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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Power System Frequency Dynamics Modeling, State Estimation, and Control using Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (NODEs) and Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) Machine Learning Approaches

With the global energy transition of the electric power system, grid control, supervision, and protection is becoming more challenging. With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES), the system dynamics are changing, causing traditional power system dynamic modeling with swing equation-based modeling approaches to fail. Additionally, the converter-dominated power grid is decreasing the system inertia, making the power system more fragile to the frequency swings. This paper first investigates and compares the application of a model-based Kalman filter state estimation approach with (i) a model-free machine learning approach --- neural ordinary differential equations (NODEs) --- and (ii) a data-driven system identification (SysId) approach to model and infer critical state values of the power system frequency dynamics. Then a model predictive control (MPC) framework is compared to a model-free Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) reinforcement learning (RL) control algorithm in providing efficient fast frequency response (FFR) to the power system frequency dynamics. The approaches are compared in terms of their performance goals as well as their per-timestep computational efficiency. Furthermore, the comparative study for state estimation shows that for the model-free requirement, both NODEs and SysId can provide accurate state estimates; however, with increasing model complexity, NODEs can be a better choice for model identification. Similarly, the results from the FFR comparative study show that the SAC RL-based FFR, once trained, outperforms MPC with better control signals and faster computation time, making the SAC RL-based FFR better option for providing FFR to the power system.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Operational Resilience of Nuclear-Renewable Integrated-Energy Microgrids

The increasing prevalence and severity of wildfires, severe storms, and cyberattacks is driving the introduction of numerous microgrids to improve resilience locally. While distributed energy resources (DERs), such as small-scale wind and solar photovoltaics with storage, will be major components in future microgrids, today, the majority of microgrids are backed up with fossil-fuel-based generators. Small modular reactors (SMRs) can form synergistic mix with DERs due to their ability to provide baseload and flexible power. The heat produced by SMRs can also fulfill the heating needs of microgrid consumers. This paper discusses an operational scheme based on distributed control of flexible power assets to strengthen the operational resilience of SMR-DER integrated-energy microgrids. A framework is developed to assess the operational resilience of SMR-DER microgrids in terms of system adaptive real-power capacity quantified as a response area metric (RAM). Month-long simulation results are shown with a microgrid developed in a modified Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)-30 bus system. The RAM values calculated along the operational simulation reflect the system resilience in real time and can be used to supervise the microgrid operation and reactor’s autonomous control.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Autonomous Grid Support Functionality in Variable-Speed Drive-Based End-Use Loads

High penetration of inverter-based resources into power systems causes lower inertia, and it becomes more challenging to maintain grid stability during contingency events. While conventional demand response and shedding at the load side suffer from slow response, impact by unavailability, and issues from communication, variable-speed drives (VSDs) are becoming strong candidates for fast frequency response (FFR) thanks to their fast response and reduced user impact from variable power adjustment capability. In this letter, we propose an autonomous frequency support control method for a residential refrigerator with a VSD, a promising target small end-use load for FFR. We analyze the effect of the proposed controller on grid stability, and we verify the performance through laboratory experiments with a commercially available refrigerator.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evaluation of the first version of the new RFPI system dedicated to PIP-II project accelerator

The Low-Level Radio Frequency (LLRF) control system is one of the most critical superconducting linac infrastructures responsible for the parameters of the beam acceleration. The LLRF system mainly focuses on the electromagnetic field parameters inside the cavity. While it incorporates fast feedback algorithms to optimize energy transfer to the passing particle beam it does not follow other cryomodule or cavity parameter changes. The Radio Frequency Protection Interlock (RFPI) system closely monitors various factors (like cryomodule vacuum, beamline vacuum, field emission probe current level, temperature, RF signal leakage, etc). Its simple but reliable logic has to provide an instant decision about the LLRF system or high-power amplifier output signal blocking in case of safety region excitation. This contribution presents a new version of the RFPI system which logic is implemented in the FPGA chip. The initial work on the prototype of the new system design resulted in the PoC (Proof of Concept) device. The PoC offers the possibility of various protection logic configurations, input signals parameters evaluation, and modularity aspects verification. The structure and test results from the device evaluation are summarized and discussed in this contribution.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fast Frequency Response using Reinforcement Learning-Controlled Wind Turbines

