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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 343 records · Page 19

Evaluating demand response opportunities for power systems resilience using MILP and MINLP Formulations

While peak shaving is commonly used to reduce power costs, chemical process facilities that can reduce power consumption on demand during emergencies (e.g., extreme weather events) bring additional value through improved resilience. For process facilities to effectively negotiate demand response (DR) contracts and make investment decisions regarding flexibility, they need to quantify their additional value to the grid. We present a grid–centric mixed–integer stochastic programming framework to determine the value of DR for improving grid resilience in place of capital investments that can be cost prohibitive for system operators. We formulate problems using both a linear approximation and a nonlinear alternating current power flow model. Our numerical results with both models demonstrate that DR can be used to reduce the capital investment necessary for resilience, increasing the value that chemical process facilities bring through DR. Furthermore, the linearized model often underestimates the amount of DR needed in our case studies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Magnetic Performance and Evaluation of Radiofrequency Hyperthermia of Perovskite La{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}MnO{sub 3}

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can induce localized hyperthermia by alternating magnetic fields, in order to kill cells at tumor sites. In this study, La{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles with x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 were prepared via sol–gel technique. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized in terms of structure, morphology, and magnetic properties with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) studies. The average size of nanoparticles was measured to be 57.09, 30.477, 10.24, and 35.982 nm by Williamson–Hall method for x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5, respectively. The absence of hysteresis in the magnetic response of nanoparticles represents the superparamagnetic behavior. Toxicity test was also performed to evaluate the toxicity concerns of the prepared nanoparticles upon entrance to the body. Furthermore, the alternating current magnetic heating characteristics of La{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles was also studied, by 1 mg/mL concentration, to test the ability of the nanoparticles as magnetic hyperthermia treatment agents. The magnetothermia were measured in an RF magnetic field of 88 Oe and 430 kHz. The present work reveals that LSMO nanoparticles possess the biocompatible properties for biomedical applications and can provide the required heat at appropriate time.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Comparative Characterization of Magnetic Properties of Textured Ni–5 at.%W Alloy Substrates

The hysteresis loss of Ni–5 at.%W (Ni5W) substrate contributes considerably to the alternating current (AC) loss of coated conductors (CCs) working at low transporting current or low-frequency field. In the present work, the evolution of texture and magnetic properties in Ni5W substrates is analyzed and also the relationship between magnetic properties and the extrinsic characteristics (evolved due to the processing techniques) is determined. By making the comparison, we discovered the magnetic domain structures of Ni5W substrates for the first time, achieving a strip/branched domain structures in the recrystallized substrates. The hysteresis loss has been decreased dramatically for the recrystallized substrates. Interestingly, we also observed that this loss is also related to the annealing temperature in the fully recrystallized substrates. The reduced loss can be mainly attributed toward the decrease of grain boundary, which proves the contribution of grain size toward the reduction of hysteresis loss. This result provides a new insight to tailor the hysteresis loss of Ni5W substrates used for coated conductors.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Effect of Zn Concentration on the Structure, Morphology, and Magnetic Behavior of Ni{sub 1 − x}Zn{sub x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} Ferrofluid

In this work, we investigated the effect of doping zinc ions onto nickel ferrite upon the structure, morphology, and magnetic properties of Ni{sub 1 − x}Zn{sub x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ferrite nanoparticles (x = 0, 0.25, and 0.75) prepared via co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of the most intense peak corresponding to the (311) crystallographic orientation of NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} cubic spinel phase, and the crystallite size obtained from Scherrer formula increased from 6.8 to 11.2 nm when the Zn concentration increases from x = 0 to x = 0.75. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of a prominent band associated to the vibrations of metal ions, as a feature of spinel ferrite phase formation, observing that their band positions were very sensitive to Zn doping concentration. Transmission electron microscopy studies allowed to determinate that for all Zn concentrations, the particle sizes are around 15 nm. The magnetic properties were studied by using the vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. The results reveal superparamagnetic behavior determined by the shape of the hysteresis loop, presenting decreased coercive magnetic field and increased saturation magnetization, with increased zinc concentration. Additionally, from field cooling and zero field cooling curves, we can observe the typical behavior of the blocking process assembly of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Alternate current susceptibility measurements show that the blocking temperature is frequency dependent and shifts toward higher temperatures by increasing the frequency, a characteristic of superparamagnetic, and glassy systems. Furthermore, τ{sub 0}, related to the jump attempt frequency of the magnetic moment of the nanoparticle between the opposite directions of the magnetization easy axis, is in the range of 2 × 10{sup −10} and 7 × 10{sup −13} s for the three different Zn concentrations, which agrees with characteristic of non-interacting superparamagnetic systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Uncoupling Electrokinetic Flow Solutions

