Search NASASearch

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Implementation”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Implementing Ordinary Differential Equation Solvers in Rust Programming Language for Modeling Vehicle Powertrain Systems: Preprint

Efficient and accurate ordinary differential equation (ODE) solvers are necessary for powertrain and vehicle dynamics modeling. However, current commercial ODE solvers can be financially prohibitive, leading to a need for accessible, effective, open-source ODE solvers designed for powertrain modeling. Rust is a compiled programming language that has the potential to be used for fast and easy-to-use powertrain models, given its exceptional computational performance, robust package ecosystem, and short time required for modelers to become proficient. However, of the three commonly used (>3,000 downloads) packages in Rust with ODE solver capabilities, only one has more than four numerical methods implemented, and none are designed specifically for modeling physical systems. Therefore, the goal of the Differential Equation System Solver (DESS) was to implement accurate ODE solvers in Rust designed for the component-based problems often seen in powertrain modeling. DESS is a text-based software package that provides a flexible framework for building and solving systems of ODEs. This allows DESS to be included as a dependency for automotive powertrain models that require a variety of solvers and solver configurations. Seven explicit ODE solver methods have been implemented in DESS: Euler’s, Heun’s, midpoint, Ralston’s, classic Runge-Kutta, Bogacki-Shampine, and Cash-Karp. These represent five fixed-step methods and two adaptive-step methods. This paper shows that the solver implementations increase accuracy and computational efficiency compared to Euler's method when modeling a system of three thermal masses in Rust. DESS also includes features designed for modeling component-based physical systems. Users can define relationships between nodes in their system, which the package then translates into a system of equations, leading to simpler and more intuitive code. In the case of a three-thermal-mass system, the user can specify node thermal properties (e.g., thermal capacitance), how nodes are interconnected, and thermal conductance between nodes rather than providing a system of equations. The core contribution from this work is an open-source, text-based Rust package with ODE solvers for automotive powertrain modeling to support cost-free, fast, and accurate simulation.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Urban weather modeling using WRF: linking physical assumptions, code implementation, and observational needs

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model includes urban schemes that simulate the influence of urban surfaces on the atmosphere using parameterizations for flux, and radiative exchanges. Three core schemes – the Bulk urban parameterization, Single-Layer Urban Canopy Model (SLUCM), and Multi-Layer Urban Canopy Model (MLUCM) – represent increasing levels of complexity. Although the parameterizations within these urban schemes are described in the literature, their specific implementation remains poorly documented, thus slowing down model development efforts. This manuscript provides a roadmap to the three urban schemes in WRF version 4.5.2, presenting equations using the same symbols as in the model code, along with references to code lines, and including graphics and explanations that connect the code to its physical foundations. Our thorough review of the urban parameterizations implemented in WRF version 4.5.2 highlighted a handful of parameters that may introduce discontinuities in simulations: (i) in the SLUCM, a 1 mm h −1 rain rate threshold is employed to switch between two minimum moisture availability parameterizations, thus impacting latent heat flux calculations; (ii) in the SLUCM a threshold is used to partition shortwave radiation into direct and diffuse components; (iii) in all three urban schemes, the bulk Richardson number is employed to select the similarity function, which influences the vertical distribution of heat and momentum. We also identified a highly simplified treatment of the radiative balance on roof surfaces. The implications of these simplifications can be assessed through targeted observations across relevant conditions, including varying precipitation rates, cloud cover, and transitions between stability regimes. Furthermore, the widespread application of the Monin-Obukhov similarity theory in these urban schemes warrants model evaluation under highly stable and unstable conditions and in heterogeneous urban settings with variable land cover and building heights on scales finer than model resolution. To address these challenges, we offer guidance on observational strategies, emphasizing the need for multi-parametric measurements to capture potential compensating biases and multi-height measurements that align with the levels where quantities are diagnostic and prognosed in the model (i.e., the lowest atmospheric level of the WRF model). Finally, our inspection of the code revealed implementation bugs that have now been corrected in WRF versions 4.6.0 and 4.6.1. Sensitivity tests over the Atlanta urban area show that these corrections affect surface temperatures, underscoring the importance of performing rigorous documentation and verification of the implementation of parameterizations in model code.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Real-Time FPGA Implementation For Frequency Sweep Interferometry In The LBNF Complex

The Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) will deliver a 2.4 MW muon neutrino beam from Fermilab to the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), requiring unprecedented precision in beamline alignment to achieve DUNE's neutrino oscillation measurement goals. Vertical misalignments of beamline components as small as 0.5 mm can contribute 6-7\% uncertainty in predicted neutrino flux, necessitating sub-0.1 mm alignment monitoring capabilities. The Horn Location Sensor (HLS) system employs frequency sweep interferometry (FSI) in a distributed hydrostatic leveling network to achieve the required precision under harsh radiation conditions up to 5000 kRad/year. Traditional FSI implementations suffer from laser sweep nonlinearities that degrade resolution and require computationally intensive post-processing corrections using gas reference cells. This work presents a real-time FPGA-based implementation of the HLS data acquisition and processing system using a sweep tracker interferometer for dynamic sweep linearization. The system utilizes a PYNQ-Z2 FPGA with programmable logic implementing parallel 16k-point FFT processing across four channels, synchronized by the sweep tracker signal to eliminate post-processing requirements. Spectral performance testing demonstrates significant improvements in peak sharpness compared to traditional fixed-frequency digitization. The FPGA implementation enables real-time displacement monitoring with processing speeds orders of magnitude faster than software-based approaches, essential for the operational requirements of LBNF's eventual distributed sensor network. This advancement in real-time FSI processing directly supports DUNE's precision neutrino physics program by providing the rapid feedback necessary for maintaining stringent beamline alignment tolerances during high-power beam operations.

Rossel, A. Jacob [Fermilab; Unlisted]

Implementation and Demonstration of the Digital Twin Certification System Remote Operations Framework

Microreactors are one promising advanced-reactor concept being pursued by the nuclear industry. They are distinguished by a relatively low power output of 20 MWth or less. These microreactors are intended for deployment in applications where conventional small-capacity power solutions, such as diesel generators, are either economically unfeasible or logistically challenging. Such applications include providing electric power and/or heat for remote communities, mining sites, defense installations, and humanitarian and disaster-relief missions. An important feature for the successful deployment of microreactors is their capability to be operated remotely. This capability can significantly reduce staffing costs by eliminating the need for licensed operators to be physically present at each reactor site. Instead, operators can be centralized in a single remote operations center placed in an economically advantageous location, thereby optimizing resources by consolidating expertise and enhancing operational efficiency. However, the implementation of a remote operation system for nuclear reactors raises new concerns regarding the security, reliability, and resilience of such a system. One way in which remote operations can be supported in a manner that maintains system security, reliability, and resilience is through the use of digital twins in a novel framework designed to verify and validate sensor data and commands communicated between the remote operations center and reactor. This framework, known as the Digital Twin Certification System (DTCS), has previously been proposed as an operations architecture that can bring security and resiliency levels of remote nuclear-reactor operations to a level acceptable for commercial deployment. This paper moves the proposed DTCS architecture from concept to reality by presenting the implementation and testing of the system. The rationale and implementation of the DTCS using tools such as DeepLynx and Apache Airflow, is covered in-depth. This is followed by a demonstration of the DTCS by applying the implemented system architecture to the Single Primary Heat Extraction and Removal Emulator, a small-scale non-nuclear test bed that emulates thermal behavior of a microreactor. The demonstration includes both normal and abnormal operating scenarios to highlight how the DTCS can increase the security, reliability, and resilience of a remote operations system.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS

Implementation and Demonstration of the Digital Twin Certification System Remote Operations Framework

