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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 541 records · Page 30

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DOE OSTI2023

Application of step-response lambda tuning to proportional-integral controllers in water resource recovery facilities

Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers in water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) feedback control loops are commonplace. While simple to implement, such control loops are rarely tuned optimally or systematically. Heuristic tuning approaches are commonly applied with varying degrees of success using trial-and-error, ad hoc tuning rules, or duplication of tuning values from a similar system. However, there are effective methods, such as lambda tuning, produce acceptable tuning with limited effort. These are based on the step-response method, where a manual process perturbation is used to define the relationship between the manipulated and controlled variables. Based on such an experiment, a simple process model is constructed and used to determine the controller tuning values. In this work, we used the step-response method and lambda tuning for two control systems in full-scale WRRFs. This led to responsive and stable behavior of the controlled system as defined by the absolute average error of the controlled variable to setpoint and standard deviation of the manipulated variable. Tuning of feedback control loops can be completed successfully through a systematic approach, and this work suggests that tuning tools, like lambda, should be part of all wastewater treatment control engineers' toolbox.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2021

Predicting Deformation of Parts from HP Printers due to Sintering with Modeling and Simulation (CRADA NFE-18-07363)

This work proposes to leverage Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) sintering simulation software developed at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility to 1) investigate the deformation of sintered parts and 2) to develop fast surrogate-based optimization methods for HP Inc. This includes the development of ORNL’s software on HP systems, integration and testing with HP part geometries and material properties, the development of surrogate models based on the results of the simulation, and modifications to the software based on feedback from HP. The expected impacts of this work are a drastic reduction in print costs, an increase in printer throughput, and the identification of novel, possibly exotic materials for 3D printing. This work will also decrease the time to market for HP’s print technology by decreasing the amount of resources and type dedicated to physical testing.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2025

Modernizing Accelerator Responsiveness and Controls in Operations

Accelerators increasingly use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) software and workflows for a variety of tasks, from optimization to fault detection and recovery. Efficient and sustainable application of these technologies necessitates specialized and facility-specific infrastructure commitments. Accelerator facilities also introduce unique radiation and security hazards, placing additional demands on operational infrastructure. These needs further escalate the prioritization of effective collaboration models and associated funding mechanisms and legal frameworks.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

NASA NTRS1984

Shape optimization including finite element grid adaptation

The prediction of optimal shape design for structures depends on having a sufficient level of precision in the computation of structural response. These requirements become critical in situations where the region to be designed includes stress concentrations or unilateral contact surfaces, for example. In the approach to shape optimization discussed here, a means to obtain grid adaptation is incorporated into the finite element procedures. This facility makes it possible to maintain a level of quality in the computational estimate of response that is surely adequate for the shape design problem.

Kikuchi, N.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Audits and Energy Efficiency in Support of Resilience

Presentation provides an overview of how facility energy and water efficiency audits can provide resilience benefits, how NREL's REopt Lite web tool optimizes the economic and resilience benefits of distributed energy resources, and how FEMP's Technical Resilience Navigator assesses risk to a site's critical functions and prioritizes solutions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2020

Optimization and characterization of a silicon photomultiplier-based ZnS(Ag) proton recoil fast neutron detector for nuclear fuel performance monitoring at TREAT

The restart of the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) at Idaho National Laboratory and consequent refurbishment of the Fuel Motion Monitoring System (FMMS), or Hodoscope, offers the opportunity to upgrade the detector system used for neutron imaging. Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are a viable option for updating the Hodoscope to yield improved fuel monitoring capability. The Hodoscope uses ZnS(Ag) proton recoil scintillators (PRS) that provide good gamma-ray suppression and discrimination. Previous work showed that the Hamamatsu S13360-6075CS SiPM offers the best neutron detection and gamma-ray discrimination capability with the ZnS PRS. This work optimizes a SiPM-based detector and develops a PRS prototype for testing. Specifically, possible overvoltages for use are determined by confirming steady operation over extended measurement times. In addition, various SiPM-circuit implementations are tested to optimize the detector according to desired properties, and ultimately a PRS prototype is developed with modifiable components for versatile testing. Measurements of the neutron detection efficiency and gamma-ray rejection efficiency of SiPM-based PRS detectors and a reference PMT-based detector are also carried out. Neutron detection efficiency ranges between 1-2%, and detected gamma-ray rejection efficiency is on the order of 10 -7 . In conclusion, use of a low-pass filter only or a low-pass filter and 50-ω shunt resistor is recommended for the SiPM-based detector, and both configurations demonstrate improved performance over the PMT-based detector.