The continuum-scale electrokinetic porous-media flow and excess charge redistribution equations are uncoupled using eigenvalue decomposition. The uncoupling results in a pair of independent diffusion equations for “intermediate” potentials subject to modified material properties and boundary conditions. The fluid pressure and electrostatic potential are then found by recombining the solutions to the two intermediate uncoupled problems in a matrix-vector multiplication. Expressions for the material properties or source terms in the intermediate uncoupled problem may require extended precision or careful rewriting to avoid numerical cancellation, but the solutions themselves can typically be computed in double precision. The approach works with analytical or gridded numerical solutions and is illustrated through two examples. The solution for flow to a pumping well is manipulated to predict streaming potential and electroosmosis, and a periodic one-dimensional analytical solution is derived and used to predict electroosmosis and streaming potential in a laboratory flow cell subjected to low frequency alternating current and pressure excitation. The examples illustrate the utility of the eigenvalue decoupling approach, repurposing existing analytical solutions or numerical models and leveraging solutions that are simpler to derive for coupled physics.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Compression Molding and Novel Sintering Treatments for Alnico Type-8 Permanent Magnets in Near-Final Shape with Preferred Orientation

We present economic uncertainty in the rare earth (RE) permanent magnet marketplace, as well as in an expanding electric drive vehicle market that favors permanent magnet alternating current synchronous drive motors, motivated renewed research in RE-free permanent magnets like “alnico,” an Al-Ni-Co-Fe alloy. Thus, high-pressure, gas-atomized isotropic type-8H pre-alloyed alnico powder was compression molded with a clean burn-out binder to near-final shape and sintered to density >99% of cast alnico 8 (full density of 7.3 g/cm 3 ). To produce aligned sintered alnico magnets for improved energy product and magnetic remanence, uniaxial stress was attempted to promote controlled grain growth, avoiding directional solidification that provides alignment in alnico 9. Lastly, successful development of solid-state powder processing may enable anisotropically aligned alnico magnets with enhanced energy density to be mass-produced.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A grid-scale study of demand bidding by large industrial users

A demand bidding mechanism for engaging large industrial electricity users in the operation of the power grid is presented. Demand bidding is formulated as an optimization problem based on a modified version of the alternating current optimal power flow problem, and can be interpreted as a tâtonnement process between the grid operator and electricity users. Here, the work provides the first – to the authors’ knowledge – grid-scale case study of demand bidding, using a synthetic grid structure in the footprint of the grid of Texas. Results reveal that the demand bidding lowers overall power generation costs, but economic benefits plateau as the number of participants increases. Transmission line and transformer capacity constraints become the limiting factors, revealing that expanding and fortifying the transmission infrastructure is key to expanding demand-side participation. Demand bidding does not substantially alter the optimal operation of existing bidding entities when the number of bidders increases, thereby supporting existing bidders to stay in the system and encouraging new ones to join.

Chlor-alkali plant↗

Frequency-Dependent Enhancement of Fluid Intelligence Induced by Transcranial Oscillatory Potentials

Everyday problem solving requires the ability to go beyond experience by efficiently encoding and manipulating new information, i.e., fluid intelligence (Gf) [1]. Performance in tasks involving Gf, such as logical and abstract reasoning, has been shown to rely on distributed neural networks, with a crucial role played by prefrontal regions [2]. Synchronization of neuronal activity in the gamma band is a ubiquitous phenomenon within the brain; however, no evidence of its causal involvement in cognition exists to date [3]. Here, we show an enhancement of Gf ability in a cognitive task induced by exogenous rhythmic stimulation within the gamma band. Imperceptible alternating current [4] delivered through the scalp over the left middle frontal gyrus resulted in a frequency-specific shortening of the time required to find the correct solution in a visuospatial abstract reasoning task classically employed to measure Gf abilities (i.e., Raven’s matrices) [5]. Crucially, gamma-band stimulation (γ-tACS) selectively enhanced performance only on more complex trials involving conditional/logical reasoning. The finding presented here supports a direct involvement of gamma oscillatory activity in the mechanisms underlying higher-order human cognition.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Web tools concerning performance analysis and planning support for solar energy plants starting from remotely sensed optical images