Microreactors are one promising advanced-reactor concept being pursued by the nuclear industry. They are distinguished by a relatively low power output of 20 MWth or less. These microreactors are intended for deployment in applications where conventional small-capacity power solutions, such as diesel generators, are either economically unfeasible or logistically challenging. Such applications include providing electric power and/or heat for remote communities, mining sites, defense installations, and humanitarian and disaster-relief missions. An important feature for the successful deployment of microreactors is their capability to be operated remotely. This capability can significantly reduce staffing costs by eliminating the need for licensed operators to be physically present at each reactor site. Instead, operators can be centralized in a single remote operations center placed in an economically advantageous location, thereby optimizing resources by consolidating expertise and enhancing operational efficiency. However, the implementation of a remote operation system for nuclear reactors raises new concerns regarding the security, reliability, and resilience of such a system. One way in which remote operations can be supported in a manner that maintains system security, reliability, and resilience is through the use of digital twins in a novel framework designed to verify and validate sensor data and commands communicated between the remote operations center and reactor. This framework, known as the Digital Twin Certification System (DTCS), has previously been proposed as an operations architecture that can bring security and resiliency levels of remote nuclear-reactor operations to a level acceptable for commercial deployment. This paper moves the proposed DTCS architecture from concept to reality by presenting the implementation and testing of the system. The rationale and implementation of the DTCS using tools such as DeepLynx and Apache Airflow, is covered in-depth. This is followed by a demonstration of the DTCS by applying the implemented system architecture to the Single Primary Heat Extraction and Removal Emulator, a small-scale non-nuclear test bed that emulates thermal behavior of a microreactor. The demonstration includes both normal and abnormal operating scenarios to highlight how the DTCS can increase the security, reliability, and resilience of a remote operations system.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS

Investigation of Main Bearing Fatigue Estimate Sensitivity to Synthetic Turbulence Models Using a Novel Drivetrain Model Implemented in OpenFAST

ABSTRACT A coupled medium‐fidelity drivetrain model is developed and implemented in OpenFAST for a 10‐MW land‐based reference turbine. The implementation is verified against a fully coupled multibody wind turbine model, including a detailed drivetrain. The new model can simultaneously and accurately estimate main bearing loads and represent elastic bending of the drivetrain. It has low computational cost and is useful for early design phases, sensitivity analyses and complex systems like wind farms (where computational expense must be expended elsewhere). Here, the model is implemented for a monopile offshore wind turbine and used to investigate the sensitivity of main bearing basic rating life to different synthetic turbulence models. Large‐eddy simulations (LES) targeting stable, neutral, and unstable atmospheric conditions at below‐, near‐ and above‐rated wind speeds are used as a reference. The turbulence models recommended by the International Electrotechnical Commission, the Mann spectral tensor model, and the Kaimal spectral model with exponential coherence are fitted to the LES data. Additionally, a constrained turbulence generator, PyConTurb (short for Python Constrained Turbulence ), based on LES data, is applied in the aero‐hydro‐servo‐elastic simulations. Taking PyConTurb as the baseline, the Kaimal model significantly underestimates fatigue of the downwind main bearing, with between 10% and 40% less damage. The Mann model also underestimates the downwind main bearing fatigue by up to 30%. The upwind main bearing damage is driven by mean loads, and differences between models are less significant, although the trends are similar. Reasons for these discrepancies are investigated and attributed to differences in spatial and temporal variations among the turbulence models.

