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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Advanced control sequences and FDD technology. Just shiny objects, or ready for scale?

Innovations in commercial building control sequences (ASHRAE guideline 36) and fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) technology have the potential to transform existing building operational efficiency by realizing whole-building level savings on the order of 15% and higher. However, several technical and market barriers related to up-front estimation of achievable savings, verifying implementation, and ensuring persistence are slowing down their adoption as a core offering through diverse owner-funded initiatives and rate-payer funded programs. This paper describes a suite of solutions to overcome these barriers to program delivery of advanced HVAC controls integrated with FDD energy management and information system (EMIS) technology. First, the Guideline 36 conformance test offers an automated method to confirm correct sequence implementation by the manufacturer, before field deployment. A successful test of a controller was conducted using a new manufacturer-independent hardware-in-the-loop testbed demonstrating the viability and scalability of this approach. Second, the Guideline 36 energy savings calculator uses modeling paired with high-level user inputs to estimate building-specific savings potential, target cost effective implementation and minimize uncertainty. Initial results indicate the baseline control sequences significantly impact energy savings, however, as much as 50% savings may be possible for the worst-case baseline scenario. Third, a functional specification provides minimum recommended EMIS-FDD capabilities, and best practices to integrate the technology into organizational practice and ensure that advanced control sequences provide persistent savings.

Pritoni, Marco↗
DOE OSTI2021

Solid phase sampling device and methods for point-source sampling of polar organic analytes

Sampling devices for sampling an aqueous source (e.g., field testing of ground water) for multiple different analytes are described. Devices include a solid phase extraction component for retention of a wide variety of targeted analytes. Devices include analyte derivatization capability for improved extraction of targeted analytes. Thus, a single device can be utilized to examine a sample source for a wide variety of analytes. Devices also include an isotope dilution capability that can prevent error introduction to the sample analysis and can correct for sample loss and degradation from the point of sampling until analysis as well as correction for incomplete or poor derivatization reactions. The devices can be field-deployable and rechargeable.

Boggess, Andrew J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Small-Signal Stability Analysis of Low-Inertia Power Grids with Inverter-Based Resources and Synchronous Condensers: Preprint

With the potential environmental impacts of conventional fossil fuels and the technology advances of grid interactive power electronics, inverter-based resources (IBRs) are playing a crucial role in modern power grids. However, due to the lack of physical inertia, IBRs are vulnerable to system disturbances. Further, conventional grid-following (GFL) inverters cannot actively establish the frequency and voltage, which could not be a appropriate solution for 100% inverter-based power grids. Grid-forming (GFM) control, as an emerging inverter control function, has drawn great attention in recent years, while it is still under development and pre-mature for large-scale field deployment. A potential solution for gradually transitioning into a 100% inverter-based power grid is to combine both IBRs and synchronous machines into a mixed generation portfolio. More importantly, synchronous machines can be operated as synchronous condensers (SCs) until they are retired. It is also worth mentioning that the stability analysis is of great importance to ensure the smooth transition from existing power grids to 100% inverter-based system, which is the main focus of this work with detailed modeling and modal analysis.

100% renewable↗
DOE OSTI2022

Performance Evaluation of Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems Using Software- and Hardware-in-the-Loop

Distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) are an important emerging technology for coordinating distributed energy resources (DERs) integrated in power distribution networks. These solutions implement a software platform to monitor, control, and coordinate DERs in real time to provide aggregate grid services to the electric utility or distribution system operator. To move DERMS technology forward, research and performance validation in a laboratory environment are needed to ensure proper function of DERMS prior to field deployment. This presentation presents a generic hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platform to evaluate performance of DERMS using software-in-the-loop (SIL) and power HIL. The platform provides realistic testing in a laboratory environment, including accurate modeling of full-scale distribution systems, DERMS software controllers, and at-power distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar and battery inverters. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate how the platform can be used independently as an integrated development and validation approach for different projects. Laboratory testing results are included to showcase the voltage regulation performance of each study and the benefits of implementing such a platform for DERMS evaluation.

