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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 703 records · Page 39
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Results of the first implementation of RF phase signature matching at LANSCE

The LINAC at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) has been utilizing the Delta-t method to match the RF cavities to the design acceleration parameters since its commissioning in 1972. The differences in time-of-flight between two subsequent Beam Position and Phase Monitors (BPPMs) are measured with both accelerated and drifting beams, depending on the whether the module is set to on or off. The algorithm optimizes the module amplitude and phase via iterative measurements if the initial phase is in the vicinity of the design value. With an upgrade to a faster readout system, a scan over the whole RF cavity phase range requires relatively less time than the classical optimization procedure. The Phase Scan Signature Matching (PSSM) method provides a time-efficient method that ensures the phase selection lands on the bunching side and empowers future analyses to build module-specific models. The PSSM also utilizes a direct model to determine the correct amplitude to sub-percent level instead of using linearized matrices. Furthermore, lacking a reliable energy measurement method in the LINAC, we measure the beam phases at two downstream locations to increase the precision of energy measurements. In this letter, we also discuss the sensitivities of PSSM, error propagation, and the implementation results for the 2019 and 2020 beam cycles.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Physics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly developing fields providing data-driven algorithms to predict, classify, and make decisions based on data. Nuclear Physics Research is data-driven and AI/ML techniques have been implemented for experiment and accelerator control, in theoretical applications, and in data processing and analysis. These algorithms open possibilities for automation, thereby augmenting human capabilities. Additionally, Open Science is enabled by simultaneous analyses of multiple data sources, leading to scientific knowledge. This talk will summarize current applications of AI/ML in nuclear physics, as well as accelerator applications, and will cover upcoming initiatives and research in AI/ML.

Jeske, Torri↗
DOE OSTI2024

H ∞ Control for Energy Dispatch in Autonomous Nanogrid With Communication Delays

This paper proposes an optimal controller and estimator for energy dispatch to balance the power supply and demand considering communication delays. The proposed algorithm involves modeling an autonomous nanogrid (ANG) consisting of distributed energy resources, energy storage systems, loads, an $H$ ∞ controller with a reference power modulation technique, and a state estimator. The ANG was developed to express the dynamic supply-demand energy balance of a nanogird system. Reference power modulation was designed to generate the desired ESS power based on the imbalanced energy. Random communication delays were modeled using a stochastic variable satisfying the Bernoulli random binary distribution. The optimal $H$ ∞ controller and estimator were developed using a linear matrix inequality approach to exponentially stabilize the closed-loop system. Simulations were performed using real daily demand forecasts obtained from the Korea Meteorological Administration to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed real-time optimization algorithm.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

FAIR Data and Interpretable AI Framework for Architectured Metamaterials

Our interdisciplinary effort successfully generated FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) benchmark datasets for mechanical metamaterials while introducing a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework known as Learning Refined Compositional Rules (LRCR). This framework was specifically designed to bridge the gap across varying computational length scales and extract the underlying physical mechanisms that connect a material's structural geometry to its bulk acoustic properties. Historically, the discovery of such structured materials relied heavily on human intuition or opaque, black-box optimization algorithms that were difficult to generalize. By combining interpretable machine learning techniques with rigorous experimental validation, this project established clear, generalizable design guidelines for tuning wave dispersion and controlling vibrations. Ultimately, the public availability of these structured datasets and algorithms will significantly reduce computational costs and accelerate the design of advanced multi-functional acoustic devices, offering broad societal impacts across fields like aerospace engineering, telecommunications, and biomedical implant design.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Initial-State Dependent Optimization of Controlled Gate Operations with Quantum Computer

There is no unique way to encode a quantum algorithm into a quantum circuit. With limited qubit counts, connectivity, and coherence times, a quantum circuit optimization is essential to make the best use of near-term quantum devices. We introduce a new circuit optimizer called AQCEL, which aims to remove redundant controlled operations from controlled gates, depending on initial states of the circuit. Especially, the AQCEL can remove unnecessary qubit controls from multi-controlled gates in polynomial computational resources, even when all the relevant qubits are entangled, by identifying zero-amplitude computational basis states using a quantum computer. As a benchmark, the AQCEL is deployed on a quantum algorithm designed to model final state radiation in high energy physics. For this benchmark, we have demonstrated that the AQCEL-optimized circuit can produce equivalent final states with much smaller number of gates. Moreover, when deploying AQCEL with a noisy intermediate scale quantum computer, it efficiently produces a quantum circuit that approximates the original circuit with high fidelity by truncating low-amplitude computational basis states below certain thresholds. Our technique is useful for a wide variety of quantum algorithms, opening up new possibilities to further simplify quantum circuits to be more effective for real devices.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Flexible dynamic boundary microgrid operation considering network and load unbalances

