Testing plans for a full-scale test receiver panel and supporting hardware which essentially duplicate both physically and functionally, the design planned for the Barstow Solar Pilot Plant are presented. Testing is to include operation during normal start and shutdown, intermittent cloud conditions, and emergencies to determine the panel's transient and steady state operating characteristics and performance under conditions equal to or exceeding those expected in the pilot plant. The effects of variations of input and output conditions on receiver operation are also to be investigated. Test hardware are described, including the pilot plant receiver, the test receiver assembly, receiver panel, flow control, electrical control and instrumentation, and structural assembly. Requirements for the Solar Thermal Test Facility for the tests are given. The safety of the system is briefly discussed, and procedures are described for assembly, installation, checkout, normal and abnormal operations, maintenance, removal and disposition. Also briefly discussed are quality assurance, contract responsibilities, and test documentation. (LEW)

A 150-kV, 80-A power supply and neutral beam test facility is now operational at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, California. This supply uses banks of 450-V electrolytic capacitors for over 10/sup 6/ joules of energy storage. SCR switches control the power flow to the neutral beam accelerator. Turn on and off times of a few microseconds are possible. An auxiliary capacitor bank also uses SCR switches to provide regulation (''flat-topping'') of the main bank output by switching in additional capacitors as the main bank discharges. Air-operated switches are used to connect the main-bank sections in parallel for charging and series or parallel for discharge, depending on the operating voltage desired. A single digital switch sets the desired operating voltage. Filament and arc power supplies are also solid state. With the exception of the suppressor supply which has one vacuum tube the complete neutral beam system uses all solid state components.

Site suitability studies have been made previously at LLL on bedded salt and shale. In the present study domed salt, basalt, and crystalline rock are compared with bedded salt and shale and with each other as possible repositories. The level of effort required to develop models for these media that are similar in quality to those available for bedded salt and shale is evaluated. The effort necessary to develop data bases on the physical and chemical properties comparable to that available for bedded salt and shale is also estimated. Each medium is evaluated as a suitable repository environment. The funding necessary for model and data base development is estimated. (JSR)

The objectives of the program are to evaluate candidate alloys for Very High Temperature Reactor Nuclear Process Heat (NPH) and Direct Cycle Helium Turbine (DCHT) applications, in terms of the affect of simulated reactor primary coolant (Helium containing small amounts of various other gases), high temperatures, and long time exposures, on the mechanical properties and structural and surface stability of selected candidate alloys. A second objective is to select and recommend materials for future test facilities and more extensive qualification programs. Work covered in the report includes the activities associated with the procurement of the materials for the screening test program, information from vendor certification for the materials receiver, and preliminary information from the materials characterization tests performed by General Electric. The construction status of the simulated reactor helium supply system, testing equipment, and gas chemistry analysis instrumentation and equipment are discussed. The status of the data management system is also reviewed.

Contains the results of experiments conducted on plasma engineering problems.

This is the tenth in a series of quarterly progress reports on studies performed for the Alternate Fuel Cycle Technologies/Thorium Fuel Cycle Technologies/International Spent Fuel Receipt and Storage (AFCT/TFCT/ISFS) Program. This program provides information needed by industry to close the back end of the power reactor fuel cycle. During the past quarter, studies were conducted in the following tasks: thorium resource price analyses; spent fuel receipt and storage; investigation of air cleaning processes for removing TBP from off-gas streams; study of iodine chemistry in process solutions, high-level waste treatment; electropolishing to decontaminate metallic waste from alternate and thorium converter fuel cycles; U.S. scale transport, dispersion and removal model comparison; safety criticality experiments; and criticality research in support of thorium fuel cycle.

