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At least 1,477 records · Page 82

Development of an open-source regional data assimilation system in PEcAn v. 1.7.2: application to carbon cycle reanalysis across the contiguous US using SIPNET

Abstract. The ability to monitor, understand, and predict the dynamics of the terrestrial carbon cycle requires the capacity to robustly and coherently synthesize multiple streams of information that each provide partial information about different pools and fluxes. In this study, we introduce a new terrestrial carbon cycle data assimilation system, built on the PEcAn model–data eco-informatics system, and its application for the development of a proof-of-concept carbon “reanalysis” product that harmonizes carbon pools (leaf, wood, soil) and fluxes (GPP, Ra, Rh, NEE) across the contiguous United States from 1986–2019. We first calibrated this system against plant trait and flux tower net ecosystem exchange (NEE) using a novel emulated hierarchical Bayesian approach. Next, we extended the Tobit–Wishart ensemble filter (TWEnF) state data assimilation (SDA) framework, a generalization of the common ensemble Kalman filter which accounts for censored data and provides a fully Bayesian estimate of model process error, to a regional-scale system with a calibrated localization. Combined with additional workflows for propagating parameter, initial condition, and driver uncertainty, this represents the most complete and robust uncertainty accounting available for terrestrial carbon models. Our initial reanalysis was run on an irregular grid of ∼ 500 points selected using a stratified sampling method to efficiently capture environmental heterogeneity. Remotely sensed observations of aboveground biomass (Landsat LandTrendr) and leaf area index (LAI) (MODIS MOD15) were sequentially assimilated into the SIPNET model. Reanalysis soil carbon, which was indirectly constrained based on modeled covariances, showed general agreement with SoilGrids, an independent soil carbon data product. Reanalysis NEE, which was constrained based on posterior ensemble weights, also showed good agreement with eddy flux tower NEE and reduced root mean square error (RMSE) compared to the calibrated forecast. Ultimately, PEcAn's new open-source regional data assimilation framework provides a scalable workflow for harmonizing multiple data constraints and providing a uniform synthetic platform for carbon monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) as well as accelerating terrestrial carbon cycle research.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Analytics-at-scale of Sensor Data for Digital Monitoring in Nuclear Plants (3 rd Annual Report)

Nuclear power plants collect and store large volumes of heterogeneous data from various components and systems. With recent advances in machine learning (ML) techniques, these data can be leveraged to develop diagnostic and short-term forecasting models to better predict future equipment condition. Maintenance operations can then be planned in advance whenever degraded performance is predicted, thus resulting in fewer unplanned outages and the optimization of maintenance activities. This enables lower maintenance costs and improves the overall economics of nuclear power. This report primarily focuses on developing a short-term forecasting process that leverages a feature selection process to distill large volumes of heterogeneous data and predict specific equipment parameters. A variety of feature selection methods, including Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) and variance inflation factor (VIF), were used to select the optimal features as inputs for three ML methods: long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, support vector regression (SVR), and random forest (RF). Each combination of model and input features was used to predict a pump bearing temperature both 1 and 24 hours in advance, based on actual plant system data. The optimal inputs for the LSTM and SVR were selected using the SHAP values, while the optimal input for the RF consisted solely of the response variable itself. Each model produced similar 1-hour-ahead predictions, with root mean square errors (RMSEs) of roughly 0.006. For the 24-hour-ahead predictions, differences could be seen between LSTM, SVR, and RF, as reflected by model performances of 0.036 ± 0.014, 0.0026 ± 0, and 0.063 ± 0.004 RMSE, respectively. As big data and continuous online monitoring become more widely available, the proposed feature selection process can be used for many applications beyond the prediction of process parameters within nuclear infrastructure. This report summarizes the Fiscal Year 2021 research progress encompassing the (1) data cleaning and feature selection necessary for ML applications; (2) development of short-term forecasting models to predict future plant process parameters for both single and multiple time steps ahead; and (3) validation of the feature selection methods and short-term forecasting models given new data from different systems.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Engaging stakeholders to assess landscape sustainability

