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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete And Advanced Manufacturing Methods For Modular Construction

Small modular reactors (SMR) allow for less onsite construction, increase nuclear material security, and provide a flexible and cost-effective energy alternative. SMR can be factory-built as modular components, and shipped to desired locations for fast assembly. This project successfully developed a new class of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), which features a compressive strength greater than 22 ksi (150 MPa) without special treatment and self-consolidating characteristics desired for SMR modular construction. With an ultra-high strength and dense microstructure, it will facilitate rapid construction of steel plate-concrete (SC) beams and walls with thinner and lighter modules, and can withstand harsh environments and mechanical loads anticipated during the service life of nuclear power plants. In addition, the self-consolidating characteristics are crucial for the fast construction and assembly of SC modules with reduced labor costs and improved quality. Following the UHPC material development, the capacity of producing self-consolidating UHPC in mass quantities was investigated and compared to accepted self-consolidating concrete standards. With slightly adjusted mixing procedure using large-scale gravity-based mixers (compared with small-scale force-based mixer), the self-consolidating UHPC has been successfully processed at six cubic yards; the product met both minimum compressive strength requirements and self-consolidating concrete standards. Steel plate-UHPC beams (15 ft. long, 12 in. wide and 16 in. deep) and wall panels (40 in. X 40 in. X 3 in.) were then constructed using the self-consolidating UHPC without any external vibration. Quality control guidelines for producing UHPC in large scale were developed. When the concrete is replaced by UHPC in a steel plate concrete (SC) beam, it is critical to evaluate its structural behavior with both flexure and shear-governed failure modes. In recent years, SC has been widely used for buildings and nuclear containment structures to resist lateral forces induced by severe earthquakes and heavy winds. SC modules have good potential for SMR because of their cost-effectiveness and reduced construction time. However, the minimum shear reinforcement (i.e. cross tie) ratio needs to be determined for the steel plate-UHPC (S-UHPC) beams to exhibit a ductile failure mode. In this project, S-UHPC beams were designed and constructed. The beams were tested to evaluate structural capacity and identify the minimum cross ties ratios. In addition, as the bond between UHPC and steel plate is essential for ensuring structural integrity under shear and flexure, it was measured and examined in this project through digital image correlation system and smart piezoelectric aggregate sensors. Large-scale testing and finite element simulation were also performed on S-UHPC wall panels. New bond slip-based constitutive models of steel plate were developed for S-UHPC, which were used in finite element analysis program to predict S-UHPC behavior under shear. The results were well validated through experimental data. The long-term durability of UHPC were established in this project. UHPC specimens were tested under free shrinkage, restrained shrinkage, elevated temperature, water permeation, chloride diffusion, corrosion, and alkali silica reaction. UHPC has demonstrated significantly improved durability compared with control concrete specimens. This research led to a new generation of steel plate-UHPC modules for SMR that can provide large benefits to the electric power industry. Taking advantage of the high strength and durability of UHPC, their modularity and ease of assembly can address the high cost barriers of typical nuclear power plants.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

The generation of 68 Gbps quantum random number by measuring laser phase fluctuations

The speed of a quantum random number generator is essential for practical applications, such as high-speed quantum key distribution systems. Here, we push the speed of a quantum random number generator to 68 Gbps by operating a laser around its threshold level. To achieve the rate, not only high-speed photodetector and high sampling rate are needed but also a very stable interferometer is required. A practical interferometer with active feedback instead of common temperature control is developed to meet the requirement of stability. Phase fluctuations of the laser are measured by the interferometer with a photodetector and then digitalized to raw random numbers with a rate of 80 Gbps. The min-entropy of the raw data is evaluated by modeling the system and is used to quantify the quantum randomness of the raw data. The bias of the raw data caused by other signals, such as classical and detection noises, can be removed by Toeplitz-matrix hashing randomness extraction. The final random numbers can pass through the standard randomness tests. Our demonstration shows that high-speed quantum random number generators are ready for practical usage.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

