Results for “target configuration” — Page 3

DOE OSTI2024

Residential HVAC Fault Data Collection Plan – Refrigerant Undercharge and Overcharge Faults

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can develop faults due to poor installation practices or gradual wear and tear, leading to decreased HVAC system’s efficiency, compromised thermal comfort, and shortened equipment lifespan (EERE, 2018). Automated fault detection and diagnosis (AFDD) technologies offer a solution by identifying energy-wasting HVAC faults, such as inadequate indoor airflow and incorrect refrigerant charge, and guiding technicians to enhance system efficiency. In the realm of residential HVAC, AFDD can be implemented through various fault detection and diagnosis capabilities, sensor configurations, and target applications. These technologies typically fall into three categories: smart diagnostic tools, original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-embedded tools, and add-on tools. Smart diagnostic tools employ temporarily installed sensors to directly measure HVAC system characteristics, while OEM-embedded tools utilize factory-installed sensors to identify faults or assess system performance. However, both these types of AFDD technologies are often only accessible for high-end HVAC equipment or require additional sensor installation by qualified technicians, resulting in high investment costs and limited applicability for low-income residential buildings. On the other hand, add-on tools rely solely on data from smart thermostats and meters to detect faults by continuously analyzing equipment runtime or energy usage. As smart thermostat and meter costs decrease and their prevalence increases, these tools can be readily deployed in low-income residential buildings. However, they possess limited capabilities as they rely solely on basic trend analysis. Enhancing such tools with advanced machine learning algorithms can significantly improve their effectiveness.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2024

Effects of delta ray electrons on measurement uncertainties of harp system

A harp system, which is a multi-wire beam profile monitoring (MWPM) system, is planned upstream of the spallation target to make in situ calibration of beam current density configuration on the target along with beam imaging from luminescent coating on the beam entrance window at the Second Target Station (STS) of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This beam interception-based beam diagnostics system on the target will be used to ensure that the maximum beam loads on the target are within the design range during neutron production. Current design of the harp consists of three layers of measurement wires each of which is sandwiched between voltage biasing wire planes. The signal obtained from each measurement wire layer is disturbed by secondary electrons (SE) and delta rays produced by beam-matter interactions in neighboring wires and ionization of residual gases in accelerator vacuum. While the backgrounds from SE can be suppressed by voltage biasing, the delta-ray electrons with kinetic energies above keV ranges overcome the electric potential bias. In this paper, we study the effects of delta-rays on the measurement uncertainties of MWPM using the particle transport simulation code FLUKA. Furthermore, the cases where the harp system is installed in the proximity of a large delta ray sources such as proton beam window or in the core vessel filled with sub-atmospheric gas have been studied.

Lee, Yong Joong↗

DOE OSTI2023

Control systems and methods using parametric driver model

A control system of a vehicle includes: a target speed module configured to, using a parametric driver model and based on first driver parameters, second driver parameters, and vehicle parameters, determine a target vehicle speed trajectory for a future predetermined period; a driver parameters module configured to determine the first driver parameters based on conditions within a predetermined distance in front of the vehicle; and a control module configured to adjust at least one actuator of the vehicle based on the target vehicle speed trajectory and a present vehicle speed.

