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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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DOE OSTI2025

Ship Motion Testing Needs Evaluation

The American Bureau of Shipping performed an evaluation of national maritime nuclear testing capabilities and determined there currently is an inability to test maritime nuclear power plants in a ship motion environment. A Ship Motion Test Facility (SMTF) is proposed to fill this gap. To inform design of this facility, this report documents an evaluation performed by a panel of technical experts that identifies key physical phenomena associated with maritime nuclear power plant operation that are important to safety and reliability and have a low state of knowledge. This evaluation concluded that all of the major test needs to understand a nuclear plant's behavior in a ship motion environment are for thermal-hydraulics related phenomena. Based on this finding, the evaluation panel concluded that the SMTF would not be required to use nuclear fuel to provide a heat source for the fluids. This would significantly decrease the cost, timeline, and complexity for this test facility to enable the advancement of maritime nuclear technology.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Characterization of a Power Electronic Grid Simulator for Wind Turbine Generator Compliance Testing

This paper presents the commissioning results and testing capabilities of a multi-megawatt power electronic grid simulator situated in National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) new testing facility. The commissioning is done using a commercial type 4 multi-megawatt sized wind turbine generator (WTG) installed in NREL's new 5 MW dynamometer and a kilowatt sized type 1 WTG connected to the existing 2.5 MW dynamometer at NREL. The paper demonstrates the outstanding testing capability of the grid simulator and its application in the grid code compliance evaluation of WTGs including balanced and unbalanced voltage low and high fault ride-through. Furthermore, the paper provides insight into the performance of commercial WTGs during both normal and abnormal operating conditions.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Thermal characterization of concentrated solar absorbance using resistive heaters

Thermal management of concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) is necessary in order to optimize cell performance and prevent thermal damage. In order to evaluate the performance of cooling methods, physical simulations of cell heating are used to reproduce the thermal profile without the need of a high flux solar simulator or actual cells. Through using resistive heaters built into the same geometry as a CPV module, cooling system designs can be tested achieving similar power distributions as those predicted through multiphysics modeling. Furthermore, the physical model allows for the testing of thermal and solar power limits and performance in a range of non-ideal condition.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Contribution of Lobe Power to Experiment Heating in the Advanced Test Reactor

In order to ease the computational burden associated with designing irradiation experiments in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), scaling factors are often used to estimate design parameters at different lobe powers. Here, this paper examines the validity of long-standing assumptions about the contribution of lobe power to total experiment heating in the ATR. For each of the ATR’s 77 different experiment positions, the fractional contribution of each of the ATR’s five lobes to the total heating in that position is calculated and compared to traditional assumptions. The updated fractional contributions are then used to scale heating rates in a sample problem, and the results are compared to traditional scaling methods as well as explicit MC21 heating calculations. It is concluded that for experiment locations in close proximity to the ATR driver fuel (i.e. flux traps and the A, H, and B positions), heating rates scaled with the updated fractional contributions generally agree better with explicit MC21 calculations than do heating rates scaled using the traditionally assumed contributions. For the I positions, which are located on the very periphery of the ATR core, both scaling methods led to poor results when compared against explicit calculations due to the effect that movement of the outer shim control cylinders has on the experiment heating in those positions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Primary Frequency Control Using Motor Drives for Short Term Grid Disturbances

Industrial motor systems make up a quarter of all electric sales in the United States. Variable speed drives (VSDs) can provide energy efficiency savings to the customer by regulating motor speed based on specific and varying needs. In addition to the benefits provided to the customer, VSDs can provide support to the grid through ancillary services. The Center for Ultra-Wide-Area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks (CURENT) developed a power electronics converter-based grid emulator to allow testing of various power system architectures and demonstration of key technologies in monitoring, control, actuation, and visualization. This paper proposes using an active front-end VSD's connected motor load to provide frequency regulation to a large scale power grid. Each part of the emulator is described including motor and power electronics model and control. The proposed frequency regulation is implemented in VSDs and modeled in both a transmission system in EMTDC/PSCAD and verified on CURENT's hardware testbed.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2019

A multivariate approach to ensure statistical reproducibility of climate model simulations

