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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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NASA NTRS2013

NASA Tech Briefs, May 2013

Topics include: Test Waveform Applications for JPL STRS Operating Environment; Pneumatic Proboscis Heat-Flow Probe; Method to Measure Total Noise Temperature of a Wireless Receiver During Operation; Cursor Control Device Test Battery; Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Signals Measure Neuronal Activity in the Cortex; ESD Test Apparatus for Soldering Irons; FPGA-Based X-Ray Detection and Measurement for an X-Ray Polarimeter; Sequential Probability Ratio Test for Spacecraft Collision Avoidance Maneuver Decisions; Silicon/Carbon Nanotube Photocathode for Splitting Water; Advanced Materials and Fabrication Techniques for the Orion Attitude Control Motor; Flight Hardware Packaging Design for Stringent EMC Radiated Emission Requirements; RF Reference Switch for Spaceflight Radiometer Calibration; An Offload NIC for NASA, NLR, and Grid Computing; Multi-Scale CNT-Based Reinforcing Polymer Matrix Composites for Lightweight Structures; Ceramic Adhesive and Methods for On-Orbit Repair of Re-Entry Vehicles; Self-Healing Nanocomposites for Reusable Composite Cryotanks; Pt-Ni and Pt-Co Catalyst Synthesis Route for Fuel Cell Applications; Aerogel-Based Multilayer Insulation with Micrometeoroid Protection; Manufacturing of Nanocomposite Carbon Fibers and Composite Cylinders; Optimized Radiator Geometries for Hot Lunar Thermal Environments; A Mission Concept: Re-Entry Hopper-Aero-Space-Craft System on-Mars (REARM-Mars); New Class of Flow Batteries for Terrestrial and Aerospace Energy Storage Applications; Reliability of CCGA 1152 and CCGA 1272 Interconnect Packages for Extreme Thermal Environments; Using a Blender to Assess the Microbial Density of Encapsulated Organisms; Mixed Integer Programming and Heuristic Scheduling for Space Communication; Video Altimeter and Obstruction Detector for an Aircraft; Control Software for Piezo Stepping Actuators; Galactic Cosmic Ray Event-Based Risk Model (GERM) Code; Sasquatch Footprint Tool; and Multi-User Space Link Extension (SLE) System.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2023

Clean Hydrogen Production R&D at NREL

Comprehensive, concerted efforts supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) are advancing research and development to demonstrate clean hydrogen production and industrial decarbonization pathways. These pathways enable an economically competitive and environmentally beneficial future energy system across sectors and can address specific applications that are difficult to decarbonize. NREL's research accelerates development, integration, and scale up of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to enable widespread deployment across multiple energy sectors. Our work helps industry overcome technical challenges and supports DOE's H2@Scale vision for clean hydrogen across multiple applications and economic sectors. We also bridge technologies with other research areas across the lab and through multiple DOE and national lab research initiatives, consortia, and collaborations including: H2NEW: Hydrogen from Next-generation Electrolyzers of Water Consortium, HydroGEN: Advanced Water Splitting Materials Consortium, H2@Scale CRADA, and helping de-risk the hydrogen systems via large-scale validation and demonstration.

clean hydrogen↗
DOE OSTI2023

Clean Hydrogen Production R&D

Comprehensive, concerted efforts supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) are advancing research and development to demonstrate clean hydrogen production and industrial decarbonization pathways. These pathways enable an economically competitive and environmentally beneficial future energy system across sectors and can address specific applications that are difficult to decarbonize. NREL's research accelerates development, integration, and scale up of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to enable widespread deployment across multiple energy sectors. Our work helps industry overcome technical challenges and supports DOE's H2@Scale vision for clean hydrogen across multiple applications and economic sectors. We also bridge technologies with other research areas across the lab and through multiple DOE and national lab research initiatives, consortia, and collaborations including: H2NEW: Hydrogen from Next-generation Electrolyzers of Water Consortium, HydroGEN: Advanced Water Splitting Materials Consortium, and BioH2. Within the plenary panel called: From the Classroom to the Lab to the Board Room, I will represent the Lab in this panel and will be talking about hydrogen technology at NREL, the lab's role in bridging university research with industry commercialization. I will also talk about my personal career path and what it's like to work at NREL, along with work force development and DEIA programs at NREL.

