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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records

Design Considerations of a Coordinative Demand Charge Mitigation Strategy

This paper presents a coordinative demand charge mitigation (DCM) strategy for reducing electricity consumption during system peak periods. Available DCM resources include batteries, diesel generators, controllable loads, and conservation voltage reduction. All resources are directly controlled by load serving entities. A mixed integer linear programming based energy management algorithm is developed to optimally coordinate of DCM resources considering the load payback effect. To better capture system peak periods, two different kinds of load forecast are used: the day-ahead load forecast and the peak-hour probability forecast. Five DCM strategies are compared for reconciling the discrepancy between the two forecasting results. The DCM strategies are tested using actual utility data. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively mitigate the demand charge while preventing the system peak from being shifted to the payback hours. We also identify the diminishing return effect, which can help load serving entities optimize the size of their DCM resources.

Hu, Rongxing↗

Wildfire-Power Grid Interactions: Feedback, Impacts, Monitoring, Modeling, and Mitigation Strategies

Wildfires are increasingly interacting with electric power systems through a two-way hazard chain: fires damage grid assets and trigger cascading outages, while grid faults can ignite new fires under hot, dry, and windy conditions. This review synthesizes the state of knowledge across five domains: (i) physical impacts of flames, heat, and smoke on lines, towers, insulators, and substations; (ii) power-infrastructure-initiated ignitions via conductor clash, high-impedance faults, and corona discharge; (iii) widespread blackouts and disproportionate societal impacts; (iv) multi-scale monitoring spanning laboratory tests, in-situ and grid-integrated sensors, and Earth observation; (v) coupled modeling that links fire behavior with grid operations; and (vi) technological and strategic mitigation pathways spanning prevention, response, and recovery. We integrate these domains into a novel 'feedback-aware' socio-technical framework. Through a longitudinal analysis (2005-2025) of global incidents, we identify that while vegetation contact remains the most frequent ignition source, aging infrastructure failure has emerged as a critical driver of catastrophic 'mega-fires'. We further identify persistent gaps, including limited interoperability of high-frequency grid and environmental data, scarce real-time data assimilation, and under-developed equity metrics for outage management. We conclude by outlining a research agenda to (1) deploy interoperable sensing architectures, (2) advance feedback-coupled fire-grid simulations, and (3) evaluate mitigation portfolios through techno-economic and fairness lenses. Recognizing wildfire-grid interactions as coupled socio-technical systems is essential for protecting infrastructure and communities and for ensuring reliable, sustainable electricity in a changing world.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Computational study of instability and fill tube mitigation strategies for double shell implosions

Double shell capsules are an attractive alternative scheme for achieving robust alpha-heating at the National Ignition Facility due to their low convergence ratio and low predicted temperature for achieving volume ignition. Nevertheless, simulations suggest that double shell targets are more susceptible to the fill tube, used to fill the inner shell with liquid DT, than typical single-shell ignition capsule designs, due to the higher density gradient between the shell and the fill tube hole, a lower outer shell velocity, which prevents the implosion from catching up to the initial fill tube jet, and the absence of a rebounding shock through the foam to slow this jet. Double shells are also highly susceptible to the Rayleigh-Taylor instability at both interfaces with the high density inner shell. Combined, these effects are predicted by radiation-hydrodynamics simulations to reduce fuel confinement and temperature, resulting in reduced performance by a factor of ≈20–45, depending on design details, compared to idealized one-dimensional (1D) simulations. We discuss herein a mitigation strategy for both the interfacial instabilities and the fill tube that is predicted by simulations to decrease the yield degradation to a factor of ≈4. The mitigation strategy involves a modification of the capsule geometry as well as the use of a multishock pulse shape. The multishock pulse is required for the fill tube mitigation strategy and has the added benefit of stabilizing perturbations at the foam/pusher interface without decreasing 1D yield. In order to experimentally verify these predictions, we discuss the potential use of a hydrogrowth radiography platform that could be applied to test the proposed mitigation strategies.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A multi-layer SEU mitigation strategy to improve FPGA design robustness for the ATLAS muon spectrometer upgrade

