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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 415 records · Page 23

High Fidelity Modeling of Ionic Conduction in Solids

TlBr has the properties to become the leading radiation detection semiconductor. It has not yet been deployed due to a short lifetime of only hours to weeks. While the rapid structural deteriorations must come from ionic conduction under operating electrical fields, detailed aging mechanisms have not been understood. As a result, progress to extend lifetime has been limited despite extensive studies in the past. We have developed new atomistic simulation capabilities to enable study of ionic conduction under electrical fields. Our combined simulations and experiments indicate that dislocations in TlBr climb under electrical fields. This climb is the root cause for structural deterioration. Hence, we discovered new strengthening methods to reduce aging. Our new atomistic simulation approach can have broader impact on other Sandia programs including battery research. Our project results in 4 publications, a new invention, new LAMMPS capabilities, solution to mission relevant materials, and numerous presentations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Field Validation of a Building Operating System Platform

The U.S General Services Administration's (GSA's) Green Proving Ground program, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. completed a large pilot study of an Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) with Automated System Optimization (ASO). Four test bed facilities, each with different building characteristics and systems, were chosen for the implementation of cloud-based EMIS with ASO. Depending on functionality, this tool can be extremely effective in energy management and energy optimization in buildings. The capabilities evaluated in the pilot ranged from energy savings and energy consumption predictions to evaluations of user acceptance, operability, and ease of installation. This report presents the methodology, lessons learned and best practices, and deployment recommendations for the GSA's portfolio of commercial office space, comprising more than 8,500 properties.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Introducing the 9500 Node Distribution Test System to Support Advanced Power Applications: An Operations-Focused Approach

The 9500 Node Test System is a representative section of distribution power system model developed as a part of the GridAPPS-D™ project, an effort funded by DOE as a part of the Grid Modernization Lab Consortium (GMLC) program. The test system was developed to fulfill a growing need to represent the rapidly evolving state of electric distribution systems by combining elements of legacy infrastructure systems, modern feeder topologies, and an anticipated future with smart grid technologies. It also provides a network model capable of supporting the simulation of operational scenarios such as the ones in a utility distribution control center. This test system allows the evaluation of the performance of advanced power applications in real-time, such as one that simulates the operations of an Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), etc. in a Distribution control center. This model is an extension of the widely used IEEE 8500 Node Test Feeder and is currently being validated to become an IEEE test case to help increase adoption and widespread usage among both academia and industry. It is a full-size model representative of a section of a utility’s distribution system with multiple feeders fed from different substations. The model includes multiple distribution circuits, a sub-transmission system, multiple substations, behind the meter customer rooftop photovoltaics (PV), and multiple utility-scale distributed energy resources. To enable accurate simulations of operational scenarios, the 9500 Node Test System is designed to support procedure-based operations, with the ability to realistically demonstrate switching operations, feeder reconfiguration, adjustment of volt-var control equipment, dispatch of distributed generation, and response to planned and unplanned outages. The 9500 Node Test System includes three radial distribution feeders with 12.3 MVA of average load, consisting of both medium voltage and low voltage equipment each supplied by a different distribution substation. The three distribution feeders are connected to each other through Normally-Open switches which can be closed when needed to simulate restoration scenarios due to a fault. One feeder represents today’s grid with low penetration of customer-side renewables. The second represents a potential future grid with microgrids and 100% renewable penetration. The third has no customer generation resources, a district steam plant, and a utility-scale solar farm. The three diverse circuits were created to allow the simulation of both today’s situation as well as potential future scenarios. All three feeders have customers connected by low-voltage secondary triplex lines. This test system meets all requirements outlined in the report for creating a simulation environment that would enable discussion between key technical stakeholders as well as having the potential to accelerate operational application development and their subsequent testing and integration. The new model is a possible representation of what we believe the distribution grid may look like in the future: a high penetration of renewables, reconfigurable radial and mesh topology, numerous DERs, islanded microgrids, and significantly increased data and measurement density. The system supports both the solution of existing and newer algorithms but also enables the evaluation of applications in a realistic operational environment defined by task oriented procedural steps that represent the interaction between the control center operator and field personnel.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Support of domain decomposition-based solvers in Chroma

In multilevel integration, the correlation functions are decomposed into factors that depend only on fields localized into lattice subdomains so that they can be independently integrated. Although the standard formulation of the LQCD action is not local in the presence of fermions, past studies have shown approximations of the quark propagator and the fermionic determinant dependent on the gauge fields within specific subdomains can still be effective. We will present our current progress in supporting domain decomposition within Chroma, which is necessary for multilevel integration approaches. The efforts are focused on extending the code base to efficiently manipulate subdomains for lattice fields and operators and performing inversions and eigendecompositions within domains.