To fulfill the auxiliary grid services such as load regulation, spin and non-spin reserve, and frequency support during emergencies, power system operators often require certain wind farms to operate in de-loaded modes. By leveraging the fast response capability of wind farms, the reserved power in deloaded modes can significantly enhance the stability and reliability of power grids. This paper presents a novel methodology that incorporates wind turbines into reinforcement learning-based solutions for frequency response. The proposed approach employs the state-of-the-art reinforcement learning algorithm, surrogategradient- based evolution strategy (GSES), for continuous control of the wind farm output. Our methodology is tested on a modified IEEE-39 bus system, and simulation outcomes demonstrate that the proposed approach can reliably support the frequency of the power system and prevent unnecessary load shedding.

Gao, Wei↗
DOE OSTI2020

Photovoltaic Inverter Momentary Cessation: Recovery Process is Key

Momentary cessation refers to an inverter control mode. When the inverter terminal voltage falls below (or exceeds) a certain level, the inverter ceases to output any current, but attempts to maintain (or quickly regain) phase-locked loop synchronization to allow for quick reinjection of current when the voltage recovers to a certain point. This paper presents a photovoltaic (PV) momentary cessation model developed in PSS/E. Simulations are presented for a high voltage transmission line fault contingency in the Hawaiian island of Oahu power system on a validated PSS/E model, modified to include a custom distributed PV inverter model, and different near-future distributed PV penetration levels. Simulations for the island power system include different penetration levels of PV, and different recovery times (ramp rates and delays) after momentary cessation. The results indicate that during low voltage events, such as faults, momentary cessation can produce severe under frequency events, causing significant load shed and shortly thereafter, in some cases, over frequency events that cause generation to trip offline. The problem is exacerbated with higher penetration levels of PV. If momentary cessation is used (as is typically the case for distribution-connected resources), the recovery process after momentary cessation should be carefully considered to minimize impacts to bulk power system stability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Strategies for Continuous Balancing in Future Power Systems with High Wind and Solar Shares

The use of wind power has grown strongly in recent years and is expected to continue to increase in the coming decades. Solar power is also expected to increase significantly. In a power system, a continuous balance is maintained between total production and demand. This balancing is currently mainly managed with conventional power plants, but with larger amounts of wind and solar power, other sources will also be needed. Interesting possibilities include continuous control of wind and solar power, battery storage, electric vehicles, hydrogen production, and other demand resources with flexibility potential. The aim of this article is to describe and compare the different challenges and future possibilities in six systems concerning how to keep a continuous balance in the future with significantly larger amounts of variable renewable power production. A realistic understanding of how these systems plan to handle continuous balancing is central to effectively develop a carbon-dioxide-free electricity system of the future. The systems included in the overview are the Nordic synchronous area, the island of Ireland, the Iberian Peninsula, Texas (ERCOT), the central European system, and Great Britain.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Solid-State Transformer and Hybrid Transformer With Integrated Energy Storage in Active Distribution Grids: Technical and Economic Comparison, Dispatch, and Control

Solid-state transformer (SST) and hybrid transformer (HT) are promising alternatives to the line-frequency transformer (LFT) in smart grids. The SST features medium-frequency isolation, full controllability for voltage regulation, reactive power compensation, and the capability of battery energy storage system (BESS) integration with multiport configuration. The HT has a partially-rated converter for fractional controllability and can integrate a small BESS. Fast grid-edge voltage fluctuations from increased solar photovoltaic (PV) and electric vehicle (EV) penetration are difficult to manage for mechanical load tap changers. Hence, along with the trend towards more BESS in the grid, the controllability and the storage integration capability of the SST and HT are of strong interest. However, a review of literature shows existing SST and HT research is mostly at converter level, while system-level assessments are scarce. Assessing technical and economic impacts is critical to understanding the benefits and role of the SST and HT to guide future research, which is presented for the first time in this article. Experimental results from medium-voltage (MV) SST and MV HT prototypes are shown to confirm equipment-level feasibility, where the voltage controllability waveforms of a MV HT prototype are reported for the first time. Comparative simulations are performed on a modified IEEE 34-bus system. Here, a grid-model-less decentralized grid-edge voltage control method and a day-ahead BESS dispatch method are proposed for the SST and HT. The simulations show that the SST and HT with integrated storage can host more PV, achieve peak shaving, mitigate voltage fluctuation and reverse power flow, and support energy arbitrage for operational cost reduction, as compared to the LFT. Moreover, comprehensive analyses of net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) are performed under different installed PV capacities, HT’s partial converter ratings, and BESS capacities. Sensitivities to future cost reductions of the PV and BESS are studied. Although the NPV and IRR are currently negative, 60% capital cost reduction or 150% revenue increase will make the SST and HT economically viable in the use case studied.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Design and testing of a free floating dual flap wave energy converter

