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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

A Performance Model for Bifacial PV Modules

Sandia National Laboratories, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the University of Iowa are collaborating to develop a performance model for bifacial PV modules. As with monofacial PV modules, a bifacial PV model consists of sequential operation of the component sub-models. Bifacial PV modules accept light on both their front and rear surfaces which presents a unique modeling challenge. This paper describes the approach of Sandia, NREL, and the University of Iowa to create a bifacial PV model and verify its accuracy with measured field data.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Quantifying the Relationship Between Higher Photovoltaic Module Efficiency and the Adoption of Distributed Solar

The purpose of this study is understanding the relationship between module efficiency, system costs, and the economic and adoption potential of distributed rooftop solar. We use the dGen model to project the economic potential and adoption of high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) modules across a range of efficiencies and cost scenarios in the continental United States. Our results reveal that high-efficiency modules can modestly increase the projected adoption of distributed solar, but system capital costs may play a larger role in changing the amount of projected adoption.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Analysis of the Value Proposition of High-Efficiency, Multijunction Solar Modules for Residential Rooftop Installations

Utilizing detailed bottom-up models, we analyze the potential markets for high-efficiency photovoltaic modules in the United States. We first estimate the fraction of area-constrained residential rooftops that could benefit from increasing the availability of high-efficiency systems. We then model the impact of efficiency on installed system costs in these area-constrained scenarios. Finally, we explore the value proposition of high-efficiency, fixed-tilt micro-concentrator photovoltaic modules in a series of case studies of residential customers, modeling the levelized cost of energy, payback period, and annual bill savings. We find that efficiency can provide significant savings in installed system cost and improve value to the solar system owner. The improvement in value depends on location and the size of the rooftop, as well as the ability of a given technology to collect diffuse light and achieve low module costs.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Employing Fracture Statistics to Track Cell Reliability Through Module Fabrication

In this work we demonstrate how fracture statistics may be employed to track cell reliability through module fabrication steps. We were able to detect how cell cutting equipment could reduce cell fracture strain by 25 % as well as increase its variability. A smaller reduction was found to result from the ribbon soldering operation, and all cells measured were weaker when strained in an orientation perpendicular to the gridlines. Cell fracture measurements were found to be consistent with the number of cracked cells experienced in full sized modules exposed to mechanical loading. A structural mechanics model was created to elucidate how the requisite fracture strain is developed in a cell encapsulated within a PV module and demonstrates that this strain decreases more than 50 % from its center to edge when placed within the inner loading span of four-point flexure. The associated implications on the apparent cell strength is examined with an effective volume treatment.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗
DOE OSTI2018

An Active Modulation Scheme to Boost Voltage Utilisation of the Dual Converter with a Floating Bridge

This paper proposes a capacitor voltage regulation method for the dual converter with a floating bridge for aerospace applications. This topology has previously been reported, but with a constrained voltage utilisation factor due to the need for capacitor voltage regulations. The effect of switching states on the voltage variation of capacitor is quantitatively modelled and an enhanced space vector modulation scheme with current feedback is proposed to achieve an active control of the floating capacitor voltages. This proposed method also allows further exploitation and utilisation of converter voltage. The relationship between the allowed modulation index of dual converter and load power factor is obtained and expressed using a fitted polynomial equation. The advantages of the proposed method include boosted voltage utilisation and superior performance in term of capacitor voltage balance. These advantages have been proven through simulation and experimental results on RL loads as well as with an open-end winding induction motor. The proposed modulation scheme can boost the converter voltage utilisation by at least 10% while achieving full four-level operation. More importantly, the higher available voltage allows extending the constant torque region of the motor, the further beginning of field weakening operation could be postponed.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Analysis and Experimental Evaluation of Middle-Point Inductance's Effect on Switching Transients for Multiple-Chip Power Module Package

Middle-point inductance L middle can be introduced in multiple-chip power module package designs. In this paper, the effect of middle-point inductance on switching transients is analyzed first using a frequency-domain analysis. Then a dedicated multiple-chip power module is fabricated with the capability of varying L middle , and extensive switching tests are conducted to evaluate the middle-point inductance's impact. Experiment result shows that the active MOSFET's turn-on loss decreases at higher values of L middle , while its turn-off loss increases. Detailed analysis of this loss variation is presented. In addition to the switching loss variation, it is also observed that different peak voltage stresses are imposed on the active switch and antiparallel diode during the switching transients. Specifically, in the case of lower MOSFET's turn-off, the maximum voltage of the lower MOSFET increases as L middle goes up; however, the peak voltage of the antiparallel diode decreases significantly. Furthermore, the induced voltage spikes during upper MOSFET turn-on process is also evaluated, and an opposite trend is observed experimentally. Analysis of the voltage overshoot variation is discussed. Based on the experimental evaluation and analysis, a multiple-chip power module package design guideline is summarized considering the middle-point inductance's effect.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Graphite-Embedded High-Performance Insulated Metal Substrate for Wide-Bandgap Power Modules