Flexible microgrids with dynamic boundaries have recently been introduced in the literature. With the ability to reconfigure the topology of the microgrids dynamically through remotely controlled switches, flexible microgrids with dynamic boundaries can further improve the resiliency and energy efficiency of microgrids with distributed energy resources (DERs). This paper focuses on the optimal operation considering one of the predominant characteristics of microgrids and distribution systems – unbalanced networks and loads. In existing literature, balanced modeling of microgrids is more common due to its attractive simplicity. The three-phase power unbalance has not been considered as a constraint on the generation units in a microgrid. Further, negative sequence constraints have also been neglected. In this article, we propose a set of constraints that is specifically related to the capabilities of inverter interfaced resources to supply unbalanced current/power when the microgrid is islanded from the main distribution grid. We incorporate the new set of constraints into two optimization formulations leveraging two convex relaxations of the three-phase power flow equations: mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) and mixed-integer semidefinite programming (MISDP) that optimize the dispatch of controllable switches and DERs in the microgrid. The algorithms are then extended to networked microgrids with grid-forming sources. We test the algorithms on a realistic community microgrid model in Puerto Rico as well as standardized IEEE distribution test feeders. The testing results demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithms. The MILP is fast and scalable, and the MISDP enforces the negative sequence voltage constraints.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Feedback Control Approaches for Restoration of Power Grids from Blackouts

The automated restoration of power systems with variable energy resources is a timely problem to tackle. Automated restoration advice can support operators in deciding on strategic actions to restore power grids from a blackout with a mix of conventional and renewable generation resources. To this end, this paper frames the restoration process of power grids with solar resources as a nonlinear dynamic model with algebraic constraints in discrete time which is steered by feedback control loops. We discuss two feedback-control strategies based on greedy and reinforcement learning algorithms, and contrast their performance with restoration plans generated by a mixed-integer linear program. We found that the reinforcement learning algorithm infers restoration actions faster than the greedy one. However, the tuning process of the reinforcement learning parameters is slower than for the greedy one.

machine learning↗
DOE OSTI2022

Stochastic scheduling of generating units with weekly energy storage: A hybrid decomposition approach

We propose a solution method for the large-scale stochastic unit commitment (SUC) problem with weekly-dispatched energy storage and significant weather-dependent stochastic generating capacity. Weekly storage facilities that mostly charge during weekends and discharge during weekdays require a weekly scheduling of generating units, which result in a large-scale optimization problem. This SUC problem is formulated as a two-stage stochastic model and we use the conditional value-at-risk as a risk measure. Using a Benders framework, the proposed solution method decomposes the problem into a mixed-integer linear master problem and linear and continuous subproblems. The master problem corresponds to the first-stage decisions throughout the week and includes all the commitment (binary) variables and their corresponding constraints. The subproblems correspond to the actual dispatch of the generating units on a weekly basis. Based on the success of column-and-constraint generation algorithms to solve robust optimization problems, we improve the low communication between the master problem and the subproblems in the standard Benders decomposition by adding primal variables and constraints from the subproblems to the master problem, which provides a better approximation of the recourse function. Furthermore, our computational experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed decomposition method using an instance of the South Carolina synthetic system with 90 generating units under 40 scenarios.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Event driven readout architecture with non-priority arbitration for radiation detectors

A novel event driven readout architecture, EDWARD (Event Driven with Access and 8 Reset Decoder) architecture, for highly granular pixel detectors is presented. It incorporates, inter alia, an asynchronous arbitration tree based on Seitz' arbiters, removing the need for an imposed prioritization scheme. It also provides protection against glitches during readout. The system allows not only reading pixel activities, but also retrieving additional data, both analog and digital, from the pixels. A novel in-channel logic allows the entire readout process to be split into consecutive phases for additional flexibility. All operations are controlled by only one edge of the clock signal, seen as an acknowledge token, so there is no dead time between readouts.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Impact of time-correlated noise on zero-noise extrapolation

Zero-noise extrapolation is a quantum error mitigation technique that has typically been studied under the ideal approximation that the noise acting on a quantum device is not time correlated. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility and performance of zero-noise extrapolation in the presence of time-correlated noise. We show that, in contrast to white noise, time-correlated noise is harder to mitigate via zero-noise extrapolation because it is difficult to scale the noise level without also modifying its spectral distribution. This limitation is particularly strong if “local” gate-level methods are applied for noise scaling. Furthermore, we find that “global” noise-scaling methods, e.g., global unitary folding, can be sufficiently reliable even in the presence of time-correlated noise.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Coupled Lindblad Pseudomode Theory for Simulating Open Quantum Systems

Coupled Lindblad pseudomode theory is a promising approach for simulating non-Markovian quantum dynamics on both classical and quantum platforms, with dynamics that can be realized as a quantum channel. We provide theoretical evidence that the number of coupled pseudomodes only needs to scale as polylog⁡(𝑇/𝜖) in the simulation time 𝑇 and precision 𝜖. Inspired by the realization problem in control theory, we also develop a robust numerical algorithm for constructing the coupled modes that avoid the nonconvex optimization required by existing approaches. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method by computing population dynamics and absorption spectra for the spin-boson model. Furthermore, this Letter provides a significant theoretical and computational improvement to the coupled Lindblad framework, which impacts a broad range of applications from classical simulations of quantum impurity problems to quantum simulations on near-term quantum platforms.