An air quality problem exists at the Geysers California as a result of hydrogen sulfide (H/sub 2/S) emissions from geothermal power generation. The policy and legal issues engulfing the air quality problem and efforts to mitigate the problem are examined. Estimates are made of the air quality impacts of future generation capacity based on utility electricity supply plans as submitted to California Energy Commission (CEC). The status of current and developing H/sub 2/S abatement technologies is examined for availability and technical characteristics. Analysis is provided on the prospect and consequences of inadequate control of H/sub 2/S emissions. H/sub 2/S control efficiencies of less than 95 percent may ultimately be ineffective if full field development is to be achieved at the Geysers.

The theory of Alfven resonance heating of tokamaks is extended beyond the incompressible MHD model to include finite ..omega../..cap omega../sub i/ effects, which lead to off-diagonal terms in the conductivity tensor, and compressibility, which permits the fast Alfven mode. The finite frequency effects can greatly change the dissipation resulting from the shear Alfven resonance. With an appropriate choice of parameters, the dissipation can vanish allowing high-Q toroidal eigenmodes in large tokamaks such as PLT.

Voloxidation and dissolution studies: rotary-kiln heat-transfer tests are under way using a small rotary kiln along with the development of a mathematical model to determine kiln-heat-flux profiles necessary to maintain a desired temperature gradient. The erosion/corrosion test for evaluating materials of construction is operational. Fuel from a BWR (Big Rock Point) yielded more fine solid residue on dissolution than in previous tests with PWR fuel. Two additional parametric voloxidation tests with H.B. Robinson fuel compared air vs pure oxygen atmospheres at 550{sup 0}C; overall tritium release and subsequent fuel dissolution were equivalent. Thorium dissolution studies: the dissolution rate of thoria in fluoride-catalyzed 8 to 14 M HNO{sub 3} (100{sup 0}C) was max between 0.04 to 0.06 M HF; at higher fluoride concentrations, ThF{sub 4}.5H{sub 2}O precipitated. The rate of zircaloy dissolution continued to increase with increasing fluoride concentration. Stainless-steel-clad (Th,U)0{sub 2} fuel rods irradiated in the NRX reactor were sheared, voloxidized, and dissolved. {le}10% of the tritium was released during voloxidation in air at 600{sup 0}C. Carbon-14 removal from off-gas and fixation: carbon dioxide removal with Linde 13X molecular sieves to less than 100 ppB was experimentally verified using 300 ppM CO in air. Decontamination factors from 3000 to 7500 …

For the first time in one detector measurements were made of the complete decay angular distribution on Y* ..-->.. ..lambda pi.., ..lambda.. ..-->.. p..pi../sup -/ in the two line-reversed reactions: ..pi../sup +/p ..-->.. K/sup +/Y*(1385) and K/sup -/p ..-->.. ..pi../sup -/Y*(1385). The experiment was conducted in the SLAC 1 m rapid cycling bubble chamber (15 Hertz) triggered by electronic detectors and an online algorithm. The extended maximum likelihood method was used to obtain the transversity amplitudes of the Y *(1385). Results are in good agreement with both the quark model and Stodolsky-Sakurai model predictions. Finite helicity nonflip contributions at the Y*vertex observed in these data can be associated with double quark scattering in the forward direction. 15 references.

Several experimental and projected Czochralski crystal growing process methods were studied and compared to available operations and cost-data of recent production Cz-pulling, in order to elucidate the role of the dominant cost contributing factors. From this analysis, it becomes apparent that substantial cost reductions can be realized from technical advancements which fall into four categories: an increase in furnace productivity; the reduction of crucible costs through use of the crucible for the equivalent of multiple state-of-the-art crystals; the combined effect of several smaller technical improvements; and a carry-over effect of the expected availability of semiconductor grade polysilicon at greatly reduced prices. Consequently, the specific add-on costs of the Cz-process can be expected to be reduced by about a factor of three by 1982, and about a factor of five by 1986. A format to guide in the accumulation of the data needed for thorough techno-economic analysis of solar cell production processes has been developed, called the University of Pennsylvania Process Characterization (UPPC) format, and has first been applied, as well as refined, in the Cz crystal pulling analysis. The accumulated Cz process data are presented in this format in the Appendix. The application of this UPPC format with the SAMICS …

A 500-kW dc commutator machine, C, is analyzed for use in an LC circuit with a ringing period of approximately 4 s with a superconducting coil, L. Electrical measurements and the important design equations and characteristics are listed. Attention is paid to the calculation of the commutating voltage, which is an important design feature because it sets a limit to the current allowable in the LC circuit, amounting to 6 times rated machine current. The equations for the energy loss components of the generator are given and fitted to experimental coast-down data. With a fitting accuracy of 1.2%, the loss coefficients for the bearing loss, brush loss, windage loss, and tooth eddy current loss in the remanent stator field are thus determined.