Effective utilization of novel hybrid architectures of pre-exascale and exascale machines requires transformations to global climate modeling systems that may not reproduce the original model solution bit-for-bit. Round-off level differences grow rapidly in these non-linear and chaotic systems. This makes it difficult to isolate bugs/errors from innocuous growth expected from round-off level differences. Here, we apply two modern multivariate two sample equality of distribution tests to evaluate statistical reproducibility of global climate model simulations using standard monthly output of short (~ 1-year) simulation ensembles of a control model and a modified model of US Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM). Both the tests are able to identify changes induced by modifications to some model tuning parameters. We also conduct formal power analyses of the tests by applying them on designed suites of short simulation ensembles each with an increasingly different climate from the control ensemble. The results are compared against those from another such test. These power analyses provide a framework to quantify the degree of differences that can be detected confidently by the tests for a given ensemble size (sample size). This will allow model developers using the tests to make an informed decision when accepting/rejecting an unintentional non-bit-for-bit change to the model solution.

Mahajan, Salil↗
DOE OSTI2022

Parametric Testing and Evaluation of a Novel Biphasic Absorption Process for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture

A novel biphasic CO2 absorption process (BiCAP) is being developed at the University of Illinois. BiCAP is enabled by using a new class of biphasic solvents developed based on multi-property criteria for postcombustion carbon capture. The process was previously demonstrated at the lab-scale, including in 10 kWe absorption and desorption column systems. In the current study, the process has been scaled up by building and testing a 40 kWe integrated capture skid at a power plant. Parametric tests for two biphasic solvents were conducted with the synthetic flue gas made of bottle CO2 gas and air to validate the performance and operational flexibility of the unit with respect to varying process or operating conditions. Operation of the phase separator, which is unique equipment to BiCAP, was verified to be stable and efficient. Two liquid phases could be separated via static settlement based on a density difference and >90% of the CO2 absorbed was concentrated in the separated CO2-rich phase. Results of parametric tests showed that the minimum heat duty appeared at the optimal stripping pressure. A higher stripping temperature was more favourable to improve overall energy performance. Introducing a secondary cold solvent feed stream to the top of the stripper via bypassing the cross heat exchanger helped reduce the heat loss carried with water vapour. Test results also revealed that the heat duty requirement was comparable when the CO2 concentration in flue gas decreased from ~11 to 4 vol.% as the phase separation decoupled the absorption and desorption steps in BiCAP. Under typical steady-state conditions, both biphasic solvents lowered the process heat duty by >40% compared with the reference 30 wt.% monoethanolamine solvent.

Absorption↗
DOE OSTI2014

Beta Test Plan for Advanced Inverters Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems

This document provides a preliminary (beta) test plan for grid interconnection systems of advanced inverter-based DERs. It follows the format and methodology/approach established by IEEE Std 1547.1, while incorporating: 1. Upgraded tests for responses to abnormal voltage and frequency, and also including ride-through. 2. A newly developed test for voltage regulation, including dynamic response testing. 3. Modified tests for unintentional islanding, open phase, and harmonics to include testing with the advanced voltage and frequency response functions enabled. Two advanced inverters, one single-phase and one three-phase, were tested under the beta test plan. These tests confirmed the importance of including tests for inverter dynamic response, which varies widely from one inverter to the next.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Testing Capabilities for Superconducting Magnets at Fermilab

This presentation will focus on the current testing capabilities for superconducting magnets at Fermilab, highlighting existing systems, recent upgrades, and future plans. The Vertical Magnet Test Facility (VMTF) remains a cornerstone for testing superconducting magnets in R&D applications, maintaining its established capabilities. Stand 4 continues to support the Hi-Lumi AUP production line of magnets in cryostats and has achieved significant improvements through a redesign of lead connections, resolving issues with liquid helium levels and resistance, culminating in a successful endurance test without interruption. Similarly, Stand 7 underwent commissioning and a lead redesign to reduce heat load, while its core testing capabilities remain unchanged. Looking forward, Stand 3 is undergoing a redesign, with plans to restart and begin commissioning by the end of 2025, introducing new features such as background magnetic field testing and upgraded power supplies. Fermilab is also advancing the High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF), designed to support the fusion and magnet R&D program, with commissioning scheduled for 2025 and critical components, including the cryostat and power supplies, being delivered. Enhancing all operations, the newly commissioned IB1 cryoplant now offers automated overnight helium production and efficient transfer to a 10,000-liter dewar, streamlining support across all test stands. This talk will provide a comprehensive overview of testing capabilities, and showcasing how Fermilab is advancing its capabilities to meet the evolving demands of superconducting magnet testing.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Scalable Hybrid Classification-Regression Solution for High-Frequency Nonintrusive Load Monitoring

