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Results for “Accelerator Design Technology, and Operations”

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 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Optimization and Diagnostics Code for Technological Processes: Radiochemical Production Simulator

A software-hardware complex with the possibility of simulating the functioning of technological processes with APCS in real and accelerated time is being developed as part of Project Breakthrough in order to determine the optimal operating regimes of the technological processes of the units in a closed nuclear fuel cycle. It makes possible monitoring and control functions and the visualization and archiving of the results of simulation, which makes it possible at the development stages of technologies to evaluate the degree of adherence to the requirements of the technological equipment, regulating organs and final-control mechanisms, measurement apparatus, and monitoring channels, to analyze the control and diagnostics algorithms, blocking and protection, and to make when necessary changes in the design being developed. The developed software-hardware complex is a stimulator that will make it possible not only to investigate process schemes with their corresponding algorithms but also to develop training complexes for the training and certification of service personnel.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Trends in best-in-class energy-efficient technologies for room air conditioners

Improving the efficiency of room air conditioners (RACs) could provide significant energy and associated emissions savings, particularly in emerging economies with hot climates where the cooling demand is expected to increase dramatically. To help accelerate efficiency improvements, this study identifies “best-in-class” high-efficiency RAC components and products. The findings show that manufacturers tend to minimize manufacturing costs by using RAC designs that are readily available or standardized to their production, and they share components across various models. High-efficiency RAC models use advanced compressor technologies optimized at a low frequency, large heat exchangers with thermodynamically effective materials and designs, highly efficient direct current fan motors, advanced metering devices, and smart sensors for temperature and humidity control. Recently RAC manufacturers have been improving seasonal efficiency – better reflecting part-load operation – especially via variable-speed (inverter) drives for compressor motors. Recent highest-efficiency RAC models use low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, having transitioned from conventional high-GWP refrigerants, in regions where RACs that use these low-GWP refrigerants are commercially available. Recently demonstrated innovative technologies show trends toward smart hybrid designs, evaporative cooling, and solid-state materials beyond the conventional vapor-compression technology. This information could help policymakers improve their RAC market-transformation programs to align with the most-efficient global technology.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2014

Early detection of critical material degradation by means of electromagnetic multi-parametric NDE

With an increasing number of power plants operated in excess of their original design service life an early recognition of critical material degradation in components will gain importance. Many years of reactor safety research allowed for the identification and development of electromagnetic NDE methods which detect precursors of imminent damage with high sensitivity, at elevated temperatures and in a radiation environment. Regarding low-alloy heat-resistant steel grade WB 36 (1.6368, 15NiCuMoNb5), effects of thermal and thermo-mechanical aging on mechanical-technological properties and several micromagnetic parameters have been thoroughly studied. In particular knowledge regarding the process of copper precipitation and its acceleration under thermo-mechanical load has been enhanced. Whilst the Cu-rich WB 36 steel is an excellent model material to study and understand aging effects related to neutron radiation without the challenge of handling radioactive specimens in a hot cell, actually neutron-irradiated reactor pressure vessel materials were investigated as well. The neutron fluence experienced and the resulting shift of the ductile-brittle transition temperature were determined electromagnetically, and it was shown that weld and base material can be distinguished from the cladded side of the RPV wall. Low-cycle fatigue of the austenitic stainless steel AISI 347 (1.4550, X6CrNiNb18-10) has been characterized with electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) at temperatures of up to 300 °C. Time-of-flight and amplitude of the transmitted ultrasound signal were evaluated against the number of load cycles applied and observed as an indication of the imminent material failure significantly earlier than monitoring stresses or strains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1997

Requirements and Development of an Acceleration Measurement System for International Space Station Microgravity Science Payloads

The International Space Station is being developed by NASA and international partners as a versatile user platform to allow long term on-orbit investigations of a variety of scientific and technology arenas. In particular, scientific studies are planned within a research class known as microgravity science in areas such as biotechnology, combustion, fluid physics, and materials sciences. An acceleration measurement system is in development to aid such research conducted in the on-orbit conditions of apparent weightlessness. This system provides a general purpose acceleration measurement capability in support of these payloads and investigators. Such capability allows for systematic study of scientific phenomena by obtaining information regarding the local accelerations present during experiment operations. Preparations for implementing this flight measurement system involves two distinct stages: requirements development prior to initiating the design activity, and the design activity itself. This paper defines the requirements definition approach taken, provides an overview of the results of the requirements phase, and outlines the initial design considerations being addressed for this measurement system. Some preliminary engineering approaches are also described.