There is widespread consensus about the need for landscape sustainability but little agreement about how to define or measure it. Objectives: The aim of the paper is to present a systematic approach for measuring progress toward landscape sustainability goals. Methods: The approach was developed based on existing literature and our experiences in applying the approach to support more sustainable agricultural landscapes. Examples applying this approach are summarized for case studies in the United States (U.S.) and Mexico. Results: The approach has six steps: the scope and objectives of the assessment are determined based on the particular context; indicators that alert pending concerns are selected and prioritized based on utility and relevance; baselines and targets are established for each indicator, and scenarios for consideration are determined; the indicator values are obtained and evaluated; trends in and tradeoffs among indicator values are analyzed; and good practices are developed, applied, and assessed. Conclusions: Insights gained from applying this approach suggest that designing sustainable landscapes depends on stakeholder engagement, effective communication, transparency and trust, timely monitoring, and continual improvement. Iterative application of the assessment approach builds capacity and promotes continual improvements in management practices, thus enabling timely responses to changing conditions while still progressing toward a set of locally defined goals.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Robotics for HVAC applications: A critical review and future perspectives

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced computational capabilities, and innovations in sensors and hardware have driven the increasing development and application of robots in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. We selected and reviewed 101 studies published between 2005 and 2025, sourced from IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, and the ACM Digital Library. To analyze these works, we developed a five-dimensional analytical framework (morphology, sensing, navigation, task execution, and system integration), inspired by the Springer Handbook of Robotics and tailored specifically for robotic applications in HVAC. Based on the reviewed studies, six distinct tasks spanning the entire HVAC lifecycle have been identified. Among the six tasks, inspection and maintenance dominate (59 %), followed by indoor monitoring and auditing (21 %), whereas leakage detection, comfort support, and installation/retrofit remain less explored. To address the identified gaps, this review proposes future research directions including investigating robot-aware HVAC design principles, developing multimodal HVAC sensing and data fusion techniques, enhancing robot training and hardware capabilities, and expanding robotic applications beyond Maintenance and Operations (M&O). The findings from this review inform future robotics research for HVAC applications and ultimately enhance system affordability, energy efficiency, resilience or reliability, and occupant environmental comfort. Moreover, it seeks to inspire researchers to explore the intersections of robotics, computer science, building science, and HVAC engineering fostering advancements in this multidisciplinary field.

AI↗

Reshaping the Quantum Arrow of Time

While the microscopic laws of physics are often symmetric under time reversal, most natural processes that we observe are not. The emergent asymmetry between typical and time-reversed processes is referred to as the arrow of time. In quantum physics, an arrow of time emerges when a sequence of measurements is performed on a system. We introduce quantum control tools that can yield dynamics more consistent with time flowing backward than forward. The control tools are based on the explicit construction of a Hamiltonian that can replicate the stochastic trajectories of a monitored quantum system. Such a Hamiltonian can reverse the effect of monitoring and, via a feedback process, generate trajectories consistent with a reversed arrow of time. It can also be used to simulate the backward-in-time dynamics of an open quantum system. Finally, we design a feedback-driven continuous measurement engine powered by the energy pumped into the system by the monitoring process. We show that the engine can operate under experimentally realizable conditions with feedback delay and finite-efficiency measurements.

