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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 595 records · Page 33

A Novel Discharging Control Strategy for Modular Multilevel Converter Submodules without Using External Circuit

A novel discharging control strategy is proposed and implemented for submodules in modular multilevel converters (MMCs). By sequentially controlling the arm currents of a MMC to the arm resistors, all submodule capacitors are discharged safely and rapidly without adding additional devices and circuits, resulting in improved performance and reduced cost. Both open- and closed-loop control methods are evaluated for effectiveness of the new control strategy. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the new control strategy.

Modular multilevel converter, discharging method, ↗

Hardware-In-the-Loop Benchmarking Setup for Phasor Based Control Validation

Phasor Based Control is a novel approach to controlling Distributed Energy Resources that aims at relieving various constraints that arise in the distribution grid. It is a two-layer control system with a supervisory control that coordinates distributed controllers to reach voltage phasor targets. The distributed controllers use local synchrophasor measurements and operate as feedback controllers. This control method is currently under development with several algorithms being under consideration for both the central and ditributed components. In this paper, we present the experimental setup that was prepared to prototype a hardware implementation and validate the control method in Hardware-In-the-Loop.

Baudette, Maxime↗

Electric-Field-Oriented Growth of Long Hair-Like Silica Microfibrils and Derived Functional Monolithic Solids

We present a “bottom-up” fabrication approach to first grow a new class of inorganic (silica) long hair-like microfibers or microwires and then to form monolithic solid pellet that contains parallel arrays of bundled microfibers with a controlled orientation. During the sol-gel solution processing, reactive precursor species are utilized as molecular “building blocks” for the field-directed assembly growth of microfibers driven by an electric field of pulsed direct current (dc) with controlled frequency. In principle, this reactive electrofibrilation process that combines an external field with a solid-phase nucleation and growth process has no limitation on reactions (such as the one here that involves sol-gel reaction chemistry) and on materials compositions (such as the example silica oxide), thus will enable bulk production of long microfibers of wide variety of inorganic materials (other oxides or metals). Furthermore, we have fabricated uniquely architectured monolithic solid materials containing aligned microfibers by “wet press” of the in-situ grown microfiber structure in the electric field. The consolidated monolithic slabs (1 cm x 1 cm x 3 mm) have shown anisotropic properties and desirable retention of DNA molecule fragments, thus, could serve as a platform stationary-phase materials for future development of capillary electrochromatography for biomolecule separations.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Diagnostic suite of the C-2U advanced beam-driven field-reversed configuration plasma experiment

The C-2U experiment at Tri Alpha Energy studies the evolution of field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasmas sustained by neutral beam injection. Data on the FRC plasma performance are provided by a comprehensive suite of diagnostics that includes magnetic sensors, interferometry, Thomson scattering, spectroscopy, bolometry, reflectometry, neutral particle analyzers, and fusion product detectors. While many of these diagnostic systems were inherited from the preceding experiment C-2, C-2U has a variety of new and upgraded diagnostic systems: multi-chord far-infrared polarimetry, multiple fast imaging cameras with selectable atomic line filters, proton detector arrays, and 100 channel bolometer units capable of observing multiple regions of the spectrum simultaneously. In addition, extensive ongoing work focuses on advanced methods of measuring separatrix shape and plasma current profile that will facilitate equilibrium reconstruction and active control of the FRC plasma.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Nb3Sn thin films grown using energetic condensation for SRF applications

The traditional method used to coat thin films of Nb3Sn onto SRF cavities has been to start with a Nb cavity and dip it into molten Sn. At high temperatures (>1100 °C), the Sn diffuses into the Nb to create a stoichiometrically correct film1,2 that offers superconducting properties. Here we describe a lower-temperature process that uses two separate plasmas of Nb and Sn to fire 50-150eV ions of Nb and Sn at a substrate that is heated to <400 °C. The non-equilibrium energetic condensation of Nb and Sn ions via subplantation3 creates a high crystal quality film of Nb3Sn. The stoichiometry of this film is controlled by adjusting the currents to the two separate cathodes that in turn controls the ion fluxes to the substrate. EDX, Tc, RRR and other measurements show that this method enables growth of superconducting films even on relatively low temperature substrates. This approach might offer a path to creating higher temperature Cu SRF cavities of the future that might reduce materials and cryogenics costs. 1 G. Arnolds-Mayer, Proc. SRF2, Geneva, Switzerland, pp. 643-666, 1984 2 Sam Posen, Matthias Liepe, Yi Xie, N. Valles, Proceedings of Thin Films Workshop, Padua Italy, October 2010 3 M. Krishnan et al., Superconductor Science and Technology, vol. 24, no. 11, p. 115002, Nov. 2011

James, C.↗

Investigation Into LiCl-LiF+Li 2 O as a Low Temperature Electrolyte in Direct Electrolytic Reduction of UO 2