Bechtel Corporation has conducted a program to investigate the operability potential and scaleup feasibility of the Cities Service, Rocketdyne, Pittsburgh Energy Research Center (PERC), and Brookhaven National Laboratory coal hydrogasification processes. A reactor model study has been performed for each of the processes, and a conceptual, full-scale hydrogasification reactor design has been generated. The entrained-downflow reactor systems operate at temperatures up to 2,000/sup 0/F and pressures up to 3,000 psi. Reactor product is primarily methane, with smaller amounts of ethane, BTX, light oils, and carbon-oxides. Bechtel has collected and analyzed bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite coal hydrogasification and hydropyrolysis data from Rocketdyne, Cities Service, PERC, and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Semiempirical correlations for predicting overall carbon conversion efficiency and carbon selectivity to gaseous products have been fitted to the data. A conceptual design of a full-scale hydrogasification reactor has been generated, on the basis of the subbituminous coal data gathered in the Cities Service and Rocketdyne reactors, together with the predictive reactor performance models fitted to the data. The hydrogasification stage has a configuration similar to the Rocketdyne reactor assembly.

Mined out open pits are presently under consideration as disposal sites for uranium mill tailings. In this method of tailings management, the escape of contaminated liquid into an adjacent aquifer is the principal environmental concern. The modified Bishop Method was used to analyze the structural stability of a clay liner along the highwall and fluid flow models were used to analyze the effect of tailings solutions on groundwater under several operating conditions. The slope stability of a clay liner was analyzed at three stages of operation: (1) near the beginning of construction, (2) when the pit is partially filled with tailings, and (3) at the end of construction. Both clay lined and unlined pits were considered in the fluid flow modeling. Finally, the seepage of tailings solutions through the clay liner was analyzed. Results of the slope stability analysis showed that it would be necessary to construct the clay liner as a modified form of engineered embankment. This embankment would be similar in construction to that of an earthfill dam. It could be constructed on a 1 : 1 slope provided the tailings slurry were managed properly. It would be necessary to maintain the freeboard height between the embankment and …

The performance and cost-effectiveness of three photovoltaic total energy system concepts designed to meet the thermal and electrical demands of a typical single family house are compared. The three photovoltaic total energy system concepts considered are: (1) All-photovoltaic systems. Passively air-cooled photovoltaic panels provide electricity to meet both electrical and thermal demands. (2) Separate-panel systems. Solar thermal panels provide thermal energy, while passively air-cooled photovoltaic panels serve the purely electric demand. (3) Combined thermal/electric panel systems. Water-cooled photovoltaic panels provide both thermal energy (transported by cooling water) and electrical energy to meet the separate thermal and electrical demands. Additional passively air-cooled photovoltaic panels are added, as required, to meet the electrical demand. The thermal demand is assumed to consist of the energy required for domestic hot water and space heating, while the electrical demand includes the energy required for baseload power (lights, appliances, etc.) plus air conditioning. An analysis procedure has been developed that permits definition of the panel area, electrical and/or thermal storage capacity, and utility backup energy level that, in combination, provide the lowest annual energy cost to the homeowner for each system concept for specified assumptions about costs and system operations. The procedure appears capable of being …

The LOFT Modular Drag Disc Turbine Transducer (MDTT) springs (for range 2, rhoV/sup 2/ = 4900 lbm/ft-sec/sup 2/) were analyzed to determine the static rhoV/sup 2/ load needed to cause a buckling failure. The static load needed to cause elastic buckling was found to be equivalent to a rhoV/sup 2/ value of 431,000 lbm/ft-sec/sup 2/ according to classical buckling theory, but could be as low as rhoV/sup 2/ = 100,000 lbm/ft-sec/sup 2/ due to uncertain end fixity and other spring imperfections.