With a wide variety of wave energy device archetypes currently under consideration, it is a major challenge to ensure that research findings and methods are broadly applicable. In particular, the design and testing of wave energy control systems, a process which includes experimental design, empirical modeling, control design, and performance evaluation, is of interest. This goal motivated the redesign and testing of a floating dual flap wave energy converter. As summarized in this paper, the steps taken in the design, testing, and analysis of the device mirrored those previously demonstrated on a three-degree of freedom point absorber device. The method proposed does not require locking WEC degrees of freedom to develop an excitation model, and presents a more attainable system identification procedure for at-sea deployments. The results show that the methods employed work well for this dual flap device, lending additional support for the broad applicability of the design and testing methods applied here. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that these models are particularly useful for deducing areas of device design or controller implementation that can be reasonably improved to increase device power capture.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grid ancillary services using electrolyzer-Based power-to-Gas systems with increasing renewable penetration

Increasing penetrations of renewable-based generation have led to a decrease in the bulk power system inertia and an increase in intermittency and uncertainty in generation. Energy storage is considered to be an important factor to help manage renewable energy generation at greater penetrations. Hydrogen is a viable long-term storage alternative. This paper analyzes and presents use cases for leveraging electrolyzer-based power-to-gas systems for electric grid support. The paper also discusses some grid services that may favor the use of hydrogen-based storage over other forms such as battery energy storage. Real-time controls are developed, implemented and demonstrated using a power-hardware-in-the-loop(PHIL) setup with a 225-kW proton-exchange-membrane electrolyzer stack. These controls demonstrate frequency and voltage support for the grid for different levels of renewable penetration (0%, 25%, and 50%). A comparison of the results shows the changes in respective frequencies and voltages as seen as different buses as a result of support from the electrolyzers and notes the impact on hydrogen production as a result of grid support. Finally, the paper discusses the practical nuances of implementing the tests with physical hardware, such as inverter/electrolyzer efficiency, as well as the related constraints and opportunities.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hybrid spin Hall nano-oscillators based on ferromagnetic metal/ferrimagnetic insulator heterostructures

Abstract Spin-Hall nano-oscillators (SHNOs) are promising spintronic devices to realize current controlled GHz frequency signals in nanoscale devices for neuromorphic computing and creating Ising systems. However, traditional SHNOs devices based on transition metals have high auto-oscillation threshold currents as well as low quality factors and output powers. Here we demonstrate a new type of hybrid SHNO based on a permalloy (Py) ferromagnetic-metal nanowire and low-damping ferrimagnetic insulator, in the form of epitaxial lithium aluminum ferrite (LAFO) thin films. The superior characteristics of such SHNOs are associated with the excitation of larger spin-precession angles and volumes. We further find that the presence of the ferrimagnetic insulator enhances the auto-oscillation amplitude of spin-wave edge modes, consistent with our micromagnetic modeling. This hybrid SHNO expands spintronic applications, including providing new means of coupling multiple SHNOs for neuromorphic computing and advancing magnonics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Magnetic droplet solitons

Magnetic droplet solitons are dynamical magnetic textures that form due to an attractive interaction between spin waves in thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Spin currents and the spin torques associated with these currents enable their formation as they provide a means to excite non-equilibrium spin-wave populations and compensate their decay. Recent years have seen rapid advances in experiments that realize and study magnetic droplets. Important advances include the first direct x-ray images of droplets, determination of their threshold and sustaining currents, measurement of their generation and annihilation time, and evidence for drift instabilities, which can limit their lifetime. This perspective discusses these studies and contrasts these solitons to other types of spin-current excitations, such as spin-wave bullets, and static magnetic textures, including magnetic vortices and skyrmions. Magnetic droplet solitons can also serve as current controlled microwave frequency oscillators with potential applications in neuromorphic chips as nonlinear oscillators with memory.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

