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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 1,207 records · Page 67

Design and R&D of RICH detectors for EIC experiments

An Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) has been proposed to further explore the strong force and QCD, focusing on the structure and the interaction of gluon-dominated matter. A generic detector R& D program (EIC PID consortium) for the particle identification in EIC experiments was formed to explore technologically advanced solutions in this scope. In this context two Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) counters have been proposed: a modular RICH detector which consists of an aerogel radiator, a Fresnel lens, a mirrored box, and pixelated photon sensor; a dual-radiator RICH, consisting of an aerogel radiator and C 2 F 6 gas in a mirror-focused configuration. We present the simulations of the two detectors and their estimated performance.

electron-ion collider↗

Transforming PV installations toward dispatchable, schedulable energy solutions

The Advanced Energy led SEGIS-AC program represents an industry partnership driven collaborative effort to continue to lower the barriers to increasing penetration of PV on the grid while also lowering overall system cost consistent with the Department of Energy SunShot Initiative. The SEGIS-AC program follows the DOE sponsored three year SEGIS program, which had similar high level goals, but with a broader exploratory scope. In SEGIS-AC, the team carries forward a new communications based islanding detection technology developed during the SEGIS program. Advanced utility interactive controls are further developed, and a storage inverter system is developed focused on intermittency mitigation due to cloud induced transients. Communications based island detection coupled with advanced controls and a storage system are shown to improve utility distribution feeder performance and to enable increased solar PV penetration levels. By the conclusion of the program, multiple utilities and customers have expressed awareness and desire to make use of the technologies developed and demonstrated under this program. This factor has led the Advanced Energy led team to deem the program an overall success. The report following details the technologies developed and demonstrated, as well as industry engagement.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Energy Commissioning Agent/Auditor Online Training Program

The original objective of this project was to create a comprehensive training and deployment program - suitable for in-person delivery in the New York metro region – focused on educating building commissioning authorities and energy auditors. The NJIT Center for Building Knowledge was to have sole responsibility for this curriculum development and deployment plan effort. Very early in the project timeline, however, the scope of the project evolved – with DOE and NETL approval - to become a collaborative effort between NJIT and Portland Energy Conservation, Inc. (PECI). The structure of this collaboration involved PECI taking the lead on developing a comprehensive curriculum program suitable for in-person delivery, and NJIT taking the lead on turning this curriculum into a comprehensive online training program that would complement – and extend the reach of – the in-person curriculum.

Evans, Deane↗

Washington Housing Electrification Analysis [Slides]

This technical assistance is part of the Communities Local Energy Action Program (CLEAP) for the community of Beacon Hill, Seattle, WA. This analysis focuses on opportunities to reduce energy burden, energy consumption, and energy bills for both single family homes and large multifamily buildings. It uses state-level data from the ResStock modelling tool that was filtered to be relevant to Beacon Hill. Hence, this content includes single family detached homes and large multifamily buildings in the income group of 0-80% AMI, and climate zone 4c (mixed temperatures, relatively cooler summers) within Washington State.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Hydrogen Fuel Cell development in Columbia (SC)

This is an update to the final report filed after the extension of this program to May of 2011. The activities of the present program contributed to the goals and objectives of the Fuel Cell element of the Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Technologies Program of the Department of Energy through five sub-projects. Three of these projects have focused on PEM cells, addressing the creation of carbon-based metal-free catalysts, the development of durable seals, and an effort to understand contaminant adsorption/reaction/transport/performance relationships at low contaminant levels in PEM cells. Two programs addressed barriers in SOFCs; an effort to create a new symmetrical and direct hydrocarbon fuel SOFC designs with greatly increased durability, efficiency, and ease of manufacturing, and an effort to create a multiphysics engineering durability model based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy interpretations that associate the micro-details of how a fuel cell is made and their history of (individual) use with specific prognosis for long term performance, resulting in attendant reductions in design, manufacturing, and maintenance costs and increases in reliability and durability.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Using Superfund Guidance and Tools for the Remediation of Uranium Mine sites - 19056

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI) has primary responsibility for implementing the long-term (non-emergency) portion of a key U.S. law regulating cleanup of contaminated sites: the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, CERCLA, nicknamed 'Superfund.' The purpose of the Superfund program is to protect human health and the environment over the long term from releases or potential releases of hazardous substances from abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The focus of this paper is on the guidance and tools for addressing radioactively contaminated sites by the Superfund program that are most important when remediating uranium mine sites. This presentation will also discuss some of the key features of these tools that may have more utility at a uranium mine site. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