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗

DOE OSTI2021

Analysis and Optimization of a Novel Hexagonal Waveguide Concentrator for Solar Thermal Applications

This paper analyzes a novel, cost-effective planar waveguide solar concentrator design that is inspired by cellular hexagonal structures in nature with the benefits of facile installation and low operation and maintenance cost. A coupled thermal and optical analysis of solar irradiation through an ideal hexagonal waveguide concentrator integrated with a linear receiver is presented, along with a cost analysis methodology, to establish the upper limit of performance. The techno-economic model, coupled with numerical optimization, is used to determine designs that maximized power density and minimized the cost of heat in the temperature range of 100–250 °C, which constitutes more than half of the industrial process heat demand. Depending on the incident solar irradiation and the application temperature, the cost of heat for the optimal design configuration ranged between 0.1–0.27 $/W and 0.075–0.18 $/W for waveguide made of ZK7 glass and polycarbonate, respectively. A techno-economic analysis showed the potential of the technology to achieve cost as low as 80 $/m2 and 61 $/m2 for waveguide made of ZK7 glass and polycarbonate material, respectively, which is less than half the cost of state-of-the-art parabolic trough concentrators. Overall, the hexagonal waveguide solar concentrator technology shows immense potential for decarbonizing the industrial process heat and thermal desalination sectors.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Tactical Analysis for Calculating Contextual Risk at Boundaries: Summary of Laboratory Directed Research & Development Effort

The Tactical Analysis for Calculating Contextual Risk at Boundaries (TACCRAB) tool is an innovative digital twin (DT) platform and automated risk algorithm designed to transform operational decision-making in structured screening environments, with an initial focus on Southern Border Land Ports of Entry (POEs). The invention provides integration points for advanced artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, and real-time data analysis to produce a comprehensive risk management tool that enables proactive, data-informed security strategies. The core inventive features of TACCRAB center on its unique risk algorithm, which dynamically calculates contextual risk by synthesizing historical data, near real-time streaming data from the checkpoints themselves, and AI-generated predictions. Unlike traditional risk assessment methods, TACCRAB utilizes a DT to provide comprehensive operational insights, allowing stakeholders to visualize, simulate, and optimize checkpoint configurations with unprecedented speed and contextual awareness. TACCRAB's key innovation lies in its ability to combine multiple complex inputs - including technology detection probabilities, resource availability, screening pathway characteristics, and threat actor behavioral patterns - into a unified risk calculation and update these inputs based on changing operational and environmental conditions. By leveraging a DT that continuously updates and learns from linked data, TACCRAB can suggest adaptive mitigation strategies that minimize risk while maintaining operational efficiency. Particularly novel is the platform's approach to decision support, which goes beyond static risk assessment. The DT provides dynamic metrics such as wait times, resource allocation effectiveness, and potential emerging threat scenarios, enabling users to view sophisticated, relevant what-if simulations and optimize checkpoint operations in near real-time. The system's architecture allows for generalized application across different screening environments, such as secure facilities, ports of entry, and soft targets, making it a versatile tool for security and operational management. The invention distinguishes itself through its comprehensive integration of predictive modeling, AI-driven pattern discovery, and user-friendly interface design. By combining these elements, TACCRAB transforms complex risk data into actionable insights, supporting decision-makers at various organizational levels - from booth agents making split-second screening decisions to checkpoint managers optimizing the day's resource allocation to strategic planners managing long-term investments.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

