arXiv subjects

Daniel Soler

Publications and source records attributed to Daniel Soler.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Design and commissioning of the miniBELEN neutron counter for the study of $(\alpha,n)$ reactions

The miniBELEN detector is a moderated neutron counter based on the use of $^3$He tubes and high-density polyethylene as moderator. The detector has been designed to have a neutron detection efficiency that is nearly independent from the initial neutron energy for ($\alpha$,n) reactions with alpha-particle energies up to 15 MeV. In order to achieve that, an innovative design methodology based on the use of cadmium neutron filters has been used. Monte Carlo calculations of the detector response have been validated using a $^{252}$Cf fission source. Measurements of the relatively well-known ($\alpha$,n) thick-target yields on aluminum have been found to be consistent with data from previous works. A method has been developed to correlate the counting rate ring ratios with the mean neutron energy and validated using previous time-of-flight measurements of the aluminum ($\alpha$,n) spectra and with a $^{252}$Cf fission source. Submitted to The European Physical Journal - Plus

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

Monitoring lead-acid battery function using operando neutron radiography

Investigating batteries while they operate allows researchers to track the inner electrochemical processes involved in working conditions. This study describes the first neutron radiography investigation of a lead-acid battery. A custom-designed neutron friendly lead-acid cell and casing is developed and studied operando during electrochemical cycling, in order to observe the activity within the electrolyte and at the electrodes. This experimental work is coupled with Monte Carlo simulations of neutron transmittance. Details of cell construction, data collection and data analysis are presented. This work highlights the potential of neutron imaging for tracking battery function and outlines opportunities for further development.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Reinforcement learning to maximise wind turbine energy generation

We propose a reinforcement learning strategy to control wind turbine energy generation by actively changing the rotor speed, the rotor yaw angle and the blade pitch angle. A double deep Q-learning with a prioritized experience replay agent is coupled with a blade element momentum model and is trained to allow control for changing winds. The agent is trained to decide the best control (speed, yaw, pitch) for simple steady winds and is subsequently challenged with real dynamic turbulent winds, showing good performance. The double deep Q- learning is compared with a classic value iteration reinforcement learning control and both strategies outperform a classic PID control in all environments. Furthermore, the reinforcement learning approach is well suited to changing environments including turbulent/gusty winds, showing great adaptability. Finally, we compare all control strategies with real winds and compute the annual energy production. In this case, the double deep Q-learning algorithm also outperforms classic methodologies.

cs.LG↗

arXiv2004

On the degrees of freedom of a semi-Riemannian metric

A semi-Riemannian metric in a n-manifold has n(n-1)/2 degrees of freedom, i.e. as many as the number of components of a differential 2-form. We prove that any semi-Riemannian metric can be obtained as a deformation of a constant curvature metric, this deformation being parametrized by a 2-form

gr-qc↗