Hegde, Bharatkumar↗

DOE OSTI2023

Flow Induced Vibration Studies in Pressurized Helium Gas Cooling Channels

Production of metastable Technetium-99 (Tc-99m), a radioactive tracer that emits gamma rays, is vital to the medical imaging community. Tc-99m is extracted from the decay of Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) which has a half-life of about 2-3 days. The work presented in this report is part of the NNSA’s mission to produce Mo-99 commercially, within the US, without the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in support of nonproliferation and global security. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is working with NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes (NMR) on their efforts to produce Mo-99 through the irradiation of Mo-100 targets using an electron beam. The NMR target comprises a stack of approximately 60-70 Mo-100 disks with diameter 24 mm and thickness 0.74 mm held in stainless steel laminations, each separated using 0.25 mm thick stainless steel spacers. The symmetric target stack is housed in an Inconel vessel with two Inconel windows on either side. Two electron accelerators are used to produce 40 MeV, 3.16 µA electron beams each that penetrate the Inconel windows and irradiate the Mo-100 disks. Approximately 90% of the total 250 kW beam power is deposited in the NMR target during the irradiation process. During irradiation, pressurized helium gas flows through 0.25 mm thin gaps between the disks cooling the beam window, target disks, disk laminations and spacers. Both NMR and LANL have found during cold testing of the target system (no heat deposition) that the Mo-100 disks undergo significant mass loss and disk breakage due to vibrations induced by the flowing helium gas. The mass loss is not only undesirable due to monetary loss from reduced final quantities of Mo-99, but also due to the hazards associated with radioactive material trapped in the cooling lines and particle filters. The effect of flow rate and target geometry on the flow induced vibrations need to be quantified, and recommendations provided to minimize this mass loss. This work describes LANL’s experimental characterization of the flow induced vibrations and disk mass loss in a reduced scale set-up containing 10 Mo-100 disks. We use high speed imaging, displacement measurements and microphone measurements combined with signal processing to estimate the vibration frequency of each disk. The effect of disk thickness, target fit and duration of testing on the mass loss is described. We find that in the current configuration of NMR targets, the vibrations and mass loss on the first disk are minimized, while those in the adjacent disks are highest. The microphone and high-speed image data show that increased flow rates and increased duration of testing increases vibration frequency and mass loss. The mass loss is due to both disk rotation and back and forth motion. There are visible wear marks on the disks with the highest mass loss. We also note that the current NMR window gap reduces flow induced vibrations compared to the previous smaller gaps. Longer duration testing will provide more data and verification for the findings presented in this report. The work will be continued in FY 24.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Window Cooling Studies and Disk Vibration Testing on a Subset of Mo-100 Disks

Production of metastable Technetium-99 (Tc-99m), a radioactive tracer that emits gamma rays, is vital to the medical imaging community. Tc-99m is extracted from the decay of Molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) which has a half-life of about 2-3 days. The work presented in this report is part of the NNSA’s mission to produce Mo-99 commercially, within the US, without the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in support of nonproliferation and global security. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is working with NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes (NMR) on their efforts to produce Mo-99 through the irradiation of Mo-100 targets using an electron beam. The NMR target comprises a stack of approximately 60-70 Mo-100 disks with diameter 24 mm and thickness 0.74 mm held in stainless steel laminations, each separated using 0.25 mm thick stainless-steel spacers. The symmetric target stack is housed in an Inconel vessel with two Inconel windows on either side. Two electron accelerators are used to produce 40 MeV, 3.16 µA electron beams each that penetrate the Inconel windows and irradiate the Mo-100 disks. Approximately 90% of the total 250 kW beam power is deposited in the NMR target during the irradiation process, with a smaller percentage adding up to 2.2 kW of heat deposited on the Inconel window. During irradiation, pressurized helium gas flows through thin gaps between the disks cooling the beam window, target disks, disk laminations and spacers. Both NMR and LANL have found during cold testing of the target system (no heat deposition) that the Mo 100 disks undergo significant mass loss and disk breakage due to vibrations induced by the flowing helium gas. The mass loss is not only undesirable due to monetary loss from reduced final quantities of Mo-99, but also due to the hazards associated with radioactive material trapped in the cooling lines and particle filters. The effect of flow rate and target geometry on the flow induced vibrations need to be quantified, and recommendations provided to minimize this mass loss. LANL has previously also tested NMR’s Inconel beam window by heating the window, while flowing pressurized helium, using the average heat deposited on the window. However, the NMR beam is pulsed with a duty cycle of 12.5%, which introduces oscillation in temperature around the nominal 600 °C steady state value with each pulse. Available fatigue curves for Inconel are few, established for room temperature, and they are based on mechanical strain cycles not thermally induced strain as in the NMR target. The effect of pulsed beam heating on the Inconel window therefore needs to be quantified. This report details the experiments conducted to assess the factors that lead to mass loss in the NMR target disks as well as to understand the effect of a pulsed beam on NMR’s Inconel window. This work describes LANL’s experimental characterization of the flow induced vibrations and disk mass loss in a reduced scale set-up containing 5 to 10 Mo-100 disks. We use high speed imaging, displacement measurements and microphone measurements combined with signal processing to estimate the vibration frequency of each disk. The effect of disk thickness, target fit and duration of testing on the mass loss is described. We find that in the current configuration of NMR targets, the vibrations and mass loss on the first disk are minimized, while those in the adjacent disks are highest. The microphone and high-speed image data show that increased flow rates and increased duration of testing increases vibration frequency and mass loss. The mass loss is due to both disk rotation and back and forth motion. There are visible wear marks on the disks with the highest mass loss. We also note that the current NMR window gap reduces flow induced vibrations compared to the previous smaller gaps. Improved target holders significantly reduce disk mass loss to almost negligible quantities. This work finds that the larger window to first disk gap and improved target holder geometry should allow NMR to successfully conduct irradiations with minimal mass loss. The window tests were conducted to understand the effect of a pulsed beam on both the window longevity and to estimate the window temperature and displacement during pulsing. The experiments presented here were performed at significantly low power, due to the limitations of the induction heating system. The window temperature rose to approximately 73 °C with a significantly reduced power of 45 W without beam pulsing. With a 5 Hz pulse rate, 12.5% duty cycle, the window temperature remained constant at 26 °C. These experiments will be repeated with improved coil geometry and reported in upcoming journal papers.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2026