SRNL Report on Vendor Solicitation and Selective Ion-Electrode Testing

Effective operation of the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) will require information collected from sampling and/or monitoring to maintain environmental compliance, product quality, and operating efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Office of River Protection (ORP) recognizes the potential long-term benefit of developing real-time, in-line monitoring (RTIM) at the WTP to improve the current strategy of collecting tens of thousands of samples and analyzing them. In-line monitoring can decrease processing time associated with waiting for sample analysis, reduce workers’ exposure to radiation and chemical hazards, decrease secondary waste volumes, potentially improve product quality, and provide production support and enhance overall operational control. The Assistant Manager, WTP chartered an Integrated Technical Team (ITT), which includes personnel from the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Bechtel National, Inc., and DOE-ORP, to evaluate the capability and potential benefits of replacing routine sample collection requirements with real-time, in-line monitoring. The initial focus of the ITT is the Direct Feed Low Activity Waste (DFLAW) Program. This work scope is being performed in multiple phases. Phase 1 is Requirements and Opportunities Analysis, Phase 2 is Applications and Benefits Determination, and Phase 3 is Qualification and Demonstration. Phase 1 included 6 tasks and was completed by SRNL in 2017. The tasks in Phase 1 were: (1) determining the functional requirements for determining analytes and properties of streams, (2) determining the technical basis for process control, (3) determining the sampling points within the Low Activity Waste (LAW) facility and Effluent Management Facility (EMF), (4) data quality and management, (5) process control challenges, and (6) preparing a Preliminary Analysis Plan. DOE-ORP was briefed on the findings from the Phase 1 tasks and requested that Phase 2 work focus on establishing a basis for a materials balance approach that minimized process sampling. The Phase 2 work scope contains tasks to evaluate a materials balance only approach as well as continuing scoping evaluations for instruments that could be used for RTIM. The Phase 2 work scope was completed by both SRNL and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The tasks performed in Phase 2 were: 1. Overall program administration and technical oversight 2. Evaluation of a Material Balance Approach, a. Evaluation of uncertainty of this approach compared to uncertainty of current methods b. Evaluation of automating the material balance within the framework of existing control software, c. Development of the methodology to obtain and evaluate data during cold commissioning to support a material balance approach, and d. Development of a framework to utilize during presentation of the revised approach to stakeholders and regulators. 3. Screening Evaluations of Instruments to Supplement the Material Balance Approach, a. AP-105 melter condensate evaluations, and b. Screening testing with simulants. 4. Evaluation of the current DFLAW feed qualification program to identify analytes that could be eliminated, a. Inorganic analytes, b. Radionuclides, and c. Organic analytes. This report describes the results of Task 3b, Screening testing with simulants. The Savannah River National Laboratory requested demonstrations of commercially available analytical instruments by the vendors or laboratory demonstration. The techniques tested included: Raman spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy (IR), laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), and ion-selective electrochemical probes. Additionally, the instrumentation would need to be durable enough to withstand the environment of the plant, preferably with little to no maintenance. The insertion point of the instrument would be dependent upon the instrumentation.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Pulsed High Temperature Superconducting Central Solenoid Model Coil for Plasma Current Drive and Control in High-Field Compact Commercial Fusion Power Plants (CRADA Final Report)

This ARPA-E BETHE project was aimed to design, build and test a fast-ramping HighTemperature Superconducting (HTS) Central Solenoid Model Coil (CSMC) that significantly derisks a full-size HTS Central Solenoid (CS) capable of driving and controlling the plasma current in a compact, high-field, low-cost tokamak power plant. The LBNL objectives and milestones for this project were divided into two distinct tracts: Diagnostics and Quench Simulation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Electrical Fault and Power Quality Detection Algorithms and Customer-Owned DERs Monitoring with a Cyber Grid Guard System and DLT