Sutliff, Thomas J.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Cascading RF deflectors in compact beam spreader schemes

This study describes beam distribution schemes based on transverse electric field radio-frequency deflectors (RFD) as fast-switching devices and provides numerical relationships between their respective frequencies and phases. The adoption of compact transverse deflecting cavities represents an ideal solution for the design of high repetition rate ( > 1 MHz), compact beam distribution systems. While directly applicable to modern FEL facilities, this approach also provides opportunities for expanding existing beam delivery systems with additional experimental areas simultaneously feeding multiple beamlines. We derive the formalism for cascading RFDs by adopting the proper choice of deflector frequencies which can generate a large variety of beam switch yard topologies. Finally, we present for reference a potential application operating at an rf frequency of 325 MHz with the comparison of three possible distinct compact rf deflectors: a superconducting rf-dipole, a normal conducting rf-dipole, and a normal conducting 4-rod design.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1974

Scramjet nozzle design and analysis as applied to a highly integrated hypersonic research airplane

The configuration and performance of the propulsion system for the hypersonic research vehicle are discussed. A study of the interactions between propulsion and aerodynamics of the highly integrated vehicle was conducted. The hypersonic research vehicle is configured to test the technology of structural and thermal protection systems concepts and the operation of the propulsion system under true flight conditions for most of the hypersonic flight regime. The subjects considered are: (1) research vehicle and scramjet engine configurations to determine fundamental engine sizing constraints, (2) analytical methods for computing airframe and propulsion system components, and (3) characteristics of a candidate nozzle to investigate vehicle stability and acceleration performance.

Small, W. J.↗
DOE OSTI2017

A Compact Superconducting RF Accelerator for Electron Beam and X-ray Irradiation

As commercial and industrial applications of electron beam and x-ray irradiation have developed, new applications have emerged that require very high beam power to create the required radiation field. These new applications require dependable, efficient, high-energy, high-power electron accelerators. Recent developments in Superconducting Radio-Frequency (SRF) technology can now enable accelerators with lower costs and improved performance. Cryogenic heat loads are dramatically reduced through use of new materials and improved component designs. New cooling methods allow the replacement of complex systems requiring cryogenic fluids with simple robust systems with no fluids. New RF sources can greatly reduce the cost of RF power. Each of these developments has been individually proven and an effort is underway at the Illinois Accelerator Research Center at Fermilab to integrate them into the first prototype of an entirely new class of industrial SRF-based accelerators. These accelerators will enable robust, turn-key operation with very high electrical efficiency. The accelerator prototype under design will be capable of 10 MeV beam, CW operation, and 250 kW of electron beam power. These modular systems are small enough to be palletized and transported to the point of use. Their high electrical efficiency mean that portable power generation systems can be enable their use in mobile applications. The goal is a compact, cost-effective, high-power accelerator suitable for many of the applications covered by this conference. Fermilab is actively working to build the prototype. The end-product will be a commercially available, robust, turn-key system for applications requiring reliable electron beam or X-ray irradiation. Keywords: accelerator, applications, conduction-cooling, cryogen-free, industrial, super-conducting RF.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fusion-Driven Subcritical System FDS-SFB and Its Blanket Materials Activation Analysis

Fusion-fission hybrid reactor is a bridge between fusion and fission nuclear energy and it is a solution to overcome difficulties of fission energy development with the features of energy production, fuel breeding and waste transmutation. Many researches on fusion-fission hybrid reactor have been done in last decades. Fusion Driven Subcritical Spent Fuel Burning System (FDS-SFB) was proposed as an intermediate step toward the final application of fusion energy and designed to transmute the long-lived nuclear wastes from fission power plants and to produce fissile nuclear fuels for feeding fission power plants. The design of FDS-SFB is based on relatively easy-achieved plasma parameters extrapolated form the successful operation of the experimental advanced superconducting Tokamak (EAST) in China and other tokamaks in the world, and the subcritical blanket is designed based on the well-developed technologies of fission reactor. Materials activation characteristic is one of the key issues for hybrid reactor research. The activation of materials would substantially influence not only the safety of the reactors but also the recycling of used reactor materials. The selection of materials is very important to control the neutron-induced activation on fusion reactor as well as to ensure the attractiveness of fusion-fission nuclear power regarding safety and environmental aspects. The reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (CLAM) steel is preliminarily considered as the candidate structural materials for FDS-SFB. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Multiple Beam Triode Driven RF Sources for Accelerator Applications Phase I Final Report