DOE OSTI2020

Optimized continuum x-ray emission from laser-generated plasma

We study continuum x-ray emission from hot plasma at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). We find that the x-ray yield in the multi-keV photon energy range is larger in Ti than in Ag or Au. This apparent paradox is due to Ti K-shell vacancies generated by the extraordinary energy density achieved by the NIF lasers. This is supported by direct observations of large continuum enhancement above the Ti K-series limit due to both free–bound (recombination) emission and strong Ly α (H-like) emission. Detailed calculations agree well with our measurements and support our conclusions.  X-ray emission from matter pervades the universe and plays an important role in the high-energy density (HED) regime (~10 5 J/cm 3 ). For example, the emission and absorption of x-rays controls the thermal state and evolution of stellar interiors.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Maximized Information Gain of Next Generation Pulsed Power Using Optimized Design of Z-Machine Experiments

This project develops a Bayesian optimization approach to extracting insights from Z Machine experimental data to determine if and how these insights can be used to extrapolate to a larger facility. The primary goal is to address the scientific challenge of informing how confidently experimental conditions can be predicted on a next generation facility, the design of which requires the reliable extrapolation of current high energy density technologies to regimes yet unobserved, except by costly high-fidelity computational models. Maximizing the use of presently available data and understanding how it informs future endeavors is critically important to enable transformative pulsed power and the science of extreme conditions. We explore a Bayesian optimization approach to experimental design which combines information theory, experimental data, and computational modeling to explore how information gain can be maximized.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2021

Framework for optimization of long-term, multi-period investment planning of integrated urban energy systems

In order to achieve stringent greenhouse gas emission reductions, a transition of our entire energy system from fossil to renewable resources needs to be designed. Such an energy transition brings two main challenges: most renewables generate variable electric energy, yet most demand is currently not electric (carrier mismatch) and does not always manifest at the same time as supply (temporal mismatch). Integrating multiple energy infrastructures can address both challenges by using the synergy between different energy carriers; building on existing infrastructure, while allowing a robust and flexible integration of the new. This paper proposes an optimization framework for long-term, multi-period investment planning of urban energy systems in an integrated manner. We formulate it as a mixed-integer linear program, combining a capacitated facility location with a multi-dimensional, capacitated network design problem. It includes generation and network expansion planning as well as interconnections between networks and storage infrastructure for each energy system. It can incorporate pathway effects like techno-economic developments, policy measures, and weather variations. The intended use is to support urban decision makers with long-term investment planning, though it can be tailored to fit other geographical or temporal scales. We demonstrate the model using two cases based on an average city in The Netherlands, which wants to reduce its CO 2 -emissions with 95% by 2050. In the first case, we include explicit carbon-emission constraints to study the effects of the carrier mismatch. In the second case, we implement interannual weather variations to analyze the temporal mismatch. The results give valuable insights into the energy transition design strategy for urban decision makers. They also show the future potential, as well as the computational challenges of the optimization framework.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2023

Electrochemically Grown Ultrathin Platinum Nanosheet Electrodes with Ultralow Loadings for Energy-Saving and Industrial-Level Hydrogen Evolution

Nanostructured catalyst-integrated electrodes with remarkably reduced catalyst loadings, high catalyst utilization and facile fabrication are urgently needed to enable cost-effective, green hydrogen production via proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). Herein, benefitting from a thin seeding layer, bottom-up grown ultrathin Pt nanosheets (Pt-NSs) were first deposited on thin Ti substrates for PEMECs via a fast, template- and surfactant-free electrochemical growth process at room temperature, showing highly uniform Pt surface coverage with ultralow loadings and vertically well-aligned nanosheet morphologies. Combined with an anode-only Nafion 117 catalyst-coated membrane (CCM), the Pt-NS electrode with an ultralow loading of 0.015 mg Pt cm -2 demonstrates superior cell performance to the commercial CCM (3.0 mg Pt cm -2 ), achieving 99.5% catalyst savings and more than 237-fold higher catalyst utilization. The remarkable performance with high catalyst utilization is mainly due to the vertically well-aligned ultrathin nanosheets with good surface coverage exposing abundant active sites for the electrochemical reaction. Overall, this study not only paves a new way for optimizing the catalyst uniformity and surface coverage with ultralow loadings but also provides new insights into nanostructured electrode design and facile fabrication for highly efficient and low-cost PEMECs and other energy storage/conversion devices.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2023

