving the structures across these changes remains a challenge with both experimental and computational methods, but it is crucial for understanding the activation mechanism of integrin. We address this challenge for the platelet integrin α IIb β 3 by employing finite temperature string method with structures of the images along the initial guess path generated by a multiscale data-driven framework. The full-length all-atom structures along the resulting minimum free energy path between the inactive bent-closed and active extended-open states of α IIb β 3 integrin are consistent with a variety of experimentally resolved structures. Changes in these predicted structures along the path show that the extension and separation of the α and β subunits from the bent-closed to the extended-open state require correlated movements between the subdomain pairs in α IIb β 3 . Furthermore, these results provide new insights into integrin activation mechanism, and the predicted structures have potential applications in guiding the design of integrin-targeting therapeutics.

Dasetty, Siva [University of Chicago, IL (United S↗

Robotics for HVAC applications: A critical review and future perspectives

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced computational capabilities, and innovations in sensors and hardware have driven the increasing development and application of robots in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. We selected and reviewed 101 studies published between 2005 and 2025, sourced from IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, and the ACM Digital Library. To analyze these works, we developed a five-dimensional analytical framework (morphology, sensing, navigation, task execution, and system integration), inspired by the Springer Handbook of Robotics and tailored specifically for robotic applications in HVAC. Based on the reviewed studies, six distinct tasks spanning the entire HVAC lifecycle have been identified. Among the six tasks, inspection and maintenance dominate (59 %), followed by indoor monitoring and auditing (21 %), whereas leakage detection, comfort support, and installation/retrofit remain less explored. To address the identified gaps, this review proposes future research directions including investigating robot-aware HVAC design principles, developing multimodal HVAC sensing and data fusion techniques, enhancing robot training and hardware capabilities, and expanding robotic applications beyond Maintenance and Operations (M&O). The findings from this review inform future robotics research for HVAC applications and ultimately enhance system affordability, energy efficiency, resilience or reliability, and occupant environmental comfort. Moreover, it seeks to inspire researchers to explore the intersections of robotics, computer science, building science, and HVAC engineering fostering advancements in this multidisciplinary field.

AI↗

NeuroSEM: A hybrid framework for simulating multiphysics problems by coupling PINNs and spectral elements

Multiphysics problems that are characterized by complex interactions among fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics, and electromagnetics, are inherently challenging due to their coupled nature. While experimental data on certain state variables may be available, integrating these data with numerical solvers remains a significant challenge. Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have shown promising results in various engineering disciplines, particularly in handling noisy data and solving inverse problems in partial differential equations (PDEs). However, their effectiveness in forecasting nonlinear phenomena in multiphysics regimes, particularly involving turbulence, is yet to be fully established. Here, this study introduces NeuroSEM, a hybrid framework integrating PINNs with the highfidelity Spectral Element Method (SEM) solver, Nektar++. NeuroSEM leverages the strengths of both PINNs and SEM, providing robust solutions for multiphysics problems. PINNs are trained to assimilate data and model physical phenomena in specific subdomains, which are then integrated into the Nektar++ solver. We demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of NeuroSEM for thermal convection in cavity flow and flow past a cylinder. The framework effectively handles data assimilation by addressing those subdomains and state variables where the data is available. We applied NeuroSEM to the Rayleigh-B´enard convection system, including cases with missing thermal boundary conditions and noisy datasets. Finally, we applied the proposed NeuroSEM framework to real particle image velocimetry (PIV) data to capture flow patterns characterized by horseshoe vortical structures. Our results indicate that NeuroSEM accurately models the physical phenomena and assimilates the data within the specified subdomains. The framework’s plug-and-play nature facilitates its extension to other multiphysics or multiscale problems. Furthermore, NeuroSEM is optimized for efficient execution on emerging integrated GPU-CPU architectures. This hybrid approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of simulations, making it a powerful tool for tackling complex engineering challenges in various scientific domains.