Alcalde, Eloy Romero↗

Domain decomposition efforts in Chroma

Multilevel integration is a technique used in lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD) simulations, where the correlation functions are decomposed into factors that depend only on fields localized within specific lattice subdomains. The approach significantly improves the efficiency of the calculations because the factors can be independently integrated. The main challenge in implementing multilevel integration is that the standard formulation of the LQCD action is not local in the presence of fermions. However, past studies have shown that approximations of the quark propagator and the fermionic determinant, which depend on the gauge fields within specific subdomains, can still be effective. We will present the current progress in supporting domain decomposition within the Chroma software, which is necessary for implementing multilevel integration approaches. Most of the efforts have focused on extending the Chroma code base to efficiently manipulate subdomains for lattice fields and operators, as well as performing inversions and eigendecompositions within these domains.

Alcalde, Eloy Romero↗

Impacts of Small-Scale Heterogeneity on Large-Scale Subsurface Flow

Discussion of NETL's CT scanning and core characterization capabilities, followed by a rapid review of several recent publications that utilize these capabilities to answer reservoir questions at the micro scale with relevance to field scale operations.

core characterization↗

Modeling Subsurface Performance of a Geothermal Reservoir Using Machine Learning

Geothermal power plants typically show decreasing heat and power production rates over time. Mitigation strategies include optimizing the management of existing wells—increasing or decreasing the fluid flow rates across the wells—and drilling new wells at appropriate locations. The latter is expensive, time-consuming, and subject to many engineering constraints, but the former is a viable mechanism for periodic adjustment of the available fluid allocations. In this study, we describe a new approach combining reservoir modeling and machine learning to produce models that enable such a strategy. Our computational approach allows us, first, to translate sets of potential flow rates for the active wells into reservoir-wide estimates of produced energy, and second, to find optimal flow allocations among the studied sets. In our computational experiments, we utilize collections of simulations for a specific reservoir (which capture subsurface characterization and realize history matching) along with machine learning models that predict temperature and pressure timeseries for production wells. We evaluate this approach using an “open-source” reservoir we have constructed that captures many of the characteristics of Brady Hot Springs, a commercially operational geothermal field in Nevada, USA. Selected results from a reservoir model of Brady Hot Springs itself are presented to show successful application to an existing system. In both cases, energy predictions prove to be highly accurate: all observed prediction errors do not exceed 3.68% for temperatures and 4.75% for pressures. In a cumulative energy estimation, we observe prediction errors that are less than 4.04%. A typical reservoir simulation for Brady Hot Springs completes in approximately 4 h, whereas our machine learning models yield accurate 20-year predictions for temperatures, pressures, and produced energy in 0.9 s. This paper aims to demonstrate how the models and techniques from our study can be applied to achieve rapid exploration of controlled parameters and optimization of other geothermal reservoirs.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

An Innovative Carbonate Fuel Cell Matrix, Abstract #188

The electrolyte matrix in direct carbonate fuel cell (DFC) is a microporous ceramic structure sandwiched between the electrodes to isolate the fuel from the oxidant, store electrolyte and facilitate ionic transport. FCE has advanced DFC electrolyte matrix over the years and demonstrated that the matrix meets the requirements for greater than 5 year life based on accelerated tests and field stack operations. However, development of advanced designs and materials that can further increase the performance and extend cell life will enable accelerated MCFC deployment. This paper will report the progress on the development of an unique and innovative matrix design that offers numerous benefits to the carbonate fuel cell performance and durability. In addition, this paper will also review parameters that affect matrix material stability and approaches to extend cell life.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Transportation Deployment; NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