In this study, the electrical fault and power quality detection algorithms and customer-owned DERs monitoring use cases were implemented, with a Cyber Grid Guard system and DLT. Electrical utilities continue to deploy more intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) inside and outside electrical substations, and are associated with customer-owned distributed energy resources (DERs). Data from these IEDs, such as power meters and protection relays, must be kept confidential and of high integrity. Blockchain technology has the potential to increase microgrid resilience by enhancing data sharing security. The growing use of IEDs and customer-owned renewable energy sources (DERs) may make it necessary to connect Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) with power system applications. We implemented the electrical faulted phase detection and power quality monitoring algorithms with a Cyber Grid Guard (CGG) system using DLT. In addition, the DERs (wind turbine farms) use case and protective relay cyber-event tests were assessed, by using the CGG system with DLT. In the experimental model, the testbed was created by using a real-time simulator and CGG system with power meters/ protective relays in the loop. The data collected from the CGG system and IEDs were compared with the same time stamp source. These results showed the successful assessment of protection, control and monitoring applications using a CGG system with DLT. In the future, power system applications for the ESGT with DERs and the CGG system will be based on executing smart contracts between electrical utilities and customer-owned DERs.

Piesciorovsky, Emilio↗
DOE OSTI2021

Networked HIL Simulation System for Modeling Large-scale Power Systems

This paper presents a network hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation system for modeling large-scale power systems. Researchers have developed many HIL test systems for power systems in recent years. Those test systems can model both microsecond-level dynamic responses of power electronic systems and millisecond-level transients of transmission and distribution grids. By integrating individual HIL test systems into a network of HIL test systems, we can create large-scale power grid digital twins with flexible structures at required modeling resolution that fits for a wide range of system operating conditions. This will not only significantly reduce the need for field tests when developing new technologies but also greatly shorten the model development cycle. In this paper, we present a networked OPAL-RT based HIL test system for developing transmission-distribution coordinative Volt-VAR regulation technologies as an example to illustrate system setups, communication requirements among different HIL test systems, and connection mechanisms. Impacts of communication delays, information exchange cycles, and computing delays are illustrated. Simulation results show that the performance of a networked HIL test system is satisfactory.

digital twin, distribution system, co-simulation, ↗
DOE OSTI2018

RF pulse shape control in the compact linear collider test facility

The Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) is a study for an electron–positron machine aiming at accelerating and colliding particles at the next energy frontier. The CLIC concept is based on the novel two-beam acceleration scheme, where a high-current low-energy drive beam generates RF in series of power extraction and transfer structures accelerating the low-current main beam. To compensate for the transient beam-loading and meet the energy spread specification requirements for the main linac, the RF pulse shape must be carefully optimized. This was recently modelled by varying the drive beam phase switch times in the sub-harmonic buncher so that, when combined, the drive beam modulation translates into the required voltage modulation of the accelerating pulse. In this paper, the control over the RF pulse shape with the phase switches, that is crucial for the success of the developed compensation model, is studied. The results on the experimental verification of this control method are presented and a good agreement with the numerical predictions is demonstrated. Implications for the CLIC beam-loading compensation model are also discussed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2015

Incorporating microbial dormancy dynamics into soil decomposition models to improve quantification of soil carbon dynamics of northern temperate forests

