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At least 1,783 records · Page 99

Cross-Government Development of Space-Based Quantum Sensors for Earth and Space Science

Quantum sensing technologies promise advantages over their traditional counterparts in terms of sensitivity and accuracy, including higher signal-to-noise ratios, better measurement resolution and sensitivity, and accuracies that can be tied to fundamental constants. As a result of the potentially promising advantages of quantum sensing technologies, the multi-agency Space Science and Technology Partnership Forum (S&T Forum), consisting of NASA, NRO, and USSF, conducted a 2023 study to identify the current state of space-based quantum sensing technology development that will enable cutting-edge Earth and space science. The findings contained within this work provide insight into quantum sensing and quantum enabling technology work across the S&T Forum to inform technology development and identify potential government, industry, and academic coordination and collaboration opportunities in quantum sensing within the Earth and space science community. The results herein focus on the collation of quantum sensing technologies, facilities, and developers captured from the participants of the study to provide a broad overview of quantum sensor development for the Earth and space science community; specifically highlighting how five particular areas of quantum sensing technology (listed in alphabetical order) are of near-term interest to all three S&T Forum agencies: atomic clocks, atom interferometers, quantum magnetometers, Rydberg sensors, and single photon detectors. The findings in this work point to the intent of the S&T Forum agencies to lean into the development of quantum sensing technology in which the three agencies have mutual near-term interest, including cross-cutting enabling component technologies. The information presented provides points of entry in terms of people, facilities, and quantum sensing technology work within the government as well as increased transparency into the five quantum sensing technology areas of mutual interest of the S&T Forum agencies to remove barriers and encourage participation and partnership with the Earth and space science community.

Quantum↗

Evolving the SpaceFOM: Lessons Learned and Future Development

For over fifty years, simulation has been a cornerstone technology for space missions. In many cases, one single simulator, developed by one team, is not enough to meet the simulation objectives. Astronaut crew training, docking, vehicle testing and complex mission planning all require several simulations to be connected and to interoperate, in order to achieve the goal of the simulation. To facilitate the development of interoperable simulations, an open standard, the SISO SpaceFOM was developed in collaboration between government, industry and academia. The standard was released in 2020. The initial release of SpaceFOM focuses on the core interoperability topics for space simulation: (i) specifying spatial data using several, well defined reference frames, (ii) managing time (including real-time, hard real-time, and as-fast-as-possible execution), (iii) composition of systems with subsystems such as space vehicles, and (iv) execution control, such as initializing, running, pausing, and terminating simulations. The initial release of SpaceFOM focuses on the core interoperability topics for space simulation: (i) specifying spatial data using several, well defined reference frames, (ii) managing time (including real-time, hard real-time, and as-fast-as-possible execution), (iii) composition of systems with subsystems such as space vehicles, and (iv) execution control, such as initializing, running, pausing, and terminating simulations. A number of requirements for the next version of SpaceFOM have been identified and proposed solutions are already under development. One key area is the object classes used for data exchange, where a richer set of classes have been proposed, based on practical use cases. For time management, the use of variable time resolutions and variable time steps is also proposed. For execution control, save and restore of simulations is considered as well as improved robustness, to handle failing components. A number of clarifications are also under consideration. This paper provides both a forward-looking view of the technical developments underway and a retrospective on the standard's evolution. The authors emphasize that prioritizing core challenges and delivering a practical first version were crucial steps. While not every idea was implemented in the initial release, the timely delivery of a functional standard enabled real-world applications, the growth of a user community, and the collection of valuable insights to shape future versions. The authors look forward to working with the next version of SpaceFOM together with the growing user community.