DERMS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Advances in PFAS Monitoring and Remediation Using a Functionalized Material Approach

The growing global concerns about the effects to public health from human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) motivates the development of strategies for reliable monitoring of PFAS in environmental streams, as well as for their rapid, effective removal if detected. For the continuous PFAS monitoring, an inexpensive, field-deployable, in situ sensor is urgently needed; yet the prevalent in situ techniques often struggle to strike a balance between the practical sensitivity and selectivity demands of the real world. Similarly, for effective PFAS removal, strategies for their fast, selective, and quantitative capture are desired, yet the present commercially available sorbents are unable to meet the requirements of rapid, quantitative capture of all PFAS components, and are notably inefficient in removing the more toxic smaller chains. To address these twin challenges, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is developing strategies for improved detection and remediation of PFAS. For the rapid, selective, quantitative removal of PFAS from environmental streams, the strategy relies on designing capture probes with exclusively tailored electronic and spatial affinities for the PFAS that are able to selectively capture them from environmental streams. For the in situ detection and quantification of PFAS in complex, multicomponent matrices such as groundwater, the approach relies on the targeted capture of specific PFAS by these PFAS-specific capture probes immobilized on a platform. The platform acts as an electrode to directly measure PFAS concentration through a proportional change in electrical response upon their capture. A combination of optimization of platform design and incorporation of additional, sensitive detection modalities have allowed us to achieve detection limits as low as 0.5 ng/L for detection of PFAS compounds (compared to the 70 ng/L Health Advisory Limit of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).

Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS),↗
DOE OSTI2022

1.2.4.404 - Data-Driven Approach for Hydropower Plant Controller Prototyping Using Remote Hardware in the Loop (DR-HIL)

Real-time prototyping of hydropower plant controls is important for reducing the cost and the risk of field deployment. This project will 1) collect design and operational data from actual hydro plants and 2) use a physics-informed machine learning approach for real-time emulation of hydropower plants, including hydro turbine and hydrodynamics. The data-driven models will be interfaced with digital real-time simulation at NREL’s Flatirons campus for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of the governor hardware device or controller-HIL (CHIL). The proposed approach will also establish the connectivity based remote CHIL testing capability using real-time data streams from an actual hydro plant. This integrated hydro-plant emulation with CHIL will be used to prototype hydro-governor controls and eventually provide an opportunity to test hydropower integrated with various technologies (e.g. conventional and renewable generation, energy conversion, etc.) as HIL.

controls prototyping↗
DOE OSTI2022

Understanding Bifacial Photovoltaic's Potential

The performance of bifacial PV systems depends greatly on the installed conditions. Previous simulations and results have shown very high bifacial gain improvement, but this may not be the case for all conditions, particularly for large-scale systems with self-shading, lower-cost PV modules (PERC) which might have lower bifaciality coefficient, and field deployments over natural ground cover. But not to worry! Financial models indicate that even with these lower performance conditions, and with bifacial gain of 4%-7%, bifacial modules can still provide improved LCOE.

bifacial↗
DOE OSTI2022

Microbial sensor system for monitoring and imaging of an environment

A microbial sensor, microbial sensing system, and method that can be used to determine the chemical environment of unsaturated soils, rhizosphere, and/or plants are disclosed. The microbial sensing system can be used for monitoring the health of plants including nutrients, salinity, contaminants, chemicals (pesticides, herbicides) and diseases. A microbial sensing system can include one or more indicator electrodes and a reference electrode. The microbial sensing system can include a signal acquisition and/or communication module to allow the real-time collection of data from field deployments and laboratory investigations.

Burge, Scott R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Microbial sensor system for monitoring the environment and surfaces

A microbial sensor, system and method that can be used to determine the biochemical conditions of waters, saturated sediments, unsaturated soils, rhizosphere and other environments is disclosed. The flexibility of the microbial sensor design allows for the monitoring of surfaces (skin, ventilation conduits, etc.). An electrochemical microbial sensor system is composed of an indicator electrode(s) and a reference electrode. The reference electrode employs a hydrogen permeable membrane. The electrochemical system is interfaced into a signal/communication module allowing the manual or automated collection of data from field deployments and laboratory investigations. The data is transmitted using various communication technologies including Bluetooth™, cellular, satellite and radio telemetry to cloud-based data management systems. The stored data may be downloaded by users using open-source dashboard and visualization software to image the various environments and/or surfaces investigated.

