On 18 June 2020, the US Department of Energyannounced it would be awarding more than $65m in nuclear energy research, cross-cutting technology development, facility access, and infrastructure awards.
The awards fall underthe departments nuclear energy programmes the Nuclear Energy University Programme, the Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies, and the Nuclear Science User Facilities.
Since 2009, the Office of Nuclear Energy, part of the US Department of Energy,has allocated more than $800m to research, aiming to boost American leadership in clean energy innovation and train the next generation of nuclear engineers and scientists.
One of the notable projects in the nuclear energy category examines the risk of nuclear reactor parts fabricated via additive manufacturing that usesa novel rendition of an artificial intelligence (AI)learning strategy, the so-called multi-armed bandit reinforcement learning (RL).
Also known as 3D printing, additive manufacturing could allow for the rapid prototyping and manufacture of complex parts, saving timeandmoney,as well ascreating more scope for design flexibility.
The main objective of the RL project is the development and demonstration of the strategy using data from the Transformational Challenge Reactor (TCR)Program. Sensor and physics-based simulation data will be used in combination with the associated open source DREAM.3D-based digital platform, installed at Purdue University, Indianato calculate risk measures.
The project focuses on a critical need to upgrade validation practices by developing mathematically-rigorous QA procedures that can be scientifically defended to the nuclear regulatory body in order to qualify the risk associated with the additive manufactured parts.
Another goal of the project is the incorporation of a sensitivity analysis to estimate the importance of post-build tests, improve reliability,and ensure reduced need for post-build testing.
TheTCR programmeat the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)is designed to help change the economic paradigm of nuclear energy,according to the research team. The current basis for this TCR design is a gas-cooled reactor with multiple solid material types in a unique arrangement. The planned demonstration of the project will last over 60 months.
Gas-cooled reactors have been used for some time due to their improved energy conversion efficiency, which allows the reactor to operate at a higher safe temperature to water-cooled reactors. By using different material types in this unique arrangement, the team will be hoping to take the technology that much further with the goal of transformational efficiency in mind.
As part of the sensitivity analysis (SA), researchers from MITwill undertake uncertainty quantification (UQ) of TCR design parameters, using open-source time dependent Monte-Carlo code, NQA1 qualified commercial codes (STARCCM+), and ABAQUS for thermal-hydraulics and structural mechanics.
The SA/UQ analysis aims to find out more about the development of performance metrics of robustness for autonomous operation sensors, by processing signals such as neutron flux, temperature,and strains.
The Massachusettsteam will benefit from a decade-long collaboration on the development of high-fidelity tools for reactor applications. The team consists of a fuel and reactor design expert, computational fluid dynamics expert, neutronics expert, and a member of the TCR analyst team, to provide the necessary baseline information and keep the team well-connected with TCR progress.
As part of this cybersecurity project, Ohio State University researchers will create a simulation environment to compare different cyber architecturesand the various levels of protection they offer on the basis of risk.
IT networks have become a battlefield and critical energy infrastructure is at high risk, as was plainly illustrated by a sophisticated attack on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu, India in 2019. With so much at stake, the ability to effectively simulate an attack on a nuclear power plant will be key to any efforts to protect such important assets.
While the research focuses on the application to nuclear power plants, the model could also be applied to other critical infrastructures. The simulation environment could be used in nuclear power plant operator education and training. Related Report
Latest report from Visit GlobalData Store
The methods employed in the prototype involve: dynamic probabilistic risk assessment, as a method to characterise risk and the unfolding of an attack; modifiable and adaptive libraries; communication components; defenders or attackers and their levels of skills or prior experiences; defense responses; methods for composing canonic games into games-of-games, and more.
This project involves designinga nuclear and renewable Integrated Energy System (IES) fortheco-generation of cost-competitive electricity and clean water. In addition, tools will be modelled to allow the IES to be simulated, so as to ensure a crucial toolset for present and future studies of this type.
The planned IESis designed to be compatible with the RAVEN/Modelica framework(a combined software framework that allows for simulation and system optimisation). The components included in the IES are concentrated solar power, the supercritical CO2/sCO2cycle, multi-effect distillation, and a lead-cooled fast reactor.
As electricity markets like those in the US gradually transform to operate off an energy mix, projects that combine several elements are becoming more attractive for their flexibility and cost but also for their environmental credentials. A project that harnesses renewable solar with clean water as a waste product is bound to tick a lot of boxes.
A reference configuration for the IES will be set, with the technical and lifecycle aspects (Cyber Informed Engineering, regulatory environment), as well as system costs considered. The RAVEN/Modelica framework will be connected to the freely available and open-source System Adviser Model, with its capability then being applied to the analysis of the proposed concept.
The outcomes of this project are expected to include: a report on the feasibility and viability of the proposed IES and an analysis framework and models, compatible with the existing RAVEN/Modelica ecosystem, which can be used for future studies.
Another project that stands out in the infrastructure award category is the university of Nevada, Renos bid to study a nano-scaled structure, composition,and defects examination infrastructure system for irradiated materials that uses a Hysitron PI-95 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) PicoIndenter.