Direct electrolytic reduction (DER) of UO 2 in a binary LiCl-Li2O (1–3 wt%) at 650 °C has been widely reported. The process temperature can be reduced to 550 °C in theory by using a near eutectic ternary LiCl-LiF+Li 2O (∼2 wt%) electrolyte, which will result in substantial reduction in rate of salt vaporization. The feasibility of using the ternary electrolyte for the process was tested via material compatibility testing, electrochemical polarization testing, and controlled potential or current DER experiments. MgO, Pt, and 625 nickel samples were each contacted with the ternary salt for 168 h. Negligible changes to dimensions and mass of the samples were measured, and concentrations of corrosion products in the salt were 102 ppm or less. O2−oxidation was observed to occur at a lower potential than Cl-or F-on a Pt anode. DER of UO2was performed in six trials. Process variables included type of reference electrode, electrochemical control method, type of cathode basket, and electrolyte composition. UO 2conversion ranged from 28.2 to 99.9 % , and current efficiency ranged from 38 to 52%. Overall, results indicate that the use of the ternary salt is feasible for DER.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Routing-as-a-Service (RaaS): A Framework for Tenant-Directed Route Control in Data Center

In a multi-tenant data center environment, the current paradigm for route control customization involves a labor-intensive ticketing process where tenants submit route control requests to the landlord. This results in tight coupling between tenants and the landlord, extensive human resource deployment, and long ticket resolution time. We propose Routing-as-a-Service (RaaS), a framework for tenant-directed route control in data centers. Here, we show that RaaS-based implementation provides a route control platform where multiple tenants can perform route control independently with little administrative involvement, and the landlord can set the overall network policies. RaaS-based solutions can run on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and leverage existing technologies, so it can be implemented in existing networks without major infrastructural overhaul. We present the design of RaaS, introduce its components, and evaluate a prototype based on RaaS.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Upper limit on shift current generation in extended systems

Despite a long history of research into nonlinear response theory, there has been no systematic investigation into the maximum amount of nonlinear optical response attainable in solid-state materials. Here in this work, we present an upper bound on the second-order response functions of materials, which controls the shift current response. We show that this bound depends on the band gap, bandwidth, and geometrical properties of the material in question. We find that delocalized systems generally have larger responses than more localized or isolated ones. As a proof of principle, we perform first-principles calculations of the response tensors of a wide variety of materials, finding that the materials in our database do not yet saturate the upper bound. This suggests that new large shift current materials will likely be discovered by future materials research guided by the factors mentioned in this work.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Autonomous convergence of STM control parameters using Bayesian optimization

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is a widely used tool for atomic imaging of novel materials and their surface energetics. However, the optimization of the imaging conditions is a tedious process due to the extremely sensitive tip–surface interaction, thus limiting the throughput efficiency. In this paper, we deploy a machine learning (ML)-based framework to achieve optimal atomically resolved imaging conditions in real time. The experimental workflow leverages the Bayesian optimization (BO) method to rapidly improve the image quality, defined by the peak intensity in the Fourier space. The outcome of the BO prediction is incorporated into the microscope controls, i.e., the current setpoint and the tip bias, to dynamically improve the STM scan conditions. We present strategies to either selectively explore or exploit across the parameter space. As a result, suitable policies are developed for autonomous convergence of the control parameters. The ML-based framework serves as a general workflow methodology across a wide range of materials.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Core plasma physics basis and its impacts on the FNSF

The FNSF core plasma physics is reportede on with detailed analysis to establish the basis for the reference configuration, R = 4.8 m, a = 1.2 m, Ip = 7.87 MA, and B T = 7.5 T, q 95 = 6, f BS = 0.52, β N < 2.7 established in Ref. [1]. Central solenoid (CS) and poloidal field (PF) coils are far from the plasma as in a power plant, and acceptable coil currents are determined for the rampup and flattop fiducial states. Time-dependent free-boundary plasma evolution simulations demonstrate that the FNSF plasma can be established, ramped up, and relaxed into flattop, including vertical stabilizers, internal feedback coils and feedback control on plasma current, position, and shape. A range of density (n o / = 1.3–1.5) and temperature (T o / = 2.2–2.7) profiles are examined, indicating that energy confinement of H 98 = 1.1–1.2 is required to provide 100% non-inductive plasma current in the FNSF. GLF23 theory based transport model predicted lower energy confinement of H 98 ~0.6–0.85. The EPED analysis shows that the pedestal temperature ranges from 4.0–4.7 keV for pedestal densities of 1.7–1.0 × 10 20 /m 3 . The n = 1 kink stability shows no-wall beta limits, using the pressure and current profiles associated with the transport and current drive sources, ranging from β N ~2.25–2.55 depending on l i . A conducting wall can extend these limits by 10–40% depending on li and wall location. At the lower beta’s of the reference plasma, a combination of 50 MW of NB, 30 MW of LH, 20 MW of ICRF, 20 MW of EC, and bootstrap current, are found to provide 100% of the plasma current with a stable current profile. Impacts on the FNSF of plasma physics are discussed and R&D challenges are recorded.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Verification of severe accident management guideline (SAMG) entry condition for OPR1000 - 367

