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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 847 records · Page 47
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

A Blockchain Based Co-Simulation Framework for Integrating DERs to Wholesale Electricity Markets: Preprint

As the number of distributed energy resources (DERs) continue to increase across energy-delivery systems, there remains a need for integrating their capabilities into traditional grid operations. In this paper, a blockchain-based solution is proposed to facilitate FERC's Order No. 2222 implementations. The presented use-case enables small-scale DERs to participate in wholesale market operations through DER aggregators, while also enabling local distribution system operators to enforce distribution system constraints in a secure and traceable manner. The presented use case is built around the Unified Testing Platform (UTP) being developed as a part of the Blockchain for Optimized Security and Energy Management (BLOSEM) project. This is a multi-lab effort intended to simplify the deployment of blockchain-powered grid solutions by enabling the integration of simulation tools, and blockchain technologies through the use of system-agnostic interfaces that provide a modular, interoperable, and reusable connectivity layer.

blockchain testing↗
DOE OSTI2022

PeleC: An adaptive mesh refinement solver for compressible reacting flows

Reacting flow simulations for combustion applications require extensive computing capabilities. Leveraging the AMReX library, the Pele suite of combustion simulation tools targets the largest supercomputers available and future exascale machines. We introduce PeleC, the compressible solver in the Pele suite, and detail its capabilities, including complex geometry representation, chemistry integration, and discretization. We present a comparison of development efforts using both OpenACC and AMReX’s C++ performance portability framework for execution on multiple GPU architectures. We discuss relevant details that have allowed PeleC to achieve high performance and scalability. PeleC’s performance characteristics are measured through relevant simulations on multiple supercomputers. The success of PeleC’s design for exascale is exhibited through demonstration of a 160 billion cell simulation and weak scaling onto 100% of Summit, an NVIDIA-based GPU supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Our results provide confidence that PeleC will enable future combustion science simulations with unprecedented fidelity.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Enabling Combustion Science Simulations for Future Exascale Machines

Reacting flow simulations for combustion applications require extensive computing capabilities. Leveraging the AMReX library, the Pele suite of combustion simulation tools targets the largest supercomputers available and future exascale machines. We introduce PeleC, the compressible solver in the Pele suite, and detail its capabilities, including complex geometry representation, chemistry integration, and discretization. We present a comparison of development efforts using both OpenACC and AMReX's C++ performance portability framework for execution on multiple GPU architectures. We discuss relevant details that have allowed PeleC to achieve high performance and scalability. PeleC's performance characteristics are measured through relevant simulations on multiple supercomputers. The success of PeleC's design for exascale is exhibited through demonstration of a 160 billion cell simulation and weak scaling onto 100\% of Summit, an NVIDIA-based GPU supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Our results provide confidence that PeleC will enable future combustion science simulations with unprecedented fidelity.

combustion↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development and Verification of an Improved Wake-Added Turbulence Model in FAST.Farm

We introduce a generalized wake-added turbulence (WAT) model in the multiphysics, multiturbine simulation tool FAST.Farm. The WAT model introduces additional small-scale turbulence that represents the breakdown of vortical structures and shear layers in the wake. The article describes the development, implementation, calibration, and verification of the model. The novelties of the model include support for wake asymmetry, buildup of WAT across the wind farm, and secondary effects of wake-induced turbulence (e.g., wake meandering) driven by smaller-scale turbulence structures that arise from wake breakdown. Large-eddy simulations were run to support the calibration of the WAT parameters and verification of the model. Previous studies hypothesized that the lack of WAT modeling was the source of underprediction of fatigue loads, in particular for cases at low turbulence intensities and/or stable atmospheric boundary layers. This study confirms that the newly implemented WAT model enhances the loads predictions in these cases.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Positive-Sequence Modeling of Droop-Controlled Grid-Forming Inverters for Transient Stability Simulation of Transmission Systems

Here, this paper describes a positive-sequence model to represent two widely reported droop-controlled grid-forming inverters for bulk power systems simulation study. Methods of how to develop the equivalent voltage source behind impedance to represent inverters with and without inner control loops, modeling of P-f and Q-V droop controls, active and reactive power limiting modeling, and modeling of fault current limiting controls are described in detail. The model is implemented in commercially available positive-sequence simulation tools and compared with detailed electromagnetic transient models in both a single-grid-forming-inverter infinite-bus system and a modified IEEE 39-bus system. Finally, the model is tested on the full US Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) system. Study results show that the model has a good level of accuracy compared to the detailed EMT models, and at the same time also achieves a high computational efficiency, which is suitable for the bulk power system simulation study.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2008