Accuracy at the nanoscale should go a long way to improving safety and preventing power plant failure for an industry where security and reliability of assets are naturally in the spotlight.
This system is designed to work jointly withahigh resolution TEM to enable successful in-situ characterisation of the materials.
The instrument will be used for a nanomechanical testing system, which can acquire quantitative nanomechanical and observe the sample before, during, and after each test for a complete understanding of deformation and failure processes, such as room temperature and elevated temperature.
The Hysitron PI-95 TEM PicoIndenter was chosen to complement the micro-mechanical testing capabilities of the Alemnis in-situ Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) Indenter system, which was awarded to the University of Nevada, Reno through the DOE FY 2018 General Scientific Infrastructure Support for Universities programme.
While the Alemnis SEM Indenter system from last years DOE Infrastructure Support allows in-situ mechanical testing inside the SEM, this testing at the TEM level is yet not possible without the proposed Hysitron PI 95 in-situ TEM nano-scaled straining test system.
Gas and Steam Turbine Insulation Products
Flow and Level Measurement Instruments for Power Generation Facilities
Optimisation of Water Circuits
Read the original here:
The next generation of American nuclear - Power Technology
- Micro Manufacturing - November 8th, 2009 [November 8th, 2009]
- Modeling and Simulation - November 8th, 2009 [November 8th, 2009]
- Electron Microscopy - November 8th, 2009 [November 8th, 2009]
- Metrology - November 8th, 2009 [November 8th, 2009]
- Calibration Services - November 8th, 2009 [November 8th, 2009]
- Micro Engineering - November 8th, 2009 [November 8th, 2009]
- Nanotechnology - November 8th, 2009 [November 8th, 2009]
- Creating nano-structures from the bottom up - April 25th, 2012 [April 25th, 2012]
- Wichita State hands out new round of high-tech grants - April 25th, 2012 [April 25th, 2012]
- URI Engineering Student Develops Self Healing Concrete - Video - May 4th, 2012 [May 4th, 2012]
- NYS Senator Joseph A. Griffo Visits Clarkson University Nanoengineering - May 4th, 2012 [May 4th, 2012]
- Nano-subs built to grab and move oil spills - May 5th, 2012 [May 5th, 2012]
- Video: N.Y. lab creating jobs with nano-technology - May 5th, 2012 [May 5th, 2012]
- Nano-Subs Grab and Move Oil Spills - May 5th, 2012 [May 5th, 2012]
- University of Toronto Engineering Welcomes New NSERC Chair in Multidisciplinary Design - May 5th, 2012 [May 5th, 2012]
- Nano-Sensors for Explosive Detection -- University Collaboration Addresses Challenges in Explosive Detection - May 10th, 2012 [May 10th, 2012]
- Obama, Cuomo touring Nano college - May 10th, 2012 [May 10th, 2012]
- Obama, Cuomo bond over vision of economic future - May 10th, 2012 [May 10th, 2012]
- Kids visit Nano College after Obama - May 10th, 2012 [May 10th, 2012]
- Zyvex Technologies and ENVE Composites Introduce the World's First Nano-Enhanced Carbon Fiber ... - May 16th, 2012 [May 16th, 2012]
- Listen Now - May 16th, 2012 [May 16th, 2012]
- To Czech Industry, Everything Is Nano - May 23rd, 2012 [May 23rd, 2012]
- Availability of hydrogen controls chemical structure of graphene oxide - May 23rd, 2012 [May 23rd, 2012]
- Hydrogen Controls Chemical Structure of Graphene Oxide - May 23rd, 2012 [May 23rd, 2012]
- Shocking Technologies Raises Additional $10.5 Million From Circuit Protection Leader Littelfuse - May 23rd, 2012 [May 23rd, 2012]
- Nano-structured polymer-based materials from scrap - May 25th, 2012 [May 25th, 2012]
- Journal Tips from the American Institute of Physics: May 24, 2012 - May 25th, 2012 [May 25th, 2012]
- Synthetic nano-waste does not disappear - May 25th, 2012 [May 25th, 2012]
- Attacks on Nuclear and Nano Science - May 29th, 2012 [May 29th, 2012]
- Graphene quantum dots and nano-ribbons cleaved from graphene sheets - May 30th, 2012 [May 30th, 2012]
- Girls Inc.and SEFCU to provide internships at Nano College - May 31st, 2012 [May 31st, 2012]
- Nano technology improves health field - June 2nd, 2012 [June 2nd, 2012]
- Tiny satellites will use Kinect to dock with one another - June 4th, 2012 [June 4th, 2012]
- New nano-research leads to sensors that detect contaminants in water - June 6th, 2012 [June 6th, 2012]
- Editorial: State sets example on economy, bipartisanship - June 6th, 2012 [June 6th, 2012]
- MP girl ‘Gargi Pare’ brings laurels to State - June 6th, 2012 [June 6th, 2012]
- Element Six and Harvard University Collaboration on Nano-Engineered Synthetic Diamond Sets a New Quantum Information ... - June 8th, 2012 [June 8th, 2012]
- Business at a glance - June 10th, 2012 [June 10th, 2012]