High‑performance cold‑climate heat pump using tandem compressors with and without vapor injection: Laboratory investigation and field demonstration

Cold‑climate air‑source heat pumps must maintain heating capacity and stable operation at low ambient temperatures for residential applications. This study adapts tandem single-speed compressors—proven in commercial systems —for residential CCHPs, integrating VI and validating performance across laboratory and extreme field conditions to achieve cold-climate targets. That is to achieve ≥75% of the rated heating capacity at −25.0 °C relative to 8.3 °C and heating coefficient of performance (COP) greater than 4.0 at 8.3 °C. Laboratory testing confirmed that both configurations met these targets while operating within acceptable discharge‑temperature limits. Relative to the non‑VI configuration, the VI system provided up to 15% higher heating capacity and up to 9% higher heating COP under identical conditions, yielding a 5.6–9.1% increase in heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Field tests in Ohio and Alaska, with minimum outdoor temperatures of −25.0 °C and −34.0 °C, respectively, showed stable operation, minimal supplemental heating (<3.2%), low defrost penalties, and consistent output. Tandem‑compressor architectures proves promising for cold-climate residential heating.

Hu, Yifeng [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000242875185)↗

DOE OSTI2026

Bayesian Exploration and Surrogate Emulation of Nonlinear Beam-Response Geometry in the LBNF Beamline

Next-generation long-baseline neutrino experiments aim to achieve multi-MW proton beam power while reducing accelerator-induced systematic uncertainties. At Fermilab, the LBNF beamline is designed for 1.2 MW operation with PIP-II and is upgradeable to 2.4 MW. DUNE will probe the three-flavor neutrino paradigm and search for CP violation, requiring precise neutrino-flux normalization and improved control of accelerator-related uncertainties. Within the LBNF beamline, the System for On-Axis Neutrino Detection (SAND) will constrain flux uncertainties using precision near-detector measurements, while the Muon Monitor System (MuMS) will provide beamline diagnostics sensitive to the proton beam, target, and horn configuration. However, the pion phase space relevant for DUNE depends simultaneously on many correlated parameters, including beam centroid, beam width, horn current and alignment, target position, optics shifts, and radiation-induced changes. Consequently, MuMS observables exhibit nonlinear and coupled responses that are difficult to characterize using traditional one-parameter scans. To address this challenge, we are developing a Bayesian Exploration framework coupled to physics-informed surrogate emulators trained on Geant4 beamline simulations. Gaussian-process emulators provide both fast predictions and uncertainty estimates, enabling adaptive selection of new simulation points in beam-parameter space. As an initial demonstration, we construct surrogate emulators for MuMS response observables using a verified simulation campaign spanning proton-beam steering conditions. The emulators reproduce the simulated dependence of MuMS centroid and gradient observables while providing predictive uncertainties, and serve as the foundation for future multidimensional exploration including beam width, horn current, and additional beamline parameters. This work establishes a framework for uncertainty-aware beam monitoring, adaptive simulation campaigns, and rapid beam-response inference for future DUNE operations.