Simulation Interoperability↗

Integrated Development Strategy for Space Nuclear Propulsion

An integrated development strategy to realize operational nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) systems is presented. A generational development approach is employed, where each generation of a propulsion system is more capable and reliable than the previous. These systems will either enable missions that were not possible or, for missions that could be performed using other systems (including earlier generations of space nuclear systems) will improve the mission metrics, most notably greater delivered mass, reduced trip time, or longer mission endurance. Present and ongoing investments in materials development, component design and testing, and modeling and simulation lead the way in developing demonstration flight systems and expose gaps in the nation’s capabilities. Developing future generations of systems with greater utility will require additional capabilities, including those for large-scale nuclear test and evaluation.

Kurt Polzin↗

Evolving the SpaceFOM: Lessons Learned and Future Development

For over fifty years, simulation has been a cornerstone technology for space missions. In many cases, one single simulator, developed by one team, is not enough to meet the simulation objectives. Astronaut crew training, docking, vehicle testing and complex mission planning all require several simulations to be connected and to interoperate, in order to achieve the goal of the simulation. To facilitate the development of interoperable simulations, an open standard, the SISO SpaceFOM was developed in collaboration between government, industry and academia. The standard was released in 2020. The initial release of SpaceFOM focuses on the core interoperability topics for space simulation: (i) specifying spatial data using several, well defined reference frames, (ii) managing time (including real-time, hard real-time, and as-fast-as-possible execution), (iii) composition of systems with subsystems such as space vehicles, and (iv) execution control, such as initializing, running, pausing, and terminating simulations. A number of requirements for the next version of SpaceFOM have been identified and proposed solutions are already under development. One key area is the object classes used for data exchange, where a richer set of classes have been proposed, based on practical use cases. For time management, the use of variable time resolutions and variable time steps is also proposed. For execution control, save and restore of simulations is considered as well as improved robustness, to handle failing components. A number of clarifications are also under consideration. This paper provides both a forward-looking view of the technical developments underway and a retrospective on the standard's evolution. The authors emphasize that prioritizing core challenges and delivering a practical first version were crucial steps. While not every idea was implemented in the initial release, the timely delivery of a functional standard enabled real-world applications, the growth of a user community, and the collection of valuable insights to shape future versions. The authors look forward to working with the next version of SpaceFOM together with the growing user community.

FOMs↗

Impact Testing of 410 Stainless Steel for Material Impact Model Development

A project is underway to develop a consistent set of material properties, impact test data, and failure analysis for a variety of metallic aircraft materials that can be used to develop improved impact failure and deformation models. This project is jointly funded by the NASA Glenn Research Center and the Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center. Particular features of this set of data are that all material property and impact test data are obtained using traceable material, the test methods and procedures are extensively documented, and all the raw data are available. Four parallel efforts are currently underway: measurement of material deformation and failure response over a wide range of strain rates and temperatures, failure analysis of material property specimens and impact test articles, development of improved numerical modeling techniques for deformation and failure, and impact testing of flat panels and substructures for model validation. This report describes impact testing performed on 410 stainless steel sheet and plate samples of different thicknesses with two different types of projectiles, one a regular cylinder and one with a more complex geometry incorporating features representative of a jet engine fan blade. Data from this testing will be used in validating material models developed under this program. The material tests and the material models developed in this program will be published in separate reports.

410 Stainless Steel↗

Prospect for Developing a Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP) Strain Using Xylan as the Substrate: the Case Study of Yarrowia lipolytica