We present a multi-layer single-event upset mitigation strategy implemented in a low-cost Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA. The implementation is targeted for a trigger data router for the ATLAS muon spectrometer upgrade. The mitigation strategy employs three layers of protection to improve overall FPGA design robustness: use of triple-modular redundancy for FPGA fabric logic and embedded soft-error mitigation in the first layer; further enhancement with multi-boot FPGA reconfiguration across multiple copies of configuration memory in the second layer; and FPGA power cycling and configuration memory re-initialization in the third layer. Here, the effectiveness of this scheme has been evaluated at two different neutron facilities, LANSCE and NCSR ‘‘Demokritos’’, with 800 MeV and 25 MeV beam energies, respectively. Testing was performed with a similar configuration to that planned for final operation. We discuss the testing strategy and summarize the test results to estimate the expected data loss over 10 years of operation in the ATLAS experiment.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

System of Systems Model Development for Evaluating EMP Resilient Grid Mitigation Strategies

This Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project focused on understanding the mathematical relationships that can be used in assessing the value of executing various EMP mitigation strategies on the grid. This is referred to as the EMP Resilient Grid Value Model. Because the range of mitigation strategies can contain widely differing characteristics (operational vs. technological), it is necessary to compute functions of many interrelated metrics at varying levels of fidelity that will be used to provide feedback as to the cost/benefit relationship of any proposed strategy. The value model is a hierarchical decomposition of a system of systems (SoS) model down to a grid circuit model. The model is intended to be suitable for use in subsequent decision support optimization for resilience to EMP events. The metric set goes beyond direct, technical impacts on the electrical grid to include ancillary impacts on dependent infrastructure and enterprise concerns (water, DoD, transportation, etc.).

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Evaluation of mitigation strategies for radioactive fission gases in fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactors

Here, the Fluoride-salt-cooled High-temperature Reactor (FHR) is a promising Generation IV nuclear reactor due to its improved safety design, near atmospheric working pressure, and high electric power conversion efficiency. However, control of radioactive fission gases, such as tritium, is a critical issue in FHRs due to the significantly larger production rate and potentially larger leakage rate of tritium compared to those in Light Water Reactors (LWRs). Therefore, this study proposes two mitigation strategies for tritium in FHRs: Double-Wall Heat eXchanger with a Tritium Carrier (DWHX-TC) option and Single-Wall Heat eXchanger with a Tritium Barrier (SWHX-TB) option. For the DWHX-TC option, two tube surface configurations, i.e., plain and fluted tubes, and four tritium carriers, i.e., helium, FLiBe, FLiNaK, and KF-ZrF 4 , are initially considered, among which the best tube configuration and promising tritium carrier are then selected and used for design optimization of the DWHX. For the SWHX-TB option, two cases, tritium barriers with and without cracks, are investigated in this study. In addition, the two mitigation strategies are evaluated by an in-house, one-dimensional, coupled HEat and MAss Transfer (HEMAT) code developed to predict the leakage rate of tritium in nuclear systems. Our analysis shows that (1) a double-wall configuration using fluted tubes as both the inner and outer tubes is better than other double-wall configurations investigated; (2) helium, as a tritium carrier, is superior to other candidates, including FLiBe, FLiNaK, and KF-ZrF 4 ; (3) the leakage rate of tritium (into the atmosphere) is reduced from 3400 Ci/day, taking the Advanced High-Temperature Reactor (AHTR) as a reference, to 4.0 Ci/day for an optimum design of the DWHX-TC option using helium as the tritium carrier and 1.7 Ci/day for an optimum design of the SWHX-TB option using 30-µm thick silicon carbide (SiC) as the tritium barrier (no cracks); and (4) potential cracks in tritium barriers may significantly deteriorate mass transfer performance of the SWHX-TB option. For example, a cracking rate of 0.1% leads to an increase of 694.1% in the leakage rate under the conditions investigated.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

'Top 10' Facility Decommissioning Risks and Mitigation Strategies to Prevent Them - 16487

Decommissioning represents a set of risks that differ from facility design and construction, operations, or maintenance. An informal poll was taken querying experienced facility decommissioning project and program managers in government and private business sectors about top decommissioning risks. The poll considered experience in nuclear, fossil fuel, and oil and gas projects in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. A classic risk assessment process was performed, where the likelihood and consequence(s) of impacts, typical or most commonly used controls, and the most effective mitigation strategies for various risks were identified. The risks that polled with the highest rankings were identified as the 'Top 10' decommissioning risks. Roger VanScoy stated 'Knowing our risks provides opportunities to manage and improve our chances of success.' The purpose of this effort was to identify and share the 'Top 10' decommissioning risks with those in the nuclear, fossil fuel, and oil and gas industry to help anticipate and manage those risks more effectively, avoid or reduce the potential consequences of the risks, and improve the chances of project success. Douglas Adams said: 'Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so'. The information provided shares experiences, knowledge, and effective mitigation strategies from those with successful decommissioning experience so that others can learn and avoid the adverse consequences of risks inherent with decommissioning projects. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Analysis of ELAP and mitigation strategies in Maanshan PWR with PCTRAN