Ganguly, Sudeshna [Fermilab] (ORCID:00000003163482↗

DOE OSTI2021

Investigating the relationship between radial pre-stress magnitude and ballistic projectile dwell in heavy confined ceramic targets

A series of bare silicon carbide ceramic armour disks were manufactured with high-strength steel containment to induce varying magnitudes of radial pre-stress. The induced radial stresses, ranging from 0 to 900 MPa, were measured via neutron diffraction and verified by comparison with numerical calculations. Four targets of each configuration, referred to as slip-fit, moderate pre-stress, and high pre-stress, were subject to ballistic testing with hemispherical-nose, tungsten heavy alloy long rod projectiles to determine the interface defeat transition velocity. In-situ diagnostics were unsuccessful in aiding the identification of interface defeat, necessitating a reliance on post-mortem assessment. A transition velocity of approx. 1000 m/s was identified for the unstressed target, increasing to approx. 1200 m/s for the pre-stressed configurations. No performance effect was discernible between the moderate (372 MPa) and high (899 MPa) pre-stress configurations, suggesting that an optimal performance may be achieved for lower pre-stress levels (i.e., <372 MPa). Additionally, the test results were compared with four semi-analytical predictions of interface defeat performance and good agreement was found, albeit with significant range in the model predictions.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2024

Overview of physics results from MAST upgrade towards core-pedestal-exhaust integration

Recent results from MAST Upgrade are presented, emphasising understanding the capabilities of this new device and deepening understanding of key physics issues for the operation of ITER and the design of future fusion power plants. The impact of MHD instabilities on fast ion confinement have been studied, including the first observation of fast ion losses correlated with Compressional and Global Alfvén Eigenmodes. High-performance plasma scenarios have been developed by tailoring the early plasma current ramp phase to avoid internal reconnection events, resulting in a more monotonic q profile with low central shear. The impact of m/n = 3/2, 2/1 and 1/1 modes on thermal plasma confinement and rotation profiles has been quantified, and scenarios optimised to avoid them have transiently reached values of normalised beta approaching 4.2. In pedestal and ELM physics, a maximum pedestal top temperature of ~350 eV has been achieved, exceeding the value achieved on MAST at similar heating power. Mitigation of type-I ELMs with n = 1 RMPs has been observed. Studies of plasma exhaust have concentrated on comparing conventional and Super-X divertor configurations, while X-point target, X-divertor and snowflake configurations have been developed and studied in parallel. In L-mode discharges, the separatrix density required to detach the outer divertors is approximately a factor 2 lower in the Super-X than the conventional configuration, in agreement with simulations. Detailed analysis of spectroscopy data from studies of the Super-X configuration reveal the importance of including plasma-molecule interactions and D 2 Fulcher band emission to properly quantify the rates of ionisation, plasma-molecule interactions and volumetric recombination processes governing divertor detachment. In H-mode with conventional and Super-X configurations, the outer divertors are attached in the former and detached in the latter with no impact on core or pedestal confinement.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2023

Design and Fabrication of a Temperature-Controlled Fueled Molten Salt Capsule Irradiation Experiment

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is developing a Molten salt Research Temperature-controlled Irradiation (MRTI) experimental capsule for the Neutron Radiography (NRAD) reactor. The experiment is envisaged to be versatile and able to host a variety of salt-wall material combinations. The first test is designed to contain actinide-bearing chloride salt, which previously has not been subjected to a neutron field. The main objectives of the experiment are to produce irradiated salt samples for Post Irradiation Examination (PIE), to evaluate salt behavior under irradiation, and to test in-situ sensors/instrumentation. The final design for the experiment completed in 2022, and fabrication of the experiment is underway. The salt is double encapsulated providing insulation and redundancy in the case of leakage. A gas-gap between the inner capsule and the outer container enables tuning of thermal conduction to the NRAD coolant by altering its thickness and its gas-mixture. An inert gas mixture ratio in the gas-gap ensures the configurations reached a targeted average salt temperature of 600oC, while avoiding salt freezing or exceeding material limits. A resistive heater placed within a thermowell and controls the temperature of the experiment (both when the reactor is on or off). The selected configurations can contain over 10 cm3 of fuel-bearing chloride salt, which is sufficient for the purposes of the post-irradiation examination (PIE) and provides sufficient volume for two submerged thermocouple probes to monitor salt temperature. The capsule wall material is Inconel 625, and weld qualifications for the assembly have been developed. A glove-box laser weld technique was refined as part of this process to ensure a leak-tight assembly for the salt-bearing assembly and reduce the risks of impurities permeating into the salt. This work was supported through the INL Laboratory Directed Research & Development (LDRD) Program under DOE Idaho Operations Office Contract DE-AC07-05ID14517.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2023

