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At least 1,225 records · Page 68

Magnetotail dynamics at Mars: Initial MAVEN observations

We report on the complex nature of the induced Martian magnetotail using simultaneous magnetic field and plasma measurements from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft. Two case studies are analyzed from which we identify (1) repetitive loading and unloading of tail magnetic flux as the field magnitude changes dramatically, exhibiting signatures similar to substorm activity within intrinsic magnetospheres; (2) multiple current sheet crossings indicative of plasma sheet flapping; (3) tailward flowing high-energy planetary ions (O+ and O2+), confined exclusively to the cross-tail current sheet, contributing to atmospheric escape; and (4) signatures of magnetic flux ropes, suggesting the occurrence of tail reconnection. These events illustrate the complexity of the Martian magnetotail as MAVEN provides key observations relevant to the unanswered questions of induced magnetosphere dynamics.

Gina A Dibraccio↗

Magnetic Mapping in the Inner Magnetosphere using Kamodo

Many models require specialized access and interpolation schemes to effectively extract and interpolate their outputs. In particular, the Block-Adaptive Tree Solarwind Roe Upwind Scheme (BATSRUS) component of the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF) requires Kamodo to take advantage of its block-based adaptive grid structure, and the Lyon-Fedder Mobarry magnetosphere model (or its successor GAMERA) needs a scheme that appreciates the distorted spherical arrangement of grid vertices on a non-orthogonal grid. With the flythrough layer developed by Ringuette et al. (SH42E-2337), the underlying model readers have been adapted to use multiple time steps in a single Python session to perform 4- dimensional interpolations in time and space. Kamodo now utilizes lazy interpolation that loads data only when needed. We present the successful integration of SWMF/BATSRUS magnetosphere access and interpolation into the new 4D Kamodo framework utilizing an external library of C code. Through function composition, Kamodo facilitates the calculation of derived quantities and the transformation of positions and vectors into different coordinate systems. This work is a significant step towards performing field line tracing in Kamodo with SWMF magnetosphere outputs.

Lutz Rastaetter↗

Market-based Co-optimization of Energy and Ancillary Services with Distributed Energy Resource Flexibilities

Energy storage systems and flexible loads have attracted significant interests due to their capabilities to provide various grid services. In this paper, the flexibilities are optimally allocated among multiple distributed energy resource aggregators with energy storage systems and flexible buildings by the utility coordinator through market-based co-optimization. An iterative market clearing algorithm is developed to determine the optimal energy and ancillary service prices, with consideration of both local dynamics and network constraints. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and the benefits of co-optimizing the energy and ancillary service markets.

Ma, Ke↗

Using Green's Functions to Compute 3 Dimensional Neutron Flux Maps - 16016

The knowledge of the radionuclide content of radioactive waste is of utmost importance for safety and waste management reasons. Numerical simulations are used by EDF-DP2D to anticipate dismantling and radioactive waste management. The main numerical activation schemes include the computing of a 3 dimensional neutron flux map, obtained on the basis of a neutron propagation calculation. The codes used solve the transport equation called the Boltzmann equation without simplification. The Monte Carlo method is used to solve the Boltzmann equation. Random series of numbers are used to simulate the lives of millions of neutrons. The codes follow each neutron individually, from its birth to its disappearance by leakage, absorption, or fission, and then the neutron flux map is calculated at the nominal power rating conditions. The main drawback of the Monte Carlo codes is the large computing time needed to converge within acceptable statistical criteria. This extended time period is incompatible with the multiple fuel managements used by EDF to operate its NPPs because it is necessary to make a Monte Carlo calculation for each fuel loading pattern. The solution developed by EDF-DP2D is to use the importance factors of Green's Functions to simplify the computing of the 3 dimensional neutron flux maps. Physicists talk about Green's Functions where mathematicians talk about elementary solutions of linear equations with constant coefficients. With an activation scheme based on the Green's Functions approach the 3D neutron flux is obtained on the basis of the convolution of the normalized source contributions (i.e. normalized response matrices) with the neutrons emitted by the fuel assemblies. The response matrices to unitary sources are computed with the Monte Carlo code MCNP for different tallies of interest and the neutron sources emitted by the fuel are computed with a core code for different fuel loading patterns. The principal interest of this approach is the calculation of the response matrices to unitary sources that can be used for all power distributions, thus limiting the Monte Carlo computing time. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Commissioning of Robotic Inspection and Automated Analysis System for Assay of Gas Diffusion Piping - 19500

