From July, 1974, to December, 1979, the Laboratory for Nuclear Service (LNS) conducted a study of the feasibility of resource sharing via general - purpose computer networks. Originally, the study focused on methods of implementing an ARPAnet connection for LNS in collaboration with the MIT Information Processing Center (IPC). When it appeared that the most feasible solution for LNS was to access the ARPANET via the MIT Multics system, the investigation expanded to a consideration of the implementation of computer resource sharing via networks. Experiments were performed at various ERDA installations on the ARPANET in using the networks for offloading large calcuations and obtaining access to unique hardware and software. Performance statistics were collected and cost comparisons, made. Both the benefits and barriers of networking were analyzed. The value of electronic mail, teleconferencing, and other forms of computer-aided communication was also investigated. The study demonstrated that resource sharing via networks can provide small computer installations access to computer facilities not available on site. However, it is not adequate substitute for an on-site computer. There must be enough computing power locally to service the average load. Certain types of computations are not effectively done on the network. Use of the network …

In the course of three years of testing no evidence has resulted to suggest that the twenty-year-life goal for photovoltaic modules will not be met. Results of studies of more than 600 modules under test show that they are generally enduring well both electrically and physically, particularly those from more recent procurements. Degradation tests performed at JPL indicate that electrical degradation is not a slow monotonically increasing phenomenon as originally thought but occurs abruptly as the result of some traumatic event. This finding has led to a change in the test philosophy. The report includes a discussion of this change, a summary of degradation and failure data from all the sites, results from a variety of special tests, and a description of new instrumentation for in-field measurements. The field testing activity was expanded by the addition of twelve remote sites located as far away as Alaska and the Canal Zone. A description of the new sites is also included.

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The purpose of this program is to demonstrate and quantify the amount of fuel that can be saved if the Spectral Fuel Conservation System (SFCS) developed by the Environmental Data Corporation (EDC) is installed in coal-fired industrial boilers. Of central importance to the program are the selection of an appropriate test site and the preparation and methodical application of a comprehensive test strategy. Consequently, the sections dealing with these topics in the proposal have been considerably expanded in this program plan to include as much preparatory thinking as is possible at this early stage. The remainder of this document is essentially an update version of the technical portion of the proposal. No change in the schedule is anticipated.

Final design is more than 85 percent complete on the Fuels and Materials Examination Facility, the facility for post-irradiation examination of the fuels and materials tests irradiated in the FFTF and for fuel process development, experimental test pin fabrication and supporting storage, assay, and analytical chemistry functions. The overall facility is generally described with specific information given on some of the design features. Construction has been initiated and more than 10% of the construction contracts have been awarded on a fixed price basis.

This report is the result of a bibliographic study designed primarily to collect hydrologic data on American clay-rich rocks. The following information was also sought: stratigraphy, environment of deposition, mineralogic composition, and diagenetic changes. The collected numerical data are presented in tables which contain densities, porosities, and/or hydraulic conductivities of approximately 360 samples. Additional data include hydraulic diffusivities, resistivities, flow rates, and rock strengths. Geologic information suggests that large deposits of shale which may be suited for waste repository belong to all ages and were formed in both marine and continental environments. Of the studied units, the most promising are Paleozoic in the eastern half of the country, Mesozoic in the central part, and Cenozoic in the Gulf Coast area and the West. Less widespread units locally present some additional possibilities. Mineralogic investigations suggest that the smectite content in rocks shows a decrease in time (70% in Recent rocks; 35% in pre-Mesozoic rocks). Because of this predominance of smectite in younger rocks, the modeling of repositories in post-Paleozoic formations might require knowledge of additional and poorly known parameters. Results of investigations into the mathematical relationships between porosity and permeability (or hydralic conductivity) suggest that in situ permeabilities could be estimated …