BIL↗
DOE OSTI2023

Foundational Low-Carbon Hydrogen Research

HydroGEN is a multi-lab consortium focused on early-stage R&D in H2 production, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO). The consortium advances research and development (R&D) of innovative materials for advanced water splitting (AWS) technologies to enable clean, sustainable and low-cost ($1/kg H2) hydrogen production and fosters cross-cutting innovation using theory-guided applied materials R&D to advance all emerging water-splitting pathways for hydrogen production. HydroGEN is focused on low technology readiness level AWS technologies, including low- (alkaline exchanged membrane electrolysis) and high-temperature electrolysis (proton-conducting solid oxide electrolysis), photoelectrochecmical (PEC) and solar thermochemical (STCH) water splitting. This presentation will provide an overview of the HydroGEN EMN, its relationship to the H2NEW consortium, technical highlights of a few lab-led R&D projects, and the community appproach to benchmarking and protocol development for advanced water splitting technologies. Low-carbon hydrogen plays a vital role in the carbon dioxide utilization and decarbonization of several chemical and fuel industries.

advanced water splitting materials AEM↗
DOE OSTI2023

HydroGEN and H2NEW Data Hub

HydroGEN is a multi-lab consortium focused on early-stage R&D in H2 production, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO). The consortium advances research and development (R&D) of innovative materials for advanced water splitting (AWS) technologies to enable clean, sustainable and low-cost ($1/kg H2) hydrogen production and fosters cross-cutting innovation using theory-guided applied materials R&D to advance all emerging water-splitting pathways for hydrogen production. Hydrogen from Next-generation Electrolyzers of Water (H2NEW) is a consortium of nine U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories focused on making large-scale electrolyzers, which produce hydrogen from electricity and water, more durable, efficient, and affordable. The presentation introduces the HydroGEN data hub to the H2NEW consortium and encourages H2NEW members to use it to store and share data with team members and eventually the public. The two consortia share this data hub.

advanced water splitting technologies↗
DOE OSTI2021

A New Generation of Innovation

This presentation discussed how the consortium approach can help advance all early-stage water splitting technologies and enable a new generation of innovation. Presented during the Advanced Pathways Breakout Panel Session at the DOE Hydrogen Shot Summit, September 1, 2021.

advanced water splitting materials↗
DOE OSTI2023

Novel Chalcopyrites for Advanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

With the support of DoE’s EERE office, our team has established a unique tool-chest of capabilities, including theoretical modeling (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: LLNL), state-of-the-art synthesis (Hawaii Natural Energy Institute: HNEI, Stanford, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory: NREL) and advanced materials and interfaces characterization (University of Nevada, Las Vegas: UNLV, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: LBNL), to accelerate the development of high efficiency and durable chalcopyrite materials for advanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Using this synergistic approach, we have successfully created new wide bandgap chalcopyrite photocathodes generating over 10 mA/cm 2 , developed innovative strategies to protect them from corrosion, and engineered novel integration methods to circumvent thin film materials mechanical, chemical and thermal incompatibility. In Task 1 “Modeling and synthesis of chalcopyrite photocathodes”, we expanded our library of wide bandgap chalcopyrites for PEC water splitting. With support from LLNL’s “Computational Materials Diagnostics and Optimization of PEC Devices”, LBNL’s “photophysical” and NREL’s “I-III-VI Compound Semiconductors for Water-Splitting” nodes, we investigated two new chalcopyrite candidates for PEC water splitting: Cu(In,Al)Se 2 and Cu(In,B)Se 2 . We also further developed ordered vacancy compounds, such as CuGa 3 Se 5 , with unprecedented durability during PEC waters splitting in acidic solutions. In Task 2 “Interfaces engineering for enhanced efficiency and durability”, we addressed both the non-ideal band-edge positions of chalcopyrites with respect to water redox potentials, as well as their chemical instability under PEC water splitting, with a buried-junctions approach. With help from NREL’s “High-Throughput Experimental Thin Film Combinatorial Capabilities” and “Corrosion Analysis of Materials” nodes, we engineered environmentally friendly n-type buffers, including Mn x Zn 1-x O, to adjust the chalcopyrite band-edge positions and achieved photovoltages as high as 925 mV. Also, we integrated non-precious catalytic-protecting layers, such as WO 3 , to enhance the water splitting long-term stability of chalcopyrite absorbers. Finally, in Task 3 “Hybrid photoelectrode device integration”, we proposed an innovative method to bond wide bandgap photocathodes onto narrow bandgap PV drivers at room temperature using conductive polymers. Our semi-monolithic approach addressed fundamental processing incompatibility issues, as both the photocathode and the PV driver are processed separately. Proof-of-concept whole-chalcopyrite tandems were obtained by consecutive exfoliation and transfer of fully integrated 1.85 eV CuGa 3 Se 5 and 1.13 eV CuInGaSe 2 stacks from their Mo/SLG substrates onto a new single FTO host substrate.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enhancing electrocatalytic performance of RuO 2 -based catalysts: mechanistic insights, strategic approaches, and recent advances