Robotic, in-pipe, nondestructive assay (NDA) is a revolutionary and important means for measuring, analyzing, and reporting radioactive holdup deposits in enrichment piping. This innovation promises vast advantages for efficiency, safety, and cost savings. Payoff, however, lies in utilization much more than innovation. Crossing that threshold from a technical capability to an everyday tool occurs only after rigorous commissioning, adoption, and infusion. This must meet the highest standard, and there can be no compromise. Certification of a new NDA technology must meet the highest standards for quality, safety, and efficacy. Prior to this work, there was no precedent of procedure and method for certification of a robotic methodology for this purpose. The best of robotics had not certified NDA. The best of NDA had not certified robotics. Hence, a great deal of discovery, resourcefulness, and collaboration contributed to this success. This paper chronicles the first-of-kind chartering, co-development, testing, documentation, and site integration that certified this trailblazing in-pipe, robotic NDA. Commissioning had to demonstrate and certify end-to-end NDA automation from robot traversal to computer analysis to report generation of contaminated process piping at the Portsmouth, Ohio gaseous diffusion facility. This was a rigorous campaign of tests, evaluations, and documentation. Highlights included multiple tests in four elevated pipes exercised the gamut of NDA and robotic capabilities. Each of the four test pipes presented a unique loading of U-235. The tests demonstrated operations in both 30- inch and 42-inch diameter pipes with varying lengths and terminated by a variety of valves and fittings. Tests in a fifth pipe at floor level demonstrated deployment and applicability for pipes at this ground height and robot recognition of another fitting type. All operations, calibration, deployment, auto-reporting, and analysis were handled by Portsmouth site personnel. These tests concluded a series of component-level acceptance tests which certified all constituent technologies and operational features. Test metrics included comparison of reported to ground truth results and assessment of data quality from quality assurance and replicate measurement comparison. Beyond the radiometry associated with any NDA method, this unique commissioning path exercised and evaluated all the robotic features that are intrinsic to automation. These include odometry, geometric modeling, autonomy, remote launch and recovery, and end-to-end data flow. Each of these required verification and certification. These evaluations were first-of-kind for the decommissioning community, requiring innovation and resourcefulness in their own right. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

MPC solution for optimal load shifting for buildings with ON/OFF staged packaged units: Experimental demonstration, and lessons learned

Small and medium-sized commercial buildings (SMCB) are significant demand response resources, and it is important to develop grid-responsive control algorithms that exploit those resources and create financial benefits for building owners and HVAC service providers. Furthermore, unlike large-sized commercial buildings, there is an opportunity to have universally applicable control solutions for many SMCBs since those buildings have a consistent HVAC system configuration: SMCBs are commonly served by multiple-staged air conditioning units controlled by their own thermostats. Despite the demand response potential and scalability, however, very few control solutions are available for SMCBs. Typical model predictive control (MPC) and heuristic control approaches for cooling load shifting that lower thermostat setpoints before an electric price jump are suitable mainly for large-sized commercial buildings where a continuous capacity modulation is possible, e.g., via dampers in variable air volume terminal units. However, those approaches can cause undesired, high peaks for SMCBs due to the nature of ON/OFF unit staging and narrow thermostat deadbands. This could discourage the use of advanced grid-responsive controls for SMCBs due to the concern of high demand charges, and has to be resolved. This paper presents a MPC solution that overcomes this challenge. It has a hierarchical MPC structure where an upper level MPC is responsible for electrical load shifting in response to an electric price signal while a lower level MPC is responsible for coordinating compressor stages to eliminate unnecessary peaks and follows the setpoints determined by the upper level MPC. In this work, two one-month, comprehensive laboratory tests have been carried out to demonstrate load shifting and cost savings for the algorithm. Interesting trade-offs between energy efficiency and load flexibility were observed and are discussed, and lessons learned for applying MPCs for SMCBs are also presented.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Silicon Wafer-Scale Substrate for Microshutters and Detector Arrays