This document presents an implementation structure for the near-term development of performance criteria and test methods for photovoltaic (PV) materials, components, subsystems, and systems. The approach is designed to be responsive to the Photovoltaic Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1978 (PL-95-590). The project is organized into four tasks: (1) establishment of performance criteria and the development of test methods; (2) development of laboratory accreditation/product certification guidelines; (3) development of validation methodologies; and (4) coordination of the quality assurance effort with consensus standards and code organizations. A schedule and milestones are presented for each task. The appendices provide a brief overview of standards and the standards development process. The philosophy behind this project is to develop industry- and user-established performance criteria, test methods, and accreditation procedures which may then be referred to independent consensus standards organizations for the preparation of consensus standards. The emphasis in execution of this approach will be to develop uniform, fair performance criteria and tests and to avoid rigid, prescriptive criteria. Photovoltaics is an emerging technology; criteria written now must be able to accommodate devices and techniques not yet developed.

The strategy and initial results of a microprocessor control system for a solar water heating system are described. Two hot water storage tanks are utilized. (WHK)

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The Cool Pool is a passive cooling system consisting of a shaded, evaporating roof pond which thermosiphons cool water into water-filled, metal columns (culvert pipes) located within the building living space. The water in the roof pond is cooled by evaporation, convection and radiation. Because the water in the pool and downcomer is colder and denser than the water in the column a pressure difference is created and the cold water flows from the pool, through the downcomer and into the bottom of the column. The warm column water rises and flows through a connecting pipe into the pool. It is then cooled and the cycle repeats itself. The system requires no pumps. The water column absorbs heat from the building interior primarily by convection and radiation. Since the column is radiating at a significantly lower temperature than the interior walls it plays a double role in human comfort. Not only does it cool the air by convection but it provides a heat sink to which people can radiate. Since thermal radiation is important to the cooling of people, the cold water column contributes substantially to their feelings of comfort. Research on the Cool Pool system includes the following major …

Progress in small-scale fire suppression tests and spray maximization tests related to sodium fires in the Clinch River Breeder Reactor is reported.

This review covers the various approaches that have utilized the reversed-field concept. Its possible use in a working reactor is discussed. (MOW)

The neutron-induced fission cross section of /sup 245/Cm measured from .001 eV to 10 keV using the LLL 100-MeV Linac. The resonance data are analyzed with a multilevel-multichannel R-matrix code. The statistical distribution of R-matrix parameters extracted from the analysis are investigated and comparisons are made with previous work. 4 reference.

In an effort to improve the reliability and lower the cost of solar cells, a test program has been developed to determine the nature and source of the flaw controlling the fracture of silicon solar cells and to provide information regarding the mechanical strength of cells. Results obtained in the first phase of a test program to develop improved methods for testing the mechanical strength of cells and to evaluate the fracture strength of typical Czochralski silicon solar cells 76 mm (3 in.) in diameter are presented. Significant changes in fracture strengths were found in seven selected in-process wafer-to-cell products from a manufacturer's production line. The fracture stength data were described by Weibull statistical analysis and can be interpreted in light of the exterior flaw distribution of the samples.

A plan of work outlining information to assess electric generating technologies is presented. Projections are made of realistic and understandable engineering and cost assessments of nonnuclear electrical generating technologies. A computer-based method of producing such engineering and cost estimates for use by EIA's Coal and Electric Power Analysis Division is to be developed and implemented. Technologies and processes to be assessed are: all nonnuclear conventional and nonconventional (coal gasification, advanced combustion turbines, atmospheric fluidized bed combustion, fuel cells, geothermal, solar thermal and photovoltaics, biomass conversion to electricity, ocean thermal, wind, and MHD). Engineering specifications recommended for determination are listed. Compatibility of the technologies are to be assessed with EIA models: MEFS, LEAP, and NCM.

The eventrate at narrow resonances, like the /psi//J and /Tau/ resonances, is not only determined by the luminosity of the e/sup +/ and e /sup /minus// storage ring but also by the energy spread in the beam due to synchrotron radiation. This energy spread is much larger than the width of the resonances. Therefore, if the energy spread could be reduced by a factor F the eventrate would increase by the same factor.