17 WIND ENERGY

A higher-order finite-element implementation of the nonlinear Fokker–Planck collision operator for charged particle collisions in a low density plasma

Collisions between particles in a low density plasma are described by the Fokker–Planck collision operator. In applications, this nonlinear integro-differential operator is often approximated by linearised or ad-hoc model operators due to computational cost and complexity. In this work, we present an implementation of the nonlinear Fokker–Planck collision operator written in terms of Rosenbluth potentials in the Rosenbluth–MacDonald–Judd (RMJ) form. The Rosenbluth potentials may be obtained either by direct integration or by solving partial differential equations (PDEs) similar to Poisson's equation: we optimise for performance and scalability by using sparse matrices to solve the relevant PDEs. We represent the distribution function using a tensor-product continuous-Galerkin finite-element representation and we derive and describe the implementation of the weak form of the collision operator. We present tests demonstrating a successful implementation using an explicit time integrator and we comment on the speed and accuracy of the operator. Finally, we speculate on the potential for applications in the current and next generation of kinetic plasma models.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY

LuGo: An enhanced quantum phase estimation implementation

Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE) is a cardinal algorithm in quantum computing that plays a crucial role in various applications, including cryptography, molecular simulation, and solving systems of linear equations. However, the standard implementation of QPE faces challenges related to time complexity and circuit depth, which limit its practicality for large-scale computations. We introduce LuGo, a novel framework designed to enhance the performance of QPE by reducing circuit duplication, as well as using parallelization techniques to achieve faster generation of the QPE circuit and gate reduction. We validate the effectiveness of our framework by generating quantum linear solver circuits, which require both QPE and inverse QPE, to solve linear systems of equations. LuGo achieves significant improvements in both computational efficiency and hardware requirements without compromising on accuracy. Compared to a standard QPE implementation, LuGo reduces time consumption to generate a circuit that solves a 2 6 × 2 6 system matrix by a factor of 50.68 and over 31× reduction of quantum gates and circuit depth, with no fidelity loss on an ideal quantum simulator. Furthermore, we demonstrated the versatility and scalability of LuGo enabled HHL algorithm by simulating a canonical Hele-Shaw fluid problem using a quantum simulator. With these advantages, LuGo paves the way for more efficient implementations of QPE, enabling broader applications across several quantum computing domains.

Quantum algorithm

A robust spectral element implementation of the $k - τ$ RANS model in Nek5000/NekRS

The $k - ω$ Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) model is one of the industry standard approaches for modeling of turbulent flows. It performs better than the $k - ϵ$ model for low Reynolds number flows and is also more suitable for boundary layers with adverse pressure gradients. Major drawback of the model, however, is that the asymptotic value of $ω$ at the walls is singular, necessitating the use of a contrived “sufficiently” large value for $ω$ as the boundary condition for its transport equation. Here, this invariably leads to the solution being sensitive to near wall grid spacing. While an acceptable solution for low order (finite volume) methods, the excessive near wall gradients lead to persistent numerical stability issues in high order codes. To alleviate the problem, specifically in the context of the high order spectral element code Nek5000, a regularized $k - ω$ approach was formulated in our prior work (Tomboulides et al., 2018). The formulation, however, relies on the use of wall distance and its gradients for modeling the closure terms and can pose problems for simulations in complex geometries. This work presents a novel implementation of the $k - τ$ RANS model in Nek5000, where $τ = 1/ω$, eliminating the need for regularization, owing to the asymptotically bounded behavior of the source terms in the $τ$ transport equation, and also eliminating dependence on wall distance. Robustness and stability of the $k - τ$ model is ensured through implicit treatment of the source terms and their careful numerical implementation and demonstrated through several cases aimed at verification and validation. Studies include both canonical and engineering relevant problems, viz., turbulent channel flow, pipe flow, backward facing step, flow over NACA 0012 airfoil and flow in a T-junction. Results from the $k - τ$ model are shown to be consistent with regularized $k - ω$ model and also with the $k - ω$ SST model in OpenFOAM (for select studies). Comparison with experimental data is also shown, where available, to bolster validation efforts for the $k - τ$ model implementation through prediction of key turbulent quantities of interest.