Burge, Scott R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Transient Stability Study of a Real-World Microgrid with 100% Renewables

This paper performs a transient stability study of a real-world microgrid that can operate with 100% renewables to better understand the stability and reliability of the microgrid under various dynamic scenarios. In particular, the operation of multiple grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) inverters in such a power system is not well understood under dynamic operation conditions, such as islanding and black start; therefore, in this paper, an electromagnetic transient model of the microgrid is developed to investigate the stability of the system under various dynamic operating conditions and to identify potential reliability risks. The PSCAD/EMTDC simulation with the high-fidelity model provides helpful insights into the optimal operation modes of GFM and GFL inverters as well as the stability and reliability of the microgrid. It can also inform field deployment in terms of inverter control parameters and coordination as well as the expected performance of black start and unplanned islanding.

black start↗
DOE OSTI2022

Transient Stability Study of a Real-World Microgrid with 100% Renewables: Preprint

This paper performs a transient stability study of a real-world microgrid with 100% renewables to fully understand the stability and reliability of the microgrid under various dynamic scenarios. In particular, the operation of multiple grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) inverters in such a power system is not well understood under dynamic operation conditions, such as islanding and black start; therefore, in this paper, the full-scale electromagnetic transient modeling of the microgrid is developed to investigate the stability of the system under various dynamic operating conditions and to identify potential reliability risks. The PSCAD/EMTDC simulation with the high-fidelity model provides helpful insights into the optimal operation modes of GFM and GFL inverters as well as the stability and reliability of the microgrid, which gives good references for the field deployment in terms of inverter configuration and coordination as well as the capabilities of black start and unplanned islanding.

100% renewable microgrid↗
DOE OSTI2022

Resilient Inverter-Driven Black Start with Collective Parallel Grid-Forming Operation: Preprint

As the modern power systems are experiencing exceptional changes with increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs), system restoration using IBRs has received attention. Using local grid-forming (GFM) assets near consumers, engineered to establish grid voltages in the absence of a stiff grid, i.e., bottom-up restoration, a distribution system would obtain high system resilience, by not relying on the bulk power system restoration requiring significant human intervention and procedure to restore. This paper studies the technical feasibility of the novel approach with detailed electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations. To thoroughly evaluate the potential of GFM inverters and technical challenges in IBR-driven black start, a detailed three-phase inverter model is developed, including negative-sequence control for voltage balance and a phase-by-phase current limiter to sustain momentary overloading during the black start. To examine dynamic aspects of the black start process, the EMT simulation also models transformer and motor dynamics to emulate their inrush and start-up behaviors as well as network dynamics. In addition, active involvement of grid-following distributed energy resources (DER) is also studied to facilitate the black start process. It is shown that, by allowing multiple GFM inverters to collectively black start without master-slave coordination, a system can achieve high resilience even with a fraction of assets lost. Two test cases of inverter-driven black start using two and one GFM inverters, respectively, for a heavily unbalanced 2-MVA distribution feeder are demonstrated. Takeaways for further study and field deployment are provided.

grid-forming inverter↗
DOE OSTI2023

An Open-Source Python Library for Modeling LETID and LID in Silicon Solar Cells and Wafers

This poster demonstrates an (in development) open-source software library, written in python, to aid in modeling and understanding light- and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LETID) and boron-oxygen light-induced degradation (B-O LID) in silicon solar cells and wafers. We discuss the underlying equations and necessary input parameters for constructing realistic models. We demonstrate several use cases for the library, including modeling LETID progression in scenarios like indoor, accelerated tests and outdoor field deployment. We also demonstrate using the library to model B-O LID, and we demonstrate using the library to model degradation in passivated wafers, rather than solar cells.