A parametric SPICE model for the simulation of spark gap switches

The use of SPICE-based software for the simulation of pulsed power systems—even large complex systems—has become commonplace in the pulsed power community. This is in contrast to earlier work in the field that relied on specially developed simulation codes such as Sandia’s Screamer or the Navy Research Lab’s Bertha, which natively incorporated models for common pulsed power components such as spark gap switches. Unlike these programs, SPICE programs provide a simple and familiar user interface and wide availability. However, SPICE programs do not include realistic models for key pulsed power circuit devices—including the spark gap switch. While simple switch models do exist in SPICE programs, these can only crudely approximate the behavior of a spark gap. This effort focuses on developing an SPICE circuit model for a gas-filled spark gap switch that is physically realistic while being simple enough to permit simulations to run in reasonable times on typical personal computers. Detailed information is provided for implementation in two common versions of SPICE: LTspice and Orcad PSPICE. Adaptation to other SPICE programs is possible with minimal modification. The model is intended as a design tool that uses physical parameters as inputs to connect it directly to the development of useable pulsed power systems. Data collected from the operation of a high-pressure pulsed-charged switch and a complete 12-stage Marx generator have been used to demonstrate the implementation and accuracy of the model over a wide range of parameters.

Pouncey, J. Cameron (ORCID:0000000153500816)↗

Lightweight Detection of Cache Conflicts

In memory hierarchies, caches perform an important role in reducing average memory access latency. Minimizing cache misses can yield significant performance gains. As set-associative caches are widely used in modern architectures, capacity and conflict cache misses co-exist. These two types of cache misses require different optimization strategies. While cache misses are commonly studied using cache simulators, state-of-the-art simulators usually incur hundreds to thousands of times a program’s execution runtime. Moreover, a simulator has difficulty in simulating complex real hardware. To overcome these limitations, measurement methods are proposed to directly monitor program execution on real hardware via performance monitoring units. However, existing measurement-based tools either focus on capacity cache misses or do not distinguish capacity and conflict cache misses. In this paper, we design and implement CCProf, a lightweight measurement-based profiler that identifies conflict cache misses and associates them with program source code and data structures. CCProf incurs moderate runtime overhead that is at least an order of magnitude lower than simulators. With the evaluation on a number of representative programs, CCProf is able to guide optimizations on cache conflict misses and obtain nontrivial speedups.

Roy, Probir↗

Application of Strain Gages in a Highly Advective Environment for Measurement of Fluid-Structure Interactions

A multi-year experimental program has been conducted to develop a program for applying strain gages to prototypic, plate-type fuel for high performance research reactors for use during flow testing. Plate strain measurements were intended to support the qualification of new fuel materials for use in high performance research reactors under the Materials Management and Minimization (MMM) Fuels Qualification Program (FQP). A survey of currently available strain gaging materials and processes was undertaken with a focus on applications towards thin, wide aspect ratio flow channels and fuel plates exposed to high velocity flows. Special consideration was taken to minimize the effect of the strain gage installations on the flow field. This test program has resulted in the selection of appropriate strain gage construction, adhesives, protective coatings, and assembly techniques to allow the real-time acquisition of plate strain during flow testing of the Generic Test Plate Assembly (GTPA) within the Oregon State University (OSU) Hydro-Mechanical Fuel Test Facility (HMFTF). All processes have been documented in procedures developed and utilized within the ASME NQA-1 compliant quality assurance program under which the HMFTF operates. Matrix testing has been completed using the results of this work with successful measurement of plate deformation due to hydraulic loading during flow testing.

Weiss, Aaron↗

FY16 ASME High Temperature Code Activities

One of the objectives of the ASME high temperature Code activities is to develop and validate both improvements and the basic features of Section III, Division 5, Subsection HB, Subpart B (HBB). The overall scope of this task is to develop a computer program to be used to assess whether or not a specific component under specified loading conditions will satisfy the elevated temperature design requirements for Class A components in Section III, Division 5, Subsection HB, Subpart B (HBB). There are many features and alternative paths of varying complexity in HBB. The initial focus of this task is a basic path through the various options for a single reference material, 316H stainless steel. However, the program will be structured for eventual incorporation all the features and permitted materials of HBB. Since this task has recently been initiated, this report focuses on the description of the initial path forward and an overall description of the approach to computer program development.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