ENYGF 2023 - Design of Temperature-controlled Fuel-salt Irradiation Experiment

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is developing a Molten salt Research Temperature-controlled Irradiation (MRTI) experimental capsule for the Neutron Radiography (NRAD) reactor. The experiment is envisaged to be versatile and able to host a variety of salt-wall material combinations. The first test is designed to contain actinide-bearing chloride salt, which previously has not been subjected to a neutron field. The main objectives of the experiment are to produce irradiated salt samples for Post Irradiation Examination (PIE), to evaluate salt behavior under irradiation, and to test in-situ sensors/instrumentation. The final design for the experiment completed in 2022, and fabrication of the experiment is underway. The salt is double encapsulated providing insulation and redundancy in the case of leakage. A gas-gap between the inner capsule and the outer container enables tuning of thermal conduction to the NRAD coolant by altering its thickness and its gas-mixture. An inert gas mixture ratio in the gas-gap ensures the configurations reached a targeted average salt temperature of 600oC, while avoiding salt freezing or exceeding material limits. A resistive heater placed within a thermowell and controls the temperature of the experiment (both when the reactor is on or off). The selected configurations can contain over 10 cm3 of fuel-bearing chloride salt, which is sufficient for the purposes of the post-irradiation examination (PIE) and provides sufficient volume for two submerged thermocouple probes to monitor salt temperature. The capsule wall material is Inconel 625, and weld qualifications for the assembly have been developed. A glove-box laser weld technique was refined as part of this process to ensure a leak-tight assembly for the salt-bearing assembly and reduce the risks of impurities permeating into the salt. This work was supported through the INL Laboratory Directed Research & Development (LDRD) Program under DOE Idaho Operations Office Contract DE-AC07-05ID14517.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Parameter dependencies of the separatrix density in low triangularity L-mode and H-mode JET-ILW plasmas

Abstract The midplane electron separatrix density, n e,sep , in JET-ILW L-mode and H-mode low triangularity deuterium fuelled plasmas exhibits a strong explicit dependence on the averaged outer divertor target electron temperature, n e,sep ∼ T e,ot −1/2 . This dependence is reproduced by analytic reversed two point model (rev-2PM), and arises from parallel pressure balance, as well as the ratio of the power and momentum volumetric loss factors, (1 − f cooling )/(1 − f mom-loss ). Quantifying the influence of the (1 − f cooling ) and (1 − f mom-loss ) loss factors on n e,sep has been enabled by measurement estimates of these quantities from L-mode density (fueling) ramps in the outer horizontal, VH(C), and vertical target, VV, divertor configurations. Rev-2PM n e,sep estimates from the extended H-mode and more limited L-mode datasets are recovered to within ±25% of the measurements, with a scaling factor applied to account for use of T e,ot , an averaged quantity, rather than flux tube resolved target values. Both the (1 − f cooling ) and (1 − f mom-loss ) trends and recovery of n e,sep using the rev-2PM formatting are reproduced in EDGE2D-EIRENE L-mode-like and H-mode-like density scan simulations. The general lack of a divertor configuration effect in the JET-ILW n e,sep trends can be attributed to a significant influence of main chamber recycling, which has been shown in the EDGE2D-EIRENE results to moderate n e,sep with respect to changes in divertor neutral leakage imposed by changes in the divertor configuration. The unified n e,sep vs T e,ot trends can, however, be broken if large modifications to the divertor geometry (e.g. complete removal of the outer divertor baffle structure) are introduced in the model. The more pronounced high-field side high density region formation in the VH(C) configuration with reduced clearance to the separatrix does not appear to have a significant influence on the outer midplane separatrix and pedestal parameters when mapped to T e,ot , although conditions at the inner midplane could not be assessed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Characterizing secondary neutrons at BLIP for isotope production applications