Abstract Soil carbon dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems play a significant role in the global carbon cycle. Microbial‐based decomposition models have seen much growth recently for quantifying this role, yet dormancy as a common strategy used by microorganisms has not usually been represented and tested in these models against field observations. Here we developed an explicit microbial‐enzyme decomposition model and examined model performance with and without representation of microbial dormancy at six temperate forest sites of different forest types. We then extrapolated the model to global temperate forest ecosystems to investigate biogeochemical controls on soil heterotrophic respiration and microbial dormancy dynamics at different temporal‐spatial scales. The dormancy model consistently produced better match with field‐observed heterotrophic soil CO 2 efflux ( R H ) than the no dormancy model. Our regional modeling results further indicated that models with dormancy were able to produce more realistic magnitude of microbial biomass (<2% of soil organic carbon) and soil R H (7.5 ± 2.4 Pg C yr −1 ). Spatial correlation analysis showed that soil organic carbon content was the dominating factor (correlation coefficient = 0.4–0.6) in the simulated spatial pattern of soil R H with both models. In contrast to strong temporal and local controls of soil temperature and moisture on microbial dormancy, our modeling results showed that soil carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio (C:N) was a major regulating factor at regional scales (correlation coefficient = −0.43 to −0.58), indicating scale‐dependent biogeochemical controls on microbial dynamics. Our findings suggest that incorporating microbial dormancy could improve the realism of microbial‐based decomposition models and enhance the integration of soil experiments and mechanistically based modeling.

He, Yujie↗
DOE OSTI2026

Applied Research and Development to Support Open-Water Testing at PacWave

This report presents the findings from Task 7 of the project, which focused on improving the performance and reliability of wave energy converters (WECs) under real-world conditions, particularly in the presence of marine growth (biofouling) and system faults. The work was conducted using the RM3 point absorber WEC model, a marine current turbine based on the SHARKS project model, and the WEC-Sim simulation platform, and it included both modeling and control system development.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2017

Three-Phase Power Converter-Based Real-Time Synchronous Generator Emulation

This paper develops a synchronous generator emulator by using a three-phase voltage source converter for transmission level power system testing. Different interface algorithms are compared, and the voltage type ideal transformer model is selected considering accuracy and stability. At the same time, closed-loop voltage control with current feed-forward is proposed to decrease the emulation error. The emulation is then verified through two different ways. First, the output waveforms of the emulator in experiments are compared with the simulation under the same condition. Second, a transfer function perturbation-based error model is obtained and redefined as the relative error for the amplitude and phase between the emulated and the target system over the frequency range of interest. Finally, the major cause of the error is investigated through a quantitative analysis of the error with varying parameters.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Model-based, in-situ, non-destructive qualification and certification of parts made by autonomous additive manufacturing

To address the significant productivity challenges associated with the qualification and certification (Q&C) tasks of additively manufactured (AM) parts, which have traditionally relied on rigorous post‐build inspection and testing, we propose an integrated framework that combines model‐based qualification and certification (MBQ&C) with autonomous additive manufacturing (AAM). MBQ&C employs high‐fidelity predictive models, developed within the Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) paradigm, to simulate process–structure–property–performance relationships for assessing a part’s fitness for use. Since predictive models are commonly machine learning (ML)-based or reduced-order surrogates of validated physics models, they run efficiently, enabling timely inference. In parallel, the self-driving AAM utilises ML-based adaptive, closed‐loop control strategies to avoid, mitigate, or repair defects and anomalies during fabrication, thereby increasing the likelihood of producing acceptable parts. A key feature of the combined AAM-MBQ&C framework is that predictive models explicitly incorporate defects or anomalies that persist after the build, using instance-specific data captured via in-situ sensing. This customisation enables a build‐specific assessment of fitness for use, rather than relying on nominal or generic parameters. Such individualised evaluation provides a robust basis for Q&C-related acceptance decisions relating to each build. Additionally, the rapid solution capabilities of ML or reduced-order models enable the determination of a part’s suitability for service shortly after build completion. As the framework matures, it has the potential to substantially reduce reliance on conventional point‐design approaches—such as time‐consuming post‐build computed tomography scanning and costly destructive testing. Thus, the AAM-MBQ&C framework represents a transformative, scalable strategy for quality assurance of AM components, as parts produced within a stable, validated, and certified envelope can be certified with reduced testing. Key benefits include: (1) significant gains in Q&C productivity through efficient, model-centric assessment; (2) performance-based classification of defects into critical and non-critical categories; (3) the ability to predict potential deviations in the performance of parts affected by real-time, adaptive process control interventions relative to those produced under a certified process, and (4) the enabling of virtual Q&C for service environments that are difficult, hazardous, or impractical to access or reproduce experimentally. Collectively, these capabilities strengthen the business case for AM, particularly for high‐consequence and mission‐critical applications. Finally, although this work focuses on powder-based AM, the proposed techniques could be extended to AM processes employing alternative feedstock forms.