First-principles study and experimental characterization of metal incorporation in germanium telluride

Germanium telluride is a well-known phase change material (PCM) used in non-volatile memory cells and radio frequency switches. Controlling the properties of GeTe for improved PCM device performance has sometimes been achieved by doping and/or alloying with metals, often at concentrations greater than 10 at. % and using non-equilibrium methods. Here, since switching PCMs between the low-resistance crystalline and high-resistance amorphous states requires a heating cycle, the stability of metal-incorporated GeTe (Ge 0.5–x M x Te 0.5 ) films is also critical to practical implementation of these materials in electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, we use both density-functional theory and experimental characterization methods to probe the solubility and critical properties of Ge 0.5–x M x Te 0.5 films. Using first-principles calculations, we determine the enthalpy of formation for GeTe with 2.08, 4.17, and 6.25 at. % of Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Ti and show trends between the stability of the Ge 0.5–x M x Te 0.5 systems and the atomic position, composition, and distribution of the metal atoms in the GeTe matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Direct density modulation of photo-assisted field emission from an RF cold cathode

This paper explores direct density modulation of high-current electron beam emission from an RF cold cathode using optical excitation. We theoretically study the photo-assisted field emission of periodically bunched electron beams of various pulse shapes under the combined excitation of an RF field and an optical field, using an exact quantum model. Both continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed optical fields are considered. The emission current pulse amplitude, pulse width, electron number density per pulse, as well as pulse shape and its harmonic contents are investigated in detail. For CW photon sources in the UV to NIR range (i.e., 200–1200 nm), increasing the optical intensity under an RF bias tends to change the current pulse from a Gaussian to sinusoidal-like shape, thus offering strong flexibility to control the frequency components in beam current emission. Pulsed photon sources combined with an RF field can produce sharp, high-current electron bunches with pulse duration comparable with or even less than that of the optical pulse. A contour map of the density modulation depth is constructed for different combinations of RF and laser fields. The results provide insight into unlocking new opportunities to achieve direct density modulation during electron current emission by optical means.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Roadmap on basic research needs for laser technology

Motivated by the profound impact of laser technology on science, arising from an increase in focused light intensity by seven orders of magnitude and flashes so short electron motion is visible, this roadmap outlines the paths forward in laser technology to enable the next generation of science and applications. Despite remarkable progress, the field confronts challenges in developing compact, high-power sources, enhancing scalability and efficiency, and ensuring safety standards. Future research endeavors aim to revolutionize laser power, energy, repetition rate and precision control; to transform mid-infrared sources; to revolutionize approaches to field control and frequency conversion. These require reinvention of materials and optics to enable intense laser science and interdisciplinary collaboration. The roadmap underscores the dynamic nature of laser technology and its potential to address global challenges, propelling progress and fostering sustainable development. Ultimately, advancements in laser technology hold promise to revolutionize myriad applications, heralding a future defined by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Higher-order Zeno sequences

The quantum Zeno effect typically refers to freezing the dynamics of a quantum system through frequent observations. In general, quantum Zeno dynamics is obtained with an error of order 𝒪⁢(1/𝑁), where 𝑁 is the number of projective measurements performed within a fixed evolution time. In this work, we develop higher-order Zeno sequences that achieve faster convergence to Zeno dynamics, yielding an improved error scaling of 𝒪⁢(1/𝑁 2⁢𝑘 ), where 𝑘 describes the order of the Zeno sequence. This is achieved by relating higher-order Zeno sequences to higher-order Trotter formulas that achieve similar convergence behavior. We leverage this relation to develop higher-order Zeno sequences for different manifestations of the quantum Zeno effect, including frequent projective measurements and unitary kicks. We go on to discuss achieving quantum Zeno dynamics through periodic control fields of high frequency. We explicitly develop control fields that yield a second-order type improvement in the Zeno error scaling and present shorter Zeno sequences. Finally, we discuss the connection to randomized and Uhrig dynamical decoupling to develop more efficient implementations in the weak-coupling regime.

Quantum Zeno dynamics↗