Simulating Operation of a Complex Sensor Network

Simulation Tool for ASCTA Microsensor Network Architecture (STAMiNA) ["ASCTA" denotes the Advanced Sensors Collaborative Technology Alliance.] is a computer program for evaluating conceptual sensor networks deployed over terrain to provide military situational awareness. This or a similar program is needed because of the complexity of interactions among such diverse phenomena as sensing and communication portions of a network, deployment of sensor nodes, effects of terrain, data-fusion algorithms, and threat characteristics. STAMiNA is built upon a commercial network-simulator engine, with extensions to include both sensing and communication models in a discrete-event simulation environment. Users can define (1) a mission environment, including terrain features; (2) objects to be sensed; (3) placements and modalities of sensors, abilities of sensors to sense objects of various types, and sensor false alarm rates; (4) trajectories of threatening objects; (5) means of dissemination and fusion of data; and (6) various network configurations. By use of STAMiNA, one can simulate detection of targets through sensing, dissemination of information by various wireless communication subsystems under various scenarios, and fusion of information, incorporating such metrics as target-detection probabilities, false-alarm rates, and communication loads, and capturing effects of terrain and threat.

Jennings, Esther↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modeling and Simulation of Electrostatics of Ge$_{\text{1-x}}$Sn$_{\text{x}}$ Layers Grown on Ge Substrates

This work introduces a comprehensive simulation tool that provides a robust 1D Schrödinger – Poisson solver for modeling the electrostatics of heterostructures with an arbitrary number of layers, and non-uniform doping profiles along with the treatment of partial ionization of dopants at low temperatures. The effective masses are derived from the first-principles calculations. The solver is used to characterize three Ge 1-x Sn x /Ge heterostructures with non-uniform doping profiles and determine the subband structure at various temperatures. Here, the simulation results of the sheet carrier densities show excellent agreement with the experimentally extracted data, thus demonstrating the capabilities of the solver.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1990

Documentation for the token ring network simulation system

A manual is presented which describes the language features of the Token Ring Network Simulation System. The simulation system is a powerful simulation tool for token ring networks which allows the specification of various Medium Access Control (MAC) layer protocols as well as the specification of various features of upper layer ISO protocols. In addition to these features, it also allows the user to specify message and station classes virtually to any degree of detail desired. The choice of a language instead of an interactive system to specify network parameters was dictated by both flexibility and time considerations. The language was developed specifically for the simulation system, and is very simple. It is also user friendly in that language elements which do not apply to the case at hand are ignored rather than treated as errors.

Peden, Jeffery H.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Design and Modelling of a Microfluidic Electro-Lysis Device with Controlling Plates

Many Lab-on-Chip applications require sample pre-treatment systems. Using electric fields to perform cell-lysis in bio-MEMS systems has provided a powerful tool which can be integrated into Lab-on-a-Chip platforms. The major design considerations for electro-lysis devices include optimal geometry and placement of micro-electrodes, cell concentration, flow rates, optimal electric field (e.g. pulsed DC vs. AC), etc. To avoid electrolysis of the flowing solution at the exposed electrode surfaces, magnitudes and the applied voltages and duration of the DC pulse, or the AC frequency of the AC, have to be optimized for a given configuration. Using simulation tools for calculation of electric fields has proved very useful, for exploring alternative configurations and operating conditions for achieving electro cell-lysis. To alleviate the problem associated with low electric fields within the microfluidics channel and the high voltage demand on the contact electrode strips, two "control plates" are added to the microfluidics configuration. The principle of placing the two controlling plate-electrodes is based on the electric fields generated by a combined insulator/dielectric (gladwater) media. Surface charges are established at the insulator/dielectric interface. This paper discusses the effects of this interface charge on the modification of the electric field of the flowing liquid/cell solution.

Jenkins, A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

A Novel Approach for Modeling Chemical Reaction in Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program

The Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP) is a computer code developed at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for analyzing steady state and transient flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and concentrations in a complex flow network. The code, which performs system level simulation, can handle compressible and incompressible flows as well as phase change and mixture thermodynamics. Thermodynamic and thermophysical property programs, GASP, WASP and GASPAK provide the necessary data for fluids such as helium, methane, neon, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, fluorine, hydrogen, water, a hydrogen, isobutane, butane, deuterium, ethane, ethylene, hydrogen sulfide, krypton, propane, xenon, several refrigerants, nitrogen trifluoride and ammonia. The program which was developed out of need for an easy to use system level simulation tool for complex flow networks, has been used for the following purposes to name a few: Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump Secondary Flow Circuits, Axial Thrust Balance of the Fastrac Engine Turbopump, Pressurized Propellant Feed System for the Propulsion Test Article at Stennis Space Center, X-34 Main Propulsion System, X-33 Reaction Control System and Thermal Protection System, and International Space Station Environmental Control and Life Support System design. There has been an increasing demand for implementing a combustion simulation capability into GFSSP in order to increase its system level simulation capability of a liquid rocket propulsion system starting from the propellant tanks up to the thruster nozzle for spacecraft as well as launch vehicles. The present work was undertaken for addressing this need. The chemical equilibrium equations derived from the second law of thermodynamics and the energy conservation equation derived from the first law of thermodynamics are solved simultaneously by a Newton-Raphson method. The numerical scheme was implemented as a User Subroutine in GFSSP.

Sozen, Mehmet↗
DOE OSTI2019

Coupling Power System Dynamics and Building Dynamics to Enable Building-to-Grid Integration

The interactions between power system dynamics and building dynamics are usually ignored or over-simplified in existing power systems and building modeling and simulation tools, which limits how system modeling can sup-port Building-to-Grid integration. This paper discusses a new approach to consider those interactions by model-ing motor-driven building devices or systems. The motor-driven model is based on simplified mechanical rotation equations and allows us to study the coupling relationship between frequency/voltage in the power system and motor-driven device operation. This model is validated by performing one proof-of-concept case study with Modelica. The simulation results suggest that the proposed model can yield better representations of these interactions than the existing simplified models, especially the ones with the fast transient dynamics.

Buildings-to-grid integration, motor, coupling sim↗
DOE OSTI2020

MBMS1.0: An Open-Source Code for Modeling and Simulation of Membrane-Based Dehumidification and Energy Recovery

Membrane-based dehumidification is currently being considered as a promising solution for the building application due to its low cost and very limited energy consumption. Developing a simple and efficient open-source code simulation tool is important for boosting the optimization and evaluation of such device in HVAC community. This paper reports a first-order physics based model which accounts for the fundamental heat and mass transfer of humid-air vapor at feed side to flow stream at permeate side. The current model comprises two membrane mass transfer submodels (i.e. microstructure model and performance map model); and it adopts a segment-by-segment methodology for discretizing heat and mass transfer governing equations. The model is capable of simulating both dehumidifiers and energy recovery ventilators with parallel-flow cross-flow, and counter-flow configurations. The model was validated with the measurements at appropriate device. The practices in dehumidification and energy recovery exchangers are also discussed. The model and open-source codes are expected to become a solid fundament for developing a more comprehensive and accurate membrane-based dehumidification in the future.

Gao, Zhiming↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Ristra Project: FY20/21 Milestone Report

The ASC Advanced Technology Development and Mitigation (ATDM) sub-program was established in 2014 to develop new simulation tools operating on exascale-class computers to serve NNSA (see Appendix B). Over the course of ATDM, LANL management have set a strategy for exascale-class application codes that follows two supportive and mutually risk-mitigating paths: evolution for established production integrated design codes (IDCs) – with a strong pedigree within the user community – based upon existing programming paradigms(MPI+X); and a new start ATDM project, Ristra, a high-risk/high-reward push for a next-generation multi-physics, multi-scale simulation toolkit based on emerging advanced programming systems(with an initial focus on data-flow task-based models exemplified by Legion). The role of Ristra as the high-risk/high-reward path for LANL’s codes was fully consistent with the goals of ATDM as described in Appendix B, in particular its emphasis on evolving ASC capabilities through novel computing programming models and computing technologies.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Preparing an Incompressible-Flow Fluid Dynamics Code for Exascale-Class Wind Energy Simulations: Preprint

The US Department of Energy has identified Exascale-Class wind farm simulation tools as critical to wind energy scientific discovery. A primary objective of the Exawind project is to build high-performance, predictive Computational Fluid Dynamics tools that satisfy these modeling needs. GPU accelerators will serve as the computational thoroughbreds of next generation, Exascale-Class, platforms. Here, we report on our efforts for preparing the Exawind unstructured mesh solver, Nalu-Wind, for Exascale-Class machines. For computing at this scale, a simple port of the incompressible-flow algorithms to GPUs is not sufficient. One needs novel algorithms that are application aware, memory efficient, and optimized for latest generation GPU devices to get high-performance. The result of our efforts are unstructured mesh simulations of wind turbines that use 1/6 the compute resources of Summit supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Lab. In particular, we demonstrate a first-of-its-kind, simulation using Algebraic Multigrid solvers on over 4000 GPUs.

