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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

A compact dication source for Ba 2+ tagging and heavy metal ion sensor development

Here, we present a tunable metal ion beam that delivers controllable ion currents in the picoamp range for testing of dry-phase ion sensors. Ion beams are formed by sequential atomic evaporation and single or multiple electron impact ionization, followed by acceleration into a sensing region. Controllability of the ionic charge state is achieved through tuning of electrode potentials that influence the retention time in the ionization region. Barium, lead, and cadmium samples have been used to test the system, with ion currents identified and quantified using a quadrupole mass analyzer. Realization of a clean Ba 2+ ion beam within a bench-top system represents an important technical advance toward the development and characterization of barium tagging systems for neutrinoless double beta decay searches in xenon gas. This system also provides a testbed for investigation of novel ion sensing methodologies for environmental assay applications, with dication beams of Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ also demonstrated for this purpose.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Assessment of ASI-developed Sensors for Inclusion in METL Testing

The Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation (ASI) program facilitates the development of new sensors for both conventional and advanced reactors. Advanced reactor concepts utilize coolants other than light water, such as molten salts, liquid sodium, and high-temperature helium. Qualification of sensors developed for these advanced reactors is complicated by the relatively small number of facilities available that can provide relevant testing conditions (e.g., temperature, flow, and coolant chemistry). This report identifies sensors that were developed under the ASI program and may be tested in one available testbed: the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), a non-nuclear liquid sodium flow facility.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

200 mm sensor development using bonded wafers

Sensors fabricated from high resistivity, float zone, silicon material have been the basis of vertex detectors and trackers for the last 30 years. The areas of these devices have increased from a few square cm to > 200m 2 for the existing CMS tracker. High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC), CMS and ATLAS tracker upgrades will each require more than 200 m 2 of silicon and the CMS High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL) will require more than 600 m 2 . The cost and complexity of assembly of these devices is related to the area of each module, which in turn is set by the size of the silicon sensors. In addition to large area, the devices must be radiation hard, which requires the use of sensors thinned to 200 microns or less. The combination of wafer thinning and large wafer diameter is a significant technical challenge, and is the subject of this work. In this paper we describe work on development of thin sensors on 200 mm wafers using wafer bonding technology. Results of development runs with float zone, Silicon-on-Insulator and Silicon-Silicon bonded wafer technologies are reported.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

SHASTA: Task 2.2: Sensor Development for Subsurface Hydrogen Storage Monitoring Technology Maturation and Commercialization Plan (TMCP)

In Task 2.2 under the SHASTA program, NETL is developing in-situ optical fiber sensors for real-time monitoring of hydrogen, methane, and chemical parameters such as pH at subsurface hydrogen storage conditions. This Technology Maturation and Commercialization Plan report will provide the summary of NETL sensor development and test results under the SHASTA program to meet the subsurface application requirements and proposed technology maturation and deployment plan, and commercialization potential.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Automated Calibration for Rapid Optical Spectroscopy Sensor Development for Online Monitoring

An automated platform has been developed to assist researchers in the rapid development of optical spectroscopy sensors to quantify species from spectral data. This platform performs calibration and validation measurements simultaneously. Real-time, in situ monitoring of complex systems through optical spectroscopy has been shown to be a useful tool; however, building calibration models requires development time, which can be a limiting factor in the case of radiological or otherwise hazardous systems. While calibration time can be reduced through optimized design of experiments, this study approached the challenge differently through automation. The ATLAS (Automated Transient Learning for Applied Sensors) platform used pneumatic control of stock solutions to cycle flow profiles through desired calibration concentrations for multivariate model construction. Additionally, the transients between desired concentrations based on flow calculations were used as validation measurements to understand model predictive capabilities. This automated approach yielded an incredible 76% reduction in model development time and a 60% reduction in sample volume versus estimated manual sample preparation and static measurements. The ATLAS system was demonstrated on two systems: a three-lanthanide system with Pr/Nd/Ho representing a use case with significant overlap or interference between analyte signatures and an alternate system containing Pr/Nd/Ni to demonstrate a use case in which broad-band corrosion species signatures interfered with more distinct lanthanide absorbance profiles. Both systems resulted in strong model prediction performance (RMSEP < 9%). Lastly, ATLAS was demonstrated as a tool to simulate process monitoring scenarios (e.g., column separation) in which models can be further optimized to account for day-to-day changes as necessary (e.g., baseline correction). Ultimately, ATLAS offers a vital tool to rapidly screen monitoring methods, investigate sensor fusion, and explore more complex systems (i.e., larger numbers of species).