Entropy production↗

The management of tumor motions in the stereotactic irradiation to lung cancer under the use of Abches to control active breathing

Purpose: Breathing control is crucial to ensuring the accuracy of stereotactic irradiation for lung cancer. This study monitored respiration in patients with inoperable nonsmall-cell lung cancer using a respiration-monitoring apparatus, Abches, and investigated the reproducibility of tumor position in these patients. Methods: Subjects comprised 32 patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer who were administered stereotactic radiotherapy under breath-holding conditions monitored by Abches. Computed tomography (CT) was performed under breath-holding conditions using Abches (Abches scan) for treatment planning. A free-breathing scan was performed to determine the range of tumor motions in a given position. After the free-breathing scan, Abches scan was repeated and the tumor position thus defined was taken as the intrafraction tumor position. Abches scan was also performed just before treatment, and the tumor position thus defined was taken as the interfraction tumor position. To calculate the errors, tumor positions were compared based on Abches scan for the initial treatment plan. The error in tumor position was measured using the BrainSCAN treatment-planning device, then compared for each lung lobe. Results: Displacements in tumor position were calculated in three dimensions (i.e., superior-inferior (S-I), left-right (L-R), and anterior-posterior (A-P) dimensions) and recorded as absolute values. For the whole lung, average intrafraction tumor displacement was 1.1 mm (L-R), 1.9 mm (A-P), and 2.0 mm (S-I); the average interfraction tumor displacement was 1.1 mm (L-R), 2.1 mm (A-P), and 2.0 mm (S-I); and the average free-breathing tumor displacement was 2.3 mm (L-R), 3.5 mm (A-P), and 7.9 mm (S-I). The difference between using Abches and free breathing could be reduced from approximately 20 mm at the maximum to approximately 3 mm in the S-I direction for both intrafraction and interfraction positions in the lower lobe. In addition, maximum intrafraction tumor displacement with the use of Abches was 4.5 mm (S-I) in the lingular segment. These results suggest that use of the Abches system can reduce deviations in tumor position to levels below those achieved under free breathing, irrespective of the tumor location. Conclusions: Respiratory control with high accuracy and reproducibility is required for high-precision radiotherapy of inoperable nonsmall-cell lung cancer and was achieved using Abches in this study.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Survival and Passage of Juvenile Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Passing through Bonneville Dam, 2011

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and subcontractors conducted an acoustic-telemetry study of juvenile salmonid fish passage and survival at Bonneville Dam in 2011. The study was conducted to assess the readiness of the monitoring system for official compliance studies under the 2008 Biological Opinion and Fish Accords and to assess performance measures including route-specific fish passage proportions, travel times, and survival based upon a virtual/paired-release model. The study relied on releases of live Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System tagged smolts in the Columbia River and used acoustic telemetry to evaluate the approach, passage, and survival of passing juvenile salmon using a virtual release, paired reference release survival model. This study supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ continual effort to improve conditions for juvenile anadromous fish passing through Columbia River dams.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Equipment Qualification Report Environmental Qualification of GNB Absolyte Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) 1600 Ah100G33 Battery Rack Assembly (24590-QL-POA-EDB0-00001-11-00002_00A)

Greenberry Environmental Qualification Report 550001.001-35.0.5 provides basis for assignment of qualified life for: GNB Absolyte Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) 1600 Ah 100G33 Battery Rack Assembly in accordance with the requirements specified 24590-WTP-3PS-G000-T0015 (Rev 2) and Environmental Qualification Plan 550001.001-35.0.1 (Rev. 3). The equipment qualification basis represents the most conservative capability of the equipment. The analysis performed for the qualification is not less conservative than the bounding environmental conditions detailed in contract documents issued to Greenberry in contract 24509-QL-POA-EDB0-00001 Rev.0. The qualified life of 10 years has been established based upon an end-condition objective of the equipment condition indicators that correlate to the ability of equipment to perform its safety function. The VRLA Battery Cell Assembly was aged by 10 years (minimum) in accordance with conditions specified by Bechtel Equipment Qualification Datasheet 24590-LAW-EUQ-UPE 00003 Rev. 3 and the process conditions specified by the Instrument Data Sheet 24590-LAW EUD-UPE-00009 Rev. 2. Greenberry Industrial has contracted with GNB Industrial Battery Co located at 4115 S Zero St, Fort Smith, AR 72908 to perform age conditioning, monitoring, and capacity testing in accordance with Environmental Qualification Plan 550001.001-35.0.1 Rev. 1. The required process at the stated conditions set by the parameters established by the plan were completed satisfactorily. The details of the of the test process observed by Greenberry is detailed in the attached Seismic Test Log 550001.001-7.0.3, including examples of the objective evidence collected during the qualification process.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Upgrade to Fixed and Translating Scintillation-Based Loss Detector System in the Fermilab Drift Tube Linac