Calabazas Creek Research, Inc, (CCR), in collaboration with Microwave Power Products, Inc. (MPP), formerly Communications & Power Industries, LLC (CPI,) and JP Accelerator Works, Inc. (JPAW), embarked on a program to develop multiple beam triodes to produce RF power from 350 – 800 MHz with an average power exceeding 200 kW. The effort was motivated by the performance of a triode-based RF source which produces 25 kW of UHF power at 90% efficiency. The CCR effort focused on implementing this technology into a multiple beam device to increase the output power while retaining the low cost, compact size, and high efficiency. The program performed extensive simulations indicating that the goals could be achieved, and a prototype multiple beam triode was built, baked, and tested. Unfortunately, a grid to cathode short terminated the testing before the tube could generate RF power. Nevertheless, the effort demonstrated that a multiple beam triode could be designed, built, baked, and energized to high voltage. The multiple beam triode used oxide cathodes, which are only capable of pulsed operation. The multiple beam triode will be rebuilt using dispenser cathodes, which will allow high duty or continuous operation. The grids were also modified to be more robust to avoid previous issues. The MB triode will provide the beam power for RF generation. The RF is generated by surrounding the triode with input and output cavities to convert beam power to RF power. RF cavities to generate 200 kW CW at 350-450 MHz using the MB triode with dispenser cathodes was assembled during the program. The next Phase of this effort is to assemble the multiple beam triode using the subassemblies built in the Phase I program and test with the RF cavities. The Phase I program also initiated design of a higher frequency, higher power multiple beam triode. That design is forecast to produce approximately 500 kW CW from 350 - 500 MHz.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Low Cost High-Performance HRE-Free 3-in-1 Electric Drive Unit

The project team completed work to expand upon American Axle & Manufacturing’s (AAM) baseline technology and develop a high-speed, AC induction electric drive unit (EDU) with total direct-oil-cooling and integrated power electronics. The project accelerated advancements in EDU technology by allowing AAM to build upon the progress made in developing the underlying baseline technologies. The following seven improvements to AAM’s baseline technology were implemented in this research and development program: 1) Increased speed (30k RPM) AC induction motor, 2) Silver-sintering of discrete silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET) to heat sinks, 3) Electrically insulated rotor bars, 4) Optimized lamination steel, 5) EDU-integrated 650VDC inverter package, 6) Over-molded stator with molded liners, and 7) 650VDC power-dense stator design. The successful development of the technology resulted in a meaningful cost reduction for EDU systems in the market. Coupled with falling battery system costs, lower EDU costs will likely accelerate the market acceptance and related production scaling of battery electric vehicles. The objective of this project was to research, develop, and test a Heavy Rare Earth (HRE)-free 3-In-1 electric drive unit (EDU) that has class leading power density and cost. The key technologies to be developed were anticipated to meet or exceed the Department of Energy (DOE) targets of a cost ≤ $\$$7/kilowatt (kW), power density ≥ 12 kW/liter, and operating voltage ≥ 600 VDC.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Efficient Coupling of Monte-Carlo Neutral and Fluid Plasma Models

The objective of this project was to develop an efficient scheme to couple kinetic Monte-Carlo (MC) neutral-species and fluid plasma-(charged-) species codes for the simulation of transport in the outer edge region of magnetic fusion energy (MFE) edge simulation. There was a need for improvement over existing plasma-neutral transport codes, which are either all-fluid, and insufficiently accurate in some important regimes, or very slow due to their use of simple explicit (operator-split) coupling.The resulting capability will be of great value in the interpretation and design of present-day and future MFE plasma devices (e.g., ITER). We developed and demonstrated several new algorithms that can greatly accelerate coupling between numerical code/model compon ents where the coupling introduces numerical “stiffness” and where there is a Monte-Carlo component.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

First demonstration of a cryocooler conduction cooled superconducting radiofrequency cavity operating at practical cw accelerating gradients