Residential buildings with the ability to monitor and control their net-load (sum of load and generation) can provide valuable flexibility to power grid operators. We present a novel multiclass nonintrusive load monitoring (NILM) approach that enables effective net-load monitoring capabilities at high-frequency with minimal additional equipment and cost. The proposed machine learning based solution provides accurate multiclass state predictions while operating at a faster timescale (able to provide a prediction for each 60- Hz ac cycle used in US power grid) without relying on event-detection techniques. We also introduce an innovative hybrid classification-regression method that allows for the prediction of not only load on/off states but also individual load operating power levels. A test bed with eight residential appliances is used for validating the NILM approach. Results show that the overall method has high accuracy, good scaling and generalization properties.

feature extraction↗
DOE OSTI2016

Estimation of Uncertainties of Wall Temperature Accomplished by Model Calibration Technique Using Small to Large Scale Reflooding Test Data

The fidelity of the prediction can be evaluated by performing validation and uncertainty quantification with suitable test data. Nuclear power plant design and operation must accommodate the uncertainties in predicting system performance, where those uncertainties originating due to initial and boundary conditions, numerics, and modeling uncertainties. To improve the prediction of the reactor system performance, these various sources of uncertainties can be refined through model calibration technique. The objective of this work is to refine the model parameters and to estimate the uncertainties on parameters/responses during reflood phase. To accomplish this experiments should be performed, data collected, and the data utilized to complete model calibration for the thermal-hydraulic input parameters. Simulations were performed using Safety and Performance Analysis Code (SPACE) developed by multiple research institutes in South Korea to predict the thermal hydraulic system behaviors of nuclear power plants. Since existing experimental data were obtained from several tests performed at the small scale, scaling considerations must be addressed during the uncertainty quantification process. (authors)

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2016

Multipactor Physics, Acceleration, and Breakdown in Dielectric-Loaded Accelerating Structures

The objective of this 3-year program is to study the physics issues associated with rf acceleration in dielectric-loaded accelerating (DLA) structures, with a focus on the key issue of multipactor loading, which has been found to cause very significant rf power loss in DLA structures whenever the rf pulsewidth exceeds the multipactor risetime (~10 ns). The experiments are carried out in the X-band magnicon laboratory at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Euclid Techlabs LLC, who develop the test structures with support from the DoE SBIR program. There are two main elements in the research program: (1) high-power tests of DLA structures using the magnicon output (20 MW @11.4 GHz), and (2) tests of electron acceleration in DLA structures using relativistic electrons from a compact X-band accelerator. The work during this period has focused on a study of the use of an axial magnetic field to suppress multipactor in DLA structures, with several new high power tests carried out at NRL, and on preparation of the accelerator for the electron acceleration experiments.

11.4 GHz↗
DOE OSTI2022

Fast cycling HTS based superconducting accelerator magnets: Feasibility study and readiness demonstration program driven by neutrino physics and muon collider needs