Abstract Electrochemical water splitting presents the ultimate potential of hydrogen and oxygen production; however, regulating the rate and efficiency of water splitting is highly dependent on the accessibility of extremely efficient electrode materials for slow performance kinetics and large overpotential of both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Ruthenium oxide (RuO 2 ) based materials display high performance for OER and HER because of their capacity to bind oxygen, eminent catalytic activity, low cost compared to other precious metals, and stability in a wide pH range. However, there is still much space to promote the OER and HER activity and stability of RuO 2 to fulfill the necessity for practical applications in water splitting. Different researchers applied multiple approaches that boosted the catalytic performance of RuO 2 -based electrocatalysts toward overall water splitting. Herein, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in RuO 2 -based materials in the field of water electrolysis for the generation of alternative energies. It gives a general description of water splitting in acidic and alkaline settings, including reaction mechanisms as well as common evaluation elements for the catalytic function of the materials. Most of the reviews reported based on RuO 2 materials are only focused on OER performance, but this review highlighted comprehensive ideas on different strategies like morphology design, electronic structure, electrolytes, and compositions for optimizing both electrocatalytic HER and OER functioning of RuO 2 -based electrocatalysts.

KC, Binod Raj (ORCID:0009000885806906)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mixed Ionic Electronic Conducting Quaternary Perovskites: Materials by Design for Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen

The innovative research conducted by Arizona State University and Princeton University in the project "Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conducting Quaternary Perovskites: Materials by Design for Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen" marks a significant stride forward in thermochemical water splitting. Through an intricate blend of computational design and experimental validation, the project delved into the promising potential of Mixed Ionic Electronic Conducting (MIEC) perovskites. These complex materials, characterized by their unique redox-active nature and adaptability in stoichiometry, present a promising frontier for efficient solar thermochemical hydrogen production. Firstly, the research enhanced the science by utilizing state-of-the-art computational methodologies to unravel the nuanced chemical potentials of MIEC perovskites. By simulating various off-stoichiometric scenarios and redox conditions, the team was able to predict material behaviors under diverse environmental conditions, a feat unachievable through conventional experimental methodologies alone. This approach not only fast-tracks the material screening process, significantly reducing the time from laboratory re-search to practical application, but also uncovers trends and correlations that are pivotal for future materials innovation. Regarding technical effectiveness, the project stands out in its economic feasibility. Traditional methods of materials discovery are often marred by high costs and extensive timeframes, owing to the iterative nature of experimental processes. However, by employing theoretical computations and validating these findings with targeted experiments, the project introduced a cost-effective paradigm for materials discovery and the first ever prediction, synthesis, and preliminary validation of a material solely from computational and theoretical considerations. This synergy between computation and experimentation expedites the discovery of optimal materials conducive to high-efficiency solar-to-hydrogen conversion processes. Furthermore, the public stands to benefit substantially from this research. The success of MIEC perovskites in solar thermochemical applications heralds a shift towards lower cost and lower electricity input for clean hydrogen production, hence potentially impacting climate and energy resilience. By improving the efficiency of solar-to-hydrogen conversions, the research paves the way for reduced dependency on fossil fuels, addressing the urgent global need for accessible and renewable energy sources. Moreover, the project's advancements contribute to scientific literacy in renewable energy technologies, empowering society through knowledge and spurring future innovations. In essence, this research project demonstrates significant progress in the realm of advanced water splitting through solar thermochemistry. Through its groundbreaking approaches in computational materials science and its implications for real-world applications, it holds the promise of a cleaner, more energy-resilient future.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Proton-Conducting Ceramic Electrolyzers for High-Temperature Water Splitting

