Hydro-Québec

About: Hydro-Québec is a government organization based out in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Electric power system & Dielectric. The organization has 2596 authors who have published 4433 publications receiving 100878 citations.

ITER operation window determined from mutually consistent core SOL divertor simulations: definition and application

Abstract: An operating window for ITER is defined based on mutually consistent core–SOL–divertor modelling, in which the core turbulent transport is based on the Weiland formulation as incorporated into the multi-mode model. The window consists of five limits, one of which is the edge-based density limit based on divertor detachment. The predicted operating space is ample for ITER to fulfil its mission, reaching a maximum Q ≈ 60 at Palpha ≈ 150 MW (65% of the edge-based density limit, 1.1 times the Greenwald limit), and a maximum Palpha of 220 MW at Q ≈ 15 (90% of the edge-based density limit, 1.45 times the Greenwald limit). This operating window takes into account physics constraints and the technical constraints imposed by the divertor system, i.e. peak power load and attainable pumping speed, but does not include further constraints arising from other technological aspects of the ITER design, such as first wall cooling or shielding, which may further limit operation at high fusion power. The operating window is still compatible with the ITER mission if the magnetic field were reduced by 5% or if the underlying core transport were GLF-like rather than Weiland-like. A moderate reduction in helium exhaust or in pumping speed could be accommodated. Other changes in the operating window resulting from different technical or physical hypotheses are also evaluated.

Acquisition parameters optimization of a transmission electron forward scatter diffraction system in a cold-field emission scanning electron microscope for nanomaterials characterization.

Abstract: Transmission electron forward scatter diffraction (t-EFSD) is a new technique providing crystallographic information with high resolution on thin specimens by using a conventional electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) system in a scanning electron microscope. In this study, the impact of tilt angle, working distance, and detector distance on the Kikuchi pattern quality were investigated in a cold-field emission scanning electron microscope (CFE-SEM). We demonstrated that t-EFSD is applicable for tilt angles ranging from -20° to -40°. Working distance (WD) should be optimized for each material by choosing the WD for which the EBSD camera screen illumination is the highest, as the number of detected electrons on the screen is directly dependent on the scattering angle. To take advantage of the best performances of the CFE-SEM, the EBSD camera should be close to the sample and oriented towards the bottom to increase forward scattered electron collection efficiency. However, specimen chamber cluttering and beam/mechanical drift are important limitations in the CFE-SEM used in this work. Finally, the importance of t-EFSD in materials science characterization was illustrated through three examples of phase identification and orientation mapping.

Remote-operated trolley for inspection and intervention for a live electrical power grid in operation and ice removing equipment

Abstract: The invention concerns a trolley designed to be used on a live power line. The trolley is equipped with three coplanar traction wheels spaced apart along a first longitudinal axis parallel to the live power line and thereabove. The trolley is also equipped with two coplanar pressure wheels spaced apart along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the line and thereabove. The trolley further comprises a traction motor for powering the traction wheels. Finally, the trolley includes a pressure system for maintaining the line pressed between the pressure wheels and the traction wheels, and a control system for controlling the motor. Said trolley has enhanced tractive power. Thus in operation, the trolley is driven along the line whatever the dimension thereof and/or climatic conditions. The invention also concerns a ice removing equipment mounted on the trolley for use on the live power line. The ice removing equipment comprises a clamp band adapted to be opened and closed around the live power line. The clamp band bears blades concentrically spaced and arranged to form a cone opening in the forward moving direction of the trolley.