The closed-off structure of the Fermilab Drift Tube Linac precludes a robust array of instrumentation from directly monitoring the H- beam that is accelerated from 750 keV to 116 MeV. To improve beam tuning and op-erational assessment of Drift Tube Linac performance, scintillator-based loss monitors were previously installed along the exterior of the first two accelerating cavities to assess low energy beam losses. Here we present a recent upgrade to the loss monitor system, including significant improvements in analog signal processing to address baseline-interfering noise; digitization of the signals to enable regular operational use and tuning; and a new remote operation upgrade of the translating loss monitor with precise positioning of the loss monitor along its nine-foot track. Data from the fixed and translating de-tectors collected under varying beam conditions validate the utility of the upgrade.

Chen, Erin V. [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000215467899)↗

The structures and the role of an international agency for the control of satellites

Legal questions involved in the liability of a proposed agency which would control internationally owned satellites for monitoring worldwide compliance with arms control agreements are discussed. Difficulties in acquiring the signed consent of all the relevant nations, and guaranteeing satisfactory compliance with the terms of such an agreement are noted. Additional problems to be solved comprise the construction of the ground based facilities and the satellites, the funding for the venture, and the reconciliation of the functions of the proposed agency with the sovereignty of individual states. The agency would gather, treat, and format data for signatories of arms control agreements and provide technical assistance in crisis conditions. It is concluded that the existence and functioning of the agency would reduce the amount of classified information and would consequently reduce the level of international tensions.

Dupuy, R. J.↗

Aerosol Physics for the Lunar Environment: Equations for Lunar Dust Control and Mitigation Technologies

Sticky and jagged dust was ubiquitous during the Apollo missions, causing soiling and abrasion problems with seals, coatings and equipment, in addition to eye irritation and breathing discomfort in the cabin. The Artemis Program of NASA aims to place astronauts on the lunar surface by 2024 and establish a sustainable presence in the following decade. Returning to the Moon requires controlling and mitigating the dust which will be inevitably brought inside the cabins. The state-of-the-science for effective collection of aerosols is based on dynamics of airborne particulate matter under terrestrial conditions. However, the governing physics does not apply to extra-vehicular activity in the hard-vacuum lunar condition. For example, the substantial difference in gravity will dictate particle transport both outside and inside the cabin. In this study, we revisited the aerosol physical phenomena that are assumed in the design of Earth-based aerosol instruments and extend the applicability to different scenarios in lunar missions. As shown, long-term lunar habitats, transfer vehicles to lunar orbital platforms, and low pressure cabin atmospheres have different aerosol dynamics. In all cases, the impact of dust control strategies using gravitational, electrical, and thermal techniques for various mitigation and monitoring hardware is explored. The guidelines provided through this study will show how terrestrial aerosol equipment can translate to lunar dust applications.