On March 11, 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company, encountered a beyond design basis earthquake/tsunami and the flood crippled the on-site emergency power and electric transmission systems. The ELAP (Extended Loss of Alternating Current Power) and LUHS (Loss of Ultimate Heat Sink) events severely damaged the core cooling systems and the safety functions of the containment. As a result, three reactor cores were damaged. Also, the cooling capability of nuclear spent fuel pools was lost due to loss of AC and DC power. Existing Station Blackout (SBO) analyses have demonstrated that even with leakage from Reactor Coolant Pump (RCP) seals, the core could maintain coolable only when heat transfer exists between primary loop and secondary loop. Depend on the availability of DC power in different plant designs, the SBO coping times were shown to be 4 to 16 hours. According to INPO event report, it is necessary to analyze the consequences if current coping times are extended with increased core water inventory loss from pump seals. In an ELAP scenario, all active system including Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) and motor driven AFW were out of power supply, results in degradation of core cooling capability. Moreover, the fuel exposed risk would increase due to continuously Reactor Coolant System (RCS) inventory loss through pump seals. Therefore, mitigation strategy must be applied prior to core uncovering to prevent its damage and assure plant safety. This research utilized a fast running NPP safety simulation code, PCTRAN, to assess reactor performances in the situations of ELAP of Maanshan PWR. Also, the sensitivity study of injection flow rates and effectiveness of mitigation strategy were demonstrated. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Induced seismicity and carbon storage: Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

Geologic carbon storage (GCS) is widely recognized as an important strategy to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions. Like all technologies, however, sequestration projects create a number of potential environmental and safety hazards that must be addressed. These include earthquakes—from microseismicity to large, damaging events—that can be triggered by altering pore-pressure conditions in the subsurface. To date, measured seismicity due to CO 2 injection has been limited to a few modest events, but the hazard exists and must be considered. There are important similarities between CO 2 injection and fluid injection from other applications that have induced significant events—e.g. geothermal systems, waste-fluid injection, hydrocarbon extraction, and others. There are also important distinctions among these technologies that should be considered in a discussion of seismic hazard. This report focuses on strategies for assessing and mitigating risk during each phase of a CO 2 storage project. Four key risks related to fault reactivation and induced seismicity were considered. Induced slip on faults could potentially lead to: (1) infrastructure damage, (2) a public nuisance, (3) brine-contaminated drinking water, and (4) CO 2 -contaminated drinking water. These scenarios lead to different types of damage—to property, to drinking water quality, or to the public welfare. Given these four risks, this report focuses on strategies for assessing (and altering) their likelihoods of occurrence and the damage that may result. This report begins with an overview of the basic physical mechanisms behind induced seismicity. This science basis—and its gaps—is crucial because it forms the foundation for risk assessment and mitigation. Available techniques for characterizing and monitoring seismic behavior are also described. Again, this technical basis—and its limitations—must be factored into the risk assessment and mitigation approach. A phased approach to risk management is then introduced. The basic goal of the phased approach is to constantly adapt site operations to current conditions and available characterization data. The remainder of the report then focuses in detail on different components of the monitoring, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. Issues in current seismic risk assessment methods that must be modified to address induce seismicity are highlighted. The report then concludes with several specific recommendations for operators and regulatory authorities to consider when selecting, permitting, and operating a storage project.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Operational stability of mixed Sn–Pb perovskite solar cells: Mechanisms, mitigation strategies, and perspectives

Mixed Sn–Pb perovskites provide the 1.2–1.3 eV narrow-bandgap absorber needed for high efficiency of all perovskite tandems, but their deployment is limited by operational instability under light. This review synthesizes mechanistic origins and recent mitigation strategies for mixed Sn–Pb perovskite solar cells. The oxidation of Sn 2+ to Sn 4+ , often driven by iodine formation under light and bias, is the primary failure pathway; it creates Sn vacancies, self-doping, and nonradiative loss. Surface/grain-boundary defects, halide migration, reactive oxygen species, and interfacial redox at charge-transport layers, along with hole accumulation from poor band alignment, further accelerate Sn–Pb perovskite degradation. Here we survey recent stability advances across additive chemistry, surface and grain-boundary passivation, buried-interface redesign with modified or alternative hole transport layers, and solvent systems that preserve Sn 2+ and correct Sn–Pb speciation for scalable coating. Together, these recent advances have enabled devices to retain 80%–90% output for hundreds to over a thousand hours. Lastly, we provide our perspectives on further improving the operational stability of Sn–Pb perovskite and solar cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Modeling golden eagle‐vehicle collisions to design mitigation strategies