The silicon substrate carrier was created so that a large-area array (in this case 62,000+ elements of a microshutter array) and a variety of discrete passive and active devices could be mounted on a single board, similar to a printed circuit board. However, the density and number of interconnects far exceeds the capabilities of printed circuit board technology. To overcome this hurdle, a method was developed to fabricate this carrier out of silicon and implement silicon integrated circuit (IC) technology. This method achieves a large number of high-density metal interconnects; a 100-percent yield over a 6-in. (approximately equal to 15-cm) diameter wafer (one unit per wafer); a rigid, thermally compatible structure (all components and operating conditions) to cryogenic temperatures; re-workability and component replaceability, if required; and the ability to precisely cut large-area holes through the substrate. A method that would employ indium bump technology along with wafer-scale integration onto a silicon carrier was also developed. By establishing a silicon-based version of a printed circuit board, the objectives could be met with one solution. The silicon substrate would be 2 mm thick to survive the environmental loads of a launch. More than 2,300 metal traces and over 1,500 individual wire bonds are required. To mate the microshutter array to the silicon substrate, more than 10,000 indium bumps are required. A window was cut in the substrate to allow the light signal to pass through the substrate and reach the microshutter array. The substrate was also the receptacle for multiple unpackaged IC die wire-bonded directly to the substrate (thus conserving space over conventionally packaged die). Unique features of this technology include the implementation of a 2-mmthick silicon wafer to withstand extreme mechanical loads (from a rocket launch); integrated polysilicon resistor heaters directly on the substrate; the precise formation of an open aperture (approximately equal to 3x3cm) without any crack propagation; implementation of IR transmission blocking techniques; and compatibility with indium bump bonding. Although designed for the microshutter arrays for the NIRSpec instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope, these substrates can be linked to microshutter applications in the photomask generation and stepper equipment used to make ICs and microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices.

Jhabvala, Murzy↗

Efficient Loads Surrogates for Waked Turbines in an Array

Accurately and efficiently predicting wind turbine structural loading is a crucial step in wind farm design. Without considering structural loading, wind farm optimization could negatively impact turbine fatigue and ultimate loads, especially for waked and partially waked turbines, which could result in higher maintenance costs and reduced turbine lifetime. However, predicting turbine loads throughout an array is a costly step, as these quantities require time-accurate results across long time histories, which is often intractable for large array optimization. Therefore, surrogate models that link array spacing to load outputs are often used, but the surrogates are then unique to the inflow conditions and array configurations in the training library. This work develops surrogate models for many wind turbine load outputs based solely on rotor plane velocity measurements, with no required input about array configuration or freestream inflow parameters. Surrogate models were constructed for many turbine quantities of interest (QoI), considering mean, standard deviation, ultimate, and fatigue loads. In general, most QoI statistics were accurately captured, as measured by predicted vs. actual correlation coefficient, confirming the suitability of the approach. Temporal mean values of the QoI required only temporal mean measurements of the rotor plane inflow velocity. However, accurate prediction of temporal standard deviation, ultimate, and fatigue values of QoI also required temporal standard deviations of the rotor plane velocity field. Poor surrogate performance was observed when too many correlated inputs were used, such as multiple velocity components. If the fewest inflow parameters are used to construct the surrogates, the average correlation coefficient value for all output QoI statistics is 0.89. Surrogates for standard deviations and damage equivalent loads (DELs) of turbine QoIs generally had lower accuracy and tower-base and shaft load channels posed the most difficult to capture accurately. The results suggest that these surrogates could be easily paired with analytic wake models, which are frequently used for pre-construction wind farm array optimization, to account for turbine loading in addition to power production. By including the optimal inflow conditions, the surrogate accuracy can improve to an average correlation coefficient value for all output QoI statistics of 0.92. This work has established the ability to build accurate surrogates for mean, standard deviation, ultimate load, and DEL turbine QoI values based on the rotor plane inflow velocity, and identified which inflow conditions lead to greater surrogate accuracy.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Hydropower Role in a Power Grid with a High Proportion of Variable Renewables