Abstract We demonstrate practical accelerating gradients on a superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) accelerator cavity with cryocooler conduction cooling, a cooling technique that does not involve the complexities of the conventional liquid helium bath. A design is first presented that enables conduction cooling an elliptical-cell SRF cavity. Implementing this design, a single cell 650 MHz Nb 3 Sn cavity coupled using high purity aluminum thermal links to a 4 K pulse tube cryocooler generated accelerating gradients up to 6.6 MV m −1 at 100% duty cycle. The experiments were carried out with the cavity-cryocooler assembly in a simple vacuum vessel, completely free of circulating liquid cryogens. We anticipate that this cryocooling technique will make the SRF technology accessible to interested accelerator researchers who lack access to full-stack helium cryogenic systems. Furthermore, the technique can lead to SRF based compact sources of high average power electron beams for environmental protection and industrial applications. A concept of such an SRF compact accelerator is presented.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2017

In-pile Hydrothermal Corrosion Evaluation of Coated SiC Ceramics and Composites

Hydrothermal corrosion accelerated by water radiolysis during normal operation is among the most critical technical feasibility issues remaining for silicon carbide (SiC) composite-based cladding that could provide enhanced accident-tolerance fuel technology for light water reactors. An integrated in-pile test was developed and performed to determine the synergistic effects of neutron irradiation, radiolysis, and pressurized water flow, all of which are relevant to a typical pressurized water reactor (PWR). The test specimens were chosen to cover a range of SiC materials and a variety of potential options for environmental barrier coatings. This document provides a summary of the irradiation vehicle design, operations of the experiment, and the specimen loading into the irradiation vehicle.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

2022 Standard Scenarios Report: A U.S. Electricity Sector Outlook

This report documents the eighth edition of the annual Standard Scenarios. It summarizes 70 forward-looking scenarios of the U.S. electricity sector that have been designed to capture a wide range of possible futures. In August 2022, the United States Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a law aimed at accelerating U.S. decarbonization, clean energy manufacturing, and deployment of new power and end-use technologies. This year’s scenarios include representations of the main electricity-sector provisions from IRA and the potential impact on electricity demand. The Standard Scenarios are simulated using the Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) model, which projects utility-scale electricity sector evolution for the contiguous United States using a system-wide, least-cost approach subject to policy and operational constraints. A subset of the scenarios are simulated in the PLEXOS production cost model to obtain a broader suite of metrics at the hourly resolution, which are made available through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) annual Cambium data sets. The scenarios can be viewed and downloaded from NREL’s Scenario Viewer. Annual results are available for the full suite of scenarios in the Standard Scenarios projects in the viewer, whereas the Cambium projects contain hourly data for a subset of scenarios. The Standard Scenarios includes a scenario called the Mid-case, which has central or median values for core inputs such as technology costs and fuel prices, moderately paced demand growth averaging 1.3% per year, and electricity sector policies as they existed in September 2022 (including IRA). The remaining 69 scenarios are created by varying inputs such as technology and fuel prices, resource availability, demand growth, whether nascent generation technologies are allowed, and by introducing national decarbonization constraints.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Compact, high-power superconducting radio-frequency accelerators for environmental applications

Electron-beam irradiation has been proven to destructively reduce or eliminate a wide variety of organic chemicals, viruses and bacteria from wastewater, as well as reducing sulfur and nitrous oxides emission from coal-fired power plants. It is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 such particle accelerators in use worldwide for industrial processes including surface and bulk processing of material, medical sterilization, and environmental remediation. Maximum beam power from accelerators used in these applications is currently limited to less than 500 kW, and a higher beam power is needed to reduce treatment costs. The market availability of continuous-wave (CW) electron-beam accelerators with power of the order of ~100 kW is also very limited. Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) linear accelerators (linacs) are commonly used at basic research laboratories throughout the world due to their exceptionally high efficiency as compared to current industrial varieties. Recent advances in cryogenics, SRF thin films and high-power magnetrons allow for the design of increasingly compact and efficient CW SRF electron linacs in the energy range 1-10 MeV, with up to 1 MW of beam power. A new class of compact, high-efficiency electron-beam accelerators may provide cost-effective solutions for a range of industrial and environmental remediation applications, particularly with respect to tackling one such class of contaminants so-called “forever chemicals”, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are ubiquitous in a wide range of products and for which there is currently no effective destruction technology. We have recently demonstrated the key technologies required for such accelerators by: 1) operating a Nb3Sn SRF accelerating cavity cooled by commercial cryocoolers up to an accelerating gradient of 12.4 MV/m and 2) demonstrating the phase-locking as well as a high-efficiency power combining scheme for industrial magnetron transmitters. In this presentation, we will introduce the principles and benefits of MW-class SRF linacs, based on the conduction-cooled SRF technology that we have demonstrated for environmental remediation. We propose the development of a 4 MeV, 20 kW prototype to be built at Jefferson Lab as a first accelerator demonstrator unit. We will also present the results from samples study on the effect of electron-beam irradiation on so-called “forever chemicals” such as 1,4-dioxane and PFAS, using an existing multi-purpose 10 MeV, low-power, CW SRF linac at Jefferson Lab.