To achieve the goal of developing a direct microbial sugar conversion platform for the production of lipids and drop-in fuels from cellulosic biomass substrate, Yarrowia lipolytica was used to investigate its potential for being developed as CBP strain by expressing cellulase and xylanase enzymes. Y. lipolytica is known to accumulate lipids intracellularly and is capable of metabolizing glucose and xylose to produce lipids; however, due to the lack of the biomass degrading enzymes, it cannot directly utilize lignocellulosic substrates as carbon sources. While research is continuing on the development of a Y. lipolytica strain able to degrade cellulose, in this study, we present successful expression of several xylanases in Y. lipolytica. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study introducing heterologous hemicellulose genes into the genome of Y. lipolytica. SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis showed that the endo-xylanase gene XynII and exo-xylosidase gene XlnD were successfully expressed and secreted, and the expressed xylanases were likely either not or sparsely glycosylated, which is advantageous for expression of heterologous proteins from any species. Enzymatic activity tests further demonstrated active expression of XynII and XlnD in Y. lipolytica. Furthermore, synergistic action on converting xylan to xylose was observed when XlnD worked in concert with XynII. XlnD was able to work on the xylo-oligomers generated by XynII, enhancing the xylan conversion to monomeric xylose. The successful expression of these xylanases in Yarrowia further advances us towards our goal to develop a direct microbial conversion process using this organism. and xylose to produce lipids; however, due to the lack of the biomass degrading enzymes, it cannot directly utilize lignocellulosic substrates as carbon sources. While research is continuing on the development of a Y. lipolytica strain able to degrade cellulose, in this study, we present successful expression of several xylanases in Y. lipolytica.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Overview of the multifaceted activities towards development and deployment of nuclear-grade FeCrAl Alloys

A large effort is underway under the leadership of US DOE Fuel Cycle R&D program to develop advanced FeCrAl alloys as accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding to replace Zr-based alloys in light water reactors. The primary motivation is the excellent oxidation resistance of these alloys in high-temperature steam environments right up to their melting point (roughly three orders of magnitude slower oxidation kinetics than zirconium). A multifaceted effort is ongoing to rapidly advance FeCrAl alloys as a mature ATF concept. The activities span the broad spectrum of alloy development, environmental testing (high-temperature high-pressure water and elevated temperature steam), detailed mechanical characterization, material property database development, neutron irradiation, thin tube production, and multiple integral fuel test campaigns. Instead of off-the-shelf commercial alloys that might not prove optimal for the LWR fuel cladding application, a large amount of effort has been placed on the alloy development to identify the most optimum composition and microstructure for this application. The development program is targeting a cladding that offers performance comparable to or better than modern Zr-based alloys under normal operating and off-normal conditions. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the systematic effort to advance nuclear-grade FeCrAl alloys as an ATF cladding in commercial LWRs.

Field, Kevin G↗

Sustainability Development Platform for Nuclear-Renewable Energy Integration: Environmental Impacts, Economics, and Socio-Political Implications

Global energy needs are primarily being met with fossil fuel plants in both developed and developing nations. With the increase in emissions, it is necessary to promote and develop alternative energy technologies to meet the needs in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Furthermore, Nuclear and Renewable Energy Integration (NREI) may offer an effective and environmentally responsible energy solution that enhances energy use and productivity while reducing emissions. Our study of the NREI system provides background on sustainability and its drivers, outlines methods of developing a strong sustainability platform, and assesses sustainability based on the fundamental pillars of economy, environment, and society—all of which aim to promote future sustainable development.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Development of a Reduced-Order Three-Dimensional Flow Model for Thermal Mixing and Stratification Simulation during Reactor Transients

Mixing, thermal-stratification, and mass transport phenomena in large pools or enclosures play major roles for the safety of reactor systems. Depending on the fidelity requirement and computational resources, various modeling methods, from the 0-D perfect mixing model to 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, are available. Each is associated with its own advantages and shortcomings. It is very desirable to develop an advanced and efficient thermal mixing and stratification modeling capability embedded in a modern system analysis code to improve the accuracy of reactor safety analyses and to reduce modeling uncertainties. An advanced system analysis tool, SAM, is being developed at Argonne National Laboratory for advanced non-LWR reactor safety analysis. While SAM is being developed as a system-level modeling and simulation tool, a reduced-order three-dimensional module is under development to model the multi-dimensional flow and thermal mixing and stratification in large enclosures of reactor systems. This paper provides an overview of the three-dimensional finite element flow model in SAM, including the governing equations, stabilization scheme, and solution methods. Additionally, several verification and validation tests are presented, including lid-driven cavity flow, natural convection inside a cavity, laminar flow in a channel of parallel plates. Based on the comparisons with the analytical solutions and experimental results, it is demonstrated that the developed 3-D fluid model can perform very well for a wide range of flow problems.