The importance of hydropower increases as the power grid evolves with the higher variable renewable contribution. As conventional thermal power plants are retired, the importance of hydropower contribution increases to balance the variability of solar and wind generation. However, reservoir water resources are constrained by multiple constraints, and variability of water inflow to the reservoirs creates limitations to dam water releases for power grid needs. Coordination of multiple tools, including water resources modeling, ecological modeling, and technical and economic power grid modeling, informs dam water releases. Better representation of ecological constraints and other water use details in the suit of power grid models are required to identify the hydropower flexibility to provide multiple power grid services. Impacts of water planning and hydropower operation changes to a power grid are better understood by production cost model simulations with technical and economic data, including unserved energy, reserve failures, transmission congestion to serve load, and local marginal price increases. Similarly, PCM simulation of current and future projected power grid information, including LMP, and carbon emission rates, informs short-term water release plans and long-term investments for power plant upgrades for technical and ecological needs. Hydropower operations of several case studies are simulated to understand operation patterns, revenue, water release decisions in multiple time scales (month, day, minutes), hydropower contracts scheduling, and water variability impacts.

environmental↗

Particle Loading Dynamics of SRNL Electrostatic Particle Collectors - 19398

The Department of Energy is interested in decontamination methods and tools for the removal of airborne radioactive particulate from facilities prior to decommissioning. Electrostatic particle collectors (EPCs) have historically been used industrially to scrub particles from air streams for large scale operations, and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) researchers have expanded on the fundamental collection capabilities of EPCs to develop unique samplers focused on particulate effluent collection. One distinct advantage of an electrostatic particle collection over filtration or inertial impaction-based methods is the low pressure drop associated with prolonged use of EPCs. Electrostatic particle collectors previously developed by SRNL have proven effective in the collection of atmospheric aerosols in multiple field trials, and their applicability as a decontamination method for airborne particulates. Initial experiments using aerosolized NaCl were performed to determine EPC collection efficiencies, the times required to achieve a desired particle loading, and the size distribution of collected particulates. The amount of NaCl collected on Si substrates was found to increase linearly with time (∼ 2 mg per hour) and showed little sign of change after 24 hours of collection. Experiments showed that NaCl, or a similar aerosol, would likely continue to collect unperturbed until physical limitations within the EPC are reached. Collection efficiencies (i.e., the number of particles collected vs. the number of particles entering the EPC) were calculated independently using an assessment scheme based on Particle Depletion Dynamics (PDD) and by Computer Controlled Scanning Electron Microscope (CCSEM) analysis of collection substrates for a range of particle sizes. For the ACE 2.0 with a corona voltage of 15 kV, collection efficiencies were determined using PDD to be 54, 29, and 13% for the flow rates 100, 300, and 490 L/min respectively. While CCSEM data suggests a very high collection efficiency for the MiniACE, the static sampling rate of 28.1 L/min (1 ft{sup 3}/min) was found to be too low volume for PDD to provide statistically meaningful data. Number density maps of NaCl particles detected via CCSEM revealed that particles are preferentially collected near the EPC inlet (i.e., opposite the direction of airflow) when using slower flow rates. Particles collected using higher flow rates (e.g., 300 and 490 L/min) were collected more evenly across the substrate. When segregated by size, smaller (e.g., 200-500 nm) particles are collected evenly across the collection substrates. As particle sizes increase they are collected preferentially near the EPC inlet, but not in sufficient quantity to obstruct airflow and hinder long-term operations. Subsequent deployment of the SRNL developed system into plutonium-238 contaminated hot cells will be performed at Savannah River Site Building 235-F. Presented in this work are the testing and considerations utilized by SRNL to show this technique as a viable means of rapidly decontaminating airborne contaminated areas. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