42 ENGINEERING↗

ExaCA v2.0: A versatile, scalable, and performance portable cellular automata application for additive manufacturing solidification

The previously established ExaCA software for performance portable alloy grain structure simulation has been updated to better represent the solidification behavior during complex alloy processing conditions, such as those encountered during metal additive manufacturing (AM), and for improved performance and scalability. Here, an extension to the time–temperature history input data format and the core ExaCA algorithm to include an arbitrary number of melting and solidification events yielded improved prediction of texture for various melt pool geometries, expanding the range of AM-relevant conditions that can be accurately simulated. Improved heat transport process simulation coupling, including the creation of large raster datasets from single track time–temperature history data and in-memory coupling with the new, performance portable finite difference code Finch, were also demonstrated in example studies on the effect of multilayer AM microstructure predictions on hatch spacing and cell size, respectively. Additional new features are detailed and demonstrated, including the ability to perform simulations using various interfacial response function forms, execute simulations on state-of-the-art hardware, improved usability through post-processing versatility, and improved strong and weak scaling performance. The performance, physics, and versatility improvements demonstrated here will further enable large-scale studies on AM process–microstructure relationships that were not previously possible. Furthermore, the usability improvements and ability to run coupled AM process–microstructure simulations using the Finch-ExaCA workflow will facilitate broader use of this open-source software by the computational materials community.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optimizing on-ramp merging for connected and automated vehicles: A hierarchical approach using deep reinforcement learning and optimal control

On-ramp merging for Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) presents significant challenges in dynamic traffic environments. Traditional methods and recent learning-based approaches often fail to simultaneously address decision-making complexity and execution precision under fluctuating conditions. This study introduces a novel hierarchical framework that combines: (1) a high-level Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) module that coordinates merging sequences through Virtual Traffic Signals (VTS) with Yield/Green phases and (2) a low-level optimal controller generating collision-free speed trajectories via pseudospectral convex optimization. A convolutional autoencoder compresses high-dimensional traffic states to enhance responsiveness. Extensive simulations demonstrate a 12.5% improvement in mainline throughput a 28% reduction in emergency braking events, and 31.66% lower fuel consumption compared to baseline methods. Furthermore, the framework’s effectiveness in coordinating CAV merges highlights its potential for real-world deployment. Future work will extend validation to multi-lane scenarios with mixed traffic and large-scale multiple merging points.

Connected and automated vehicles↗

INSPIRED: Inelastic neutron scattering prediction for instantaneous results and experimental design

Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) has unique advantages in probing how atoms vibrate and how the vibrations propagate and interact. Such dynamic information is crucial in understanding various material properties, from heat capacity, thermal conductivity, phase transitions, and chemical reactions to more exotic quantum behavior. The analysis and interpretation of the INS spectra often start from a model structure of the sample, followed by a series of calculations to obtain the simulated spectra to compare with experiments. The conventional way to perform such calculations usually requires significant time, computing resources, and specialized expertise. Here, we present a new program named INSPIRED (Inelastic Neutron Scattering Prediction for Instantaneous Results and Experimental Design), which enables users to perform rapid INS simulations in several different ways on their personal computers in just a few clicks, with the crystal structure as the only input file. Specifically, the users can choose a pre-trained symmetry-aware neural network (coupled with an autoencoder) to predict the phonon density of states (DOS), 1D S(E) and 2D S(|Q|,E) spectra for any given structure. One can also choose an existing density functional theory (DFT) calculation from a database (containing over 12,000 crystals), and quickly obtain the simulated INS spectra for single crystals and powders. It is also possible to use pre-trained universal machine learning force fields to relax a given crystal structure, calculate the phonon dispersion and DOS, and, subsequently, the INS spectra. All these functions are implemented with a PyQt graphic user interface. Finally, we expect these new tools will benefit broad user communities and significantly improve the efficiency of experiment design, execution, and data analysis for INS.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Long-Term field testing of the accuracy and HVAC energy savings potential of occupancy presence sensors in A Single-Family home