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico Chooses Nanoprofessor as Foundation for New Nanoscience Education Program - June 11th, 2012 [June 11th, 2012]
- Nanoparticles found in moon glass bubbles explain weird lunar soil behaviour - June 13th, 2012 [June 13th, 2012]
- Nanoparticles found in moon glass bubbles explain weird lunar soil behavior - June 13th, 2012 [June 13th, 2012]
- Nanoparticles can solve mystery of Moon's topsoil - June 13th, 2012 [June 13th, 2012]
- Nano-Technologies Extended to Coax - June 15th, 2012 [June 15th, 2012]
- Shocking Technologies Raises Additional $10.5M From Circuit Protection Leader Littelfuse - June 15th, 2012 [June 15th, 2012]
- NIT-T professor gets over Rs. 2.15 crore to stall erosion in pipes - June 18th, 2012 [June 18th, 2012]
- Northeastern University Nanomanufacturing Center Director Ahmed Busnaina to Present Webinar on “The Democratization of ... - June 19th, 2012 [June 19th, 2012]
- NIT Silchar convocation - June 19th, 2012 [June 19th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Government Initiative and High R&D Activities Drive the Nanotechnology Market in India - June 19th, 2012 [June 19th, 2012]
- Scientist unlocks the quantum secrets of the moon's bizarre soil, which hangs suspended above the surface when touched - June 20th, 2012 [June 20th, 2012]
- Nano-infused paint can detect strain - June 22nd, 2012 [June 22nd, 2012]
- "Proceedings of the IEEE" Hosts Centennial Engineering Innovation Forum in DC to Unveil Advanced Technologies ... - June 22nd, 2012 [June 22nd, 2012]
- Nanotech paint can show stress and strain - June 22nd, 2012 [June 22nd, 2012]
- Tatas developing an under $ 20,000 electric car - June 22nd, 2012 [June 22nd, 2012]
- Now, nano-infused paint to detect strain in buildings, bridges and airplanes - June 22nd, 2012 [June 22nd, 2012]
- Nano-sandwich technique slims down solar cells, improves efficiency - June 26th, 2012 [June 26th, 2012]
- Team develops world's most powerful nanoscale microwave oscillators - June 26th, 2012 [June 26th, 2012]
- UCLA-led research team develops world's most powerful nanoscale microwave oscillators - June 26th, 2012 [June 26th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: MEMS, NANO and Smart Systems - Selected papers from the 2011 7th International Conference on ... - June 27th, 2012 [June 27th, 2012]
- A step toward minute factories that produce medicine inside the body - June 28th, 2012 [June 28th, 2012]
- Green feel for collaboration with China - June 28th, 2012 [June 28th, 2012]
- Fibrous Protein Nanocomposites Conference - June 28th, 2012 [June 28th, 2012]
- Going For Gold: The Brains Behind Team GB - July 4th, 2012 [July 4th, 2012]
- NANO Connect Offers International Perspective With South Korean Nanotechnology Education Leader - October 4th, 2012 [October 4th, 2012]
- Hardide appoints a Business Development Manager - October 4th, 2012 [October 4th, 2012]
- Regenerative Medicine Biotech Company, Eqalix, Names Scientific Advisory Board - October 9th, 2012 [October 9th, 2012]
- Quinn uses nanotechnology summit to praise Wheeling High School - October 9th, 2012 [October 9th, 2012]
- Cal Poly Licenses CubeSat Technology to Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems - October 11th, 2012 [October 11th, 2012]
- Improving nanometer-scale manufacturing with infrared spectroscopy - October 11th, 2012 [October 11th, 2012]
- KYOCERA Introduces New Milling Cutters For CNC Machining Featuring Inserts with Proprietary MEGACOAT NANO Technology - October 16th, 2012 [October 16th, 2012]
- iFixit opens up the new iPod nano - October 16th, 2012 [October 16th, 2012]
- Call to assess safety of nano particles - October 16th, 2012 [October 16th, 2012]
- Special Program at SPE ANTEC® Mumbai Will Focus on Nano-Scale Carbonaceous Materials - October 16th, 2012 [October 16th, 2012]
- NUS launches Aerospace Systems initiative for engineering students - October 30th, 2012 [October 30th, 2012]
- Life After MESA - University of California, San Diego - Video - October 30th, 2012 [October 30th, 2012]
- Toulouse, capitale européenne des nanotechnologies du 16 au 20 septembre 2012. - Video - October 30th, 2012 [October 30th, 2012]
- Techno Frühstück - Correspondence of Heart and Beat - Video - October 30th, 2012 [October 30th, 2012]
- CVTC Engineering Programs Commercial - Video - October 30th, 2012 [October 30th, 2012]
- DISSECTED FROG - BIOLOGY LAB FOR NANO ENGINEERING - Video - October 30th, 2012 [October 30th, 2012]
- Renault looking to build an upmarket rival to the Tata Nano, but it will still be very cheap - December 5th, 2012 [December 5th, 2012]
- 'Nano' opens at Discovery Museums - December 8th, 2012 [December 8th, 2012]