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

X-ray wavefront sensor development at the Advanced Light Source

At Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Advanced Light Source, we are developing x-ray wavefront sensors to support the creation and operation of beamlines with diffraction-limited quality. Our new approach to rapid, intermittent wavefront sensing operates in reflection at glancing incidence angles and is compatible with the high-power densities of modern beamlines. For soft x-ray applications especially, the wavefront sensor can operate upstream of the exit slit in a vertically dispersed beam. This single-shot technique supports lateral shearing interferometry and Hartmann wavefront sensing; it can be adapted to speckle-based techniques as well. The reflected beam is directed to an off-axis YAG crystal that produces scintillated visible light. A small mirror reflects the light to a microscope and camera, and the measured wavefront shape information can be used as feedback to adaptive x-ray mirror elements. A compact array of gratings enables measurement across a broad range of photon energies or wavefront curvatures. We describe recent demonstrations at soft x-ray and hard x-ray wavelengths measuring an adaptive x-ray mirror, and a toroidal focusing mirror.

Goldberg, Kenneth A↗
DOE OSTI2023

Report of METL Mutual Inductance Level Sensor Development for Use in Liquid Metals – FY2023

A robust mutual inductance level sensor (MILS) for use in high temperature liquid metals has been developed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The current design utilizes mineral insulated cables with a 300-series stainless steel sheath, magnesium oxide insulation, and a single copper conductor. Two coils are wrapped on a common core made of a 300-series stainless steel tube. One coil is energized with an alternating current (AC) source, and this electromagnetically couples with the second coil to generate an induced voltage. The voltage is measured to determine the mutual induction between the coils, and the mutual inductance measurement can be used to determine the level of a nearby liquid metal volume. The MILS can be located in an isolating thimble that is fully sealed to a vessel containing liquid metal for ease of maintenance and replacement. When the primary coil is energized with the AC source, the coil not only electromagnetic (EM) couples with the second coil, but also the surrounding liquid metal. The EM coupling with the surrounding liquid metal reduces the EM coupling with the second coil, producing an inverse-linear relationship between liquid metal level and secondary coil voltage. This has all been demonstrated at the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) liquid sodium facility at ANL. The most current iteration of the MILS system is the MILS-MK-II. This sensor system has been commissioned in a non-sodium test stand where calibrations were performed using a sodium analog. The calibrations proved to be highly linear and repeatable. The MILS-MK-II has been installed in the METL expansion tank where high temperature sodium tests have been performed. The MILS-MK-II has been calibrated against a known standard at temperature of 300°C, and the calibrations have proved to be highly linear and repeatable. The calibrated MILS-MK-II has been in operation in the METL facility for several thousands of hours at temperatures around 300°C. The experimental data has been used to develop and validate electromagnetic finite element models in COMSOL Multiphysics, and now these models can be used to advance the development of the sensor system. Next steps will include temperature compensation to allow for operation at various temperatures. Additionally, efforts to incorporate a self-calibration methodology are underway.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Next Generation Sensor Development (CRADA Final Report)

B. Project Scope This was a collaborative effort between Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS), as manager and operator of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco ("FRBSF" or "Participant"), to research and develop advanced processing techniques to measure the fitness and authenticity of U.S. currency. The FRBSF previously partnered with LLNL to evaluate end-of-life predictions, review sensor requirements, develop communications protocols, and perform thermal analysis. These Strategic Partnership Projects (SPP) included SPP No. L20960 - Federal Reserve Currency Technology Office Studies, SPP No. L15900 - Development of a Common Detector Interface (CDI 2.0) Specification and Hardware Simulators, and SPP No. L15610 - Limited Design Review of a Second-Generation E-Material Authentication Sensor (EMAS2).

