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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

Optimization of a traveling wave superconducting radiofrequency cavity for upgrading the International Linear Collider

The standing wave TESLA niobium-based superconducting radio frequency structure is limited to an accelerating gradient of about 50 MV/m by the critical rf magnetic field. To break through this barrier, we explore the option of niobium-based traveling wave (TW) structures. Optimization of TW structures was done considering experimentally known limiting electric and magnetic fields. It is shown that a TW structure can have an accelerating gradient above 70 MeV/m that is about 1.5 times higher than contemporary standing wave structures with the same critical magnetic field. The other benefit of TW structures shown is R/Q about 2 times higher than the TESLA structure that reduces the dynamic heat load by a factor of 2. A method is proposed how to make TW structures multipactor-free. Some design proposals are offered to facilitate fabrication. Further increase of the real-estate gradient (equivalent to 80 MV/m active gradient) is also possible by increasing the length of the accelerating structure because of higher group velocity and cell-to-cell coupling. Realization of this work opens paths to International Linear Collider energy upgrades beyond 1 to 3 TeV in competition with CLIC. The paper will discuss corresponding opportunities and challenges.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Data set for Conventional Rib Turbulators for SCO2 Turbine Internal Cooling

This data set accompanies NETL Internal Report DOE/NETL-2021/2758. M. Searle, D. Straub, and J. Black, “Conventional Rib Turbulators For SCO2 Turbine Internal Cooling,” National Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, June 28, 2021. The "Configuration" tab details the test configuration geometry and nominal set points. The "Exp point data" tab reports the thermal performance at the midpoint of the Wilson plot. The "Wilson plot data" tab are all Wilson resistance plots reported in the present work.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plants with Carbon Capture and Exhaust Gas Recycle

This is a presentation given at the 3rd International Conference on Energy and Environment. The presentation highlights analysis work conducted by NETL to assess the cost and performance for natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants that incorporate solvent-based post combustion carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and exhaust gas recycle (EGR). Increasing the inlet CO2 concentration by EGR is expected to improve the efficiency of the capture system and reduce its cost, however the analysis results show that the cost improvement is minimal as is the cost of capture reduction.

Hackett, Gregory↗

Matrix converter operating in current control mode using feed forward signals

A matrix converter system having a current control mode operation is provided. The system includes a matrix converter having a switching matrix. The matrix converter is coupled at its low-voltage side to a generator and at its output load side to a load. A controller having a pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit is configured to control the matrix converter via its switching matrix to increase energy within the internal inductances of the generator when the switching matrix causes a short circuit. A feed forward calculator is configured to calculate a feed forward output phase angle. The feed forward output phase angle is an estimation of an angle between an output current vector and an output voltage vector that represent feedback signals of current and voltage output by the matrix converter. The angular position of the voltage output vector is adjusted as a function of the feed forward output phase angle to align angular position or phase angle of the voltage output vector that represents the voltage output with a selected angular position or phase angle.

42 ENGINEERING↗

An Alternative to Solution Experiments for Nuclear Data Validation: Reflection and Interaction of Juxtaposed Uranium (RAIJU) Experiment Design

The need for solution experiments was thoroughly discussed at the recent NCERC (National Criticality Experiments Research Center) Futures Meeting in September 2022 for multiple applications including criticality safety, training, and nuclear data. However, this capability does not exist anywhere in the United States. NCERC, located at the Nevada National Security Site and operated by LANL (Los Alamos National Laboratory) is the only general-purpose critical experiments laboratory in the United States. However, solution experiments are not authorized at NCERC, and obtaining that authorization would be too time consuming and costly to happen in the foreseeable future. An alternative is needed – an experimental configuration with the homogeneity of liquid experiments, but without being a liquid. This project, Reflection and Interaction of Juxtaposed Uranium (RAIJU) will fill the gap in capability within LANL, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the international community and will support current and future nuclear material processing needs.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Guide de base pour l'energie solaire hors reseau en Haiti: 10. Utilisation productive de l'energie

Cette formation donne un apercu des informations et des concepts cles de l'energie solaire hors reseau en Haiti, renforcant ainsi les connaissances fondamentales et la capacite de catalyser l'interet pour l'energie solaire hors reseau pour l'electrification rurale en Haiti. Ce cours a rythme libre est offert en anglais et en francais et couvre une variete de sujets lies a l'acces a l'energie en Haiti, notamment les produits solaires hors reseau, le potentiel du marche en Haiti, les considerations liees a l'offre et a la demande, la conception, l'installation et la maintenance du systeme, -modeles commerciaux solaires en reseau, modelisation financiere, genre et acces a l'energie, utilisation productive de l'energie et adaptation au climat. La formation est destinee aux etudiants universitaires, aux partenaires gouvernementaux, aux ONG, aux bailleurs de fonds, aux partenaires de developpement, aux professionnels, etc. Aucune connaissance prealable du solaire hors reseau ou d'Haiti n'est requise pour beneficier de cette formation. See NREL/PR-7A40-89253 for the English translation of this document.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,SOLAR ENERGY↗