The energy-saving potential of occupancy-centric smart thermostats has been extensively explored in simulations but lacked field testing for energy savings quantification and sensor performance assessment in real buildings. This paper presents a long-term field study conducted in a single-family home in Texas, U.S. to evaluate the performance of occupancy-centric controls (OCC) of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) system in terms of energy savings, sensor accuracy, and impact on electric peak demand. The test site was equipped with a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) smart thermostat and multiple occupancy presence sensors for OCC implementation. Additionally, a sub-metering system was installed to monitor electricity consumption of various end-use equipment, including the HVAC system. A supplementary device was installed to track the ground-truth occupancy for the accuracy evaluation of the occupancy presence sensor. Scenarios of baseline and OCC controls were alternated weekly over the 20-month testing period. The results indicated an effective OCC execution, as evidenced by indoor temperature profiles. During the 2023 cooling season, OCC achieved total energy savings of 1,958 kWh, corresponding to a 17.6% energy savings ratio. Under certain conditions, daily HVAC energy savings reached as high as 17 kWh, with a savings ratio of 35%. Sensor performance showed an overall accuracy of 83.8%, a False Positive Rate (FPR) of 12.8%, and a False Negative Rate (FNR) of 47.4%. A key limitation was the sensor’s inability to detect stationary occupants during sleep, leading to a midnight FNR of nearly 100% and significantly compromising thermal comfort. Additionally, the implementation of OCC resulted in extended periods of high electricity demand on summer afternoons, affecting occupant’s thermal comfort and posing potential challenges to community-level grid operations if OCC were widely adopted. Furthermore, this study addresses a critical research gap by empirically investigating energy-saving potential and occupancy sensor performance in residential buildings. Through a comprehensive field-testing study, the research examines the interrelationship between sensor accuracy, energy savings, and thermal comfort, an area that has received limited attention in the current literature.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Multi-agent voltage control in distribution systems using GAN-DRL-based approach

Active distribution grids can experience voltage fluctuations and violations due to the high penetration of variable distributed energy resources (DERs). These problems might occur because of the uncertain and variable generation natures of these resources, especially solar photovoltaic resources, during panel shadowing scenarios. Volt-VAR control (VVC) is an efficient method that controls the reactive power set-points of the inverters to regulate the voltage of distribution grids. Although several VVC approaches have been proposed recently, the performance of these approaches degrades significantly if behind-the-meter solar generation data are unobservable/missing. Therefore, it is necessary to impute missing/unobservable PV data accurately to be utilized in VVC approaches. Further, this paper proposes a model-free, data-driven, centrally trained, and decentrally executed multi-agent deep reinforcement learning-based VVC architecture to regulate the voltage of distribution networks. A generative adversarial network (GAN) is incorporated to impute the unobservable PV data accurately, which improves the performance of the proposed control architecture. The proposed multi-agent-soft-actor–critic algorithm (MASAC)-based VVC technique utilizes the actual PV dataset as well as the imputed dataset from the GAN framework to learn the optimal coordinated control policy for controlling the optimal reactive power set-points of PV inverters. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is analyzed on a modified IEEE 34-bus test case with added PV inverters. The results are compared and analyzed with a base case model with no VVC and VVC with a local droop control approach, genetic algorithm optimization, and a centralized soft actor–critic-based approach. Moreover, the performance of the proposed approach is compared with that of a multi-agent VVC framework without using the PV generation data and load information as the system state. The results illustrate that the proposed method with more state input improves the voltage profile and reduces the power loss of the network across various loading and PV generation scenarios.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Networked Microgrid Topology Reconfiguration to Promote Fairness in Proactive Load Shedding