Emerging wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices such as silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and gallium nitride high-electron-mobility transistors can handle high power in reduced semiconductor areas better than conventional Si-based devices owing to superior material properties. With increased power loss density in a WBG-based converter and reduced die size in power modules, thermal management of power devices must be optimized for high performance. Here, we present a graphite-embedded insulated metal substrate (thermally-annealed-pyrolytic-graphite-embedded insulated metal substrate—IMSwTPG) designed for WBG power modules. Theoretical thermal performance analysis of graphite-embedded metal cores is presented, with design details for IMSwTPG with embedded graphite to replace a direct-bonded copper (DBC) substrate. The proposed IMSwTPG is compared with an aluminum nitride-based DBC substrate using finite-element thermal analysis for steady-state and transient thermal performance. The solutions’ thermal performances are compared under different coolant temperature and thermal loading conditions, and the proposed substrate's electrical performance is validated with static and dynamic characterization. Using graphite-embedded substrates, junction-to-case thermal resistance of SiC MOSFETs can be reduced up to 17%, and device current density can be increased by 10%, regardless of the thermal management strategy used to cool the substrate. Reduced transient thermal impedance of up to 40% of dies owing to increased heat capacity is validated in transient thermal simulations and experiments. The half-bridge power module's electrical performance is evaluated for on -state resistance, switching performance, and switching loss at three junction temperature conditions. The proposed substrate solution has minimal impact on conduction and switching performance of SiC MOSFETs.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Comparative Investigation of Current-Source Inverters using SiC Discrete Devices and Power Modules

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the SiC device packages on the commutation performance characteristics of current-source inverters (CSIs). The parasitic components in the CSI current commutation loop between the two-phase legs and output capacitors have a significant impact on the high-frequency performance of the SiC devices. To meet the elevated current requirements of high-power CSIs, it is often necessary to connect multiple discrete devices in parallel which increases the current commutation loop length. The selection of compact high-power SiC MOSFET and Schottky diode modules instead of discrete devices can be highly desirable to reduce the loop inductance and improve the system performance and power density. Two CSI benchtop prototype units, one with SiC discrete devices and the other with power modules, have been designed and tested, and the performances of the two CSIs are compared. The CSI with SiC power modules significantly reduces the inverter volume and lowers the parasitic inductance by 60% and the voltage ripple amplitude by 20% compared to the CSI unit with discrete devices.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-325: The New Evaluation Method of the VMAT Plan Delivery Using Varian DynaLog Files and Modulation Complexity Score (MCS)

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the use of Varian DynaLog files to verify VMAT plans delivery and modulation complexity score (MCS) of VMAT. Methods: Delivery accuracy of machine performance was quantified by multileaf collimator (MLC) position errors, gantry angle errors and fluence delivery accuracy for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The relationship between machine performance and plan complexity were also investigated using the modulation complexity score (MCS). Plan and Actual MLC positions, gantry angles and delivered fraction of monitor units were extracted from Varian DynaLog files. These factors were taken from the record and verify system of MLC control file. Planned and delivered beam data were compared to determine leaf position errors and gantry angle errors. Analysis was also performed on planned and actual fluence maps reconstructed from those of the DynaLog files. This analysis was performed for all treatment fractions of 5 prostate VMAT plans. The analysis of DynaLog files have been carried out by in-house programming in Visual C++. Results: The root mean square of leaf position and gantry angle errors were about 0.12 and 0.15, respectively. The Gamma of planned and actual fluence maps at 3%/3 mm criterion was about 99.21. The gamma of the leaf position errors were not directly related to plan complexity as determined by the MCS. Therefore, the gamma of the gantry angle errors were directly related to plan complexity as determined by the MCS. Conclusion: This study shows Varian dynalog files for VMAT plan can be diagnosed delivery errors not possible with phantom based quality assurance. Furthermore, the MCS of VMAT plan can evaluate delivery accuracy for patients receiving of VMAT. Machine performance was found to be directly related to plan complexity but this is not the dominant determinant of delivery accuracy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-440: Elliptical Source Model for IMRT and VMAT with Complex Modulation