Anderson impurity model↗
DOE OSTI2024

Microgrid to Microgrid Synchronization with Grid-Forming Inverters: Challenges and Solution

Research on network microgrids has primarily focused on control and optimization. However, application aspects such as microgrid-to-microgrid synchronization have not been fully addressed in existing literature. This paper first addresses the challenges of networking microgrids with grid-forming inverter in droop control. Then, it proposes a pre-synchronization algorithm to improves the synchronization speed and transient stability. To improve the speed, the phase difference between adjacent microgrids is minimized. Transients such as inrush current and oscillations are effectively mitigated by increasing the virtual impedance during interconnection. The proposed strategy allows smooth transitions when reconfiguration of the microgrids is needed. The applicability of this strategy to today’s microgrid systems is demonstrated through a validation in a 480V three-phase network microgrid testbed with commercial-grade inverters, protective devices, and switchgear.

Ferrari Maglia, Max↗
DOE OSTI2025

Deep Reinforcement Learning for Distribution System Operations: A Tutorial and Survey

Here, the rapid evolution of modern electric power distribution systems into complex networks of interconnected active devices, distributed generation (DG), and storage poses increasing difficulties for system operators. The large-scale integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and the rapid exchange of measurement data via communication networks present major opportunities for advancing grid operations but also introduce greater uncertainty, higher data dimensionality, more complex network and device models, and challenging control and optimization problems. Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms are promising in addressing these challenges. However, they have not been effectively adapted for power systems applications, requiring extensive customization for implementation and evaluation. This has resulted in reproducibility challenges and a steep learning curve for researchers new to applying DRL algorithms to the power systems domain. To bridge these gaps, this tutorial aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers interested in exploring learning-based algorithms to operate active power distribution networks. Specifically, this work presents a generalized process for translating sequential decision-making problems in power distribution systems into Markov decision process (MDP) formulations, illustrated through concrete grid service examples. Additionally, we introduce a simple environment design strategy to develop and evaluate example DRL algorithms for distribution system applications, complete with an included code repository to guide users through environment construction.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Agent-Supervisor Coordination for Decentralized Event-Triggered Optimization

This letter proposes decentralized resource-aware coordination schemes for solving network optimization problems defined by objective functions that combine locally evaluable costs with network-wide coupling components. These methods are well suited for a group of supervised agents trying to solve an optimization problem under mild coordination requirements. Each agent has information on its local cost and coordinates with the network supervisor for information about the coupling term of the cost. The proposed approach is feedback-based and asynchronous by design, guarantees anytime feasibility, and ensures the asymptotic convergence of the network state to the desired optimizer. Numerical simulations on a power system example illustrate our results.

decentralized algorithms↗
DOE OSTI2024

Codebase release r1.4 for CoVVVR

Monte Carlo (MC) integration is an important calculational technique in the physical sciences. Practical considerations require that the calculations are performed as accurately as possible for a given set of computational resources. To improve the accuracy of MC integration, a number of useful variance reduction algorithms have been developed, including importance sampling and control variates. In this work, we demonstrate how these two methods can be applied simultaneously, thus combining their benefits. We provide a python wrapper, named COVVVR, which implements our approach in the VEGAS program. The improvements are quantified with several benchmark examples from the literature.

Shyamsundar, Prasanth↗
DOE OSTI2021

PPPL Laboratory Directed Research and Development (Project Final Reports, FY2018 - FY2020)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a collaborative national center for fusion energy science, basic sciences, and advanced technology. The Laboratory has three major missions: (1) to develop the scientific knowledge and advanced engineering to enable fusion to power the U.S. and the world; (2) to advance the science of nanoscale fabrication for technologies of tomorrow; and (3) to further the development of the scientific understanding of the plasma universe from laboratory to astrophysical scales. PPPL’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program supports and encourages creativity and innovation and contributes to its long-term viability. New scientific and technical research areas emerge and are nurtured through the program. Furthermore, new capabilities are developed to enable the Laboratory to meet its and DOE’s missions. The program is used to systematically diversify the Laboratory’s programs and mission. In the last few years, the program has started projects in nanomaterial synthesis, microelectronics, advanced x-ray spectroscopy, high-energy-density physics, superconducting magnet technology, machine learning and artificial intelligence, 3D magnetic fields to optimize fusion plasmas, integration of permanent magnets with simple high-field magnets to reduce the cost of producing complex 3D magnetic fields, advanced computational methods for predictive understanding and control of fusion plasma, development of quantum computing algorithms for plasma physics, liquid metal plasma-facing components for fusion reactors, virtual engineering, and plasma-based space propulsion. The program is also the vehicle to recruit and train talented scientists and engineers with the new skills needed to perform the Laboratory’s mission. Many of the new hires through the program go on to become world-class scientists and engineers in their fields. This report provides descriptions and accomplishments of those LDRD projects that were completed during fiscal years 2018 through 2020.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