Summary of US DOE R&D Activities on Graphite Oxidation (2006–2021)

The objective of the international collaboration between United States Department of Energy (U.S.-DOE) and Generation IV International Forum (GIF) is the development of the next generation of nuclear energy systems. The current GIF Project Arrangement (PA) on Materials (2018-2022) was revised in 2019 and extended for another 10 years (2020-2030). The Work Package 1 (“Graphite”) of the extended Project Plan (PP) on Materials specifies technical tasks and High Level Deliverables for research and development (R&D) activities related to using graphite in fuel elements, reflectors, and support structures of Very High Temperature Reactors (VHTR). The graphite tasks include specification and acquisition, qualification and development of new grades, characterization of properties, and development of behavior models. Specifically, Task 1.4 (“Graphite Oxidation Behavior”) outlines planned activities related to acute oxidation by air and chronic oxidation by impurities in the helium coolant. A final report on experimental data regarding graphite oxidation behavior is scheduled for 2022 (deliverable 3.1.1.4.a). In preparation of this deliverable, this document summarizes the R&D activities funded by U.S.-DOE from 2006 (the inception of the VHTR system arrangement) through present (2021). This report is being submitted to the GIF Graphite Working Group (GWG) to serve as input for the GWG high-level deliverable to the Project Management Board (PMB) of PA on Materials. Besides U.S.-DOE, other organizations participating to Task 1.4 of the current PA on Materials are: European Commission’s Joint Research Center (JRC), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). U.S.-DOE is the main contributor on graphite oxidation R&D, with 85 % commitment of total funding during 2018-2022.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Overview of the OECD-NEA Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC)

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Cooperation (WPEC) was established in 1989 to facilitate collaboration in nuclear data activities. Over its thirty year history, different Subgroups have been created to address topics in nearly every aspect of nuclear data, including: experimental measurements, evaluation, validation, model development, quality assurance of databases and the development of software tools. WPEC has recently completed activities on fission yield evaluation, the general nuclear database structure (GNDS) to replace the ENDF-6 format, methods to provide feedback to evaluation, studies of specific capture cross sections, new methods in thermal scattering kernel evaluation and the Collaborative International Evaluated Library Organisation (CIELO) Pilot Project. Ongoing activities in GNDS application programming interface (API) development, methods for covariance evaluation and quality assurance in nuclear data validation using the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) database are complemented by the work of two Expert Groups that oversee the High-Priority Request List (HPRL) for Nuclear Data and the continuous development of the GNDS. New activities on the use of integral experiments for nuclear data validation and adjustment, as well as the use of the Shielding Integral Benchmark Archive and Database (SINBAD) for validation have begun and will be coordinated alongside future Subgroups. After three decades we will review the status of WPEC, how it integrates other collections and activities organised by the NEA and how it dovetails with the initiatives of the IAEA and other bodies to effectively coordinate international activities in nuclear data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Assessment of Seasonal Energy Performance for Room Air Conditioners in Multiple Climates

This report provides a general approach for adopting a seasonal energy efficiency metric by examining the climate-specific temperature bin distribution for air conditioner use, the seasonal energy efficiency results according to International Standards Organization (ISO) 16358 by climate region, and the relationships in seasonal energy efficiency across regional metrics. This approach could make the seasonal efficiency metric values comparable with those from other countries with standards consistent with ISO 16358. Policy action and market transformation can be accelerated and effectively harmonized with other regional or international efforts by adopting a seasonal energy efficiency metric. The framework and methodology described in this report have been applied in the following publications: Shaffie et al. 2022, Park et al. 2021, Park et al. 2019, and UNEP 2019a.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Institutional Framework of Variable Renewable Energy Forecasting in India

The share of variable renewable energy (VRE) in India is growing rapidly, with a national goal of reaching 50% capacity from non-fossil fuel generation by 2030. One implication of this growth is the need for improved VRE forecasting methods. For this reason, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India commissioned this study with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the United States, and the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) in India. The objective of this study was to review the existing institutional framework and suggest changes needed to support the plans for large-scale VRE integration in the country. To achieve that objective, the authors consulted local stakeholders about the status of VRE forecasting in India, reviewed existing studies, and examined VRE forecasting methods around the world to identify best practices. Based on those best practices, the study presents six potential approaches to improve the VRE forecasting framework in India. Approaches include incentivizing VRE forecast improvement and use of the most accurate VRE forecast, creating an institution that will optimize VRE forecasts while maintaining and ensuring access to necessary data for forecasting, implementing a review and certification process for VRE forecast providers, forecasting closer to dispatch time and allowing for more frequent forecast revisions, increasing the frequency of weather forecasts, and aggregating VRE forecasts at the point of interconnection.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