Purpose: To improve dose calculation accuracy for highly modulated fields in IMRT and VMAT using an elliptical source model. Methods: For 2 TrueBeam linacs equipped with Millennium and HD MLCs, the source model of 6 and 15 MV beams was optimized with adjustments of the focal spot dimensions in the Varian Eclipse TPS. Starting from the measured focal spot size of 1.75 × 1.75 mm, the y-dimension of the source was varied while the x-dimension was kept constant. In addition, all other modeling parameters such as the extrafocal source and dosimetric leaf gap remained unchanged. The different models were compared with measured penumbra for jaws and MLC using ion chamber and diode. For 2 IMRT and 2 VMAT cases, the calculated doses were compared with radiochromic film and EPID measurements. Results: A source size of 1.75 × 0.75 mm was found to be optimal for beam modeling. The calculated penumbra (80–20) of a MLCdefined open field was within 0.8 mm compare to measurement for both the inline and crossline profile for various field sizes and depths. The dose gradients in the direction perpendicular to the MLC travel direction was better modeled compared to the source model with a circular focal spot of 1.75 mm for the fields with rigorous MLC modulation. Local differences up to 8% were found in those regions. Conclusion: The conventional source model using a symmetric focal spot tends to overestimate the penumbra perpendicular to the MLC travel direction, resulting in an inaccurate dose calculation especially for fields with complex MLC modulation. This can be improved with an elliptical source model and it can be considered as a standard as IMRT and VMAT treatments are becoming a norm for the clinic.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-P-15: Technique Factor Modulation and Reference Plane Air Kerma Rates in Response to Simulated Patient Thickness Variations for a Sample of Current Generation Fluoroscopes

Purpose: To evaluate and compare approaches to technique factor modulation and air kerma rates in response to simulated patient thickness variations for four state-of-the-art and one previous-generation interventional fluoroscopes. Methods: A polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom was used as a tissue surrogate for the purposes of determining fluoroscopic reference plane air kerma rates, kVp, mA, and spectral filtration over a wide range of simulated tissue thicknesses. Data were acquired for each fluoroscopic and acquisition dose curve within a default abdomen or body imaging protocol. Results: The data obtained indicated vendor- and model-specific variations in the approach to technique factor modulation and reference plane air kerma rates across a range of tissue thicknesses. Some vendors have made hardware advances increasing the radiation output capabilities of their fluoroscopes; this was evident in the acquisition air kerma rates. However, in the imaging protocol evaluated, all of the state-of-the-art systems had relatively low air kerma rates in the fluoroscopic low-dose imaging mode as compared to the previous-generation unit. Each of the newest-generation systems also employ copper filtration in the selected protocol in the acquisition mode of imaging; this is a substantial benefit, reducing the skin entrance dose to the patient in the highest dose-rate mode of fluoroscope operation. Conclusion: Understanding how fluoroscopic technique factors are modulated provides insight into the vendor-specific image acquisition approach and provides opportunities to optimize the imaging protocols for clinical practice. The enhanced radiation output capabilities of some of the fluoroscopes may, under specific conditions, may be beneficial; however, these higher output capabilities also have the potential to lead to unnecessarily high dose rates. Therefore, all parties involved in imaging, including the clinical team, medical physicists, and imaging vendors, must work together to ensure that adequate but not excessive radiation doses are used.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-08: A Beam Source Model for Monte Carlo Simulations of a Double-Scattering Proton Beam Delivery System Using Beam Current Modulation

Purpose: To reconstruct phase-space information upstream of patient specific collimators for Monte Carlo simulations using only radiotherapy planning system data. Methods: The proton energies are calculated based on residual ranges, e.g., sum of prescribed ranges in a patient and SSD. The Kapchinskij and Vladimirskij (KV) distribution was applied to sample proton’s x-y positions and momentum direction and the beam shape was assumed to be a circle. Free parameters, e.g., the initial energy spread and the emittance of KV distribution were estimated from the benchmarking with commissioning data in a commercial treatment planning system for an operational proton therapy center. The number of histories, which defines the height of individual pristine Bragg peaks (BP) of Spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP), are weighted based on beam current modulation and a correction factor is applied to take into account the fluence reduction as the residual range decreases due to the rotation of the range modulator wheel. The timedependent behaviors, e.g., the changes of the residual range and histories per a pristine BP, are realized by utilizing TOPAS (Tool for Particle Simulation). Results: Benchmarking simulations for selected SOBPs ranging 7.5 cm to 15.5 cm matched within 2 mm in range and up to 5 mm in SOBP width against measurement data in water phantom. We found this model tends to underestimate entrance dose by about 5 % in comparison to measurement. This was attributed to the situation that the energy distribution used in the model was limited in its granularity at the limit of single energy spectrum for the narrow angle modulator steps used in the proximal pull back region of the SOBPs. Conclusion: Within these limitations the source modeling method proved itself an acceptable alternative of a full treatment head simulation when the machine geometry and materials information are not available.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-787: Utility of the Two Candidate 192-Ir and 169-Yb HDR Sources for Use with a Novel Direction Modulated Brachytherapy Tandem Applicator for Cervical Cancer Treatment