Fabrication and Testing of DOE Standard Canister Closure Leak Test Assembly – 24139

DOE manages over 300 types of spent nuclear fuel (SNF), many of which are located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) site. Managing this large variety of SNF for storage, transportation, and disposal poses a challenge to DOE. The Idaho Cleanup Project and INL are collaborating on the DOE SNF Road-Ready Demonstration (“Road-Ready Demonstration”), which will develop and demonstrate the designs, technology, processes, and regulatory framework for packaging DOE-managed SNF for “road-ready dry storage.” Road-ready dry storage is an SNF management concept in which SNF is packaged into dry, sealed canisters that are then placed in onsite storage in anticipation of later transport and disposition. The forward-looking goal of the Road-Ready Demonstration is to establish the foundation for a large-scale road-ready dry storage program at the INL site. In support of establishing a large-scale road-ready dry storage program at the INL site, the Road-Ready Demonstration will first package Fort St. Vrain SNF currently in dry storage at INL into several DOE Standard Canisters (DOESCs). These DOESCs will in turn be loaded into another containment similar to commercial multi-purpose canisters. This multi-purpose canister will then be compatible with a transportation or storage system, such as a storage cask for interim storage or transportation package for offsite transport. These DOESCs will remain sealed over the course of their storage, transportation, and applicable disposal functions. The closure process for the DOESC will include fuel and basket loading, welding, inspection, leak testing, and, if needed, repair. As a follow-up to previous discussions on the design of the DOE Closure Leak Test Assembly (LTA), this report describes recent fabrication and testing efforts performed at INL. DOESCs are sealed by two sequential gas tungsten arc welds, both of which are performed by remotely operated and semiautomatic welding systems. The first weld is a circumferential pipe weld that completes the assembly of the canister body and lid assembly. The second and final closure weld attaches the vent plug to the vent socket via a butt joint. After the second weld is performed, the welds are helium leak tested using an evacuated envelope technique. The LTA was designed for both remote and manual operation. This report describes the fabrication and performance testing associated with the evacuated envelope technique. INL staff designed, fabricated, and tested the LTA at INL facilities. This testing included establishing technique and system sensitivities in accordance with ASME and American National Standards Institute N14.5 requirements. Forthcoming work will cover such areas as design optimization, process and personnel qualification, and implementation in Road-Ready Demonstration operations.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2021

Optimal N Application Rates on Switchgrass for Producers and a Biorefinery

This study analyzes the effects of N fertilizer application rates on profitability of growing switchgrass and using the feedstock in a pyrolysis biorefinery facility to create a source of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply in Tennessee. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial bunchgrass native to North America with traits suitable for biofuel and co-product production. Previous chemical analysis has shown that ash content in switchgrass is related to the amount of nitrogen applied to the field, while at the biorefinery level, the percentage ash content reduces the biorefinery fuel output. To obtain optimal nitrogen (N) application rates for the switchgrass producers and the biorefinery, a two-part analysis is employed. First, a partial budgeting profitability analysis is conducted for this cropping enterprise at the farm-gate level without considering downstream implications of biomass quality, i.e., ash content. Second, the effects of higher ash content as a percentage of the feedstock on biorefinery output are analyzed. Results show farm-gate profit is maximized when N fertilizer is applied at 111 kg/ha, while as a result of increased production levels and decreased percentage ash content, biorefinery profit is maximized when N is applied at 157 kg/ha. Lower ash could lead to premium prices paid to switchgrass producers if higher quality feedstock were to be demanded as part of an integrated biofuel industry.