Automakers, commercial fleet operators, component manufacturers, and government agencies all turn to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to help put more green vehicles on the road. The lab’s independent analysis and evaluation pinpoint fuel-efficient and low-emission strategies to support economic and operational goals, while breaking down barriers to widespread adoption. Customized assessment of existing equipment and practices, energy-saving alternatives, operational considerations, and marketplace realities factor in the multitude of variables needed to ensure meaningful performance, financial, and environmental benefits. NREL provides integrated, unbiased, 360-degree sustainable transportation deployment expertise encompassing alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and related infrastructure. Hands-on support comes from technical experts experienced in advanced vehicle technologies, fleet operations, and field data collection coupled with extensive modeling and analysis capabilities. The lab’s research team works closely with automakers and vehicle equipment manufacturers to test, analyze, develop, and evaluate high-performance fuel-efficient technologies that meet marketplace needs.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Low Cost Concentrated Solar Power Collector

Hyperlight’s low cost collector technology consists of a linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) configuration made predominantly of water and plastic materials. These materials and their associated field installation/deployment operations are derived from agribusiness materials and practices that have successfully withstood the test of time over decades in similar harsh environments

Mungas, Greg↗

Life Cycle Assessment for Closed-Loop Pumped Hydropower Energy Storage in the United States

The federal government has initiated an aggressive set of policies to achieve a net-zero carbon emission goal for the electricity sector by 2050. As a result, rapid growth in deployment of renewable energy technologies is expected. Most commercially mature technologies are temporally variable and do not provide grid inertia, while renewable technologies with high projected deployment have intermittent generation methods. Energy storage technologies are needed to both dispatch power on-demand and help provide the needed grid inertia. Pumped storage hydro (PSH) is a well-established technology that has gained renewed interest in recent years offering energy-balancing, grid stability, control of electrical network frequency, and large-scale storage capacity. For widespread adoption of PSH, more information is needed regarding its current life cycle environmental impacts. The objective of this study is to perform a full life cycle assessment (LCA) of new closed-loop PSH in the U.S. The functional unit for this study is 1 kWh of electrical power delivered to the grid and the base case project lifetime is 80 years. The life cycle inventory for this project accounts for all material and energy flows associated with the green-field construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of a closed-loop PSH plant in the U.S. Collected data represents a range of potential PSH specifications and geographic locations coming from all prospective closed-loop PSH installations in the U.S. with data available. In addition, existing PSH installations are used to provide assumptions for inventory inputs. Results presented will include the global warming potential (GWP IPCC 100a) and Energy Return on Investment (EROI) from our base case (average PSH installation) as well as from scenario analyses and model sensitivity. These results will be compared to the impacts from existing PSH sites and alternate storage technologies. Methods align with the assumptions and guidelines put in place by previous PSH LCAs to ensure an accurate comparison with the results from this report.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,HYDRO ENERGY↗

Characteristics of S12045(X) photon sensors for GlueX

The barrel calorimeter of the GlueX detector in Hall D at Jefferson Lab will be instrumented with 4000 large-area (1.2×1.2 cm2) silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) [1]. These photon sensors have properties similar to vacuum photomultipliers, but are unaffected by high magnetic fields. In our experiment, they will operate in magnetic fields exceeding 1\,T. After extensive tests with a variety of sensors, we chose the S12045(X) custom SiPM arrays manufactured by Hamamatsu Corporation, also known as multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs) [2]. All production units have been delivered and we have measured the photon detection efficiency (PDE), gain, dark rate, cross talk and after pulsing at three different temperatures (5, 7 and {20?C}). We will present a summary of these measurements and the plan for use of these sensors in the GlueX experiment.\\[4pt] [1] F. Barbosa {\em et al.,} NIM A695 (2012) 100.\\[0pt] [2] Y. Qiang {\em et al.,} NIM A698 (2013) 234.

