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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 991 records · Page 55

FY19 Status Report on the Computing Systems for the Yucca Mountain Project TSPA-LA Models and Preliminary Testing of a Selected Process Model

Sandia National Laboratories continued evaluation of total system performance assessment (TSPA) computing systems for the previously considered Yucca Mountain Project. This was done to maintain the operational readiness of the computing infrastructure (computer hardware and software) and knowledge capability for total system performance assessment) type analysis, as directed by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), DOE 2010. The FY19 task included continued operation of the cluster; maintenance of the TSPA-LA models (with Gold Sim 9.60.300); preliminary assessment of the status of the Infiltration Model (a process model that feeds the TSPA-LA). In addition, precautionary actions were needed to extend the life of the cluster hardware. To do that, three new nodes were added to the cluster. In the event any of the original nodes fail they will be replaced with the new nodes, thereby maintaining the core capability. The 2014 cluster and supporting software systems are currently fully operational to support TSPA-LA type analysis.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Thermal Extraction Modeling within HYBRID: Nominal and Extraction Conditions in Advanced Reactor Systems

This document details continuing development of thermal extraction modeling within the HYBRID repository, the modeling repository of the Integrated Energy Systems program at Idaho National Laboratory. The focus of the thermal extraction work is setting up template energy conversion systems for advanced reactor systems. Based on these nominal conditions, the IES team is developing extraction capability maps that present the system thermal-to-electric efficiency of the remaining system and the mass extraction fraction capability of these systems when extracting steam at various pressures to send steam to applications at a lower given pressure. These curves are mapped on what has become termed “whale chart” due to the appearance of the results. Multiple advanced reactor systems are complete, and it is anticipated that all four of the main advanced reactor types: advanced light-water reactors, high temperature gas reactors, liquid metal fast reactors, and molten salt reactors, will be complete by the end of the fiscal year.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Dynamic Thermal Performance Analysis of PCM Products Used for Energy Efficiency and Internal Climate Control in Buildings

PCMs are attractive for the future generation of buildings, where energy efficiency targets and thermal comfort expectations are increasingly prioritized. Experimental analysis of local thermal processes in these dynamic components and whole-building energy consumption predictions are essential for the proper implementation of PCMs in buildings. This paper discusses the experimental analysis of the thermophysical characteristics of both a latent heat storage material (PCM) and a product containing this PCM. The prototype product under investigation is a panelized PCM technology containing inorganic, salt-hydrate-based PCM. The thermal analysis includes studies of melting and freezing temperatures, enthalpy changes during phase change processes, nucleation intensity, sub-cooling effects, and PCM stability. The PCM’s stability is also investigated, as is the ability of PCM products to control local temperatures and peak load transmission times. Two inorganic PCM formulations based on calcium chloride hexahydrate (CaCl 2 .6H 2 O) were prepared and tested in laboratory conditions. Material-scale testing results were compared with outcomes from the system-scale analysis, using both laboratory test methods as well as field exposure in test huts. This work demonstrates that PCM technologies used in buildings can effectively control both the magnitude of thermal storage capacity as well as the time of the peak thermal load. It was found that commonly used material-scale testing methods may not always be beneficial in assessing the dynamic thermal performance characteristics of building technologies containing PCMs.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Design, Manufacturing and Performance Considerations in Reactor System, Components and Materials

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is the national and global leader of the Department of Energy (DOE) ’s nuclear energy research, development, and demonstration programs. Developing critical design criteria of new advanced reactor systems, components and materials requires an understanding of fabrication and the irradiation environment during normal operating and accident conditions. Next generation researchers and designers, are, therefore challenged not only by demands for ever improved performance but must also work to shorten the development and commercialization lifecycle for new nuclear reactors and systems to remain competitive. This provides unique and exciting opportunities for all contributors to this field of study. This presentation will offer a strategic overview of the competitively funded R&D awards by the Advanced Methods for Manufacturing (AMM) program of the DOE’s office of Nuclear Energy (NE). This program conducts research and development (R&D) to accelerate innovations by reducing the cost and schedule of constructing new nuclear plants and to make fabrication of nuclear power plant components faster, cheaper, and more reliable. By evaluating state-of-the-art practices found in other large manufacturing industries, the nuclear community has identified six major areas of innovation to reach the objectives of this DOE-NE program. Additionally, typical research case studies performed at INL, will be presented, showing the vast variety of opportunities for which, the next generation of researchers can seek solutions.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Predictive Model and Methodology for Heat Treatment Distortion Final Report CRADA No. TC-298-92