Gunasegaram, Dayalan↗
DOE OSTI2020

Prediction for Pressure Differential Across HEPA Filter Media Based on Media Characteristics and Particle Size Distribution

A new method for predicting the pressure drop across High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter media is proposed based upon mass deposited onto the filter and known physical characteristics of the filter media. Detailed are the methods used in conjunction with current filter loading models to predict the pressure drop, as well as tests conducted to validate the methods. The benefit of a prediction model for practical use lies in the manufacturing and service life of nuclear grade HEPA filters. HEPA filters for use in nuclear facilities have a prescribed expiration date and a maximum allowable operating pressure drop. Therefore, the ability to predict the pressure drop across a filter and relate it to an expected length of service time can enable a reduction in wasted filters. This will allow for more informed decisions to be made based upon the dictated life cycle of the filters. Also, understanding and predicting how the pressure drop of HEPA filter media behaves as a function of physical characteristics and loaded mass can assist in future design and manufacturing of filter media. Currently, most existing pressure drop models are either computationally based or analytical methods relying on data gathered during tests. Neither are practical for prediction; the computational methods are difficult to implement, and the current analytical methods are more useful as tools for analysis. The current analytical model developed by Bergman et al. is based upon the pressure drop from each media fiber and modeling the deposited particles as newly formed fibers. Using Bergman's model and the media properties, air properties, and known aerosol particle size distribution, a pressure drop curve as a function of loaded mass can be created. This curve implies initial loading in the depth of the filter media with a transition to pure surface loading on the filter face, and a sensitivity to an evolving particle size distribution as mass continues to load onto the filter. To implement the predictive model, knowledge of the mean filter fiber diameter and porosity of the filter media is required. Traditionally, the mean fiber diameter is calculated as an effective diameter from prior media testing, however, in this study a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technique is used to acquire this variable. Validation of the predictive model is provided by flat sheet media tests under a controlled environment with a measured particle size distribution of the challenge aerosol and shows reasonable preliminary agreement.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

The time-dependent simulation of CFETR baseline steady-state scenarios

One of the key issues to achieve the phase I mission of China fusion engineering test reactor (CFETR) is steady-state operation with a modest fusion power up to 200 MW. To examine this feasibility, time-dependent modeling of CFETR baseline scenario is performed. The time-dependent scenario design examines actual discharge features, including auxiliary heating and current drive scheme, equilibrium, transport, PF coil systems and plasma control system during the plasma evolution. During plasma current ramp-up, 10 MW of EC or LH heating is used to effectively save volt–second consumption to a reasonable level within magnet coil capability and to reduce li for better plasma control. Three reference scenarios are designed to target full non-inductive operation with different external heating and current drive (H&CD), which are NB + EC, NB + LH, and LH + EC, respectively. Two scenarios with neutral beams reach the required fusion power of CFETR phase I target, while for LH + EC scenario the fusion power and confinement is somewhat lower. A reversed magnetic shear with q min > 2 is sustained with off-axis current drive and bootstrap current for all cases examined. Ideal MHD analysis shows that both large toroidal mode number n ballooning mode and low n kink mode are stable in the three reference cases independent of whether the current is totally relaxed or not. The L mode and H–L back transition ramp-down are designed to successfully reduce the plasma current to 2 MA and keep li below 2 with ramp-down rate of 80 kA s -1 . The H–L back transition ramp-down yields improvements in the power transfer and coil current evolution as well as the li evolution. The heating and current drive characteristics of three auxiliary heating sources are indicated by scanning studies. A 2D scan of NB energy and tangency radius indicates the features of NB power deposition, current drive, torque and shine through issue. Both ramp-up and flattop are considered in the scanning of radio frequency parameters. For EC waves, the ramp-up phase constrains the parameter space more. The 2D scan of EC launch angle shows that EC waves launched above the midplane yield a better CD efficiency than using a midplane launcher. Specifically, 10 MW of EC waves launched from LFS above the midplane yield a maximum on axis driven current of about 0.55 MA, while waves launched from top yield a maximum near edge driven current of about 0.45 MA in the region of ρ > 0.5. Scanning of n $\parallel$ in LH spectrum shows that n $\parallel$ should be set around 1.7 to get enough penetration (inside ρ = 0.7) for current drive and avoid strong accessibility problem. It is found that LH waves launched from HFS drives more current than that launched from LFS when n $\parallel$ is small. The maximum LH driven current reaches 1.1 MA with 10 MW of LH power launched from HFS.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Report on plasma jet printer for sensor fabrication with process parameters optimized by simulation input