Ciovati, Gianluigi↗
DOE OSTI2024

Preliminary Characterization and Evaluation on ShAPE Manufactured 316H and ODS Steels

This study provides the first- of- a- kind results of direct tube formation through shear assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE) for oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel material; previously only bar was successfully made. The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology (AMMT) program develops cross-cutting technologies in support of a broad range of nuclear reactor technologies and maintains U.S. leadership in materials and manufacturing technologies for nuclear energy applications. The overarching vision of AMMT is to accelerate the development, qualification, demonstration, and deployment of advanced materials and manufacturing technologies to enable reliable and economical nuclear energy. Solid-state advanced manufacturing techniques can overcome some of the challenges in liquid-based additive manufacturing processes and should therefore be considered in material design and manufacturing as well. The work presented in this report forms part of a study on solid-state additive manufacturing techniques of 316 stainless steels and ODS steel components and supports the vision and goals of the AMMT program relevant to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing processes. Achieving this can provide a safety improvement through larger safety margins, economic benefit for higher efficiency during operation, and a cost reduction through more effective manufacturing processes and less waste.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Design of a high-power compact SRF linac for industrial applications of e-beam irradiation

Fermilab has developed a novel concept for an industrial electron linac using Nb3Sn coating technology and conduction cooling. These conduction-cooled linacs can generate electron beam energies up to 10 MeV in continuous-wave operation and reach higher power (>=1 MW) by combing several modules. Compact and light enough to mount on mobile platforms, our machine is anticipated to enable new in-situ environmental remediation applications such as waste-water treatment for urban areas, X-ray medical device sterilization, and innovative pavement applications. We highlight a few aspects of a 1 MW design of such a machine in this paper. A detailed plan is in Dhuley et al. (2022) Phys. Rev. Accel. Beams 25, 041601.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

A simulation environment for ITER PCS development

A simulation environment known as the Plasma Control System Simulation Platform (PCSSP), specifically designed to support development of the ITER Plasma Control System (PCS), is currently under construction by an international team encompassing a cross-section of expertise in simulation and exception handling for plasma control. The proposed design addresses the challenging requirements of supporting the PCS design. This work provides an overview of the PCSSP project and a discussion of some of the major features of its design. Plasma control for the ITER tokamak will be significantly more challenging than for existing fusion devices. An order of magnitude greater performance is needed for some types of control, which together with limited actuator authority, implies that optimized individual controllers and nonlinear saturation logic are required. At the same time, consequences of control failure are significantly more severe, which implies a conflicting requirement for robust control. It also implies a requirement for comprehensive and robust exception handling. Coordinated control of multiple competing objectives with significant interactions, together with many shared uses of actuators to control multiple variables, implies that highly integrated control logic and shared actuator management will be required. It remains a challenge for the integrated technologies to simultaneously address these multiple and often competing requirements to be demonstrated on existing fusion devices and adapted for ITER in time to support its operational schedule. We describe ways in which the PCSSP will help address these challenges to support design of both the ITER PCS itself and the algorithms that will be implemented therein. and at the same time greatly reduce the cost of that development. We summarize the current status of the PCSSP design task, including system requirements and preliminary design documents already delivered as well as features of the ongoing detailed architectural design. The methods being incorporated in the detailed design are based on prior experience with control simulation environments in fusion and on standard practices prevalent in development of control-intensive industrial product designs.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