algebraic multigrid↗
NASA NTRS1993

Data Systems Dynamic Simulator

The Data System Dynamic Simulator (DSDS) is a discrete event simulation tool. It was developed for NASA for the specific purpose of evaluating candidate architectures for data systems of the Space Station era. DSDS provides three methods for meeting this requirement. First, the user has access to a library of standard pre-programmed elements. These elements represent tailorable components of NASA data systems and can be connected in any logical manner. Secondly, DSDS supports the development of additional elements. This allows the more sophisticated DSDS user the option of extending the standard element set. Thirdly, DSDS supports the use of data streams simulation. Data streams is the name given to a technique that ignores packet boundaries, but is sensitive to rate changes. Because rate changes are rare compared to packet arrivals in a typical NASA data system, data stream simulations require a fraction of the CPU run time. Additionally, the data stream technique is considerably more accurate than another commonly-used optimization technique.

Rouff, Christopher↗
DOE OSTI2021

Enhancing the Operational Resilience of Advanced Reactors with Digital Twins by Recurrent Neural Networks

Because of a lack of operational data and uncertainty in evaluation model for abnormal and accident scenarios, the established operating procedures can be biased in characterizing the reactor states and ensuring operational resilience. To reduce uncertainty associated with actual plant conditions, digital twin (DT) technology is suggested to support operator’s decision-making by effectively extracting and using knowledge of the current and future plant states from the knowledge base. This study first builds a knowledge base based on the characterization of issue space and the simulation tool. Next, this study discusses diagnosis and prognosis DTs for enhancing operational resilience by recovering the complete states of reactors and by predicting the future reactor behaviors. Finally, the decision-making module of the control system can determine the optimal control strategy that meets operational goals during loss-of-flow scenarios. To demonstrate and evaluate the DTs capability for supporting the operations of nuclear reactors, this study develops and assesses both the diagnosis and prognosis DTs in a nearly autonomous management and control system for an Experimental Breeder Reactor-II simulator during different loss-of-flow scenarios.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Versatile Test Reactor Conceptual Core Design

The VTR is a 300-MW(thermal) sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) designed for the specific purpose of delivering unique testing capabilities to enable the advancement of all reactor technologies. With its flux level, irradiation volume, and operational flexibility, the VTR will enable accelerated testing of materials, fuels, and various components needing irradiation testing. Proven SFR technologies and design approaches have been leveraged in designing the VTR core, ensuring the highest possible readiness level. This resulted in the VTR using ternary metallic fuel and delivering fast flux levels in excess of 4 x 10 15 n/cm 2 ∙ s over large useful volumes, corresponding to about 60 dpa/year in steel. As part of the design efforts, the VTR core performance has been determined for a representative configuration, ensuring that the reactivity control systems offer sufficient shutdown margins, that the core can be safely cooled in all situations, and that reactivity feedback coefficients are conducive to a favorable safety behavior. Furthermore, the incorporation of features such as fuel assembly storage in the shield region supports the flexible and reliable operation of the VTR. Additional design work has been ongoing as well. This includes thorough shielding performance evaluations to ensure safe operation of the VTR, verification and validation of the design tools used to achieve compliance with Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) requirements, early assessment of the impact of irradiation experiments on the core performance envelope and associated margins, and in-depth uncertainty quantification efforts to quantify the anticipated range of performance characteristics. An experimental program supporting the VTR core design has been set up, with the current focus being on thermal-hydraulic experiments. The purpose of this experimental program is to obtain confirmatory measurements to serve directly as part of the core design basis or as part of the validation cases supporting the simulation tools used.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Numerical Oscillation Prevention for PV Inverter Controllers in Quasi-Steady-State Simulators

Droop-based PV inverter control methods are popular for preventing overvoltage in low voltage networks with high installations of PV solar. Quasi-steady-state simulators (QSTS) can be used to reduce the computational burden of conducting long-term techno-economic analyses of such PV inverter controllers. If dynamic models for droop-based controllers are directly implemented in QSTS, numerical oscillation occurs and the controllers fail to converge to their steady-state operation. In this paper, a power network sensitivity-based algorithm is proposed for preventing numerical oscillation while implementing active and reactive droop-based PV inverter controllers in quasisteady state simulation tool (e.g. in GridLAB-D). Convergence of the sensitivity-based algorithm is verified using a typical radial distribution feeder. It is found that all three controllers reached converged state in less than 15 iterations.

GridLAB-D, PV inverter control, quasi-steady-state↗