Hu, Rui↗

High Temperature Reactor Research and Development Roadmap, Draft for Public Comment

Nuclear power provides clean, reliable energy, contributing about 20 percent of the electricity generated in the United States. It supplies approximately 60 percent of our non-greenhouse-gas emitting power, making it our nation’s single largest contributor of carbon-free electricity. This vital component of the U.S. energy portfolio avoids hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year and supports hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs, and yet is facing unprecedented challenges. Complex market factors, falling alternative generation costs and lower electricity demand forecasts have made operating nuclear power plants uneconomical in some parts of the country. The industry is confronting premature shut downs, a lack of new plants in the pipeline, profound market challenges and intense financing requirements. However, none of these challenges reflect a reduced need for this reliable and clean source of baseload power. Our nation’s nuclear sector urgently needs to adjust to these challenges to ensure continued availability of this vital national energy resource. The Department of Energy and its national laboratories are aggressively working to revive, revitalize, and expand U.S. nuclear energy capacity. We are advancing nuclear energy technologies through targeted early-stage investments to ensure a strong domestic industry now and into the future. By leveraging public-private partnerships and the national laboratory system, we are developing an advanced nuclear infrastructure, encouraging a resilient supply chain, and promoting a strong nuclear pipeline. A key element of this effort is to support the recent and rapid expansion in innovative advanced reactor development already being led by the U.S. nuclear industry. Advanced reactors, particularly non-light water reactor concepts, offer the potential for significant improvements to safety, economics and environmental performance, to help sustain and expand the availability of nuclear power as a clean, reliable and secure power source for our nation. As part of this strategy, the Department of Energy commissioned the development of technology roadmaps for advanced non-light-water reactor concepts. The starting point for the roadmaps is the technical readiness assessment performed as part of an advanced test and demonstration reactor study released in 2016 [ ]. The roadmaps show the Research and Development (R&D) needed to support demonstration of advanced reactor concepts, for either engineering demonstration or commercial demonstration depending on concept maturity, by 2035. The starting point for the roadmaps is the technical readiness assessment performed as part of an advanced test and demonstration reactor study released in 2016. The roadmaps were developed based on a review of technical reports and vendor literature summarizing the technical maturity of each concept and the outstanding R&D needs. Tasks for specific systems were highlighted on the basis of time and resources needed to complete the tasks and the importance of the system to the performance of the reactor concept. The roadmaps are intended to be generic (i.e., not specific to a particular vendor’s design); however, features of the General Atomics Energy Multiplier Module were included to provide specific examples for illuminating needed R&D tasks to be conducted in support of demonstration in the near future.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Advanced Reactor Regulatory Development Status Report for FY 2018

This report provides a summary status of various INL-supported activities leading to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) publication of regulatory guidance for advanced (non-light water reactor) designs. This regulatory guidance includes new design criteria designated as advanced reactor design criteria as proposed by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory team to the NRC. The advanced reactor design criteria guidance was developed in response to requests from industry. The guidance is intended to provide a basis from which future advanced reactor developers and license applicants can build principle design criteria to address regulatory requirements in their specific license applications. In addition, this report provides the current status for a number of advanced non-light water reactor (non-LWR) regulatory framework development activities, including functional containment performance criteria, advanced reactor codes and standards development, and the Regulatory Technology Development Plan.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment for Guiding Bioenergy Pathway Development

The Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI) is a bioenergy research center recently launched by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science's Biological and Environmental Research program. CBI's objective is to enable innovations across the bioenergy supply chain through development of poplar and switchgrass phenotypes, microorganisms for consolidated bio-processing (CBP), in which biomass fermentation and conversion is accomplished in a single unit operation, and lignin valorization processes. In addition to basic science, CBI's activities involve the application of techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to the bioenergy pathways under study. TEA and LCA is used to quantify the impacts that research and development breakthroughs have on the economic viability and sustainability of a bioenergy pathway, and to identify drivers for reducing costs and improving sustainability through targeted research efforts. Combining TEA and LCA allows for understanding the economic and sustainability benefits and trade-offs of these integrated bioenergy systems. The focus of this presentation is a parameterized, integrated TEA-LCA model, which will be discussed along with an application to bioenergy pathways currently under study. The model combines data and information developed by CBI researchers into a superstructure of potential bioenergy pathways and their life cycles. Model parameters include feedstock species and phenotype, farming, harvesting, storage and transportation practices, and the microbes used for biomass conversion and lignin valorization, among others. The parameterized TEA-LCA model allows for the rapid quantification of pathway economic and sustainability metrics such as minimum fuel selling price, payback period, fossil fuel consumption and net greenhouse gas emissions. To demonstrate the model, economic and sustainability metrics for a bioenergy pathway utilizing CBP will be quantified and compared to the same metrics for a conventional bioenergy pathway. Results of the comparison will be used to identify and prioritize high-impact research areas within the CBP pathway. fermentation and conversion is accomplished in a single unit operation, and lignin valorization processes. In addition to basic science, CBI's activities involve the application of techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to the bioenergy pathways under study. TEA and LCA is used to quantify the impacts that research and development breakthroughs have on the economic viability and sustainability of a bioenergy pathway, and to identify drivers for reducing costs and improving sustainability through targeted research efforts. Combining TEA and LCA allows for understanding the economic and sustainability benefits and trade-offs of these integrated bioenergy systems. The focus of this presentation is a parameterized, integrated TEA-LCA model, which will be discussed along with an application to bioenergy pathways currently under study. The model combines data and information developed by CBI researchers into a superstructure of potential bioenergy pathways and their life cycles. Model parameters include feedstock species and phenotype, farming, harvesting, storage and transportation practices, and the microbes used for biomass conversion and lignin valorization, among others. The parameterized TEA-LCA model allows for the rapid quantification of pathway economic and sustainability metrics such as minimum fuel selling price, payback period, fossil fuel consumption and net greenhouse gas emissions. To demonstrate the model, economic and sustainability metrics for a bioenergy pathway utilizing CBP will be quantified and compared to the same metrics for a conventional bioenergy pathway. Results of the comparison will be used to identify and prioritize high-impact research areas within the CBP pathway.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Update on the United States Advanced Ultra-Supercritical Program with Full Scale Component Fabrication to Develop Utility Scale Power Plants with 760°C Steam Temperature

Following the successful completion of a 15-year effort to develop and test materials that would allow coal-fired power plants to be operated at advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) steam conditions, a United States-based consortium is presently engaged in Phase 2 of a project which includes an advanced manufacturing effort to complete US-based supply chain development for full commercial scale (800-850 MWe) A-USC components made of nickel-based alloys, components operating at up to 760°C. The project, funded under U.S. Department of Energy Award No. DE-FE0025064, falls under the US DOE overall goal to Develop cost-effective, reliable technologies to improve the efficiency of new and existing coal-fired power plants. A-USC steam cycles have the potential to improve cycle efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Current development and demonstration efforts are focused on enabling the construction of A-USC plants, operating with steam temperatures as high as 1400°F (760°C) and steam pressures up to 5000 psi (35 MPa), which can potentially increase cycle efficiencies to 47% HHV (higher heating value), or approximately 50% LHV (lower heating value), and reduce CO 2 emissions by roughly 25%, compared to today’s U.S. fleet. A-USC technology provides a lower-cost method to reduce CO 2 emissions, compared to CO 2 capture technologies, while retaining a viable coal option for owners of coal generation assets. Among the specific goals of Phase 2 of the ComTest Project are to: validate that components made from advanced nickel-based alloys can operate and perform under A-USC conditions accelerate the development of a U.S.-based supply chain for the full complement of A-USC components close the remaining gaps and reduce the risks for manufacturing components from advanced materials for commercial demonstration fabricate full-scale versions of selected key components made of nickel-based alloys validate a qualified U.S. supply chain, to provide greater cost certainty for components obtain American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code approval for new materials, components and processes Additional benefit: Manufacturing technology will be applicable to other advanced fossil energy high temperature cycles, and can support increased flexibility of existing power plants The ComTest project is managed by Energy Industries of Ohio, and technically directed by the Electric Power Research Institute, Inc., with General Electric designing the A-USC components. As stated earlier, the current phase of the effort is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, through the National Energy Technology Laboratory. This presentation outlines the motivation for the project, explains the project’s structure and schedule, and provides some of the technical details on the design of the ComTest components.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Update on the United States Advanced Ultra-Supercritical Program with Full Scale Component Fabrication to Develop Utility Scale Power Plants with 760°C Steam Temperature