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2020

Thin Film Hydrogen Sensor Development, Testing and Integration Into Low Cost Wireless Sensing Systems (SBIR Phase 1 Final Report)

Element One, Inc. is reporting on the results of its DOE SBIR Phase I project for the development and testing of low-cost thin film hydrogen sensors and their subsequent integration into wireless sensing systems and networks. This work is based on Element One’s chemo-chromic sensing technology which indicates hydrogen presence (leaks) colorimetrically and electronically with no power required. The lack of required power makes them particularly suitable for passive Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology which can be deployed affordably and abundantly to detect leaks in hazardous environments. Element One built upon its experience with chemochromic materials that change color in the presence of hydrogen. Both thin films and pigments have been used, but thin films have the ability to change conductivity by more than three orders of magnitude making them ideal for resistive sensors. Prototype sensors were fabricated, tested and characterized. For the wireless component, Element One partnered with Esensor, Inc. to construct and test a wireless sensing network. The network was tested and validated at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in February and March. The tests involved exposing the wireless system to hydrogen gas concentrations of 1% and 5%. There were no significant problems encountered, and the system is ready for commercial development. The system demonstrated the viability of wireless hydrogen sensing networks for hydrogen leak detection and other applications.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Smart Refractory Sensors Development for Corrosion and Erosion Monitoring in High Temperature Systems

To optimize the operation and functioning of high temperature systems such as slagging gasifiers, coal boilers and glass/steel melters, it is important to monitor corrosion and erosion of refractory used in such systems. Corrosion test strategies are generally based on continuous gravimetric and chemical reactivity monitoring at operational temperatures (750°-1500°C). Both thermocouples and failure sensors and arrays would be useful to monitor the health of any refractory or coatings in these systems. Many of such type of sensors are installed into the systems through open access ports within the refractory; however, there are some disadvantages of this approach where corrosive/erosive gas and molten materials can penetrate and compromise the system. The current work presents the development and performance demonstration of smart refractory with embedded high temperature sensors such as thermocouples, thermistors, and various spallation/crack monitoring sensors, which may be used within a variety of refractory brick in different high temperature processes and applications. The main feature of this technology is that electroceramic based sensors are embedded into smart refractory without significantly impact to the intrinsic properties of the refractory. This technology circumvents the need to insert an isolated monolithic, stand-alone sensor into the refractory via an access port. This technological approach guarantees the integrity and the chemical stability of the materials used in the sensor fabrication within the harsh environment and does not introduce molten material (such as slag) penetration pathways within the refractory. One interesting and important aspect of this innovation is that these embedded sensors can be used to in situ monitoring processes such as chemical reactions and at the same time give information and a deeper understanding of the corrosion and erosion process of the refractory within the system. As stated above, the objective of our work is to develop high-temperature sensors composed of electroceramic materials that are chemically stable at high temperatures (750°-1500°C) and high pressures (up to 1000 psi) that can be used in monitoring corrosion and erosion process in refractory used in high energy systems. The high-temperature sensors investigated in this work were composed of various oxide composites directly embedded into the refractory oxides. The composites used for this work were synthesized by a mixed-oxide route. Metal oxides were inserted within a matrix material composed of refractory oxides (Al2O3, ZrO2, etc.). The physical and electrical properties were specifically manipulated by altering the level of percolation of the conductive species (metal oxides) within the refractory constituent (refractory oxide). Prior to the development of the high-temperature sensors, the oxides composites developed in this study were sintered up to 1600°C under oxidizing atmosphere in order to investigate densification, microstructural evolution, phase development, and their thermoelectrical performance as a function of the composition. The 4-point DC conductivity measurements were performed between 100°-1500°C. The sensors were fabricated from the composite materials by 3D-printing or screen-printing methods into the refractory brick during the consolidation process. An example of one of these embedded sensors consisted of an electroceramic-based thermocouple fabricated with two separate oxide composite compositions which were patterned to produce a couple within the interior of a refractory matrix. The thermocouple successfully displayed thermoelectric voltage trend (as a function of temperature), and the voltage was 220.0 mV around 1400 °C. Corrosion tests on the refractory embedded sensors were performed. To evaluate corrosion in the refractory brick an in-house glass composition was prepared and pressed into pellets and delivered into a pre-cut cavity in the brick. Corrosion experiments results showed the glass penetrated the brick over a 90 h period, and the penetration of the glass through the brick could be monitored by both an amperometric and voltametric based sensor. With this experiment, it was demonstrated that the embedded sensor could dynamically monitor the corrosion process.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2024