2012 Gordon Research Conference on Mutagenesis - Formal Schedule and Speaker/Poster Program

The delicate balance among cellular pathways that control mutagenic changes in DNA will be the focus of the 2012 Mutagenesis Gordon Research Conference. Mutagenesis is essential for evolution, while genetic stability maintains cellular functions in all organisms from microbes to metazoans. Different systems handle DNA lesions at various times of the cell cycle and in different places within the nucleus, and inappropriate actions can lead to mutations. While mutation in humans is closely linked to disease, notably cancers, mutational systems can also be beneficial. The conference will highlight topics of beneficial mutagenesis, including full establishment of the immune system, cell survival mechanisms, and evolution and adaptation in microbial systems. Equal prominence will be given to detrimental mutation processes, especially those involved in driving cancer, neurological diseases, premature aging, and other threats to human health. Provisional session titles include Branching Pathways in Mutagenesis; Oxidative Stress and Endogenous DNA Damage; DNA Maintenance Pathways; Recombination, Good and Bad; Problematic DNA Structures; Localized Mutagenesis; Hypermutation in the Microbial World; and Mutation and Disease.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Potential of the Julia Programming Language for High Energy Physics Computing

Research in high energy physics (HEP) requires huge amounts of computing and storage, putting strong constraints on the code speed and resource usage. To meet these requirements, a compiled high-performance language is typically used; while for physicists, who focus on the application when developing the code, better research productivity pleads for a high-level programming language. A popular approach consists of combining Python, used for the high-level interface, and C++, used for the computing intensive part of the code. A more convenient and efficient approach would be to use a language that provides both high-level programming and high-performance. The Julia programming language, developed at MIT especially to allow the use of a single language in research activities, has followed this path. In this paper the applicability of using the Julia language for HEP research is explored, covering the different aspects that are important for HEP code development: runtime performance, handling of large projects, interface with legacy code, distributed computing, training, and ease of programming. The study shows that the HEP community would benefit from a large scale adoption of this programming language. The HEP-specific foundation libraries that would need to be consolidated are identified.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

The current state of the industrial energy assessment and its impacts on the manufacturing industry

Energy-intensive manufacturing is the greatest contributor to the U.S. industrial energy consumption today. Globally, manufacturing facilities are being directed to reduce their energy consumption to prepare for a sustainable future. Industrial energy assessment plays a crucial role in helping facilities meet their energy efficiency goals by encouraging the implementation of cost-effective, energy-saving recommendations to the existing equipment and processes. Across the world, programs such as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) (operational across several states in the U.S. for over four decades), are transforming the future of industrial energy consumption by offering free industrial energy assessments to qualifying facilities. In this review paper, the industrial energy assessment approach and practices are comprehensively reviewed with focus on popular recommendations, procedures, and the current practices of the industrial energy assessment program. Specifically, opportunities for improvement in the most energy-intensive manufacturing processes are examined, concentrating on the energy savings and other non-energy benefits of each of these measures, such as cost savings and emissions reduction. Furthermore, this paper also reviews how these energy-saving opportunities are procedurally evaluated and how factors, such as level and cost of assessments, and assessment metrics, are currently defining industrial energy assessment. In final considerations, existing research on energy management, decarbonization through electrification, and renewable energy in industry is reviewed and discussed, and how these advancements will shape the future of industrial energy assessment is addressed through forward-looking lenses.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Spectrometer of Synchrotron Radiation Based on Diffraction Focusing a Divergent Beam Formed by a Compound Refractive Lens

The results of the first experimental realization of a spectrometer based on the effect of diffraction focusing of X rays by a flat single crystal are discussed. A secondary X-ray source with a relatively high angular divergence and small sizes was formed at the focus of a compound refractive lens having 50 beryllium biconcave elements with a curvature radius of 50 μm. The silicon spectrometer crystal was cut in the form of a wedge of variable thickness, oriented perpendicular to the diffraction plane. The reflection 111 was used for energies of 8.3 and 12 keV. To simulate the experiment, a computer program was developed, which takes into account accurately and for the first time the focusing of radiation by the lens and its subsequent diffraction in the crystal. A calculated curve for a monochromatic beam has made it possible to determine the monochromator spectrum with high resolution from experimental data for a polychromatic beam. It is shown that monochromator resolution increases with an increase in the distance from the compound refractive lens to the crystal.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Managing Zirconium Chemistry and Phase Compatibility in Combined Process Separations for Minor Actinide Partitioning