This project was a multi-lab, multi-partner CRADA involving LLNL, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Martin Marietta Energy Systems and the industrial partner, The National Center of Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS). A number of member companies of NCMS participated including General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, The Torrington Company, Gear Research, the Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute, and Deformation Control Technology •. LLNL was the lead laboratory for metrology technology used for validation of the computational tool/methodology. LLNL was also the lead laboratory for the development of the software user interface , for the computational tool. This report focuses on the participation of LLNL and NCMS. The purpose of the project was to develop a computational tool/methodology that engineers would use to predict the effects of heat treatment on the _size and shape of industrial parts made of quench hardenable alloys. Initially, the target application of the tool was gears for automotive power trains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fusion Energy Research at Idaho National Laboratory: Experimentation and Simulation to Support Safety and Rapid Technology Development

Research into fusion energy is growing rapidly, responding to a call for sustainable sources of energy to replace fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Within the United States, at least, researchers are also responding to the “Bold Decadal Vision” proposed by the White House, seeking to have a commercially relevant fusion pilot plant deployed within a decade. Before this can become a reality, many Fusion Science & Technology (FS&T) gaps remain. For over 45 years, Idaho National Laboratory has been at the forefront of addressing these FS&T gaps in the context of fusion safety and technology via the operation of world-leading experimental facilities within the Safety and Tritium Applied Research (STAR) Facility. Here, INL focuses on the tritium fuel cycle, conceptual system design studies, risk assessment, waste management, and materials safety. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) has also been a component of this portfolio of research, but, early on, focused on individual systems. Since 2019, active development and research on integrated whole device modeling tools based on the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework has been undertaken. This has culminated in a MOOSE-based version of the Tritium Migration and Analysis Program (TMAP), an INL code historically focused on tritium permeation and trapping within fusion systems. More recently, INL Laboratory Directed Research and Development funds have been used to create the Fusion ENergy Integrated multiphys-X (FENIX) code focused on scrape-off layer plasma physics and the first wall of a magnetically confined fusion device. This talk will focus on an overview of INL activities in the FS&T research area, with a particular focus on recent M&S activities and results.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Stitching methods at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)

X-ray mirror quality has continuously improved over the past 20 years and manufacturers are now able to provide long mirrors with slope errors below 0.2 μrad. Nevertheless, these mirrors are mounted on holders or even mechanical benders to adjust their curvature and their intrinsic quality must be preserved from any parasitic deformation such as twist. The most direct method of detecting these deformations is to measure the 3D topography of the optical surface. At the ESRF metrology laboratory, three different stitching systems are under development based on Fizeau sub-aperture measurements. The first one consists of measuring long flat mirrors, the second based on the relative angle determinable stitching interferometry (RADSI) method developed at SPring-8 is aimed primarily at the measurement of short mirrors with strong curvature down to a few meters, and the last, also based on the RADSI method, is dedicated to characterize longer mirrors with intermediate curvature. For each method we will describe the measurement setup and discuss first results obtained. Micro-stitching interferometry is also currently used at the ESRF metrology laboratory. The technique is suitable for measuring deeply curved aspherical profiles and will be illustrated with results from a Kirkpatrick-Baez mirror system for nano-focusing.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

NREL's System Advisor Model Simplifies Complex Energy Analysis (Fact Sheet)

The energy market is diversifying. In addition to traditional power sources, decision makers can choose among solar, wind, and geothermal technologies as well. Each of these technologies has complex performance characteristics and economics that vary with location and other project specifics, making it difficult to analyze the viability of such projects. But that analysis is easier now, thanks to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Initial Measurements with the Prototype Parallel-Slit Ring Collimator Fast Neutron Emission Tomography System