We present innovative web tools, developed also in the frame of the FP7 ENDORSE (ENergy DOwnstReam SErvices) project, for the performance analysis and the support in planning of solar energy plants (PV, CSP, CPV). These services are based on the combination between the detailed physical model of each part of the plants and the near real-time satellite remote sensing of incident solar irradiance. Starting from the solar Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) data provided by the Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate (GMES-MACC) Core Service and based on the elaboration of Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite optical imagery, the Global Tilted Irradiance (GTI) or the Beam Normal Irradiance (BNI) incident on plant's solar PV panels (or solar receivers for CSP or CPV) is calculated. Combining these parameters with the model of the solar power plant, using also air temperature values, we can assess in near-real-time the daily evolution of the alternate current (AC) power produced by the plant. We are therefore able to compare this satellite-based AC power yield with the actually measured one and, consequently, to readily detect any possible malfunctions and to evaluate the performances of the plant (so-called “Controller” service). Besides, the same method can be applied to satellite-based averaged environmental data (solar irradiance and air temperature) in order to provide a Return on Investment analysis in support to the planning of new solar energy plants (so-called “Planner” service). This method has been successfully applied to three test solar plants (in North, Centre and South Italy respectively) and it has been validated by comparing satellite-based and in-situ measured hourly AC power data for several months in 2013 and 2014. The results show a good accuracy: the overall Normalized Bias (NB) is − 0.41%, the overall Normalized Mean Absolute Error (NMAE) is 4.90%, the Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) is 7.66% and the overall Correlation Coefficient (CC) is 0.9538. The maximum value of the Normalized Absolute Error (NAE) is about 30% and occurs for time periods with highly variable meteorological conditions. - Highlights: • We developed an online service (Controller) dedicated to solar energy plants real-time monitoring • We developed an online service (Planner) that supports the planning of new solar energy plants • The services are based on the elaboration of satellite optical imagery in near real-time • The validation with respect to in-situ measured hourly AC power data for three test solar plants shows good accuracy • The maximum value of the Normalized Absolute Error is about 30% and occurs for highly variable meteorological conditions.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Computational and numerical analysis of AC optimal power flow formulations on large-scale power grids

We report that alternating current optimal power flow (AC-OPF) is a fundamental tool in electric utilities to determine optimal operation of the various resources. Typically, the AC-OPF problem uses power balance formulation containing voltages and power equations. Yet, there is no comprehensive comparison of the different AC-OPF formulations, especially for large-scale networks. This paper presents a detailed comparative evaluation of different formulations of the AC-OPF problem on networks ranging from 9-bus to 25,000 buses. Three different formulations: 1) power balance with polar voltages, 2) power balance with Cartesian voltages, and 3) current balance with Cartesian voltages are discussed in detail by comparing their characteristics, and numerical and computational performance.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Learning model combining convolutional deep neural network with a self-attention mechanism for AC optimal power flow

Alternating current optimal power flow (OPF) analysis is critical for efficient and reliable operation of power systems. For large systems or repetitive computations, the traditional methods such as the direct and gradient methods, or non-traditional methods, such as the genetic algorithm and simulating annealing, are time-consuming and unsuitable for real-time computing. The work in this paper proposes a novel framework to obtain the optimal solution of power flow in real-time using a combination of convolutional neural networks and a self-attention mechanism. All parameters of the power networks are rearranged in an image-like shape of a multi-channel image where each channel is a two-dimensional matrix. The proposed approach is adaptive with every input size of power systems as well as frequent variations of network topologies without intervention to the framework core. The encompassment of all power system contexts in which all parameters of internal elements, generation costs, and topology information are included, contributes to the higher accuracy of inference compared to other current machine-learning-based OPF-solving methods. Besides, the proposed framework established on ubiquitous platforms is effortlessly integrated into current infrastructures of power systems, and the great efficiency along with the computation speed may serve as a critical point for practical implications, such as enabling faster decision-making during real-time operations, predicting system contingencies, and remedial actions based on an offline pre-trained model. Furthermore, this supervised learning process is applied to the dataset of four case studies of meshed power systems: the IEEE 5-bus system (IEEE-5), the IEEE 30-bus system (IEEE-30), the IEEE 39-bus system (IEEE-39), and the IEEE 57-bus system (IEEE-57) to prove the efficacy of the proposed method.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Tuning successive linear programming to solve AC optimal power flow problem for large networks