The current severe accident prevention and mitigation strategies for OPR 1000 have emergency operating procedures (EOPs) and severe accident management guidelines (SAMGs), respectively. The main objective of SAMG is to prevent a release of radioactive materials from releasing into environment and mitigate severe accident phenomena during severe accident. The current SAMG entry condition is met when the core exit temperature (CET) reaches 650 deg. C in OPR 1000. Peak cladding temperature (PCT), which represents core integrity more precisely than CET does, cannot be used since it is not measurable in the main control room (MCR). Current SAMG entry condition for every kind of accident scenarios is not reasonable, since entry condition is determined without considering operator action time. Therefore, SAMG entry condition need to be verified with consider operator action time. Thus, an analysis methodology for SAMG entry condition was developed to verify the SAMG entry condition. A severe accident DB were also developed in order to analyze the SAMG entry condition. The analysis results of DB show that available operator action time from the SAMG entrance to RV fail is shorter than the required time in most cases. As a result, the proper SAMG entry condition was suggested through the results of DB analysis. When the SAMG entry condition is changed from CET to suggested condition, the available action time is increased about 350 to 4300 sec. Also, the suggested entry condition was verified through the simulation which considered operation action time and reflecting the suggested entry condition. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Predictive Control to Further Reduce DC-Link Capacitor Current Stress for Segmented Inverter

Two three-phase interleaved inverters have been used in traction drive applications to reduce the current stress in a DC link capacitor bank. In such applications, either carrier-based or space vector modulation is used to select the optimum switching sequences, and the results show 50% less capacitor current than that of a single three-phase inverter. The switching state selection process for this inverter is tedious, and there has been no research to find the optimal switching state. To overcome this challenge, this research employed a simple finite set model predictive control to select the optimum switching sequence for a dual three-phase interleaved topology, called a segmented inverter. The results show that the predictive control algorithm can provide a simple solution and can reduce the current stress by 27% compared with traditional modulation techniques for the segmented inverters.

Ribeiro, Pedro↗

A linear helicon plasma device with controllable magnetic field gradient

Current free double layers (CFDLs) are localized potential structures having spatial dimensions - Debye lengths and potential drops of more than local electron temperature across them. CFDLs do not need a current for them to be sustained and hence they differ from the current driven double layers. Helicon antenna produced plasmas in an expanded chamber along with an expanding magnetic field have shown the existence of CFDL near the expansion region. A helicon plasma device has been designed, fabricated, and installed in the Institute for Plasma Research, India to study the role of maximum magnetic field gradient as well as its location with respect to the geometrical expansion region of the chamber in CFDL formation. The special feature of this machine consisting of two chambers of different radii is its capability of producing different magnetic field gradients near the physical boundary between the two chambers either by changing current in one particular coil in the direction opposite to that in other coils and/or by varying the position of this particular coil. Although, the machine is primarily designed for CFDL experiments, it is also capable of carrying out many basic plasma physics experiments such as wave propagation, wave coupling, and plasma instabilities in a varying magnetic field topology. In this paper, we will present the details of the machine construction, its specialties, and some preliminary results about the production and characterization of helicon plasma in this machine.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

On the role of precursor powder composition in controlling microstructure, flux pinning, and the critical current density of Ag/Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_x$ conductors

Precursor powder composition is known to strongly affect the critical current density (J c ) of Ag/Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_x$ (Bi-2212) wires. However, reasons for such J c dependence have not yet been fully understood, compromising our ability to achieve further optimization. In this paper, we systematically examined superconducting properties, microstructural evolution and phase transformation, and grain boundaries of Bi-2212 conductors fabricated from precursor powders with a range of compositions using a combination of transport-current measurements, a quench technique to freeze microstructures at high temperatures during heat treatment, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Samples include both dip-coated tapes and round wires, among which a commercial round wire carries a high J c of 7600 A mm -2 at 4.2 K, self-field and 2600 A mm -2 at 4.2 K, 20 T, respectively. In the melt, this high-J c conductor, made using a composition of Bi 2.17 Sr 1.94 Ca 0.89 Cu 2 O x , contains a uniform dispersion of fine alkaline-earth cuprate (AEC) and copper-free solid phases, whereas several low-J c conductors contain large AEC particles. Such significant differences in the phase morphologies in the melt are accompanied by a drastic difference in the formation kinetics of Bi-2212 during recrystallization cooling. STEM studies show that Bi-2212 grain colonies in the high-J c conductors have a high density of Bi 2 Sr 2 CuO y (Bi-2201) intergrowths, whereas a low-J c conductor, made using Bi 2.14 Sr 1.66 Ca 1.24 Cu 1.96 O x , is nearly free of them. STEM investigation shows grain boundaries in low-J c conductors are often insulated with a Bi-rich amorphous phase. Finally, high-J c conductors also show higher flux-pinning strength, which we ascribe to their higher Bi-2201 intergrowth density.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