Following the successful completion of a 15-year effort to develop and test materials that would allow coal-fired power plants to be operated at advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) steam conditions, a United States-based consortium is presently engaged in Phase 2 of a project which includes an advanced manufacturing effort to complete US-based supply chain development for full commercial scale (800-850 MWe) A-USC components made of nickel-based alloys, components operating at up to 760°C. The project, funded under U.S. Department of Energy Award No. DE-FE0025064, falls under the US DOE overall goal to Develop cost-effective, reliable technologies to improve the efficiency of new and existing coal-fired power plants. A-USC steam cycles have the potential to improve cycle efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Current development and demonstration efforts are focused on enabling the construction of A-USC plants, operating with steam temperatures as high as 1400°F (760°C) and steam pressures up to 5000 psi (35 MPa), which can potentially increase cycle efficiencies to 47% HHV (higher heating value), or approximately 50% LHV (lower heating value), and reduce CO 2 emissions by roughly 25%, compared to today’s U.S. fleet. A-USC technology provides a lower-cost method to reduce CO 2 emissions, compared to CO 2 capture technologies, while retaining a viable coal option for owners of coal generation assets. Among the specific goals of Phase 2 of the ComTest Project are to: validate that components made from advanced nickel-based alloys can operate and perform under A-USC conditions accelerate the development of a U.S.-based supply chain for the full complement of A-USC components close the remaining gaps and reduce the risks for manufacturing components from advanced materials for commercial demonstration fabricate full-scale versions of selected key components made of nickel-based alloys validate a qualified U.S. supply chain, to provide greater cost certainty for components obtain American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code approval for new materials, components and processes Additional benefit: Manufacturing technology will be applicable to other advanced fossil energy high temperature cycles, and can support increased flexibility of existing power plants The ComTest project is managed by Energy Industries of Ohio, and technically directed by the Electric Power Research Institute, Inc., with General Electric designing the A-USC components. As stated earlier, the current phase of the effort is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, through the National Energy Technology Laboratory. This presentation outlines the motivation for the project, explains the project’s structure and schedule, and provides some of the technical details on the design of the ComTest components.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Review of Models to Evaluate and Guide the Development of Low-Thermal-Conductivity Materials

Developing insulation materials with low–thermal conductivity values is appealing for building envelope retrofits and new construction. Therefore, it is a priority research area for the US Department of Energy Building Technologies Office (BTO). Multiple institutions are exploring various methods to develop new insulation materials with a thermal resistivity ≥97 m·K/W (14 h·ft2·°F/Btu/inch). Current materials that provide such high thermal resistivity use micro- or nanoporous structures, as well as low–thermal conductivity gases and reduced pressure. Efforts to develop these new materials would benefit greatly from a tool that can numerically evaluate various options to optimize material design and achieve the desired thermal resistivity. The available models do not capture all modes of heat transfer through the complex structures required to achieve very high thermal resistivity. This paper presents a literature review of the existing models that have been used in the study of heat transfer mechanisms of insulation materials such as aerogels, foams, and fibrous materials. The review shows most of the models make some assumptions to simplify the analysis. Further, such models have not included important factors, such as the size effect and the interfacial effect, which could significantly affect heat transfer through insulation materials. Moreover, there is a lack of a database for the thermal accommodation coefficients of various insulation materials that are used to calculate gaseous thermal conductivity. In addition, this paper presents details regarding the development of new models. The new models will capture various factors that have been neglected in existing models (such as nanoscale heat transfer, interfacial thermal resistance). They will allow parametric studies that identify optimum design options for insulation materials and thus accelerate the achievement of BTO’s goal of developing insulation technologies with thermal resistivity greater than ≥97 m·K/W (14 h·ft2·°F/Btu/inch).