Increasing occurrences of natural disasters and grid emergency events consistently challenge the safe and reliable operations of power systems. During such emergency situations, system operators may proactively shed load to mitigate risks. However, uncoordinated implementation of load shedding may disrupt electricity supply and even lead to cascading failures. Meanwhile, it is crucial to address potential biases affecting different customers when executing load shedding. This paper addresses the dynamic topology reconfiguration problem for networked microgrids with distributed energy resources under emergency conditions. Specifically, we propose a novel rolling-horizon optimization model that integrates fairness-aware constraints into the networked microgrid topology reconfiguration. Unlike existing approaches that focus solely on efficiency or apply fairness considerations in static settings, our method explicitly incorporates temporal fairness constraints to restrict repeated or excessive load curtailment for load blocks. Moreover, the fairness-aware constraints are specifically developed for the context of dynamic networked microgrid topology reconfiguration, and are designed to be convex or amenable to linear reformulations, which offers a more tractable alternative to traditional models with non-convex formulations. Numerical studies on a modified IEEE 13-bus system and a larger-sized SMART-DS networked microgrid system demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm towards more fairness-aware networked microgrid topology reconfiguration decision-making.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Decarbonizing residential buildings in the United States: A comparative analysis of households and construction professionals

In this study, we present a comparative analysis of surveys distributed to home occupants and construction professionals in the U.S., focused on energy upgrades and electrification retrofits that support residential building decarbonization. The surveys were executed by separate research groups and combined for this study. The study examines the decision-making, sentiments, perceptions, experiences, and practices of both groups by analyzing data from three separate surveys. These surveys assess technologies, attitudes, awareness, motivations, barriers, and opportunities related to energy retrofits and electrification. The analysis highlights key differences in the perceptions and behaviors of households and construction professionals, revealing substantial barriers to achieving decarbonization goals. For example, households cite climate change and sustainability as key motivators for pursuing energy retrofits (89%), while construction industry professionals view these themes as less important for their clients (44%). This suggests an opportunity for the construction industry to align its messaging with the values that households prioritize, helping to advance residential decarbonization. Overall, the study identifies challenges faced by both groups, factors influencing the adoption of energy-efficient practices, and inconsistencies between occupant and construction industry professionals' views. These insights contribute to the development of targeted strategies and policies to accelerate the decarbonization of residential buildings in the U.S.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Analysis of fast-ion losses measured in MAST-U via infrared thermography and a Fast Ion Loss Detector

Fast-ion losses need to be monitored to avoid damage to plasma facing components. In existing experimental devices, the scintillator-based fast-ion loss detector (FILD) is the most advanced diagnostic for measuring fast-ion losses. However, FILDs provide only local information about the losses. Infrared (IR) thermography can be used as a complementary tool for more global monitoring of the deposition of fast-ion losses on the wall, at the expense of no velocity-space resolution. IR cameras measure the temperature of the plasma facing components. This measurement, determined by a combined effect of the thermal plasma, radiation, neutrons and fast-ion losses, can be decomposed to infer the fast-ion load on the tokamak wall. In this manuscript, a workflow to estimate fast-ion losses via IR thermography is applied to the MAST-U spherical tokamak, using a 1D approximation to extract the experimental heat flux on the FILD front face from IR data. To numerically estimate the different contributions to this total heat flux, the field-line tracing environment SMITER is used to calculate the thermal plasma contribution, the orbit-following Monte-Carlo code ASCOT to estimate the fast-ion losses, and bolometry measurements for the radiation. To validate the workflow, two discharges, L-mode plasmas with low MHD activity, were executed using on and off-axis beams, respectively. The experimentally and numerically estimated heat flux are of the same order of magnitude for the on-axis heated scenario, with a strong dependence of the estimated fast-ion losses contribution on the fit to the kinetic profiles used as input. This is also true for the off-axis heated scenario, where the total numerically estimated heat flux is 2.1 or 1.3 times higher than the maximum experimentally estimated heat flux, depending on the ASCOT input used.

FILD↗