LETID↗
DOE OSTI2020

Attack-resilient algorithms and testbed federation for wide-area protection and control in smart grid

Today’s energy infrastructure is undergoing a massive transformation across all generation, transmission, and distribution systems to provide reliability, efficiency, and sustainability to the power system network. During the past 10 years, there has been a remarkable enhancement in developing close-loop wide-area protection and control (WAPAC) applications, such as automatic generation control (AGC), wide-area protection scheme (WAPS), synchrophasor-based wide-area voltage control system (WAVCS), etc., in the energy management system (EMS) to provide an adequate situational awareness to control center operators during physical disturbances and natural events. The rapid digitalization, unencrypted communication, and numerous data-sharing devices have increased digital access points that have exposed the grid network to countless cyberattacks pertinent to the WAPAC cybersecurity. Given the amount of complex grid network coupled with legacy infrastructures, it is untrustworthy to completely rely on information technology (IT)-based conventional security measures to defend against evolving cyberattacks. Hence, there is a compelling need to go beyond the traditional paradigm of ‘security by obscurity’ and ‘bolt-on’ security measures, and develop a suite of innovative security solutions at multiple layers to transform the current “fault-resilient” grid into “fault and attack-resilient” grid of the future. This dissertation specifically focuses on developing application-specific attack-resilient solutions for critical WAPAC applications in the smart grid. The first part of the study, Attack-Resilient Wide-Area Protection Scheme, presents a cyber-physical attack-resilient system (CPARS) for WAPS, where two anomaly detection methods are proposed to detect multi-level cyberattacks followed by the rules-based intrusion mitigation system (RIMS) to initiate effective mitigation strategies, tailored to these attacks, to restore the normal grid operation after disturbances. The first anomaly detection component, Machine learning-based Anomaly Detection for Centralized WAPS, discusses a novel architecture and methodology for developing a machine-learning-based anomaly detection system (ADS) for the centralized wide-area protection system (CWAPS) by applying the variational mode decomposition (VMD) technique and decision tree (DT) algorithms using cyber logs and synchrophasor measurements. The second component, Multi-Agent-based Anomaly Detection for Decentralized WAPS, presents a two-level hierarchical multi-agent-based decentralized WAPS against the system-aware stealthy cyber-attacks. Finally, for the RIMS, the state transition diagram-based mitigation measures are defined based on the grid operation states and experimental testing and evaluation are presented in a cyber-physical testbed environment. The second part of the study, Attack-Resilient Wide-Area Voltage Control System, addresses the existing vulnerabilities in the wide-area voltage control system (WAVCS), presents the methodology for performing an impact analysis during data integrity attacks, and proposes a data-driven attackresilient system (DARS) by incorporating machine learning-based ADS and rules-based anomaly mitigation system (RAMS) to detect these attacks and provide necessary mitigation actions to maintain the transient voltage stability after disturbances. Finally, the third part, Networked Federation Testbed (NEFTSec) for Smart Grid Cybersecurity, focuses on developing an interconnected federated testbed through a common network like the internet, describes its conceptual architectures, and also presents its design components for experimental testing, validation, and evaluation. Further, it presents the co-simulation interface algorithm (CIA) to facilitate the geographically-dispersed real-time distributed simulation (GD-RTDS) during the cyber-physical federation. In general, this dissertation presents innovative attack-resilient solutions for WAPAC applications that are experimentally tested and evaluated using the PowerCyber testbed and NEFTSec platform to accelerate the transition of state-of-the-art research works to the real-field deployments.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hydrogen Energy Storage System at Borrego Springs Towards an H2 Enabled 100 Renewable Microgrid

San Diego Gas & Electric's Borrego Springs Microgrid is one of the largest microgrids in the USA, serving 2500 residential customers, 300 commercial and industrial customers, and has a peak demand of approximately 14 MW. This microgrid is located at the end of a long transmission line, and is subjected to extreme weather events like storms, wildfires, and flooding, which frequently cause grid outages. The microgrid currently relies on 3.65 MW of diesel-powered generators to provide grid-forming services during these outages, which results in greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions. However, the microgrid has access to approximately 37 MW of installed solar generation and struggles with overgeneration and curtailment. 1.5 MW/4.5 MWh of grid-scale batteries have been installed to capture some the overgeneration and provide resiliency, but a longer-duration low-greenhouse gas emission energy storage solution is needed. In our project, the team will evaluate in the lab and demonstrate in the field a grid-forming fuel cell inverter that can provide grid-forming services while utilizing hydrogen's energy storage scalability. We will first utilize NREL's Renewable Energy Integration and Optimization (REopt) platform to perform analyses on future microgrid scenarios that use hydrogen assets to reduce or eliminate the need for diesel backup generators. We will then evaluate the grid-forming inverter through power hardware-in-the-loop and controller hardware-in-the-loop experiments at ARIES, and de-risk the field deployment and operation of hydrogen assets in the microgrid setting. Finally, this project will demonstrate the operation of the fuel cell inverter and updated microgrid controller by operating in grid-forming mode in the Borrego Springs microgrid.