Fast secondary neutrons created at the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer (BLIP) facility following proton irradiation were characterized by the foil activation technique and compared with FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations. The FLUKA-simulated neutron flux was spectrally adjusted following the maximum entropy formalism using the International Reactor Dosimetry and Fusion File (IRDFF-II), with predictions agreeing with experimental measurements to within 9 % following the adjustment procedure. Here, a multitude of degrader configurations were simulated to assess the feasibility of improving the fast (E n > 20 MeV) secondary neutron yield at the proposed neutron target position (“N-slot”). A configuration where the N-slot is closest to the proton degrader produced the highest fast neutron yield, with tungsten degraders achieving the best performance. Assuming the optimized target-degrader configuration proposed in this work, we discuss potential isotope production opportunities with secondary neutrons. In most cases the yields are in the order of several mCi.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

DOE OSTI2024

Robust training of machine learning interatomic potentials with dimensionality reduction and stratified sampling

Abstract Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) enable accurate simulations of materials at scales beyond that accessible by ab initio methods and play an increasingly important role in the study and design of materials. However, MLIPs are only as accurate and robust as the data on which they are trained. Here, we present DImensionality-Reduced Encoded Clusters with sTratified (DIRECT) sampling as an approach to select a robust training set of structures from a large and complex configuration space. By applying DIRECT sampling on the Materials Project relaxation trajectories dataset with over one million structures and 89 elements, we develop an improved materials 3-body graph network (M3GNet) universal potential that extrapolates more reliably to unseen structures. We further show that molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the M3GNet universal potential can be used instead of expensive ab initio MD to rapidly create a large configuration space for target systems. We combined this scheme with DIRECT sampling to develop a reliable moment tensor potential for titanium hydrides without the need for iterative augmentation of training structures. This work paves the way for robust high-throughput development of MLIPs across any compositional complexity.

Qi, Ji (ORCID:0000000158089931)↗

DOE OSTI2023

Energy transfer and scale dynamics in 2D and 3D laser-driven jets

We demonstrate a methodology for diagnosing the multiscale dynamics and energy transfer in complex HED flows with realistic driving and boundary conditions. The approach separates incompressible, compressible, and baropycnal contributions to energy scale-transfer and quantifies the direction of these transfers in (generalized) wavenumber space. We use this to compare the kinetic energy (KE) transfer across scales in simulations of 2D axisymmetric vs fully 3D laser-driven plasma jets. Using the FLASH code, we model a turbulent jet ablated from an aluminum cone target in the configuration outlined. We show that, in addition to its well known bias for underestimating hydrodynamic instability growth, 2D modeling suffers from significant spurious energization of the bulk flow by a turbulent upscale cascade. In 2D, this arises as vorticity and strain from instabilities near the jet's leading edge transfer KE upscale, sustaining a coherent circulation that helps propel the axisymmetric jet farther (⁠ ≈25% by 3.5 ns) and helps keep it collimated. In 3D, the coherent circulation and upscale KE transfer are absent. Here, the methodology presented here may also help with inter-model comparison and validation, including future modeling efforts to alleviate some of the 2D hydrodynamic artifacts highlighted in this study.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Heating, DPA, and He production in the Proton Beam Window Assembly for the Second Target Station

This report details the analysis of the heating rates, dpa values, and He production in the Proton Beam Window (PBW), the assembly around the PBW, and the shielding above it. Neutronics calculations use a detailed Unstructured Mesh (UM) converted from the solid CAD model of the PBW design of June 2022. The rest of the geometry is taken from the CSG master model (as of June 2022). For this analysis, a proton beam profile with a footprint of ≈90 cm 2 has been used. This proton profile was created by a Ring to Second Target magnet array configuration using octupole magnets. Maximum values in the PBW (aluminum) are 5.4 J/cc/pulse heating rate, 1.1 dpa per year, and 660 appm He-production per year. These results within ~ 10% with the previous calculations from June 2020. Average heating and dpa rates have been calculated for each component in the PBW assembly and will be used to evaluate and design the cooling needs and make decisions on removable components for the PBW. It is desirable to optimize and simplify the PBW design by only replacing components that are at the end of their lifetime. Additional analysis for the energy deposition in the PBW is performed for two super-Gaussian beam profiles with a footprint of 60 cm 2 and 30 cm 2 respectively. Also, an estimate of the PBW lifetime is performed for two realistic quadrupole beam profiles.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Quantum Computing for Energy-Related Applications