Shrestha, Som↗

Consensus International Solar Resource Standards and Best Practices Development: Preprint

Standardization and best practices of data sets and models enable the industry to develop widely accepted protocols for various stages of solar project development and operations. In collaboration with the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme Task 16, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed and regularly updates the Best Practices Handbook for the Collection and Use of Solar Resource Data for Solar Energy Applications. In collaboration with ASTM members on the radiometry subcommittee, NREL assists in and leads the development of radiometric standards that contribute to increased accuracy in the measurement of solar resources available to conversion systems and to the development and improvement of models. These models can then provide long-term geographic distribution of solar resources for areas where measured solar data are not available. Further, these standards play a preeminent role in all aspects of solar energy projects, including standard conditions, methods and instrumentation, accelerated testing, and service lifetime of materials.

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

Team Dynamics and Development in Chemical Emergency Response

This presentation is focused on Team Dynamics and Development in Chemical Emergency Response. While regulatory requirements focus on defining the performance requirements associated with this category of response team, there is very little information and guidance provided to team leaders on the criticality of team dynamics of development in performance. These elements are essential to achieving successfully integrated team operations. NREL has worked to expand chemical response team participation to include operational personnel from research, support operations, and various technical areas. Since this team expansion has encompassed integration from numerous levels and areas within the organization, a systematic approach was adopted to better understand how organization culture, dynamics, and diversity can be used to be more effective. Benchmarking other organizations and reviewing relevant literature assisted in laying the foundation to develop a strategy that incorporates team development principles, dynamics, and leadership practices to increase the effectiveness of emergency response operations. This presentation focuses on the valuable lessons learned and the team-based approaches that can be used to develop a successful response team.

emergency response↗

Development and Application of a Risk Analysis Toolkit for Plant Resources Optimization

This report summarizes the R&D activities of the Risk Informed Asset Management (RIAM) project during fiscal year 2020 (FY20). This project focuses on the development of methods designed to optimize plant operations (e.g., maintenance/replacement schedule, optimal maintenance posture) provided system/component health/cost data. This project development lives in cooperation with the Plant Health Management (PHM) project which focuses on the development of methods that integrate component health data and propagate such information at the system level to evaluate most relevant sources of risk. This year’s activities for the RIAM project focused on the continuation of schedule optimization algorithms developed in FY19. While in FY19 we focused on both deterministic and stochastic capital budgeting methods, in FY20 we moved forward by implementing two versions of schedule optimization methods. The first one reformulates the capital budgeting problem in a distributionally robust form which allows the user to rely on data directly rather than proposing a distribution from the data itself. The second version reformulates the capital budgeting explicitly using risk measures as variables to maximize/minimize. Lastly, we focused on the development of methods designed to identify the optimal maintenance posture based on the Pareto Frontier analysis. Rather than performing a tradeoff analysis (i.e., identify the absolute best posture), the Pareto Frontier analysis performs a trade space exploration approach (i.e., identify value and costs of several postures and have the analyst perform the task of imposing desired value and cost constraints). This is performed by identifying maintenance postures that maximize value (e.g., system availability) and minimize operational costs, i.e., the Pareto frontier in a value-cost trade space.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