Nima Afshar-Mohajer↗

Knowledge base rule partitioning design for CLIPS

This describes a knowledge base (KB) partitioning approach to solve the problem of real-time performance using the CLIPS AI shell when containing large numbers of rules and facts. This work is funded under the joint USAF/NASA Advanced Launch System (ALS) Program as applied research in expert systems to perform vehicle checkout for real-time controller and diagnostic monitoring tasks. The Expert System advanced development project (ADP-2302) main objective is to provide robust systems responding to new data frames of 0.1 to 1.0 second intervals. The intelligent system control must be performed within the specified real-time window, in order to meet the demands of the given application. Partitioning the KB reduces the complexity of the inferencing Rete net at any given time. This reduced complexity improves performance but without undo impacts during load and unload cycles. The second objective is to produce highly reliable intelligent systems. This requires simple and automated approaches to the KB verification & validation task. Partitioning the KB reduces rule interaction complexity overall. Reduced interaction simplifies the V&V testing necessary by focusing attention only on individual areas of interest. Many systems require a robustness that involves a large number of rules, most of which are mutually exclusive under different phases or conditions. The ideal solution is to control the knowledge base by loading rules that directly apply for that condition, while stripping out all rules and facts that are not used during that cycle. The practical approach is to cluster rules and facts into associated 'blocks'. A simple approach has been designed to control the addition and deletion of 'blocks' of rules and facts, while allowing real-time operations to run freely. Timing tests for real-time performance for specific machines under R/T operating systems have not been completed but are planned as part of the analysis process to validate the design.

Mainardi, Joseph D.↗

APR1400 In-Core Instrumentation Penetration Failure by Zirconia Melt

Light water reactors have many penetrations at the reactor vessel lower head which are called ICI (in-core instrumentation tubes), ICM-GT (in-core monitoring guide tubes), CRGT (control rod guide tubes) and drain tubes. For Korean PWRs (pressurized water reactors), there are dozens of bottom-up type ICI penetration tubes (45 for OPR1000 and 61 for APR1400). For the typical BWRs (boiling water reactors), hundreds of penetrations are positioned at the reactor vessel lower head due to the structural complexity at the reactor upper head. These penetrations are regarded as the most vulnerable structures during a severe accident as they could be failed by high temperature of melt (or debris) and its decay heat. That is, tube rupture and/or tube ejection could occur because there exist an empty hole inside the penetration tube which can be a melt flow path, and they are attached to the inside of the reactor vessel by a partial weld with a gap between the tubes and reactor vessel. Therefore, the research on the penetration failure is of importance, as it could lead to melt discharge into the containment and subsequent release of radioactive materials to the environment due to the containment failure. This paper focuses on the experimental investigation on the tube ejection failure for the APR1400 ICI penetration. The tube ejection experiments were performed as it was exposed to high temperature of zirconia melt and high pressure. The tube ejection failure experiments were performed for the APR1400 in-core instrumentation penetration nozzle. Zirconia melt was used as a simulant of molten corium and interacted with the penetration specimen. The specimen was pressurized up to 2.6 bar during the interaction with melt to induce the tube ejection. The penetration weld was heated up to its melting temperature, and the penetration tube and weld above the reactor vessel surface were eroded severely by the melt. However, even though it was estimated that the weld failure occurred and the reactor vessel with stainless steel cladding was ablated severely by the melt, the tube ejection did not take place, and consequently the integrity for the APR1400 ICI penetration was confirmed in the present experimental conditions. The goal of this research is to improve the penetrations failure models in MAAP5 codes based on the experimental data. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to increase the heat flux and pressure acting on the penetration tube to find the conditions for the tube ejection failure. Moreover, the penetration failure experiments will be performed by delivering melt into the penetration specimen to simulate the melt relocation process in a real severe accident situation. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Novel Deep Learning Transformer Model for Short to Sub‐Seasonal Streamflow Forecast

Accurate short-to-subseasonal streamflow forecasts are becoming crucial for effective water management in an increasingly variable climate. However, streamflow forecast remains challenging over extended lead times, uncertainty in meteorological inputs, and increased frequency and variability in extreme weather and climate events. We implemented a Future Time Series Transformer (FutureTST) model for streamflow forecasting that separately integrates past meteorological and streamflow data while incorporating future weather conditions. FutureTST achieves a mean Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.82 to 0.67 for 1- to 30-day streamflow forecasts. Incorporating upstream streamflow information improved forecast accuracy by up to 10%. During real-time forecast, FutureTST maintains higher forecast skills of 9.03 for 1-day and 5.74 for 14-day forecasts. In contrast, calibrated process-based hydrological model forecasts become unreliable beyond a 4-day lead time. Our findings demonstrate the potential of FutureTST as a reliable streamflow forecasting tool that offers a valuable addition to operational flood monitoring systems and climate-resilient decision-making.