Growing interest in quantum computing and simulations have created opportunities for its deployment to improve processes pertaining to energy production, distribution, and consumption. While quantum computing is considered as a paradigm shift in our basic understanding of physical computation, effective implementation of quantum computing in energy applications also depends on progress and development in the dimensions of both quantum computing hardware and quantum computing algorithms. To fully address the status and future challenges of quantum information science (QIS) applied within the energy sector, in this presentation, we firstly summarize recent advancements on the applications of quantum computing to energy infrastructure and materials, complex energy system processes, advanced manufacturing, and energy system security. Then, we will demonstrate the results of quantum computing both on a simulator and a quantum device accessing from OLCF. Our first example is to use the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) with a unitary coupled cluster with singles and doubles (UCCSD) ansatz to simulate a series of LixHyq molecules (q=-1, 0, +1). The obtained results showed that the quantum computing VQE-UCCSD is comparable to classical CCSD for small systems like LiH with respect to full configuration interaction (FCI). Targeting on CO2 capture application, our second example is to use VQE to quantify molecular vibrational energies and reaction pathways between CO2 and a simplified amine-based solvent model—NH3 to form H2NCOOH. This research showcases quantum computing applications in the study of CO2 capture reactions.

Duan, Yuhua↗

DOE OSTI2024

Heliostats with Adjustable Shape for High Concentration throughout the Day

Our motivation is to develop more efficient heliostats that can provide commercially viable solar thermal power at temperatures > 800°C. Such high temperatures will enable high-temperature industrial processes, as well as electrical generation after sunset with high efficiency. The importance of this research is that such heliostats have the potential to substantially expand the global use of solar energy, by adding solar thermal power as a major component. Thermal solar currently accounts for only 1% of all solar power (with PV being the rest), with heliostat fields providing just 0.25%. Our goals have been 1) to demonstrate a technical improvement for heliostats that can enable fields of them to more efficiently power receivers and reactors, and 2) to show a path to low-cost mass production. Our solution uses new opto-mechanical technology to correct a fundamental deficiency of present heliostats that limits their concentration, namely that they have fixed shape. Most of today’s heliostat research does not address this, but is directed simply toward cost reduction in an effort to make heliostats commercially viable. We are motivated to explore also improving heliostat efficiency, which can be done by continually changing their shape to maximize the concentration of sunlight throughout the day. This is not a new concept, but it has never been implemented in a practical, cost-effective way that approaches the theoretical limit to concentration while also improving mechanical performance; this is our goal. Our major accomplishments have been: 1) We have realized the planned design, construction, and test of a prototype heliostat that achieves the required shape changes in an 8 m2 single-piece glass mirror. The mirror is attached to a steel support frame that is automatically mechanically twisted by the heliostat drives that orient the mirror to direct sunlight to the tower-mounted receiver. Closed-loop tracking is done using a new beamsplitter camera that exploits the target-oriented mount configuration. Field tests of the heliostat show that the light is reflected through the day to always form a disc image of the sun, as needed to obtain the highest concentration. 2) We have developed the design for a field of 431 heliostats to deliver annual average of 1 MW of thermal power at 3,000 sun concentration, matched to a high-temperature ≥ 1000°C chemical reactor. 3) We have also developed, beyond the original stated goals of the project, a new concept for closed-loop tracking and shape-sensing for all the heliostats in the above field, using just 6 cameras around the concentrated reactor focus. Our research adds to the understanding of solar thermal energy by its demonstration of the technical effectiveness of a higher performing heliostat, and by its concept for a new powerful method for real-time tracking and shape sensing in the field, as described above. We have studied the economic feasibility of fields of our twisting heliostats to provide high- temperature heat at a price competitive with that of burning gas, to satisfy the DOE’s studied zero-emissions scenario, where the gas price has to include the cost of carbon capture. The project has the potential to greatly benefit the public if it helps limit global warming by 1) reducing carbon emission from industrial heating, which is currently a major contributor to the 40-billion-ton annual increase in atmospheric CO 2 . 2) Ultimately, the technology could prove to be the least expensive method to power direct air capture of CO 2 on the very large scale needed to remove the 1 trillion-ton excess of CO 2 already in the atmosphere.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