Smith, E.S.↗

Modulation of Tetravalent Actinide Oxalate Morphology through Organic Compounds

Spent nuclear fuel of pressurized water reactors mainly consists of uranium, plutonium, minor actinides and fission products. The long term radiotoxicity of wastes is mainly due to plutonium and minor actinides such as neptunium, americium and curium. So, in order both to reduce the radiotoxicity of the ultimate wastes and to save uranium resources, researches for current and new generations of nuclear plants focus on the recycling of plutonium and minor actinides, to fabricate new mixed oxides nuclear fuel pellets (MOX) or transmutation targets. In this aim, production of actinide oxides is necessary. Currently, according to the Purex process, the spent fuel is dissolved in nitric acid and then valuable actinides (uranium and plutonium) are separated and purified from fission products and minor actinides in the Areva plant 'La Hague'. The resulting plutonium nitric solution is converted into a solid phase by oxalic conversion: the oxalic precipitation is followed by the calcination of the obtained oxalate into plutonium oxide. Considering either the MOX fuel or the transmutation targets fabrication from actinide oxides, the control of the particle structure and microstructure is a key factor related to the ability of oxide powder to sinter and shape as pellets. In the oxalic conversion process, the morphology of the precipitated oxalate is strongly influenced by the precipitation conditions and is kept during the calcination from oxalate into oxide. In this context, the aim of this work is to control the morphology of the final actinide oxide by changing the oxalic precipitation conditions. A lot of possibilities can be considered to modulate the morphology of actinide oxalates. Numerous parameters such as temperature, pressure, the presence of a magnetic field, the operating process (seeding, emulsions)... can modify the precipitated particles shape. Additives are also able to play a major role at the precipitation stage by means of different mechanisms involving either complexation, surface covering or structure insertion. This study focuses on this way to modify the morphology of actinides oxalates.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC SIMULATION-DRIVEN KINEMATIC MEAN FIELD MODEL OF THE SOLAR CYCLE

We construct a series of kinematic axisymmetric mean-field dynamo models operating in the {alpha}{Omega}, {alpha}{sup 2}{Omega} and {alpha}{sup 2} regimes, all using the full {alpha}-tensor extracted from a global magnetohydrodynamical simulation of solar convection producing large-scale magnetic fields undergoing solar-like cyclic polarity reversals. We also include an internal differential rotation profile produced in a purely hydrodynamical parent simulation of solar convection, and a simple meridional flow profile described by a single cell per meridional quadrant. An {alpha}{sup 2}{Omega} mean-field model, presumably closest to the mode of dynamo action characterizing the MHD simulation, produces a spatiotemporal evolution of magnetic fields that share some striking similarities with the zonally-averaged toroidal component extracted from the simulation. Comparison with {alpha}{sup 2} and {alpha}{Omega} mean-field models operating in the same parameter regimes indicates that much of the complexity observed in the spatiotemporal evolution of the large-scale magnetic field in the simulation can be traced to the turbulent electromotive force. Oscillating {alpha}{sup 2} solutions are readily produced, and show some similarities with the observed solar cycle, including a deep-seated toroidal component concentrated at low latitudes and migrating equatorward in the course of the solar cycle. Various numerical experiments performed using the mean-field models reveal that turbulent pumping plays an important role in setting the global characteristics of the magnetic cycles.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Model-based interface design for smart field-device integration

Operational complexity is ever-increasing for electric utilities that face challenges including integration of DERs, customer expectation of energy choices, the proliferation of non-utility-owned resources, new business models with energy service providers, and new technology with IT/OT convergence. To maintain and improve the quality of operations, planning, and decision-making in general, utilities need to manage and navigate the complexity. Managing complexity requires a modular, scalable, and flexible solution. Connecting large amounts of DERs and introducing new services requires increased grid control and evolving applications. In this paper, we show an approach utilizing model-based standardized interfaces that simplifies integration and deployment of new algorithms and smart field devices for interoperability across legacy or new systems. A modular design is presented for a reference implementation of widely used DNP3 and IEEE 2030.5 interfaces within an open-source, standards-based data integration platform for integration of smart field devices with independently developed, best-of-breed applications.

Model-driven development, system integration, smar↗

Nature and implication of found actual particulates on the inner surface of cavities in a full-scale cryomodule previously operated with beam

Field emission in an SRF cavity is often the result of small foreign particulates lodging on the cavity inner surface. To avoid these particulate field emitters, careful cleaning and handling of individual cavities and clean room assembly of cavity strings are common practice. Despite these elaborate processes, some particulates persist to stay on the final surface of a beam-ready cavity. Moreover, as will be shown in this contribution, new particulates accumulate after a cryomodule is placed in the accelerator tunnel. The nature of these accumulated particulates on the inner surface of a beam-accelerating cavity is largely unknown for two reasons: (1) lack of access to such surfaces; (2) lack of a workable procedure for investigation without destroying the cavity. In this contribution, we report the first study on found actual particulates on the inner surface of 5-cell CEBAF cavities in a full-scale cryomodule previously operated with beam. The nature of the studied particulates is presented. The implication of the findings will be discussed in view of reliable and efficient operation of CEBAF and future large-scale SRF accelerators.

Geng, Rongli↗