Since 2017, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been developing a passive fast-neutron emission tomography capability. The goal of this development is the ability to quantify the neutron source strength of individual fuel pins (rods) in spent nuclear fuel assemblies. Such a system could be used to measure the burnup of each fuel pin in a spent fuel assembly to take burnup credit when loading dry storage casks or to count individual fuel pins in spent fuel assemblies for safeguards purposes. At present, a laboratory prototype imager has been built and initial imaging measurements performed. The purpose of this prototype is to demonstrate imaging capability sufficient to resolve individual fuel pins in spent fuel assemblies, and in initial measurements, neutron sources separated by a spacing of 1.27 cm (similar to the spacing between fuel pins in commercial pressurized water reactor 17×17 nuclear fuel assemblies) have been resolved. This report documents the as-built imager, first measurements performed with it, and tomographic reconstructions performed using the measured data.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

A Performance Model for Photovoltaic Modules with Integrated Microinverters

Photovoltaic (PV) systems using microinverters are becoming increasingly popular in the residential system market, as such systems offer several advantages over PV systems using central inverters. PV modules with integrated microinverters, termed AC modules, are emerging to fill this market space. Existing test procedures and performance models designed for separate DC and AC components are unusable for AC modules because these do not allow ready access to the intermediate DC bus. Sandia National Laboratories' Photovoltaics and Distributed Systems department has developed a set of procedures to test, characterize, and model PV modules with integrated microinverters. The resulting empirical model is able to predict the output AC power of with RMS error of 1-2%. This document describes these procedures and provides the results of model validation efforts.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Containment Chamber Systems Engineering Project

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a leading research laboratory in material properties. The most notable facility at LLNL capable of determining equation of state data for hazardous materials is the National Ignition Facility (NIF). NIF is the most energetic laser in the world and is a very versatile system that allows for a variety of laser configurations and diagnostics. The flexibility that NIF offers makes it an attractive tool for high budget programs researching specific areas of interest. Some programs require many tests to be performed, and although NIF could be an option for performing these tests, the cost and time to perform the tests would not be feasible. Also, many of these tests would underutilize the full capacity of NIF’s lasers, and NIF does not have a dedicated light source suitable for the diagnostic requirement. The needs of these tests do not align with NIF’s capabilities. The physicists are the main stakeholders for the tests, and they require a third-generation light source to meet the desired diagnostic performance. The Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS) within the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) is the facility that will meet necessary laser performance and the X-ray diagnostic performance in order to obtain the desired data. DCS does not have the capability to test hazardous material, and therefore DCS requires a method and hardware for ensuring that no hazardous material is exposed before, during, or after the test. After taking a system engineering evaluation of the need for a solution to perform laser shock experiments on hazardous materials with certain laser and X-ray characteristics, a solution is proposed that meets the requirements of each involved stakeholder. The proposed solution is to contain the targets within sealed vacuum chamber that will meet the protection requirements of each facility. The chamber would be assembled and pumped down at LLNL in facilities that can handle hazardous material. Then, the chamber would be shipped under vacuum to DCS, where the chamber will be inserted into the beam paths. DCS’s laser will enter the sealed chamber and impart a shock into the target of hazardous material while the X-ray will simultaneously image the material. Once each target has been fired, the chamber will be removed from the beam path and shipped to the proper disposal facility.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Installation and commissioning of the new Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory H- Magnetron

The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) 40 year old Cockcroft-Walton 750 keV injectors with slit aperture magnetron ion sources have been replaced with a circular aperture magnetron, Low Energy Beam Transport, Radio Frequency Quadrupole Accelerator, and Medium Energy Beam Transport, as part of the FNAL Proton Improvement Plan. The injector design is based on a similar system at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The installation, commissioning efforts, and source operations to date will be covered in this paper along with plans for additional changes to the original design to improve reliability by reducing extractor spark rates and arc current duty factor.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Design of the Cooling System of the Mu2e Electromagnetic Calorimeter at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