The In-Pile Instrumentation program conducts research to develop instrumentation that provides information regarding test conditions, as well as fuel and materials properties during irradiation. Such instruments must be miniaturized, robust to the nuclear reactor environment, and provide real-time data aligned with user needs. Towards this end, additive manufacturing techniques such as aerosol jet printing and Plasma Jet Printing, have demonstrated significant potential for the development of advanced in-pile instrumentation. Process control during the manufacturing process is critical in order to consistently create reliable sensors. This report details experimental and computational work aimed towards improved process control for robust sensor production using printing techniques.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

High-Pressure, High-Temperature Thermal Hydraulic Test Facility for Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy System Studies; Facility Design Description and Status Report

A high-pressure, high-temperature water flow loop has been designed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for deployment in the INL Dynamic Energy Transport and Integration Laboratory (DETAIL) within the Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) D100 northwest high bay. This loop is the first of three thermally coupled flow loops that will comprise the Advanced Reactor Technology Integral System Test (ARTIST) facility. The ARTIST facility will ultimately include a high temperature helium loop and a liquid salt loop, in addition to the PWR loop. The high-pressure water loop will operate at Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) conditions. It will support experimental research on nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems as well as advanced reactor technology topics. Within DETAIL, the water flow loop will also serve as a thermal energy source, emulating a reactor system. The loop will be thermally integrated with co-located energy systems including a thermal energy transport loop, thermal energy storage system, and a 25 kW high-temperature electrolysis system for hydrogen production. DETAIL will include additional energy systems such as an integrated microgrid and renewable energy systems including solar photovoltaics. The electrically heated flow loop will be dynamically controlled to simulate nuclear fuel behavior under normal and off-normal operating conditions. DETAIL will be designed for characterization of complex system dynamics. The various components will be interfaced with Digital Real-Time Simulators for supervisory control and dynamic simulation of complete systems. The design and assembly of the high-pressure water flow loop and supporting systems has been subdivided into two Phases. Phase 1, which will be completed by the end of FY17, includes installation of cable trays and supports, electrical conduit, DI water system, drain lift station and the concrete pad for the chiller located outside of the laboratory. Phase 2 includes the detailed design and final assembly of the flow loop, supporting structures and personnel platforms, the chiller and associated piping. As of September, 2017, the final detailed design of the flow loop is complete. Funding for Phase 2 procurement, assembly, system operability checkout, shakedown testing and initial operation of the flow loop is requested for FY18.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Minimizing Error Potential Using Computer Applications - 18498