This project is centered on an exciting new class of proton-conducting ceramic materials that are emerging from the laboratory to play important roles in the commercial sector. While proton-conducting ceramics have been studied since the early 1980s, the unique properties of these materials are only now being harnessed to address societal challenges. The objective of this project is to develop advanced high-temperature water splitting (HTWS) systems for production of hydrogen at a cost less than $2 / kg H2. The specific objectives include development of efficient and durable electrolytic cells and stacks using innovative proton-conducting ceramic materials and operating at a temperature ≥ 500°C. The technical performance targets for the electrolysis stack include: specific resistance of ≤ 0.30 Ω cm 2 , stack electrical efficiency > 95% LHV H2 with current density > 1 A / cm 2 , and a projected stack lifetime of ≥ 7 years. In this program, FuelCell Energy (FCE) teamed with Colorado School of Mines (CSM) to deliver a novel protonic-ceramic electrolysis cell (PCEC) stack capable of producing over 1 kg H2 / day. These targets were demonstrated in an HTWS stack with a capacity for producing ≥1 kg H2 / day.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electrically enhanced thermochemical cycles for hydrogen generation

In two-step metal-oxide (MO) solar thermochemical cycles, high temperature solar thermal energy is first converted to chemical energy in the form of a reduced MO. The reduced MO is then reoxidized in a second step with steam (or carbon dioxide) to produce hydrogen (or carbon monoxide) at a lower temperature. Solar thermochemical cycles of this type circumvent heat-to-electrical conversion required for electrochemical water splitting and promise high efficiencies. However, significant challenges remain to implementation. Ultra-high temperatures and efficiency-sapping low per-cycle conversion stand out as particularly difficult hurdles. Hybrid approaches utilizing both thermal and electrical energy provide some of the advantages of each, and can facilitate lower temperature operation and offer better per-pass utilization than thermochemical alone. However, early concepts for implementing the thermo-electrochemical approach introduced substantial new challenges including difficult separations, corrosive environments, and energy losses from large temperature swings and phase changes. We are currently investigating two different options for implementation. In the first, a MO that reduces at lower temperature is selected. As the reduced MO lacks the full thermodynamic driving force to effectively split water, the reaction is driven forward by an electrically-assisted proton-conducting membrane that separates and recovers hydrogen as it is produced. This approach produces a pure hydrogen stream, is mechanically simple, and has unique thermodynamic advantages. The second option seeks to more directly couple the electrical boost to the solid MO to drive either the reduction or oxidation step, or both, through the utilization of layered MO materials and advanced reactors. This approach could be applied to both water and carbon dioxide splitting. The results of process modeling and optimization will be presented, and progress towards demonstrating the concepts at the laboratory scale will be discussed.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Synchrotron-based techniques for characterizing STCH water-splitting materials

Understanding the role of oxygen vacancy–induced atomic and electronic structural changes to complex metal oxides during water-splitting processes is paramount to advancing the field of solar thermochemical hydrogen production (STCH). The formulation and confirmation of a mechanism for these types of chemical reactions necessitate a multifaceted experimental approach, featuring advanced structural characterization methods. Synchrotron X-ray techniques are essential to the rapidly advancing field of STCH in part due to properties such as high brilliance, high coherence, and variable energy that provide sensitivity, resolution, and rapid data acquisition times required for the characterization of complex metal oxides during water-splitting cycles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is commonly used for determining the structures and phase purity of new materials synthesized by solid-state techniques and monitoring the structural integrity of oxides during water-splitting processes (e.g., oxygen vacancy–induced lattice expansion). X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is an element-specific technique and is sensitive to local atomic and electronic changes encountered around metal coordination centers during redox. While in operando measurements are desirable, the experimental conditions required for such measurements (high temperatures, controlled oxygen partial pressures, and H 2 O) practically necessitate in situ measurements that do not meet all operating conditions or ex situ measurements. Here, we highlight the application of synchrotron X-ray scattering and spectroscopic techniques using both in situ and ex situ measurements, emphasizing the advantages and limitations of each method as they relate to water-splitting processes. The best practices are discussed for preparing quenched states of reduction and performing synchrotron measurements, which focus on XRD and XAS at soft (e.g., oxygen K-edge, transition metal L-edges, and lanthanide M-edges) and hard (e.g., transition metal K-edges and lanthanide L-edges) X-ray energies. The X-ray absorption spectra of these complex oxides are a convolution of multiple contributions with accurate interpretation being contingent on computational methods. The state-of-the-art methods are discussed that enable peak positions and intensities to be related to material electronic and structural properties. Through careful experimental design, these studies can elucidate complex structure–property relationships as they pertain to nonstoichiometric water splitting. A survey of modern approaches for the evaluation of water-splitting materials at synchrotron sources under various experimental conditions is provided, and available software for data analysis is discussed.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advancing Photo(Electro)Chemical Water Splitting: The Promise of Atomically Dispersed Single‐, Dual‐, and Alloy‐Site Catalysts