Purpose: A novel tungsten alloy shielded, MRI-compatible, direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) concept tandem applicator, which enables unprecedented intensity modulation, was used to evaluate treatment plan quality improvement over a conventional tandem. The utility of the 192-Ir and 169-Yb HDR sources, for use with the DMBT applicator, was evaluated. Methods: The total diameter of the DMBT tandem applicator is 6.0 mm, which consists of 5.4-mm diameter tungsten alloy and 0.3 mm thick plastic sheath. The tandem has 6 symmetric peripheral 1.3-mm diameter grooves for the source to travel. MCNPX v.2.6 was used to simulate the 192-Ir and 169-Yb sources inside the DMBT applicator. First, TG-43 source parameters were evaluated. Second, 3D dose matrix with 1 mm3 resolution were imported into an in-house-coded inverse optimization treatment planning program to obtain optimal plans for 19 clinical cases. All plans were compared with the standard tandem and ring plans. Prescription dose was 15.0 Gy. All plans were normalized to receive the same HRCTV D90. Results: Generally, the DMBT tandem (and ring) plans were better than the conventional tandem and ring plans for 192-Ir and 169-Yb HDR sources. The mean data of D2cc for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 11.65±2.30 Gy, 7.47±3.05 Gy, and 9.84±2.48 Gy for Ir-192 DMBT tandem, respectively. These data for Yb-169 were 11.67±2.26 Gy, 7.44±3.02 Gy, and 9.83±2.38 Gy, respectively. The HR-CTV D98 and V100 were 16.37±1.86 Gy and 97.37 ± 1.92 Gy for Ir-192 DMBT, respectively. The corresponding values for Yb-169 were 16.43±1.86 Gy, and 97.51 ± 1.91 Gy. Plans with the 169-Yb source generally produced more favorable results where V100 increased by 13.65% while D2cc across all OARs reduced by 0.54% compared with the 192-Ir plans. Conclusion: For the DMBT tandem applicator, 169-Yb source seems to produce more directional beams resulting in increased intensity modulation capacity, thus resulting in more conformal plans.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-F-BRA-05: Utility of the Combined Use of Two Types of HDR Sources with the Direction Modulation Brachytherapy (DMBT) Tandem Applicator for Cervical Cancer Treatment

Purpose: To maximize the dose to HRCTV while minimizing dose to the OARs, the combination of two HDR brachytherapy sources, 192-Ir and 169-Yb, used in combination with the recently-proposed novel direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) tandem applicator were examined. Methods: The DMBT tandem, made from nonmagnetic tungsten-alloy rod, with diameter of 5.4mm, has 6 symmetric peripheral holes of 1.3mm diameter. The 0.3mm thick bio-compatible plastic tubing wraps the tandem. MCNPX v.2.6 was used to simulate the mHDR 192-Ir V2 and 4140 HDR 169-Yb sources inside the DMBT applicator. Thought was by combining the higher energy 192-Ir (380keV) and lower energy 169-Yb (92.7keV) sources could create unprecedented level of dose conformality when combined with the high-degree intensity modulation capable DMBT tandem applicator. 3D dose matrices, with 1 mm3 resolution, were imported into an in-house-coded inverse optimization planning system to evaluate plan quality of 19 clinical patient cases. Prescription dose was 15Gy. All plans were normalized to receive the same HRCTV D90. Results: Generally, the use of dual sources produced better plans than using either of the sources alone, with significantly better performance in some patients. The mean D2cc for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 11.65±2.30Gy, 7.47±3.05Gy, and 9.84±2.48Gy for 192-Ir-only, respectively. For 169 -Yb-only, they were 11.67±2.26Gy, 7.44±3.02Gy, and 9.83±2.38Gy, respectively. The corresponding data for the dual sources were 11.51±2.24Gy, 7.30±3.00Gy, and 9.68 ±2.39Gy, respectively. The HRCTV D98 and V100 were 16.37±1.86Gy and 97.37±1.92Gy for Ir-192-only, respectively. For 169-Yb-only, they were 16.43±1.86Gy, and 97.51±1.91Gy, respectively. For the dual source, they were 16.42±1.87Gy and 97.47±1.93Gy, respectively. Conclusion: The plan quality improves, in some cases quite significantly, for when dual 192-Ir and 169-Yb sources are used in combination with highly intensity modulation capable DMBT tandem applicator for image guided cervical cancer brachytherapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