AstroPix4 — a novel HV-CMOS sensor developed for space based experiments

For the proposed space based gamma-ray observatory All-sky Medium-Energy Gamma-ray Observatory eXplorer (AMEGO-X), a silicon tracker based on a novel High Voltage-CMOS (HV-CMOS) sensor called AstroPix, is currently being developed. Preliminary measurements with the first full reticle prototype AstroPix3 show that the power target of 1.5 mW/cm 2 can currently not be reached due to the digital consumption of 3.08 mW/cm 2 , while the analog power consumption of 1.04 mW/cm 2 and a break down voltage of over 350 V look promising. Based on these results, the design changes in AstroPix4, submitted in May 2023, are presented, containing changes to the time stamp generation and readout architecture. A digital power consumption below 0.25 mW/cm 2 is expected by removing the fast 200 MHz clock used to measure the time-over-threshold (ToT) and an LVDS receiver. A maximum resolution of 3.125 ns for time-of-arrival (ToA) and ToT is reached by adding per-pixel Flash-Time-to-Digital Converter (TDCs) controlled by a global delay-locked loop (DLL).

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

High-Temperature Multi-Process Sensor Development and Demonstration at a Full-scale PC Combustion System

The main objective of this research program is to design, manufacture, and demonstrate a miniaturized, multi-process, monitoring system (mMPMS) for boiler condition management and easy system deployment to obtain a higher spatial resolution of wall conditions in utility boilers. This system will facilitate a Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) philosophy that actively monitors the health of assets to predict and prevent failures and maximize availability and generating capacity at a reduced cost. CBM systems can provide boiler data that the advanced process control (APC) system can utilize for plant performance optimization, which is increasingly relevant as coal power plants shift from predominantly base-load operation to predominantly transient operation involving large load swings. The mMPMS is based on an electrochemical sensor that provides a real-time indication of the risk of damage to key locations in the radiant or convective section of a coal-fired boiler such as metal loss rates, heat flux, metal surface temperature, and deposit thickness. These indications can be utilized to optimize boiler performance as well as improve boiler availability in conjunction with corresponding operating conditions. This monitoring system was developed and tested in the high-temperature regions of a coal-fired utility boiler in this project but can be applied to many other industries and applications as well. The new sensor design, leveraging the existing electrochemical noise-based monitoring system, is small enough to be installed through the webbing of the waterwalls without the need for long shut-downs to bend tubes and to make it feasible to obtain high spatial resolution in the boiler. Data can be transferred to the plant distributed control system (DCS) and any other control system. The sensor body that houses the sensor assembly was designed to ensure good conductive contact with boiler tubes to ensure the sensor is held at an identical temperature to the tube surface temperature. The data acquisition and signal conditioning modules were redesigned into a small footprint with optimized cooling of the module. System software was developed specifically for the new signal conditioning module and is compatible with plant PLCs. After the preliminary testing at a pilot-scale facility, five mMPMS were installed at a full-scale pulverized coal-fired plant, Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Leland Olds Unit 1. The systems were demonstrated over a 6-week period during typical operation. Sensor measurements of deposit thickness were validated during the demonstration and subsequently leveraged to determine sensor-based boiler cleaning strategies. These strategies have the benefit of reduced thermal stresses on boiler tubes from over-cleaning and improved boiler water management. At the end of the project, continued development of the sensor technology was carried out at PacifiCorp’s Hunter Station. REI leveraged the permanent installation of the mMPMS in Unit 3 made possible by DOE funding on a separate program. The work at Hunter Plant focused on application of machine learning and artificial intelligence-based models for integration of sensor signals into control and optimization of Hunter Unit 3 processes.