In this Thesis, the cooling of the electronics of the Mu2e calorimeter has been discussed. The analysed technical solutions for the cooling of the front-end boards, the waveform digitizers boards and the interface boards have been presented. The project of the crate has been showed in detail. It is placed in the outer surface of the calorimeter disk and it is a mechanical support for the boards and also part of the thermal circuit. The distributing system of the refrigerant fluid for the whole calorimeter has been analysed too. Then the manufacturing solutions of the crates and the components for the thermal path have been developed. At the end, the main experimental tests have been presented. They are going to be realized in the next months.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Pulsed Resonant Charging Power Supply for the Spallation Neutron Source Extraction Kicker PFN System

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory uses fourteen pulsed modulators in the extraction system to deflect the proton beam from the accumulation ring to the target. Each individual pulse modulator is a pulse-forming network (PFN) located in a service building external to the ring tunnel. SNS is in the planning and development phase of a proton power upgrade (PPU) to increase the beam energy from 1.0 to 1.3 GeV, and the extraction system is required to provide the same deflection at the higher beam energy. Increasing the magnet current, by charging the PFN to a higher voltage, by 20% will provide the required deflection. The existing capacitor charging power supply is incapable of charging the PFN to higher voltages between the 60 Hz pulses; therefore, a new resonant charging scheme has been developed to charge to the PPU higher voltage within the available time. This paper describes the resonant charging power supply design and presents test results from a prototype operating on a full system test stand.

Saethre, Robert↗

ARCIS (Advanced Rail Cargo Inspection System)

The goals of this CRADA was to help Rapiscan Laboratories with their ARCIS (Advanced Rail Cargo Inspection System) project. Initially SLAC share of the work was to design a scanning beamline in the initial FER (feasibility stage). It was envisioned that SLAC would help build the beamline in a future stage if the feasibility study proved successful. In reality the project was not funded beyond the initial feasibility stage.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Strategy for Modernizing a 40-Year-Old Accelerator Control System

Modernizing the Fermilab accelerator control system is essential to future operations of the laboratory's accelerator complex. The existing control system has evolved over four decades and uses hardware that is no longer available and software that uses obsolete frameworks. The Accelerator Controls Operations Research Network (ACORN) Project will modernize the control system and replace end-of-life power supplies to enable future accelerator complex operations with megawatt particle beams. The project team is evaluating three design concepts, and the future deployment of artificial intelligence capabilities for accelerator operations is an important consideration. An overview of the ACORN Project will be presented, including R&D used for evaluating the conceptual designs in the context of requirements for future accelerator operations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Modernizing Fermilab s Control Hardware

Modernizing the Fermilab accelerator control system is essential to future operations of the laboratory's accelerator complex. The existing control system has evolved over four decades and uses hardware that is no longer available. The Accelerator Controls Operations Research Network (ACORN) Project will modernize the control system and replace end-of-life power supplies to enable future accelerator complex operations with megawatt particle beams. The ACORN project is planning to replace Fermilab’s obsolete CAMAC crate-and-card controls hardware with modern MicroTCA hardware. There are over 2,000 CAMAC cards and over 250 CAMAC crates serving various functions in Fermilab’s control system. We will present an overview of the existing CAMAC hardware and the proposed MicroTCA replacement plan.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Modernizing Fermilab's Accelerator Control Hardware

Modernizing the Fermilab accelerator control system is essential to future operations of the laboratory's accelerator complex. The existing control system has evolved over four decades and uses hardware that is no longer available.The Accelerator Controls Operations Research Network (ACORN) Project will modernize the control system and replace end-of-life power supplies to enable future accelerator complex operations with megawatt particle beams. The ACORN project is planning to replace Fermilab s obsolete CAMAC crate-and-card controls hardware with modern MicroTCA hardware. There are over 2,000 CAMAC cards and over 250 CAMAC crates serving various functions in Fermilab s control system. We will review the existing CAMAC hardware and provide updates on the status of the ACORN project, which includes the conceptual design of the MicroTCA replacement hardware and software tools for supporting the installation of hundreds of MicroTCA crates.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