TU-EF-204-07: Add Tube Current Modulation to a Low Dose Simulation Tool for CT Systems

Purpose: We extended the capabilities of a low dose simulation tool to model Tube-Current Modulation (TCM). TCM is widely used in clinical practice to reduce radiation dose in CT scans. We expect the tool to be valuable for various clinical applications (e.g., optimize protocols, compare reconstruction techniques and evaluate TCM methods). Methods: The tube current is input as a function of z location, instead of a fixed value. Starting from the line integrals of a scan, a new Poisson noise realization at a lower dose is generated for each view. To validate the new functionality, we compared simulated scans with real scans in image space. Results: First we assessed noise in the difference between the low-dose simulations and the original high-dose scan. When the simulated tube current is a step function of z location, the noise at each segment matches the noise of 3 separate constant-tube-current-simulations. Secondly, with a phantom that forces TCM, we compared a low-dose simulation with an equivalent real low-dose scan. The mean CT number of the simulated scan and the real low-dose scan were 137.7±0.6 and 137.8±0.5 respectively. Furthermore, with 240 ROIs, the noise of the simulated scan and the real low-dose scan were 24.03±0.45 and 23.99±0.43 respectively, and they were not statistically different (2-sample t-test, p-value=0.28). The facts that the noise reflected the trend of the TCM curve, and that the absolute noise measurements were not statistically different validated the TCM function. Conclusion: We successfully added tube-current modulation functionality in an existing low dose simulation tool. We demonstrated that the noise reflected an input tube-current modulation curve. In addition, we verified that the noise and mean CT number of our simulation agreed with a real low dose scan. The authors are all employees of Philips. Yijun Ding is also supported by NIBIB P41EB002035 and NIBIB R01EB000803.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-J-39: Dose Reduction Strategy Using Attenuation-Based Tube Current Modulation Method in CBCT for IGRT

Purpose: To reduce radiation dose to the patients, tube current modulation (TCM) method has been actively used in diagnostic CT systems. However, TCM method has not yet been applied to a kV-CBCT system on a LINAC machine. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the use of TCM method is desirable in kV-CBCT system for IGRT. We have developed an attenuation-based tube current modulation (a-TCM) method using the prior knowledge of treatment CT image of a patient. Methods: Patients go through a diagnostic CT scan for RT planning; therefore, using this prior information of CT images, one can estimate the total attenuation of an x-ray through the patient body in a CBCT setting for radiation therapy. We performed a numerical study incorporating major factors into account such as polychromatic x-ray, scatter, noise, and bow-tie filter to demonstrate that a-TCM method can produce equivalent quality of images at reduced imaging radiation doses. Using the CT projector program, 680 projection images of the pediatric XCAT phantom were obtained both in conventional scanning condition, i.e., without modulating the tube current, and in the proposed a-TCM scanning condition. FDK reconstruction algorithm was used for image reconstruction, and the organ dose due to imaging radiation has been calculated in both cases and compared using GATE/Geant4 simulation toolkit. Results: Reconstructed CT images in the a-TCM method showed similar SSIM values and noise properties to the reference images acquired by the conventional CBCT. In addition, reduction of organ doses ranged from 12% to 27%. Conclusion: We have successfully demonstrated the feasibility and dosimetric merit of the a-TCM method for kV-CBCT, and envision that it can be a useful option of CBCT scanning that provides patient dose reduction without degrading image quality.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Seasonal modulations of the underground cosmic-ray muon energy

The parameters of the seasonal modulations in the intensity of muons and cosmogenic neutrons generated by them at a mean muon energy of 280 GeV have been determined in the LVD (Large Volume Detector) experiment. The modulations of muons and neutrons are caused by a temperature effect, the seasonal temperature and density variations of the upper atmospheric layers. The analysis performed here leads to the conclusion that the variations in the mean energy of the muon flux are the main source of underground cosmogenic neutron variations, because the energy of muons is more sensitive to the temperature effect than their intensity. The parameters of the seasonal modulations in the mean energy of muons and the flux of cosmogenic neutrons at the LVD depth have been determined from the data obtained over seven years of LVD operation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2016

Modulational instabilities in relativistic pair plasmas

We study the modulational instability of an intense photon beam in a relativistic pair plasma. We use the wave-kinetic description of the photon field and relativistic fluid equations for electrons and positrons. This allows us to consider the influence of the photon spectral distribution and photon recoil effects on the instability threshold and growth rates. The case of very low frequencies modulations, well below plasma frequency, is compared to that of high-frequency modulations corresponding to the plasmon decay instability.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