Nek5000

Static Subspace Approximation for Random Phase Approximation Correlation Energies: Implementation and Performance

Developing theoretical understanding of complex reactions and processes at interfaces requires using methods that go beyond semilocal density functional theory to accurately describe the interactions between solvent, reactants and substrates. Methods based on many-body perturbation theory, such as the random phase approximation (RPA), have previously been limited due to their computational complexity. However, this is now a surmountable barrier due to the advances in computational power available, in particular through modern GPU-based supercomputers. In this work, we describe the implementation of RPA calculations within BerkeleyGW and show its favorable computational performance on large complex systems relevant for catalysis and electrochemistry applications. Our implementation builds off of the static subspace approximation which, by employing a compressed representation of the frequency dependent polarizability, enables the evaluation of the RPA correlation energy with significant acceleration and systematically controllable accuracy. We find that the computational cost of calculating the RPA correlation energy scales only linearly with system size for systems containing up to 50 thousand bands, and is expected to scale quadratically thereafter. We also show excellent strong scaling results across several supercomputers, demonstrating the performance and portability of this implementation.

algorithmic development

Real Time implementation of Artificial Intelligence compression algorithm for High-Speed Streaming Readout signals

The new generation of high-energy physics experiments plans to acquire data in streaming mode. With this approach, it is possible to access the information of the whole detector (organized in time slices) for optimal and lossless triggering of data acquisitions. With this approach, data rates, especially in large detectors, are often very high, and the network is likely to be the bottleneck for the entire Streaming Read Out system. The aim of this work is to study the implementation of a lossy compression algorithm based on Artificial Intelligence: an Autoencoder. With Machine Learning it is possible to achieve a high compression ratio and fast inference time with only a small degradation of the signals, almost negligible for the specific application. This work explores different configurations of the Autoencoder and the implementation on different hardware. Different Autoencoder configurations are explored to find the best trade-off between compression ratio and reconstruction loss, both for signals and energy spectrum. Different hardware implementations are also explored to find the best platform to achieve real-time performance for the specific application.

Rossi, Fabio (ORCID:0009000385713885)

Implementation of the D1S Methodology for Shutdown Dose Rate Calculations in the OpenMC Monte Carlo Particle Transport Code

We present an implementation of the direct one-step (D1S) methodology for shutdown dose rate (SDR) calculations in the OpenMC Monte Carlo particle transport code. In addition to being the first fully open-source D1S implementation, it is also the first to require no ad hoc source code or nuclear data library modifications. The code can seamlessly switch between production of prompt and decay photons based on a user input parameter, and the decay data needed for decay photon generation are made available through a depletion chain file, which is already used for OpenMC’s built-in depletion/activation solver. A set of Python functions significantly eases the burden of computing and applying time correction factors needed to properly account for the time dependence of radionuclide activity. To assess the accuracy of the D1S implementation, SDR calculations have been carried out for three problems: a prism of iron irradiated by 14-MeV neutrons, the ITER port plug computational benchmark, and the Frascati Neutron Generator (FNG) ITER dose rate benchmark problem from the Shielding INtegral Benchmark Archive and Database (SINBAD). For each of these problems, comparisons were made to calculations using the rigorous two-step (R2S) method. The results on the iron prism problem illustrate how the D1S method achieves superior spatial resolution compared to the R2S method without the need for spatial discretization of the activation regions. The D1S and R2S results for the ITER port plug benchmark agree well with previously reported results in the literature. While the D1S results are 10% to 15% lower than the R2S results, this may be due to stochastic uncertainty and/or spatial discretization in the R2S calculations. On the FNG dose rate benchmark problem, the D1S method produces dose rate estimates that are within 4% of the dose rates predicted using a cell-based R2S workflow. The D1S estimates of the SDR are also in reasonable agreement with the experimental measurements and show the same basic trends that have been observed in previous works. A qualitative analysis of the execution time and uncertainty for the R2S and D1S workflows suggests that the D1S method would attain a higher figure of merit.