A FFT-based mesoscale continuum dislocation mechanics with defect energy: Applications to composites and polycrystals

A crystal plasticity elastoviscoplastic FFT (fast Fourier transform) formulation with a mesoscale continuum field dislocation mechanics model is presented, which incorporates a defect energy density that depends on GND densities and an associated material length scale. This allows to thermodynamically derive internal length scale dependent intra-crystalline backstress and Peach–Koehler force acting on GND densities. The model considers GND density evolution through a filtered numerical spectral approach, which is coupled with stress equilibrium through the elastoviscoplastic FFT algorithm. The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) method together with finite difference (FD) schemes is applied to solve both the backstress tensor and the Fourier–Green operator. Numerical results are first reported for two-phase laminate composites with plastic single crystal channels and elastic precipitates for shear loadings. Channel size effects are simulated and analyzed on the overall and local hardening behaviors during monotonous loadings. In addition, the evolutions of GND densities and the role of their associated backstress on size effects are examined during reversible shear loading. In a second part, the role of the defect energy internal length scale on polycrystal’s hardening during tension–compression is discussed. The results are compared to those obtained using FFT-based continuum field dislocation mechanics without defect energy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Internal insulation and corrosion control of molten chloride thermal energy storage tanks

A chloride-based molten-salt system that uses a ternary blend of MgCl 2 /KCl/NaCl is investigated to provide higher-temperature thermal energy storage capability than conventional nitrate salt-based systems. Despite their high thermal stability and operating temperature, molten chlorides present several challenges, including the design of internal liners to prevent the corrosion and thermal stress of alloy tank shells. This work discusses issues and potential solutions related to containment of molten chloride salt, specifically the optimization of the hot face refractory materials for use as internal liners. Furthermore, three down-selected refractory materials were analyzed with respect to permeation of salt through the material as well as chemical stability during high temperature operation. Through the application of X-ray imaging and electron spectroscopy techniques, highly stable secondary surface phases in equilibrium with the molten salt were identified, as well as time-dependent changes in the salt composition itself.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

USAID Colombia Young Leaders Workforce Training Program Action Plans: Regulatory Road Map for Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Interconnection and Interoperability

As part of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Young Leaders Workforce Training Program in Colombia, participants from Colombia's Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) leveraged their training and professional experience to develop a regulatory roadmap for the interconnection and interoperability of increasing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). CREG was one of four teams selected by the training program development team to receive continued technical assistance and strategic advisory support from the USAID-NREL Partnership for action plan development and implementation. This case study provides an overview of the key activities and outcomes of the technical assistance provided by NREL on the CREG Action Plan, and key next steps for implementation of Colombia's DER Integration Regulatory Roadmap.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

What, why and when to go virtual: An international analysis of early adopters of virtual building energy codes inspections

To meet greenhouse gas reduction targets, several countries are pursuing more ambitious policies in their buildings and construction sectors, such as introducing zero net energy/carbon building codes. Countries often report not having enough qualified staff for performing building energy code inspections and many are exploring faster, easier, and more reliable methods to check the compliance of buildings with their codes. Building inspections are a critical element for ensuring code compliance and they have traditionally been performed in person. However, in-person inspections can be labor and travel intensive, costly, and prone to human error. In this paper, the authors explore how virtual inspections, particularly in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted processes for building code compliance checks in jurisdictions and communities around the world. Here, the authors collected data on four key parameters (time and financial savings, scope of inspections, changing practices and technological innovation, and benefits to consumers) from six jurisdictions and communities in five countries (Australia, Canada, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and the United States) to analyze the impacts of virtual inspections on code compliance checks. The analysis found the greatest value from virtual inspections in geographically dispersed regions and for cities experiencing rapid building construction. The study also explored emerging technologies that are being piloted for virtual inspections. Although many of these technologies hold promise, more resources and capacity are needed to make them viable for use in building energy code inspections.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Green-Field Geothermal/Solar Designs (Cooperative Research and Development Final Report)