Successive linear programming (SLP) is a practical approach for solving large-scale nonlinear optimization problems. Alternating current optimal power flow (ACOPF) is no exception, particularly the large size of real-world networks. However, in order to achieve tractability, it is essential to tune the SLP algorithm presented in the literature. This paper presents a modified SLP algorithm to solve the ACOPF problem, specified by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Optimization (GO) Competition Challenge 1, within strict time limits. The algorithm first finds a near-optimal solution for the relaxed problem (i.e., Stage 1). Then, it finds a feasible solution in the proximity of the near-optimal solution (i.e., Stage 2 and Stage 3). The numerical experiments on test cases ranging from 500-bus to 30,000-bus systems show that the algorithm is tractable. Here the results show that our proposed algorithm is tractable and can solve more than 80% of test cases faster than the well-known Interior Point Method while significantly reduce the number of iterations required to solve ACOPF. The number of iterations is considered an important factor in the examination of tractability which can drastically reduce the computational time required within each iteration.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Microdynamics of active particles in defect-rich colloidal crystals

Hypothesis. Because they are self-propulsive, active colloidal particles can interact with their environment in ways that differ from passive, Brownian particles. Here, we explore how interactions in different microstructural regions may contribute to colloidal crystal annealing. Experiments. We investigate active particles propagating in a quasi-2D colloidal crystal monolayer produced by alternating current electric fields (active-to-passive particle ratio ~ 1:720). The active particle is a platinum Janus sphere propelled by asymmetric decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Crystals are characterized for changes in void properties. The mean-squared-displacement of Janus particles are measured to determine how active microdynamics depend on the local microstructure, which is comprised of void regions, void-adjacent regions (defined as within three particle diameters of a void), and interstitial regions. Findings. At active particle energy E A = 2.55 k B T, the average void size increases as much as three times and the average void anisotropy increases about 40% relative to the passive case. Further, the average microdynamical enhancement, <δ(t)>, of Janus particles in the crystal relative to an equivalent passive Janus particle is reduced compared to that of a free, active particle (<δ(t) > is 1.88 ± 0.04 and 2.66 ± 0.08, respectively). The concentration of active particles is enriched in void and void-adjacent regions. Active particles exhibit the greatest change in dynamics relative to the passive control in void-adjacent regions (<δ(t)> = 2.58 ± 0.06). The results support the conjecture that active particle microdynamical enhancement in crystal lattices is affected by local defect structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ferromagnetic interactions and slow magnetic relaxation behaviors of two lanthanide coordination polymers bridged by 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate ligand

Two lanthanide-based frameworks: (Ln(phen)(NDA){sub 1.5}(H{sub 2}O)){sub n} (Ln=Gd(1), NDA=2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate anion, phen=1,10-phenanthroline), and ([Dy(phen)(NDA){sub 1.5}]·0.5H{sub 2}NDA){sub n} (2) were structurally and magnetically characterized. Compound 1 exhibits 2D layer structure, belonging to the triclinic system with space group P−1, while compound 2 features a 3D framework with space group P−1. The magnetic studies revealed that ferromagnetic coupling existed between adjacent lanthanide ions in 1 and 2, and frequency-dependence out-of-phase signals in the measurement of alternate-current susceptibilities were observed for 2, albeit without reaching the characteristic maxima above 2 K, implying slow magnetic relaxation behavior in 2. After the application of a dc field, good peak shapes of ac signal were obtained and got the energy barrier ΔE/k{sub B}=29 K and the pre-exponential factor τ{sub 0}=4.47×10{sup −7} s at 2000 Oe field; and when the dc field was in 5000 Oe, giving ΔE/k{sub B}=40 K and τ{sub 0}=2.82×10{sup −6}. - Graphical abstract: Two novel lanthanide-based frameworks 1 and 2 were structurally and magnetically characterized. The results revealed that ferromagnetic coupling exists between adjacent lanthanide ions in 1 and 2, and 2 displayed slow magnetic relaxation behavior with the energy barrier of 29 K. - Highlights: • Two lanthanide frameworks were synthesized and magnetically characterized. • The magnetism studies indicate slow magnetic relaxation behavior in 2. • Weak ferromagnetic coupling existing between adjacent lanthanide centers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Characterization of mechano-thermally synthesized Curie temperature-adjusted La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles coated with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane

This research aimed to synthesize nanostructured strontium-doped lanthanum manganite, La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} (LSMO), with its Curie temperature (T{sub c}) adjusted to the therapeutic range, through a mechanothermal route. In order to investigate the effect of heat treatment temperature and duration on the resulting crystallite size, morphology, magnetic behavior and Curie temperature, the starting powder mixture was milled in a planetary ball mill before being subsequently heat treated at distinct temperatures for different time lengths. The composition, morphology, and magnetic behavior were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). In addition, magnetic properties were further investigated using an alternating current (AC) susceptometer and thermo-magnetic analyzer. 20 h of milling produced a crystallite size reduction leading to a decrease in the heat treatment temperature of LSMO synthesis to 800 °C. Moreover, SEM analysis has shown the morphology of a strong agglomeration of fine nanoparticles. HRTEM showed clear lattice fringes of high crystallinity. The mean crystallite and particle size of 20-hour milled sample heat treated at 1100 °C for 10 h are relatively 69 and 100 nm, respectively. The VSM data at room temperature, indicated a paramagnetic behavior for samples heat treated at 800 °C. However, by increasing heat treatment temperature to 1100 °C, LSMO indicates a ferromagnetic behavior with well-adjusted Curie temperature of 320 K, suitable for hyperthermia applications. Also, reentrant spin glass (RSG) behavior has been found in heat treated samples. The particles are coated with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) for biocompatibility purposes; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) are used for further confirmation of APTES coating. - Highlights: • La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles were synthesized via a mechanothermal route. • We report a significant reduction in the heat treatment temperature. • The Curie temperature was tuned within the therapeutic range. • The particles were coated with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane for biocompatibility purposes.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Effect of LiAlO{sub 2} nanoparticle filler concentration on the electrical properties of PEO–LiClO{sub 4} composite

Highlights: ► Structural modification of nano LiAlO{sub 2} filler increased conductivity. ► Good ionic conductivity for (LiAlO{sub 2}){sub 1.5}(PEO){sub 11}(LiClO{sub 4}) at room temperature. ► Nano LiAlO{sub 2} filler enhanced both ion migration and orientation. ► High dielectric properties for (LiAlO{sub 2}){sub 1.5}(PEO){sub 11}(LiClO{sub 4}) at room temperature. - Abstract: Nano-composite polymer electrolytes are receiving attention as potential candidates to be used as electrolyte membranes in lithium polymer batteries and other devices. In this work, polyethylene oxide–LiClO{sub 4} based composite polymer electrolyte was prepared by solution casting method. The effect of LiAlO{sub 2} nanoparticle ceramic filler concentration on the structure and electrical conduction of the composite was studied. Nano-LiAlO{sub 2} was synthesized by sol–gel method. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transmission-Infra Red, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and tested by dielectric properties, Direct and Alternating current measurements as well as by impedance spectroscopy. All samples showed a behavior referring to an ionic conduction. Generally, the melting temperature of the polymer electrolyte decreased with filler concentration. Both thermal property and filler concentration influenced conductivity value. At room temperature, the highest ionic conductivity was 9.76 × 10{sup −5} ohm{sup −1} cm{sup −1} for sample with a composition of (LiAlO{sub 2}){sub 1.5}(polyethylene oxide){sub 11}(LiClO{sub 4}). All results were correlated and discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