The state of stress in the crust of the earth is of great fundamental and practical significance. No totally satisfactory method for measuring the complete state of stress has been devised yet. Despite this, many efforts have been made to measure this state of stress at different locations. From a compilation of many of the results, fifty which yielded the complete state of stress and in which one of the principal stresses is vertical, have been selected for a statistical analysis in an endeavor to define the nature of the state of stress in the crust. These data have been analyzed as a whole, and divided into three groups depending upon whether the vertical stress is the maximum, minimum or intermediate principal stress. Linear regression analyses of the values of half the maximum stress difference as a function of half the sum of the maximum and minimum principal stresses have been made. The correlation coefficients for these fits are 0.786 for the data as a whole and 0.848, 0.790 and 0.383 for each of the groups. Values of the coefficient of sliding friction between blocks of rock comprising the crust, interpreted from the slopes of these lines, ranged from 0.625 …

A mathematical model is presented of the general m-phase ICB. The analysis is useful for gaining insight in the behavior of the ICB and the significance of the parameters involved. It is also useful as a tool for the design of ICB systems. Furthermore, the equations presented can be used to represent the ICB in a closed loop control system with the output being the load quantity of interest.

Three generic environmental impact statements (GEISs) on domestic fuels, foreign fuels, and storage charges are being prepared to provide environmental input into decisions on whether, and if so how the 1977 Presidential policy on spent fuel storage should be implmented. This report provides background information for two of these environmental impact statements: Storage of U.S. Spent Power Reactor Fuel and Storage of Foreign Spent Power Reactor Fuel. It includes the analytical methodology used in GEISs to assess the environmental effects and a description of the facilities used in the two GEISs.

A bibliography on published and in-house technical material written on LAMPF activities since its inception is presented. Subject and author concordances provide cross-reference to detailed citations, which include an abstract and notes on the material. The bibliography resides in a computer database that can be searched for key words and phrases.

Progress in biochemical reaction kinetics of photosynthetic energy conversion is reported. (PCS)

To evaluate the inability of a one-dimensional ground-water model to interact continuously with surrounding hydraulic head gradients, simulations using one-dimensional and two-dimensional ground-water flow models were compared. This approach used two types of models: flow-conserving one-and-two dimensional models, and one-dimensional and two-dimensional models designed to yield two-dimensional solutions. The hydraulic conductivities of controlling features were varied and model comparison was based on the travel times of marker particles. The solutions within each of the two model types compare reasonably well, but a three-dimensional solution is required to quantify the comparison.

The mechanisms involved in arc-weld pool interactions are extremely complex and no complete theory is presently available to describe much of the phenomena observed during welding. For the past several years, experimental and analytical studies have been undertaken at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory to increase basic understanding of the gas tungsten arc welding process. These studies have included experimental spectral analysis of the arc in order to determine arc temperature and analytical modeling of the arc and weld puddle. The investigations have been directed toward determining the cause and effects of variations in the energy distribution incident upon the weldment. In addition, the effect of weld puddle distortion on weld penetration was investigated, and experimental and analytical studies of weld process variables have been undertaken to determine the effects of the variables upon weld penetration and configuration. A review of the results and analysis of these studies are presented.

Detailed information is provided on four geothermal areas with histories of subsidence. These were selected on the basis of: physical relevance of subsidence areas to high priority US geothermal sites in terms of withdrawn geofluid type, reservoir depth, reservoir geology and rock characteristics, and overburden characteristics; and data completeness, quality, and availability. The four areas are: Chocolate Bayou, Raft River Valley, Wairakei, and the Geysers. (MHR)