D1S method

A Performance-Portable MultiGPU Implementation of 3D Euler Equations using ProtoX and IRIS

Computational scientists often face challenges when developing and optimizing code for high-performance computing (HPC), especially when trying to leverage GPUs. Given the heterogeneity of the nodes that comprise many modern HPC facilities, considerable demand exists for performance portable solutions for the core computational kernels used in many scientific computing libraries. In this work, we demonstrate a fourth-order finite volume method–based implementation of the Euler equations, which are an integral part of computational fluid dynamics. Our performance-portable multiGPU implementation for Euler equations uses ProtoX to generate kernels and IRIS for portability. ProtoX is a domain-specific language that uses a structured-grid partial differential equation library called Proto as its front end and the SPIRAL code generation system as its back end to generate optimized kernels for different architectures. Optimized kernels generated by ProtoX are orchestrated through the IRIS intelligent runtime system to provide portability. Two levels of optimizations within the IRIS runtime— directed acyclic graph fusion and task fusion—are explored to efficiently utilize computing resources in a multiGPU environment. Performance improvement through these optimizations is showcased by comparing the base ProtoX-IRIS implementation on AMD GPUs (Frontier node) and on NVIDIA GPUs (NVIDIA DGX-1).

Mankad, Het

Implementing One Sided Partitioned Communication in Open MPI

This report introduces partitioned communication, a new MPI 4.0 interface that enables early bird communication by overlapping communication and computation. By partitioning messages into smaller sub-messages, MPI can start partial data transfers early. Performance studies show that the RMA implementation outperforms the Persistent implementation, despite some constraints. This report details a new opt-in RMA implementation, offering a high-performance option for partitioned communication that imposes some additional limitations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING

Spectrally Stabilized Interface Capturing Formulation and Implementation in Nek5000/NekRS

This report documents the formulation of a novel level-set method for incompressible two-phase flows in the continuous Galerkin (CG) high order spectral element framework. The overall method hinges on a novel implementation of the spectral vanishing viscosity (SVV) operator for the stabilization of linear/non-linear hyperbolic problems. The multidimensional SVV convolution kernels, which in essence, have a similar effect as a high pass filter applied to the derivatives, are formulated by exploiting the tensor product form, analogous to the construction of the usual stiffness matrix system. The resulting kernels are directionally decoupled and ensure a linear, symmetric positive definite, elliptic matrix operator. The SVV formulation is demonstrated to provide a robust stabilizing mechanism through challenging linear and non-linear hyperbolic problems, including problems pertinent to the level-set formulation. The two-phase framework conceptualized herein is based on the conservative level-set (CLS) method which represents the interface between the fluids by the 0.5 iso-contour of the smoothed Heaviside function. The CLS method is augmented with a preconditioning procedure for interface normals using the signed distance function which precludes the manifestation of spurious oscillations in the vicinty of the interface. Further, the existing mixed explicit-implicit approach for the solution of Navier-Stokes equations in Nek5000, as described in Tomboulides et al, is augmented with a pressure coefficient splitting approach for the Poisson equation, which greatly accelerated the convergence of pressure solver for two-phase systems with large density ratio. The robustness and accuracy of the overall two-phase method is demonstrated through canonical challenging problems involving high density and viscosity ratios, with and without surface tension. The two-phase formulation is wholly implemented in Nek5000 and the SVV stabilization method is implemented in NekRS, which is the essential precursor to the two-phase framework, undergoing active development.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING

Financial Analysis of the Smallmouth Bass Flows implemented at the Glen Canyon Dam during Water Year 2024