In response to the NEUP Program Supporting Fuel Cycle R&D Separations and Waste Forms call DEFOA- 0000799, this report describes the results of an R&D project focusing on streamlining separation processes for advanced fuel cycles. An example of such a process relevant to the U.S. DOE FCR&D program would be one combining the functions of the TRUEX process for partitioning of lanthanides and minor actinides from PUREX(UREX) raffinates with that of the TALSPEAK process for separating transplutonium actinides from fission product lanthanides. A fully-developed PUREX(UREX)/TRUEX/TALSPEAK suite would generate actinides as product(s) for reuse (or transmutation) and fission products as waste. As standalone, consecutive unit-operations, TRUEX and TALSPEAK employ different extractant solutions (solvating (CMPO, octyl(phenyl)-N,Ndiisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide) vs. cation exchanging (HDEHP, di-2(ethyl)hexylphosphoric acid) extractants), and distinct aqueous phases (2-4 M HNO 3 vs. concentrated pH 3.5 carboxylic acid buffers containing actinide selective chelating agents). The separate processes may also operate with different phase transfer kinetic constraints. Experience teaches (and it has been demonstrated at the lab scale) that, with proper control, multiple process separation systems can operate successfully. However, it is also recognized that considerable economies of scale could be achieved if multiple operations could be merged into a single process based on a combined extractant solvent. The task of accountability of nuclear materials through the process(es) also becomes more robust with fewer steps, providing that the processes can be accurately modeled. Work is underway in the U.S. and Europe on developing several new options for combined processes (TRUSPEAK, ALSEP, SANEX, GANEX, ExAm are examples). There are unique challenges associated with the operation of such processes, some relating to organic phase chemistry, others arising from the variable composition of the aqueous medium. This project targets in particular two problematic issues in designing combined process systems: managing the chemistry of challenging aqueous species (like Zr 4+ ) and optimizing the composition and properties of combined extractant organic phases.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Annual Sustainability Report 2023

ORNL, managed under contract by UT-Battelle LLC, is DOE’s largest science and energy laboratory and, as such, executes the widest range of mission capabilities. Diverse expertise spans a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling research and science achievements to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace. ORNL supports DOE’s national missions of scientific discovery, clean energy, and security. To execute these activities, ORNL has grown significantly over 80 years of continuous operations, consisting of facilities with commissioning dates ranging from the 1940s to the present—an extraordinary set of distinctive scientific facilities and equipment. The complexities of such a variety of facilities require teamwork among divisions, a wide variety of conservation projects, and creative strategies to achieve the desired energy and water savings. Such a diverse and unique set of major facilities, totaling over 5.5 million square feet, with 6,000 employees, requires an innovative plan to accomplish advancements in operational efficiencies. ORNL is tasked with the management of an extraordinary set of distinctive scientific facilities and equipment for DOE. ORNL is mission-driven, and its mission has grown substantially over the decades. ORNL’s core research capabilities provide broad science and technology support for DOE in the areas of energy, environment, and national security. Currently, ORNL is a world leader in materials, neutron, and nuclear science and engineering, and in high-performance computing and data analytics. ORNL’s vast portfolio of research facilities must be maintained and carefully upgraded to protect the nation’s investment in scientific analysis. The goal of sustainable and resilient operations is to enable more effective execution of ORNL’s science and technology mission. Sustainable operational practices and enhanced resilience strive for excellent results while remaining diligent in energy conservation, environmental stewardship, asset management, and community engagement. The Sustainable ORNL Program (Sustainable ORNL) Continuous improvements in operational and business processes must be integrated into the fabric of the ORNL culture to maximize the return from the investment made in modernizing facilities and equipment. The Sustainable ORNL program promotes the legacy of system-wide best practices, management commitment, and employee engagement that will lead ORNL into a future of efficient, resilient, and sustainable operations. ORNL leadership and Sustainable ORNL champions receive regular status reports on the progress of each project and focus area (i.e., roadmap) and periodic summary reports. More information can be found at the program’s website. The Sustainable ORNL roadmap structure endorses 15 vital roadmaps. The figure below summarizes the current project assignments and demonstrates that each project contributes to the wellbeing of the whole. Continuous employee engagement and regular status reports confirm the ideals of the program. The roadmap structure is not static; as the science mission advances and the needs of the organization evolve, the Sustainable ORNL roadmap structure elements are modified to align with developing priorities. In 2022, Sustainable ORNL made roadmap changes to better align ORNL to support new federal requirements that have been issued.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Linac Energy Management for LCLS

Linac Energy Management (LEM) is a control system program that scales magnet field set-point settings following a change in beam energy. LEM is necessary because changes in the number, phase, and amplitude of the active klystrons change the beam's rigidity, and therefore, to maintain constant optics, one has to change focusing gradients and bend fields accordingly. This paper describes the basic process, the control system application programs we developed for LEM, and some of the implementation lessons learned at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS).

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