Borrego Springs↗
DOE OSTI2023

PV Inverter Testing for Momentary Cessation and Rate-of-Change-of-Frequency Events: Preprint

To understand the power system stability and develop better electromagnetic transient (EMT) models of field deployed photovoltaic (PV) inverters, it is important to characterize inverters' response to abnormal voltage and frequency scenarios. Because EMT models are not typically available for small distribution-connected PV inverters, and because inerterconnection standards historically did not specify desired ride-through behaviors, we tested two such inverters in the lab to characterize their responses to severe undervoltage events and high rate-of-change-of-frequency (ROCOF) conditions. The inverters tested were pre-IEEE 1547-2018 residential PV inverters widely used in the Hawaiian Electric territory and many other areas. The testing results for undervoltage scenarios showed that the inverter from one vendor exhibited momentary cessation while the inverter from the other vendor did not exhibit momentary cessation behavior or tripping for most of the events below the 120 ms undervoltage trip threshold duration set by IEEE 1547-2003. The testing results for ROCOF scenarios showed that the inverter from one vendor temporarily lost synchronization during ROCOF conditions while the inverter from the other vendor did not lose synchronization or cease generation for any ROCOF conditions. Both the inverters were also tested for EMT-simulated grid events with severe changes in frequency and voltage. The observed responses of the inverters were different from the simulated response of PV inverters represented the best available assumptions from pre-existing information. The results from these experiments can be used to update the inverter models used in bulk power system studies.

IEEE 1547 2018↗
DOE OSTI2023

Solid-phase sampling device and methods for point-source sampling of polar organic analytes

Sampling devices for sampling an aqueous source (e.g., field testing of ground water) for multiple different analytes are described. Devices include a solid phase extraction component for retention of a wide variety of targeted analytes. Devices include analyte derivatization capability for improved extraction of targeted analytes. Thus, a single device can be utilized to examine a sample source for a wide variety of analytes. Devices also include an isotope dilution capability that can prevent error introduction to the sample analysis and can correct for sample loss and degradation from the point of sampling until analysis as well as correction for incomplete or poor derivatization reactions. The devices can be field-deployable and rechargeable.

Boggess, Andrew J.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Advances in PFAS Monitoring and Remediation Using a Functionalized Material Approach - 20080

The growing global concerns about the effects to public health from human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) motivates the development of strategies for reliable monitoring of PFAS in environmental streams, as well as for their rapid, effective removal if detected. For the continuous PFAS monitoring, an inexpensive, field-deployable, in situ sensor is urgently needed; yet the prevalent in situ techniques often struggle to strike a balance between the practical sensitivity and selectivity demands of the real world. Similarly, for effective PFAS removal, strategies for their fast, selective, and quantitative capture are desired, yet the present commercially available sorbents are unable to meet the requirements of rapid, quantitative capture of all PFAS components, and are notably inefficient in removing the more toxic smaller chains. To address these twin challenges, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is developing strategies for improved detection and remediation of PFAS. For the rapid, selective, quantitative removal of PFAS from environmental streams, the strategy relies on designing capture probes with exclusively tailored electronic and spatial affinities for the PFAS that are able to selectively capture them from environmental streams. For the in situ detection and quantification of PFAS in complex, multicomponent matrices such as groundwater, the approach relies on the targeted capture of specific PFAS by these PFAS-specific capture probes immobilized on a platform. The platform acts as an electrode to directly measure PFAS concentration through a proportional change in electrical response upon their capture. A combination of optimization of platform design and incorporation of additional, sensitive detection modalities have allowed us to achieve detection limits as low as 0.5 ng/L for detection of PFAS compounds (compared to the 70 ng/L Health Advisory Limit of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). (authors)

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