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have rapidly gained prominence as an emerging class of electrocatalysts for water splitting, owing to their uniform and precisely defined active sites. By maintaining uniform reaction pathways, SACs minimize the formation of unwanted byproducts, thus exhibiting extremely high selectivity and atomic efficiency. A key determinant of SAC performance lies in the interfacial interaction between the isolated metal atoms and the supporting material under strong metal–support coordination, which is vital for maintaining long-term activity. However, despite these benefits, reproducibly synthesizing SACs with high metal loadings while retaining uniform dispersion remains a significant challenge. To address the intrinsic challenges of SACs, recent research has expanded into dual-atom catalysts (DACs) and single-atom alloy catalysts (SAACs), providing synergistic active sites and combining the benefits of SACs with bimetallic systems. Furthermore, this review systematically explores the latest advancements in synthesis methods and innovations for SACs for electrochemical water splitting. Additionally, it examines the evolution of catalyst design, emphasizing the unique structural and electronic characteristics of single-site, dual-site, and alloyed SAC systems and highlighting their critical roles in accelerating water-splitting reaction kinetics as well as the prevailing challenges and outlining promising directions for advancing hydrogen production via water electrolysis.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Amorphous electrocatalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions: Advances in hydrogen production

The electrochemical splitting of water into oxygen and hydrogen is fundamental for renewable energy storage and conversion. The development of cost-effective and highly efficient electrocatalysts remains essential for industrial-scale implementation of this technology. Recent advances have highlighted the superior activity, stability and structural adaptability of amorphous electrocatalysts compared to their crystalline counterparts. This review critically examines synthesis strategies, characterisation techniques, and the electrochemical performance of amorphous materials for both oxygen evolution (OER) and hydrogen evolution (HER) reactions. Key factors influencing catalytic efficiency, including electronic structure and surface chemistry, are discussed in detail and contextualised with established literature. The review also highlights the critical role of enthalpic contributions in governing reaction energetics and catalyst performance, which aids in understanding and optimising electrocatalytic efficiency. Notably, ongoing research continues to reveal that amorphous catalysts consistently deliver improved performance in water-splitting applications, highlighting their growing relevance in electrocatalysis. The rationale for employing amorphous catalysts in water splitting is articulated, emphasising their unique advantages. By integrating recent findings and outlining future research directions, this review underscores the pivotal role of amorphous materials in advancing sustainable hydrogen production and identifies promising avenues for catalyst innovation.

Amorphous catalysts↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modular SOEC System for Efficient H 2 Production at High Current Density

The overall objective of the project was to demonstrate the potential of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) systems to produce hydrogen at a cost of $\$$2.00/kg H 2 or less (excluding delivery, compression, storage, and dispensing). An additional objective of the project was to enhance Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) stack endurance and impart subsystem robustness for operation on load profiles compatible with intermittent renewable energy sources. The project was designed to achieve the overall objectives through a multi-disciplinary approach that included SOEC stack and materials development, systems development and optimization, techno-economic analyses, and ultimately the demonstration of a > 4 kg H 2 /day SOEC system. The scope of work included research and development efforts to develop an advanced, high temperature, water splitting (HTWS) system with superior performance and durability relative to the current state-of-the-art. In support of the aforementioned goals, the project activities included: 1) Develop and test cell materials with improved endurance at high current densities; 2) Design and fabricate a >4 kg H 2 /day SOEC stack optimized for high efficiency operation in the range of 1 - 2 A/cm 2 ; 3) Perform stack testing under simulated system conditions; 4) Perform systems analysis including configuration and parametric studies, to maximize SOEC system efficiency and minimize H 2 production costs; 5) Develop the conceptual design of a >4 kg H 2 /day thermally self-sustaining SOEC demonstration system including stack module and balance of plant (BoP).