Advanced Sensors, Corrosion, Ash Deposition, Optim↗
DOE OSTI2021

High-Temperature Multi-Process Sensor Development for a PC-Fired Unit

The main objective of this research program is to design, manufacture, and demonstrate a miniaturized, multi-process, monitoring system (mMPMS) for boiler condition management and easy system deployment to obtain a higher spatial resolution. This system will facilitate a Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) philosophy that actively monitors the health of assets to predict and prevent failures and maximize availability and generating capacity at a reduced cost. CBM systems can provide boiler data that the advanced process control (APC) system can utilize for plant performance optimization, which is increasingly relevant as coal power plants shift from predominantly base-load operation to predominantly transient operation involving large load swings. The mMPMS is based on an electrochemical sensor that provides a real-time indication of the risk of damage to key locations in the radiant or convective section of a coal-fired boiler such as metal loss rates, heat flux, metal surface temperature, and deposit thickness. These indications can be utilized to optimize boiler performance as well as improve boiler availability in conjunction with corresponding operating conditions. This monitoring system was developed and tested in the high-temperature regions of coal-fired utility boilers in this project but can be applied to many other industries and applications as well. This project leveraged the existing electrochemical noise-based monitoring system and the new sensor design is small enough to be installed through the webbing of the waterwalls without the need for long shut-downs to bend tubes and to make it feasible to obtain high spatial resolution in the boiler. Data is transferred to the plant distributed control system (DCS) and any other control system. The sensor body that houses the sensor assembly was designed to ensure good conductive contact with boiler tubes to ensure the sensor is held at an identical temperature to the tube surface temperature. The data acquisition and signal conditioning modules were redesigned into a small footprint with optimized cooling of the module. System software was developed specifically for the new signal conditioning module and is compatible with plant PLCs. After the preliminary testing at a pilot-scale facility, the three mMPMS were installed at a full-scale pulverized coal-fired plant, PacifiCorp’s Hunter 3. The systems were demonstrated over 20,000 hours at the plant during regular operation. Also, the sensor data was fed to the plant’s advanced process control system to evaluate the corrosion control by the operation changes and utilized to understand the impacts of load cycling with different ramping up and down speeds. At the end of the project, the systems were converted to the permanent installation at the power plant to be used with the advanced process control system installed at the plant.

Advanced Sensors, Corrosion, Ash Deposition, Optim↗
DOE OSTI2021

High-Temperature Multi-Process Sensor Development and Demonstration at Coalfired Power Plants

The main objective of this research program is to design, manufacture, and demonstrate a miniaturized, multi-process, monitoring system (mMPMS) for boiler condition management and easy system deployment to obtain a higher spatial resolution. This system will facilitate a Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) philosophy that actively monitors the health of assets to predict and prevent failures and maximize availability and generating capacity at a reduced cost. CBM systems can provide boiler data that the advanced process control (APC) system can utilize for plant performance optimization, which is increasingly relevant as coal power plants shift from predominantly base-load operation to predominantly transient operation involving large load swings. The mMPMS is based on an electrochemical sensor that provides a real-time indication of the risk of damage to key locations in the radiant or convective section of a coal-fired boiler such as metal loss rates, heat flux, metal surface temperature, and deposit thickness. These indications can be utilized to optimize boiler performance as well as improve boiler availability in conjunction with corresponding operating conditions. This monitoring system was developed and tested in the high-temperature regions of coal-fired utility boilers in this project but can be applied to many other industries and applications as well. This project leveraged the existing electrochemical noise-based monitoring system and the new sensor design is small enough to be installed through the webbing of the waterwalls without the need for long shut-downs to bend tubes and to make it feasible to obtain high spatial resolution in the boiler. Data is transferred to the plant distributed control system (DCS) and any other control system. The sensor body that houses the sensor assembly was designed to ensure good conductive contact with boiler tubes to ensure the sensor is held at an identical temperature to the tube surface temperature. The data acquisition and signal conditioning modules were redesigned into a small footprint with optimized cooling of the module. System software was developed specifically for the new signal conditioning module and is compatible with plant PLCs. After the preliminary testing at a pilot-scale facility, the three mMPMS were installed at a full-scale pulverized coal-fired plant, PacifiCorp’s Hunter 3. The systems were demonstrated over 20,000 hours at the plant during regular operation. Also, the sensor data was fed to the plant’s advanced process control system to evaluate the corrosion control by the operation changes and utilized to understand the impacts of load cycling with different ramping up and down speeds. At the end of the project, the systems were converted to the permanent installation at the power plant to be used with the advanced process control system installed at the plant.