Robertson, Keven Alan↗

DOE OSTI2023

Study of Different Formulations for the Multiperiod Blending Problem Applied to Lithium Recovery from Produced Water

We present several formulations to solve the MPBP for the recovery of REE/CMs from produced water and propose a decomposition approach thatleverages strategies in general disjunctive programming to enhance its performance. We compare these proposed formulations/strategies via two illustrative case studies on recovering lithium from a network of produced water sources.

Ovalle, Daniel↗

DOE OSTI2023

Spectral Peak Enhancement by Combining Trusted Response Elements via Machine Learning (SPECTRE-ML) v0.8.0

SPECTRE-ML (Spectral Peak Enhancement by Combining Trusted Response Elements via Machine Learning) is a machine learning based program for finding optimal clusters of radiation detector segments (i.e., pixels or voxels) in order to improve spectral performance. It provides facilities for pre-processing and analyzing training datasets, running ML algorithms, and evaluating and visualizing outputs. SPECTRE-ML outperforms simpler ad-hoc segmentation methods such as uniform depth clusters, learning detector performance trends such as dead layers, edge effects, and gain shifts. Although extensible to arbitrary highly-segmented spectroscopic radiation detectors, SPECTRE-ML currently focuses on improving spectral performance in highly-segmented CdZnTe (CZT) detectors for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) non-destructive assay (NDA) safeguards tasks.

Vavrek, Jayson↗

DOE OSTI2024

Discovery Science and Inertial Fusion Energy Research at the Jupiter Laser Facility (Research Performance Progress Report)

The goal of this project is to provide operational support to run the Jupiter Laser Facility within the LaserNetUS network to achieve the following four objectives: • Develop new science, techniques, and platforms for discovery science and IFE research, in partnership with academia, other LaserNetUS nodes, and the greater community. • Advance the development of secondary sources of photons and particles for applications relevant to discovery science and IFE; • Serve as a testbed for new laser, optical, target, and diagnostic capabilities that will advance IFE; • Attract, train, and retain talent in high-energy-density and laser science that will be essential in furthering development of IFE, and help build new collaborations between national laboratory and academic researchers. We have accomplished our four objectives by: • Providing access to the three JLF platforms (Titan, Janus, and COMET) to LaserNetUS users after their proposals have been independently reviewed and ranked by the LaserNetUS PRP; • Providing expertise and technical capabilities to support focused science research thrusts at the facility; • Promoting and maintaining technical relationships and collaborations with other members of the LaserNetUS community to nurture and grow the discovery science and IFE workforce— especially students and early career scientists—on LaserNetUS facilities. • Augmenting JLF with specific improvements while coordinating efforts with LLNL organizations and collaborators to provide users with optimal laser, target, and diagnostic resources to help them maximize technical impact.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Impact of atmospheric turbulence on performance and loads of wind turbines: knowledge gaps and research challenges

Wind energy harvesting from the atmosphere takes place in the atmospheric boundary layer. The boundary layer shear and buoyancy create three-dimensional turbulent eddies spanning a range of scales that form a continuous forward cascade of kinetic energy to the smallest scales of motion where energy is dissipated. Large-scale atmospheric circulations modulate the boundary layer turbulence, characterized by coherence and intermittency. As wind turbines grow in size and the integrated control of both turbines and wind farms spans greater distances, the relationship between the scales of atmospheric turbulence and the design and operation of wind energy facilities has entered new territory. The boundary layer turbulence impacts both wind turbine power production and turbine loads. Optimizing wind turbine and wind farm performance requires an understanding of how turbulence affects both wind turbine efficiency and reliability. While the characteristics of atmospheric boundary layer turbulence have been observed and studied in detail over the last few decades, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the impact of turbulence on wind power resources and wind farm operations. This paper outlines the current state of turbulence research relevant to wind energy applications and points to gaps in our knowledge that need to be addressed to effectively utilize wind resources.

Kosović, Branko [Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, M↗