Ambika, Anukesh Krishnankutty [Oak Ridge National ↗

Synchronized Waveforms – A Frontier of Data-Based Power System and Apparatus Monitoring, Protection, and Control

Voltage and current waveforms contain the most authentic and granular information on the behaviors of power systems. In recent years, it has become possible to synchronize waveform data measured from different locations. Thus large-scale coordinated analyses of multiple waveforms over a wide area are within our reach. This development could unleash a set of new concepts, strategies, and tools for monitoring, protecting, and controlling power systems and apparatuses. This paper presents an in-depth review and analysis of the advancements in synchronized waveform data, including measurement devices, data characteristics, use cases, and comparisons with synchrophasor data. Based on the findings, five strategies are proposed to discover and develop synchronized waveform based applications over multiple application areas. The paper also presents three complementary measurement platforms and two data screening algorithms for application implementation. It further discusses committee activities and standard developments useful to explore the full potential of the data.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Comparison endpoint study of process plasma and secondary electron beam exciter optical emission spectroscopy

Traditionally process plasmas are often studied and monitored by optical emission spectroscopy. Here, the authors compare experimental measurements from a secondary electron beam excitation and direct process plasma excitation to discuss and illustrate its distinctiveness in the study of process plasmas. They present results that show excitations of etch process effluents in a SF{sub 6} discharge and endpoint detection capabilities in dark plasma process conditions. In SF{sub 6} discharges, a band around 300 nm, not visible in process emission, is observed and it can serve as a good indicator of etch product emission during polysilicon etches. Based on prior work reported in literature the authors believe this band is due to SiF{sub 4} gas phase species.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Summer Indoor Heat Pump Water Heater Evaluation in a Hot-Dry Climate

Heat pump water heaters offer a significant opportunity to improve water heating performance for the over 40% of U.S. households that heat domestic hot water using electric resistance storage water heaters. Numerous field studies have also been completed documenting performance in a variety of climates and applications. More recent evaluation efforts have focused attention on the performance of May through September 2014, with ongoing winter monitoring being sponsored by California utility partners. Summer results show favorable system performance with extrapolated annual water heating savings of 1,466 to 2,300 kWh per year, based on the observed hot water loads. Additional summer space cooling benefits savings of 121 to 135 kWh per year were projected, further increasing the water energy savings.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Passive, Direct-Read Monitoring System for Selective Detection and Quantification of Hydrogen Chloride

Monitoring the exposure of an employee to hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid in the presence of other acids has been a challenge to the industrial hygiene community. The capability of a device to differentiate the levels of acid vapors would allow for more accurate determinations of exposure and therefore improved occupational health. In this work, a selective direct-read colorimetric badge system was validated for Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) monitoring of hydrogen chloride. The passive colorimetric badge system consists of a direct reading badge and a color scale. The badge has a coated indicator layer with a diffusive resistance in the shape of an exclamation mark. An exclamation mark will appear if hydrogen chloride is present in the atmosphere at concentrations at or above 2.0 ppm. By using the color scale, the intensity of the color formed on the badge can be further quantified up to 25 ppm. The system was validated according to a protocol based on the NIOSH Protocol for the Evaluation of Passive Monitors. The badge was exposed to relative humidities ranging from 11% to 92%, temperatures ranging from 7 C to 400 C and air velocities ranging from 5 cm/sec to 170 cm/sec. All experiments were conducted in a laboratory vapor generation system. Hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide and organic acids showed no effect on the performance of the hydrogen chloride monitoring system. The passive badge and color scale system exceeded the accuracy requirements as defined by NIOSH. At ambient conditions, the mean coefficient of variation was 10.86 and the mean bias was 1.3%. This data was presented previously at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition in Toronto, Canada in June 1999.

Chapman, K. B.↗