Development of energy-efficient fast cycling accelerator magnets is critical for the next generation of proton rapid cycling synchrotrons (RCS) for neutrino research and booster accelerators of future muon colliders. We see a unique opportunity for having such magnets to be built on base of High Temperature Superconductors (HTS). Besides being superconducting at relatively high temperatures, rare-earth HTS tapes have shown very small AC losses compared to low-temperature NbTi superconductor cables. Recent tests of the HTS-based 0.5 m long two-bore superconducting accelerator magnet have shown record high dB/dt ramping rates of about 300 T/s at 10 Hz repetition rate and 0.5 T B-field span. No temperature rise in 6 K cooling He was observed within the 0.003 K error setting the upper limit on the cryogenic power loss in the magnet conductor coil to be less than 0.2 W/m. Based on this result we outline a possible upgrade of this test magnet design to 2 T B-field in the 10 mm beam gap with the dB/dt ramping rates up to 1000 T/s. The power test results of this short sample magnet will be used to project both cryogenic and electrical power losses as a function of the magnet B-field and the dB/dt ramping rates. Then these projections will be scaled to the range of expected accelerator magnet beam gaps and B-fields for the proton and muon RCS accelerators. We invite collaborators to join these studies and call for support of the R&D program aimed at comprehensive demonstration of this approach that includes design, construction, and power tests of a long prototype of the HTS-based fast-cycling accelerator magnet by 2028.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Advanced Integration of Power Take-Off in VIVACE

Vortex Hydro Energy is commercializing a University of Michigan patented MHK device, the VIVACE converter (Vortex Induced Vibration Aquatic Clean Energy). Unlike water turbines, it does not use propeller blades. Rather, river or ocean currents flow around cylinders causing them to move up and down in Flow Induced Motions (FIM). This kinetic energy of the cylinder is then converted to electricity. Importantly, the VIVACE converter is simpler in design and more cost effective than water turbines. This project accelerated the development of the VIVACE technology. Funding from the DOE enabled VHE to accelerate the development in three ways. One was to increase the efficiency of the hydrodynamics of the system. This aided in maximizing the power output for a wide range of water speeds. The second was to design, build, and test an efficient power take-off (PTO) that converted the most power from the VIVACE cylinders into electricity. This effort was necessary because of the nature of power generated using this technology. Although the PTO uses off-the-shelf components, it is specifically tuned to the specific water flow characteristics. The third way the development was accelerated was by testing the improved Beta 1B prototype over a longer period of time in a river. The greatest benefit from the longer open-water testing-period is a better understand of the power generation characteristics of the system as well as the maintenance lifespan of the device.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evaluation of a Wave Powered Water Pump Performance by Ocean Field Testing and WEC-Sim Modeling

This submission from AMEC (the Atlantic Marine Energy Center) includes data from an ocean field deployment of a wave powered water pump in March 2023. The wave pump is an upweller device, designed to enhance macroalgal aquaculture. The wave pump device was deployed off the coast of Isles of Shoals Appledore Island in Maine, USA. The data were collected using a custom-built DAQ module comprised of Arduino Unos. GPS time stamp accompanies the data. The data are volumetric flow rate from the wave pump, and relative motion of the device between float and spar buoys. Flow rate is measured by flow meter, and relative motion is measured by lidar. Calibration data for the lidar and flow meter sensors are included. This data set also includes synchronous Sofar Spotter buoy data from a mooring approximately 300 feet away from the wave pump mooring. Video data from the deployment are included from both on-board the device sporadically throughout the deployment, and from a webcam for a short duration of the deployment. Hydrophone data were also taken co-currently, and are available by contacting Martin Wosnik at the University of New Hampshire. The Matlab code used to process the field data is incorporated. A biological assessment is included which aided the NEPA consultation process, prior to conducting the field deployment. A WEC-Sim numerical model of the wave pump, and a re-design effort are part of this work. Code used to validate the WEC-Sim model from the field data are also included.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2018

An Islanding Detection Test Platform for Multi-Inverter Islands Using Power HIL

When an unintentional island is formed on the electric power system, distributed energy resources (DERs) are typically required to detect and de-energize the island. This requirement may become more challenging as the number of DERs in an island rises. Thus, it is of interest to experimentally verify whether DERs can successfully detect and de-energize islands containing many DERs connected at different points. This paper presents a power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) platform for testing the duration of islands containing multiple inverters connected at multiple points in a network. The PHIL platform uses real-time simulation to represent islanded distribution circuits, with DER inverters connected in hardware. This allows efficient testing of a large number of island configurations simply by changing the distribution circuit model in the real-time simulator. A method for calculating the quality factor of an arbitrary distribution circuit in real time, designed for anti-islanding tests, is also presented. Experimental results are included demonstrating the use of the PHIL method to test a variety of three-inverter islands.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