Geothermal power (GEO) and concentrating solar power (CSP) can be integrated to obtain the best aspects of both systems. The green-field design will utilize the full potential of the higher-temperature CSP sector by having a topping solar steam turbine and a bottoming geothermal cycle. In the proposed hybrid cycle, geothermal energy can be converted into electricity at a higher cycle efficiency because of the high-temperature topping cycle during the daytime. CSP benefits from lower-cost solar collectors, a less expensive topping turbine, and virtual elimination of the heat rejection system cost. The green-field case study will be focused on a geothermal resource site which will deliver the 160 - 220 °C pressurized brine at the inlet of power block. While the case study will look at a single case study, the tools to be developed as part of the project will be available to model annual performance of GEO/CSP hybrids for new greenfield projects (may also be applied to certain types of brown-field retrofits). The evaluation tools will also calculate important economic parameters such as the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the internal rate of return (IRR).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Adapting Agrivoltaics for Solar Mini-Grids in Haiti

With less than 2% of the rural population with access to electricity and almost half the population facing acute hunger, Haiti faces interconnected challenges of energy poverty and food insecurity. One solution to help address energy poverty in Haiti has been the development of distributed solar, particularly solar mini-grids. However, often the land best suited for deploying solar generation is also best suited for agriculture by smallholder farmers, thereby creating a potentially complicated tension between energy access and food security. To address this tension, solar developers, agricultural specialists, and researchers are jointly examining a novel solution called "agrivoltaics." Agrivoltaics is a shared land-use solution that is rapidly expanding in established solar markets like the United States, Europe, and Asia that pairs solar with agriculture, producing electricity and providing space for crops and animal grazing under and between panels. As part of the Energy Access Partnership for Haiti with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) performed an initial feasibility analysis and stakeholder engagement project to evaluate the potential for agrivoltaics in mini-grid contexts in Haiti. The analysis considered typical 100-kW and larger 1-MW mini-grids in towns across Haiti and developed two example agrivoltaic archetypes based on key local inputs, including solar irradiance, production data from the agricultural census, market prices, stakeholder interviews, and existing agrivoltaic research. See NREL/TP-7A40-89399 for the Haitian Creole translation of this document.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Linear Correlations of Gibbs Free Energy of REE Phosphates (Monazite, Xenotime, and Rhabdophane) and Internally Consistent Binary Mixing Properties

Rare Earth Elements (REE) phosphates (monazite, xenotime, and rhabdophane) are critical REE-bearing minerals typically formed in hydrothermal and magmatic ore deposits. The thermodynamic properties of those REE minerals are crucial to understanding the solubility, speciation, and transport of REE complexes. However, the standard-state Gibbs free energy of formation (∆G°f) values reported for these minerals in the literature vary by up to 25 kJ mol−1. Here, we present linear free energy relationships that allow the evaluation and estimation of the ∆G°f values at 25 °C and 1 bar for the three minerals from the ionic radius (rREE3+) and the non-solvation Gibbs free energy contribution to the REE3+ aqua ion (∆G°n, REE3+): ∆G°f,monazite − 399.71 rREE3+ = 1.0059 ∆G°n,REE3+ − 2522.51; ∆G°f,xenotime − 344.08 rREE3+ = 0.9909 ∆G°n,REE3+ − 2451.53; and ∆G°f,rhabdophane − 416.17 rREE3+ = 1.0067 ∆G°n, REE3+ − 2688.86. Moreover, based on the new dataset derived for REE end-members, we re-fitted the binary Margules parameter (W) from previous theoretical calculations into linear correlations: W + 0.00204 ∆G°’n,monazite = 39.3549 ∆V + 0.0641; W + 0.00255 ∆G°’n,xenotime = 25.4885 ∆V − 0.0062. The internally consistent thermodynamic properties of these REE phosphates are incorporated into the computer program Supcrtbl, which is available online at Zhu’s research website.

Pan, Ruiguang (ORCID:0000000324896545)↗

Calculating Reactivity and Fusion Energy Yield

During my time at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, I had the opportunity to intern at the HEDS (High Energy Density Science) Center and become an IFE (Inertial Fusion Energy) summer student for three weeks with Dr. Veronika Kruse as my mentor. Within this time frame, my research project’s goal was to develop an understanding of nuclear fusion while building technical skills in calculating and analyzing the required data. The following report outlines the process of calculating reactivity curves and energy yields of specific fusion reactions. For context, nuclear fusion is when two atomic nuclei combine, and energy is released. NIF (the National Ignition Facility), located at LLNL, uses laser-based inertial confinement fusion to achieve ignition. To simplify the process, NIF uses lasers to heat a small sphere or capsule, made up of primarily deuterium and tritium, to extremely high temperatures and densities to achieve fusion ignition, where more energy is released than the lasers introduced.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