ABSTRACT The incidental take of golden eagles ( Aquila chrysaetos ) as a result of wind energy development requires some form of compensatory mitigation. Although several options have been proposed, only one has been formerly accepted and implemented, and the lack of options can limit the permit process for wind facilities. We developed a model to estimate numbers of golden eagles that die when struck by vehicles when eagles scavenge road kill to evaluate removal of road‐killed carcasses as an additional mitigation option. Our model estimates vehicle collision rates as a function of eagle densities, road traffic volume, and animal carcass abundance at the scale of a Wyoming, USA, county during fall‐winter, and quantifies the effects of different mitigation strategies, including estimates of uncertainty. We evaluated the plausibility of our model estimates by predicting mortality rates for each county in Wyoming and comparing overall state mortality to current estimates of mortality using derived estimates from expert judgment. We also developed a context‐dependent analysis of potential mitigation credits controlling for carcass number, traffic volume, and background carcass removals. We found that mitigation credit should be highest in areas with greatest number of carcasses. Collision mitigation is a potentially useful addition to the mitigation toolbox for wind energy development or other activities that need to offset predicted golden eagle mortality and satisfy incidental take permit requirements. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Wildlife Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lonsdorf, Eric↗

Optimization of Structural Flood Mitigation Strategies

The dynamics of flooding are primarily influenced by the shape, height, and roughness (friction) of the underlying topography. For this reason, mechanisms to mitigate floods frequently employ structural measures that either modify topographic elevation, for example, through the placement of levees and sandbags, or increase roughness, for example, through revegetation projects. However, the configuration of these measures is typically decided in an ad hoc manner, limiting their overall effectiveness. The advent of high–performance surface–water modeling software and improvements in black–box optimization suggest that a more principled design methodology may be possible. This paper proposes a new computational approach to the problem of designing structural mitigation strategies under physical and budgetary constraints. It presents the development of a problem discretization amenable to simulation–based, derivative–free optimization. However, meta–heuristics alone are found to be insufficient for obtaining quality solutions in a reasonable amount of time. As a result, this paper proposes novel numerical and physics–based procedures to improve convergence to a high–quality mitigation. Furthermore the efficiency of the approach is demonstrated on hypothetical dam break scenarios of varying complexity under various mitigation budget constraints. In particular, experimental results show that, on average, the final proposed algorithm results in a 65% improvement in solution quality compared to a direct implementation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Chromium Poisoning Mitigation Strategy in Strontium-Doped Lanthanum Manganite-Based Air Electrodes in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract Chromium poisoning of the air electrode remains an obstacle to the long-term performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In Sr-doped LaMnO3 (LSM) air electrodes, the poisoning process results in two types of deposits, chromium oxide (Cr2O3), and Mn, Cr spinel (MnCr2O4). The former forms electrochemically and the latter forms via a chemical reaction. By applying a small anodic reverse bias, Cr2O3 deposits can be removed because their formation is electrochemical in nature. However, MnCr2O4 deposits remain because their formation is chemical, rather than electrochemical, in nature. In situ chemical decomposition of the Mn, Cr spinel was investigated as an alternate removal method as thermodynamics supports its decomposition into constituent oxides below ∼540 °C in pure oxygen. The spinel decomposition process was characterized using thermogravimetric and X-ray diffraction analyses. The experimentally determined rate of spinel decomposition was undetectable (very slow) with isolated MnCr2O4 powders. The addition of 10 mol% gadolinia doped ceria (GDC) and silver powders significantly increased the rate of decomposition. However, the rate is limited by the diffusion of oxygen through the decomposed oxide layer. Although one strategy may be the addition of GDC and silver to the LSM air electrode to enhance spinel decomposition, the more effective mitigation strategy would be to prevent the formation of MnCr2O4 spinel in the first place through the removal of the reactants: Cr2O3 via electrochemical cleaning and mobile Mn ions in the zirconia electrolyte by incorporating a diffusion barrier layer such as GDC between the air electrode and electrolyte.

Electrochemistry↗