It was found that marine algae could be converted to higher aliphatic organic acids and that these acids could be readily removed from the fermentation broth by membrane or liquid-liquid extraction. It was then proposed to convert these higher organic acids to aliphatic hydrocarbons via Kolbe electrolysis, which may be used as a diesel fuel. A coenzyme M analogue, 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid has been shown to be an effective suppressor of methane in nonsterile anaerobic fermentation of cellulosic substrates. A tapered auger device has been designed and built which has been demonstrated on the bench to be effective for adding substrate and removing residue in a continuous manner from a fixed packed bed fermenter. A solvent extracter system using kerosene as the nonaqueous phase has been constructed and is currently in operation in series with the 300 liter fixed packed bed fermenter. The electrolytic oxidation of organic acids produced in the 300 liter fixed packed bed fermenter is operating with a favorable energy balance of 6/1 based on the applied potential. As stated earlier the liquid-liquid extractor system is operating in line with the 300 liter fixed packed bed fermentor. The other components of an integrated continuous system, the continuous feed …

The spurious pressures and acceptable velocities generated when using certain combinations of velocity and pressure approximations in a Galerkin finite element discretization of the primitive variable form of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are analyzed both theoretically and numerically for grids composed of quadrilateral finite elements. Schemes for obtaining usable pressure fields from the spurious numerical results are presented for certain cases.

A summary is presented of a pilot aerial infrared roof top study conducted by the Minnesota Energy Agency. Infrared surveys of 27 Minnesota cities were conducted during the fall and winter of the 1976-1977 heating season. In addition, conventional daytime color photographs were taken of several cities. Film processing was done by the Environmental Protection Agency. The University of Minnesota conducted ground tests to verify the aerial infrared imagery. Thermograph dissemination centers were established in each city and training seminars and materials were prepared and delivered to dissemination center staff. A survey of homeowners who viewed their thermograph at a dissemination center were used to determine the energy savings resulting from the program. An Aerial Infrared Program Users Manual was prepared by the Energy Agency and the Remote Sensing Institute of Brookings, South Dakota.

Construction of the components of an automated solar cell layup and interconnect system is now complete. This system incorporates a Unimate 2000 B industrial robot with an end effector consisting of a vacuum pick up and induction heating coil. The robot interfaces with a smart cell preparation station which correctly orients the cell, applies solder paste and forms and positions the correct lengths of interconnect lead. The system is controlled and monitored by a TRS-80 micro computer. The entire system is presently undergoing integration prior to formal testing. A survey of elastomer manufacturers has shown transfer molded EPDM to be a strong candidate for the edge sealing material.

The report (1) provides a brief review of the project background, objectives, and approach, (2) presents the status of progress through September 30, 1979, and (3) summarizes the expenditure status. A summary of contractual task assignments is provided in Appendix A, and a history of principal reporting activities is provided in Appendix B.

Progress in LMFBR safety studies is briefly summarized.

The Shiva and Argus laser systems at Livermore have been developed to study the physics of inertial confinement fusion. Both laser system designs are predicated on the use of large aperture Nd-glass disk amplifiers and high power spatial filters. During the past year we have irradiated DT filled microshell targets with and without polymer coatings. Recently new instruments have been developed to investigate implosion dynamics and to determine the maximum fuel density achieved by these imploded fusion pellets. A series of target irradiations with thin wall microshells at 15 to 20 TW, exploding pusher designs, resulted in a maximum neutron yield of 3 x 10/sup 10/. Polymer coated microshells designed for high compression were subjected to 4 kJ for 0.2 ns and reached fuel densities of 2.0 to 3.0 gm/cm/sup 3/. Results of these and other recent experiments will be reviewed.

The zero-dimensional FRM plasma burn code, FRMOD is written in the FORTRAN language and is currently available on the Control Data Corporation (CDC) 7600 computer at the Magnetic Fusion Energy Computer Center (MFECC), sponsored by the US Department of Energy, in Livermore, CA. This guide assumes that the user is familiar with the system architecture and some of the utility programs available on the MFE-7600 machine, since online documentation is available for system routines through the use of the DOCUMENT utility. Users may therefore refer to it for answers to system related questions.