On the characteristics of the wake of a wind turbine undergoing large motions caused by a floating structure: an insight based on experiments and multi-fidelity simulations from the OC6 project Phase III

This study reports the results of the second round of analyses of the Offshore Code Comparison, Collaboration, Continued, with Correlation and unCertainty (OC6) project Phase III. While the first round investigated rotor aerodynamic loading, here, focus is given to the wake behavior of a floating wind turbine under large motion. Wind tunnel experimental data from the UNsteady Aerodynamics for FLOating Wind (UNAFLOW) project are compared with the results of simulations provided by participants with methods and codes of different levels of fidelity. The effect of platform motion on both the near and the far wake is investigated. More specifically, the behavior of tip vortices in the near wake is evaluated through multiple metrics, such as streamwise position, core radius, convection velocity, and circulation. Additionally, the onset of velocity oscillations in the far wake is analyzed because this can have a negative effect on stability and loading of downstream rotors. Results in the near wake for unsteady cases confirm that simulations and experiments tend to diverge from the expected linearized quasi-steady behavior when the rotor reduced frequency increases over 0.5. Additionally, differences across the simulations become significant, suggesting that further efforts are required to tune the currently available methodologies in order to correctly evaluate the aerodynamic response of a floating wind turbine in unsteady conditions. Regarding the far wake, it is seen that, in some conditions, numerical methods overpredict the impact of platform motion on the velocity fluctuations. Moreover, results suggest that the effect of platform motion on the far wake, differently from original expectations about a faster wake recovery in a floating wind turbine, seems to be limited or even oriented to the generation of a wake less prone to dissipation.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Structural Analysis and Testing of the Inflatable Re-entry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE)

The Inflatable Re-entry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE) is a 3.0 meter, 60 degree half-angle sphere cone, inflatable aeroshell experiment designed to demonstrate various aspects of inflatable technology during Earth re-entry. IRVE will be launched on a Terrier-Improved Orion sounding rocket from NASA s Wallops Flight Facility in the fall of 2006 to an altitude of approximately 164 kilometers and re-enter the Earth s atmosphere. The experiment will demonstrate exo-atmospheric inflation, inflatable structure leak performance throughout the flight regime, structural integrity under aerodynamic pressure and associated deceleration loads, thermal protection system performance, and aerodynamic stability. Structural integrity and dynamic response of the inflatable will be monitored with photogrammetric measurements of the leeward side of the aeroshell during flight. Aerodynamic stability and drag performance will be verified with on-board inertial measurements and radar tracking from multiple ground radar stations. In addition to demonstrating inflatable technology, IRVE will help validate structural, aerothermal, and trajectory modeling and analysis techniques for the inflatable aeroshell system. This paper discusses the structural analysis and testing of the IRVE inflatable structure. Equations are presented for calculating fabric loads in sphere cone aeroshells, and finite element results are presented which validate the equations. Fabric material properties and testing are discussed along with aeroshell fabrication techniques. Stiffness and dynamics tests conducted on a small-scale development unit and a full-scale prototype unit are presented along with correlated finite element models to predict the in-flight fundamental mod

Lindell, Michael C.↗

Single-stage experimental evaluation of low aspect ratio, highly loaded blading for compressors. Part 9: Stage F and stage G, volume 1

Two single-stage, 0.77 hub/tip ratio axial-flow compressors were tested to evaluate the effectiveness of low aspect ratio blading as a means of obtaining higher stage loadings. One compressor, designated Stage F, was comprised of circular arc blading with an aspect ratio of 0.9 for both the rotor and stator. This compressor was tested with uniform inlet flow, hub radial, tip radial, and 180 deg arc circumferential inlet distortion. The second compressor, designated Stage G, was comprised of multiple circular arc blading with an aspect ratio of 1.0 for both the rotor and stator. This compressor was tested with uniform inlet flow only. Design rotor tip speeds for Rotor F and Rotor G were 285 m/sec (934 ft/sec) and 327 m/sec (1,074 ft/sec) respectively. Both stages operated at high loading levels with adequate efficiency and operating range. The peak efficiencies and corresponding average stage diffusion factors for Stages F and G at design rotor speed were 86.4% and 84.1% and 0.59 and 0.55 respectively. The surge margin at peak efficiency for Stage F was 12.6% and the corresponding value for Stage G was 16.5%. Both stages experienced a loss in efficiency with increasing rotor speed; however, the multiple circular arc rotor delayed the characteristic loss in efficiency within increasing Mach number to higher Mach number.