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Forum on Materials and Interfaces for Energy Storage and Conversion

This ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces forum on energy storage and conversion contains the topics of research discoveries to advance energy technology development. The topics are focused on the efficient and sustainable use of energy in the fields of fuel cells, CO 2 conversion, water splitting, batteries, and electrochemical capacitor. This forum highlights recent achievements in these emerging technologies through the design and evaluation of novel materials and devices and theoretical study. Additionally, this forum also showcases the technology at all stages of development from “embryonic” conception to industrial adaptation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Formation of Ba 3 Nb 0.75 Mn 2.25 O 9 -6H during thermochemical reduction of Ba 4 NbMn 3 O 12 -12R

The resurgence of interest in hydrogen-related technologies has stimulated new studies aimed at advancing lesser-developed water-splitting processes, such as solar thermochemical hydrogen production (STCH). Progress in STCH has been largely hindered by a lack of new materials able to efficiently split water at a rate comparable to ceria under identical experimental conditions. BaCe 0.25 Mn 0.75 O 3 (BCM) recently demonstrated enhanced hydrogen production over ceria and has the potential to further our understanding of two-step thermochemical cycles. A significant feature of the 12R hexagonal perovskite structure of BCM is the tendency to, in part, form a 6H polytype at high temperatures and reducing environments ( i.e. , during the first step of the thermochemical cycle), which may serve to mitigate degradation of the complex oxide. An analogous compound, namely BaNb 0.25 Mn 0.75 O 3 (BNM) with a 12R structure was synthesized and displays nearly complete conversion to the 6H structure under identical reaction conditions as BCM. The structure of the BNM-6H polytype was determined from Rietveld refinement of synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data and is presented within the context of the previously established BCM-6H structure.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Conceptual Design of a Water Tank Critical Facility for SPARC

Critical experiments, sometimes referred to zero-power reactors, are crucial tools in developing and validating nuclear physics predictions and thus an indispensable capability to ensure criticality safety during all parts of the nuclear fuel cycle and in reducing uncertainties in reactor physics predictions toward optimizing nuclear energy production. The System Physics Advanced Reactor Facility (SPARC) project was recently initiated to enable large-scale criticality experiments using a horizontal split table machine well suited toward solid core materials systems (fuel, moderator, reflector). The facility selected for this mission was a former pool-type research reactor building and thus also well suited toward a second critical experiment capability able to house full-size light-water reactor (LWR) fuel bundles. A conceptual design study was undertaken to review past water tank critical experiments used for LWR physics experiments and to develop an early engineering design for a new critical assembly tank (CAT). The work described here shows that a relatively simple CAT concept can be constructed and deployed in the SPARC facility to meet the urgent demands for new critical experiments on advanced LWR fuel bundles designs. The SPARC facility layout is conducive to the receipt and upending of LWR fuel bundles using existing containers and equipment from the LWR industry. The facility’s overhead crane can then be used to handle fuel bundles and place them in a vertical storage rack or in the CAT for critical experiments, both of which fit within the building’s “open basement” alongside other equipment planned for SPARC and the horizontal split table. A slightly lower area in the basement can serve as a large drain tank so that fail-safe valves drain the CAT reactor tank for safe shutdown. Neutronic configurations were determined where a 3 × 3 array of fuel bundles can be surrounded by full-length “loose rods” to adjust reactivity so that critical is achieved when the bundles are fully submerged. Viable configurations were determined for both pressurized- and boiling-water-reactor-type fuel bundles. This design concept was used to develop an early planning basis for establishing the CAT capability alongside the otherwise planned SPARC project in order to help streamline the process. Recent presidential executive orders have highlighted the need to achieve power uprates in LWR plants and the CAT capability will be a crucial element of these initiatives. Based on the work described herein, it is recommended that an earnest and timely project begin in order to establish this urgently needed capability.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