Advanced Sensors, Corrosion, Ash Deposition, Optim↗
DOE OSTI2021

High-Temperature Multi-Process Sensor Development and Demonstration at a Full-scale PC Combustion System

The main objective of this research program is to design, manufacture, and demonstrate a miniaturized, multi-process, monitoring system (mMPMS) for boiler condition management and easy system deployment to obtain a higher spatial resolution. This system will facilitate a Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) philosophy that actively monitors the health of assets to predict and prevent failures and maximize availability and generating capacity at a reduced cost. CBM systems can provide boiler data that the advanced process control (APC) system can utilize for plant performance optimization, which is increasingly relevant as coal power plants shift from predominantly base-load operation to predominantly transient operation involving large load swings. The mMPMS is based on an electrochemical sensor that provides a real-time indication of the risk of damage to key locations in the radiant or convective section of a coal-fired boiler such as metal loss rates, heat flux, metal surface temperature, and deposit thickness. These indications can be utilized to optimize boiler performance as well as improve boiler availability in conjunction with corresponding operating conditions. This monitoring system was developed and tested in the high-temperature regions of coal-fired utility boilers in this project but can be applied to many other industries and applications as well. This project leveraged the existing electrochemical noise-based monitoring system and the new sensor design is small enough to be installed through the webbing of the waterwalls without the need for long shut-downs to bend tubes and to make it feasible to obtain high spatial resolution in the boiler. Data is transferred to the plant distributed control system (DCS) and any other control system. The sensor body that houses the sensor assembly was designed to ensure good conductive contact with boiler tubes to ensure the sensor is held at an identical temperature to the tube surface temperature. The data acquisition and signal conditioning modules were redesigned into a small footprint with optimized cooling of the module. System software was developed specifically for the new signal conditioning module and is compatible with plant PLCs. After the preliminary testing at a pilot-scale facility, the three mMPMS were installed at a full-scale pulverized coal-fired plant, PacifiCorp’s Hunter 3. The systems were demonstrated over 20,000 hours at the plant during regular operation. Also, the sensor data was fed to the plant’s advanced process control system to evaluate the corrosion control by the operation changes and utilized to understand the impacts of load cycling with different ramping up and down speeds. At the end of the project, the systems were converted to the permanent installation at the power plant to be used with the advanced process control system installed at the plant.

Advanced Sensors, Corrosion, Ash Deposition, Optim↗
DOE OSTI2022

High Temperature Thick Film Sensor Development Based on Refractory Oxide Semiconductors

Solid-state, high-temperature sensing devices are required for accurate temperature, strain/stress, and failure monitoring for a range of advanced manufacturing, transportation, and military applications. High temperature conditions limit sensing strategies, where typically traditional metal and semiconductor materials are unstable, and the sensing options are limited to optical spectroscopy methods. In addition, strategies to embed the sensors directly within active components and protective thermal refractory are of interest that permit near-environment sensing which is not possible with the traditional electronic materials and components. Rare-earth chromite semiconductors exhibit some properties of interest for high temperature sensing technologies, such as: high microstructure and chemical stability, relatively high electronic conductivity at high temperatures, and relative thermal expansion coefficient matching to refractory thermal protective insulation (such as high-zirconia and -alumina ceramics). In this work, n-type and p-type doped lanthanum chromites compositions were computationally modelled and prepared, and the electrical, thermoelectric, and thermomechanical properties were measured for the obtained material systems. A few compositions were then processed into thick film health and temperature sensors and tested at high temperatures. To establish relative stability under harsh environment conditions, post- mortem microstructure and chemical composition was characterized after extended and cycle testing at high temperatures.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advanced Intelligent Sensor Development and Demonstration for Future Distribution Systems with High Penetration DERs

The nation’s electric grid is evolving to supply the electricity needed for economic growth, health, and quality of life. As the DOE has pointed out “Old Tools Won’t Solve New Problems” This project conceived, designed, built, and demonstrated a new tool that promises to make the emerging grid dependable at a lower cost. The tool is a smart sensor with the sensitivity and the bandwidth to measure actionable information about grid health that was unmeasurable.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