Cheatham, J. G.↗

Impact of Open Communication Networks on Load Frequency Control with Plug-In Electric Vehicles by Cyber-Physical Dynamic Co-Simulation

With the increasing electrification of the transportation sector to achieve the carbon neutrality objective, despite the challenges of charging electric vehicles (EV), there are also opportunities through smart charging EVs to improve system frequency stability; however, EV control technologies might require nontraditional communication support. This paper investigates the impacts of communication variations of EV on power system load frequency control through a cyber-physical dynamic system (CPDS) co-simulation. Here, the CPDS is built upon our previously developed transmission-and-distribution dynamic co-simulation model with the added communication variation functions (i.e., delay and packet loss). The case studies consider multiple communication variation scenarios when the system experiences an N-1 generation trip contingency. The scenarios include communication delays and packet loss using both homogeneous and heterogeneous assumptions. The outcomes of this work can help improve EV frequency regulation services and provide robust and effective tests for different load frequency control algorithms of the future power systems.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗

FLEXSTAB: A computer program for the prediction of loads and stability and control of flexible aircraft

Capabilities of the FLEXSTAB Computer Program System are described and illustrated. Aeroelastic analysis of a wide variety of aircraft configurations is performed. The aerodynamic theory used in FLEXSTAB is applicable to both steady and unsteady, subsonic and supersonic flow for multiple wing-body tail nacelle configurations with a plane of symmetry. For unsteady flow calculations, an unsteady aerodynamic theory is used which is appropriate for the low reduced frequencies associated with aircraft flight dynamics. The aircraft is modeled as either a rigid or flexible structure. The computer trims the aircraft in steady reference flight and computes both static and dynamic stability and control derivatives and the stability behavior about the trim condition. The airplane lifting pressure distribution, aerodynamic and inertia loads and deflected shape are also computed.

Perkin, B. R.↗

Using System Dynamics to Define, Study, and Implement Smart Control Strategies on the Electric Power Grid

The United States electric power grid is the most complex and expansive control system in the world. Local generation control occurs at individual units based on response time and unit economics, larger regional control coordinates unit response to error conditions, and high level large-area regional control is ultimately administered by a network of humans guided by economic and resiliency related factors. Under normal operating conditions, the grid is a relatively slow moving entity that exhibits high inertia to outside stimuli, and behaves along repeatable diurnal and seasonal patterns. However, that paradigm is quickly changing because of the increasing implementation of renewable generation sources. Renewable generators by nature cannot be tightly controlled or scheduled. They appear like a negative load to the system with all of the variability associated with load on a larger scale. Also, grid-reactive loads (i.e. smart devices) can alter their consumption based on price or demand rules adding more variability to system behavior. This paper demonstrates how a systems dynamic modeling approach capable of operating over multiple time scales, can provide valuable insight into developing new “smart-grid” control strategies and devices needed to accommodate renewable generation and regulate the frequency of the grid.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Status of cryogenic system for spallation neutron source's superconducting radiofrequency test facility at Oak Ridge National Lab

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) is building an independent cryogenic system for its Superconducting Radiofrequency Test Facility (SRFTF). The system will provide refrigeration for the SNS cryomodule test and cavity test at both 2K (using vacuum pumped helium) and 4.5K for the maintenance purposes and the Power Upgrade Project of SNS. It will also provide the part of the cooling power needed to backup the existing CHL to keep the Linac at 4.5K during CHL future maintenance periods. The system will be constructed in multiple phases. The first phase is to construct an independent 4.5K helium refrigeration system with a helium Dewar and distribution box as the load interface. It is scheduled to be commissioned in 2013. Here we report on the design concept for the system and the status of the first phase of this project.

Xu, Ting↗