Many Savannah River Site (SRS) liquid waste facility operations depend upon repetitive engineering calculations and operator actions. Although these calculations and actions are formalized in technical reports and paper procedures, they can still be vulnerable to data entry errors, calculation errors, equipment alignment errors, and occasional changes caused by different people performing these activities. Savannah River Remediation (SRR) is using computer automation to reduce these error precursors by standardizing repetitive calculations and by performing plant alignment checks for repetitive operation processes. Data entry can be automated, calculation methodologies can be standardized, and computers can check to see that predefined plant conditions exist before equipment operation. In addition to improving quality, the time required for these activities to generate technical reports, to perform independent reviews, and to perform equipment alignment checks can be significantly reduced. In the case of operator-performed calculations, error precursors involve distractions that can occur over a multi-page paper procedure, confusing displays and controls from equipment, mathematical errors, complacency, and unfamiliarity with the procedure among many others. Repetitive engineering calculations suffer from similar error precursors and are often compounded by high workloads, lack of proficiency, lack of standard methodology, mental shortcuts, and biases. Web-based computer applications can eliminate many of these precursors through standardization. Calculation methods are fixed, inputs are fixed, and computer checks can highlight potentially wrong inputs and outputs. Automated calculations are performed almost instantaneously once input is provided. Operators and engineers can spend more time focusing on the results than on the process to achieve the results. Similarly, when operators use repetitive procedures involving equipment manipulation, the same error precursors apply. Automated operation sequences and equipment checks can be programmed into the distributed control system to provide standard operating processes that reduce and eliminate error precursors. This paper describes how SRR incorporates Human Performance Improvement (HPI) principles when automating calculations and operation processes. Computer applications will be reviewed in detail, highlighting the software development life-cycle that includes requirements gathering, prototyping, design, development, testing, and implementation. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electrical substation grid testbed for DLT applications of electrical fault detection, power quality monitoring, DERs use cases and cyber-events

Electrical utilities continue to deploy more intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) inside and outside electrical substation, and are associated with customer-owned distributed energy resources (DERs). The integrity and confidentiality of data from these IEDs, like power meters and protective relays, is crucial. Blockchain technology could improve the resilience of microgrids by improving the security of data sharing. The penetration of customer-owned DERs (renewable energy sources) and the increasing deployment of IEDs can lead to integrate power system applications with Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). In this study, we implemented the electrical faulted phase detection and power quality monitoring algorithms with a Cyber Grid Guard (CGG) system using DLT. In addition, the DERs (wind turbine farms) use case and protective relay cyber-event tests were assessed, by using the CGG system with DLT. In the experimental model, the testbed was created by using a real-time simulator and CGG system with power meters/ protective relays in-the-loop. The data collected from the CGG system and IEDs were compared with the same time stamp source. These results had shown the successful assessment of protection, control and monitoring applications using a CGG system with DLT. In the future, the ESGT with DERs and the CGG system will be used in other power system applications, based on implementing smart contracts between electrical utilities with customer-owned DERs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Spontaneous Cyclogenesis without Radiative and Surface-Flux Feedbacks

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are among the most intense and feared storms in the world. What physical processes lead to cyclogenesis remains the most mysterious aspect of TC physics. Here, we study spontaneous TC genesis in rotating radiative–convective equilibrium using cloud-resolving simulations over an f plane with constant sea surface temperature. Previous studies proposed that spontaneous TC genesis requires either radiative or surface-flux feedbacks. To test this hypothesis, we perform mechanism-denial experiments, in which we switch off both feedback processes in numerical simulations. We find that TCs can self-emerge even without radiative and surface-flux feedbacks. Although these feedbacks accelerate the genesis and impact the size of the TCs, TCs in the experiments without them can reach similar intensities as those in the control experiment. We show that TC genesis is associated with an increase in the available potential energy (APE) and that convective heating dominates the APE production. Overall, our result suggests that spontaneous TC genesis may result from a cooperative interaction between convection and circulation and that radiative and surface-flux feedbacks accelerate the process. Furthermore, we find that increasing the planetary rotation favors spontaneous TC genesis.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