The Glen Canyon Dam (GCD) is a Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) power resource that is a component of the Salt Lake City Area Integrated Projects (SLCA/IP). The 2016 record of decision (ROD) for the GCD long-term experimental and management plan (LTEMP) final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) specifies criteria for GCD monthly water releases, daily and hourly operating limits, and experimental releases. This report presents a financial analysis of the Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) (SMB) flows implemented at GCD during Water Year (WY) 2024. These bypass flows were introduced by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) as an emergency response to the growing threat posed by invasive SMB in the Colorado River ecosystem downstream of the dam. SMB are a non-native predatory species that pose a significant threat to native fish populations, including the endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). The thermal regime below GCD, typically cold due to hypolimnetic releases from Lake Powell, has historically served as a thermal barrier limiting SMB establishment. However, persistently low reservoir levels in recent years have reduced stratification in Lake Powell, allowing warmer water to be released downstream. This has enabled SMB to spawn successfully below the dam, prompting urgent ecological concerns. To mitigate the risk of SMB proliferation, the USBR implemented a series of bypass flows in WY 2024. Drawn from a lower elevation than the penstocks, the bypass structures released cooler water downstream. These short-duration bypass flows aimed to keep temperatures cool enough to prevent SMB from spawning, thereby reducing the ecological threat posed by this invasive species. Although motivated by ecological objectives, these bypass flows came with financial tradeoffs. Releasing water through the bypass structures instead of the turbines at GCD reduced hydropower generation, resulting in a significantly lower financial position for Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), which is responsible for marketing the electricity produced by the GCD Powerplant. This report analyzes the financial impact of the SMB flows implemented from July to November 2024. These experimental releases led to an estimated financial cost of approximately $18.9 million, primarily driven by the substantial volume of water diverted through the bypass structures. This study applies an integrated set of tools to estimate WAPA financial impacts by simulating GCD under two types of cases; namely, (1) a “With Experiment” case that mimics the water operations that actually occurred, including the SMB bypass flows, and (2) a “Without Experiment” case that simulates operations under the assumption that the SMB flows did not occur. Both cases comply with LTEMP hourly and daily operating criteria, and the monthly water release volumes are assumed to be identical under both cases. The Colorado River Storage Project Python-based model (CRiSPPy) model was the main modeling tool used to simulate the dispatch of the GCD hydropower plant and associated water releases from Lake Powell. In the modeling process, the research team used extensive data sets and historical information on SLCA/IP power plant characteristics, hydrologic conditions, and WAPA’s power purchases and sales prices.

13 HYDRO ENERGY

Exploring Professor Motivations and Implementations of a Real-World Problem-Solving Project

Engineering education literature offers a variety of theoretical and conceptual frameworks for project-based learning. This study explores the implementation of real-world problem-solving projects in engineering education. The research team analyzed the motivations and methods behind professors' adoption of such projects through exploratory qualitative interviews with seven professor participants who integrated a nation-wide student competition into their courses. We analyzed the resulting data using a constructivist grounded theory approach to identify key themes of professor practices. Findings reveal that the real-world aspect of the projects and alignment with values and research interests were primary motivators for implementation. While implementation methods varied significantly based on context (i.e., university setting, course type), we found that these projects could be effectively integrated into various classroom settings. The findings support the recommendation for non-academic institutions to develop and manage competitions that can be integrated into classrooms and which offer a point of engagement that is available to professors from a wide range of disciplines.

42 ENGINEERING

Scaled Implementation of Smart Charge Management for Electric Vehicles

Smart charge management (SCM) has become a critical strategy for mitigating potential grid impacts and reducing electricity costs for all customers. This study will evaluate the economics of implementing light-duty EV SCM at scale across the United States. This work will enhance distribution system analysis by estimating SCM implementation costs, exploring viable business cases, and developing a framework for national-level applications. The primary methodology involves leveraging detailed grid modeling from a specific service territory and using spatial extrapolation techniques to generalize findings to other regions. The analysis will develop key metrics to quantify the costs and benefits of SCM, including implementation costs relative to strategy and scale, the cost of distribution system upgrades with and without SCM, and the percentage of peak-load reduction. The objective is to produce a comprehensive report and a parameterized framework that enables utilities to self-assess the value of SCM in their own service territories. This will support the development of cost-effective charging strategies, accelerate the energization of new EV chargers, and facilitate the seamless integration of EVs into the nation's power grid.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION