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At least 235 records · Page 13

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DOE OSTI2022

Megawatt Scale Charging System Architecture

The paper presents a novel and futuristic architecture for a megawatt charging system (MCS) capable of charging light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles. The station architecture consists of multiport systems with each multiport interfacing the grid, EV, PV, and energy storage system through an intermediate DC bus. The station being a “system of systems” requires a complex software layer with intelligence, control, and communication for effective coordination and utilization of the power electronic interfaces and the assets. The paper elaborates on the station architecture and the associated software layer used for control and coordination. Additionally, the paper provides an approach to utilize hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) capabilities to validate such architectures.

Krishna Moorthy, Radha↗

DOE OSTI2026

Cooperative Automated Cohort Driving on Connected Infrastructure, Arterial Roadways, and Highways: Final Project Demonstration and System-of-Systems Model Correlation

This project seeks to synergize vehicle automated driving and connectivity data to improve mobility and energy efficiency of groups of mixed vehicles operating in close proximity (vehicle cohort) on various infrastructure. A custom cellular communication network links vehicles operating as a cohort with infrastructure to a centralized system-of-systems digital twin with an AI-based optimal behavior planner. The data contained in this set are from final testing and technology demonstrations to U.S. Department of Energy staff at the American Center for Mobility. The data contain single-lane, single-light scenarios; multi-lane, multi-light arterial scenarios; and limited-access highway scenarios. All test cases were derived from simulations and replicated on the test track. The project employed two and four light-duty vehicles with connectivity and drive automation for the testing. The baseline scenario without connectivity was run under the control of the system-of-systems centralized planner but operating each vehicle with an intelligent driver model controlling the velocity, lane utilization, and vehicle gap. This was to ensure the highest compatibility with the simulation in terms of dynamic behavior. The connected cohort case utilized AI optimization to perform coordinated and cooperative control for energy, as well as safe, comfortable behavior for the cohort. The dataset is appropriately named with unconnected and connected designations, with comparisons sharing the same run index number. The included PowerPoint and PDF files describe the test setup and provide an overview of results from the project. ![image](de-EE0009209_March_2023_Data_Arterial_Scenario_Results.png)

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2023

Demonstrate FARM supervisory capabilities for a thermal energy storage problem for the DETAIL facility: IES Simulation Ecosystem Control System Development

The goal of the power dispatch problem for an Integrated Energy System (IES) is to adjust the power output and the heat flow of each component to maximize the profitability of the whole unit. Facilities that can integrate real-time digital signals, mock nuclear power, thermal energy storage and industrial heat use via high-temperature electrolysis were constructed at INL to support the research activities. The Dynamic Energy Technology and Integration Laboratory (DETAIL) houses the Microreactor Agile Non-nuclear Experimental Test Bed (MAGNET) and the Thermal Energy Distribution System (TEDS). In this report, the hierarchical control system architecture proposed in June 2023 milestone for the flexible operation of DETAIL facility is finalized and demonstrated. A brief description of the components and the corresponding Dymola models from the HYRBID repository is first provided. Then, the current control strategy is presented. In particular, the approach for generating the set-point trajectories to be fed to the PI controllers is analyzed, and its limits were identified. To preserve safe operation over both long-time and real-time horizons, the integration of a Supervisory Control layer embedding a modified version of FARM (Feasible Actuator Range Modifier) module is proposed. FARM is a component of the RAVEN-based FORCE framework designed to support HERON module at optimizing the operation of IES units. The proposed control system for DETAIL foresees FARM to be applied twice, i.e., the original version (“FARM-Validator”) aiding the solution of the power dispatch problem, and a modified version (“FARM-Supervisory”) coordinating the PID controllers. Despite the kernel of the two modules is the same, their tasks are quite different. The former intervenes at the beginning of each hour to prevent constraint violations over long time periods, the latter addresses real-time control tasks and monitors the response of constrained variables at a much finer time resolution. A tentative procedure for training the embedded Digital Twins with the experimental data is also proposed. Finally, the capabilities of the designed architecture and the impact of the added Supervisory Control layer are demonstrated by simulating a representative power dispatch scenario.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2025

NREL Infrastructure Perception and Control Workshop

A lack of highly reliable, full state-space awareness of roadway situations is the current bottleneck for the incremental introduction of smart infrastructure control. NREL's Infrastructure Perception and Control (IPC) lab applies advanced sensing and computation controls to the coordinated movement of vehicles on the road as well as people in large facilities and has produced field test results from a Colorado Springs intersection. In this presentation, NREL discusses the state of smart infrastructure control and opportunities for partnership.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2025

An Introduction to the Federated Architecture for Secure and Transactive Distributed Energy Management Solutions (FAST-DERMS)

Deployment and capability of distributed energy resources (DER) in power systems is growing rapidly. These resources present an opportunity for low-cost provision of energy and grid services. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently provided rulings to enable market participation of these distribution-connected resources, but the prevailing strategies for their management may not scale well to meet future needs. This paper introduces the Federated Architecture for Secure and Transactive Distributed Energy Management Solutions (FAST-DERMS) which was designed to address this need. In it we describe the architectural features of the approach, and a reference controls implementation employing a hierarchical coordination that includes stochastic optimization, model predictive control, and a simple real-time management scheme. Sample results from simulation show firm transmission-level service provision measured at the distribution substation.

grid architecture↗

DOE OSTI2024

An Introduction to the Federated Architecture for Secure and Transactive Distributed Energy Management Solutions (FAST-DERMS): Preprint

Deployment and capability of distributed energy resources (DER) in power systems is growing rapidly. These resources present an opportunity for low-cost provision of energy and grid services. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently provided rulings to enable market participation of these distribution-connected resources, but the prevailing strategies for their management may not scale well to meet future needs. This paper introduces the Federated Architecture for Secure and Transactive Distributed Energy Management Solutions (FASTDERMS) which was designed to address this need. In it we describe the architectural features of the approach, and a reference controls implementation employing a hierarchical coordination that includes stochastic optimization, model predictive control, and a simple real-time management scheme. Sample results from simulation show firm transmission-level service provision measured at the distribution substation.

DERMS↗

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

black start↗

DOE OSTI2021

Cyber Physical Grid-Interactive Distributed Energy Resources Control for VPP Dispatch and Regulation

This paper presents a cyber-physical algorithm for grid-interactive Distributed Energy Resource (DER) control to enable two features of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) dispatch and grid voltage regulation, considering the communication and security impacts. We first formulate the DER dispatch problem as a real-time, iterative, and grid-interactive DER control problem. Thereafter, we consider a probabilistic traffic model to characterize packet delays and loss in a communication network, and study how the delays enter the process of information exchange among the grid measurement units, local DER controllers and the grid control center that coordinately execute this dispatch algorithm. Finally, a strategy combining delay threshold and modified message update rules is proposed to immune the asynchrony resulting from the communications network traffic and it avoids possible numerical instabilities and sensitivities of the tracking and regulation capabilities of this DER control algorithm. By implementing the proposed cyber-physical algorithm on the modified IEEE 37-node system, our preliminary results exhibit that the uncertainties of the underlying communications infrastructure must be considered for the VPP tracking and regulation capabilities of any DER in a generic Cyber-Physical System (CPS), because the delayed voltage measurements in the uplink/bi-link cases result in the off-track in VPP dispatch and jittery in voltage regulation.

cyber-physical algorithm↗

DOE OSTI2022

Savannah River National Laboratory Participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency CPC Interlaboratory Comparison Exercise 2

International Atomic Energy Agency Safeguards Analytical Services (IAEA-SGAS) oversees coordinating the second Controlled Potential Coulometry Quality Control Interlaboratory Comparison (CPC QC ILC) on behalf of the Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML). The purpose of the exercise is to: (1) verify the ability of participating laboratories to measure the Pu concentration in the sample solutions, and (2) estimate the method performance (repeatability and intermediate reproducibility). Sample shipping coordination was performed by IAEA-SGAS. The test sample is a plutonium nitrate solution (estimated molarity of 3-5 M), delivered in two PTFE screw-capped quartz ampoules. Each participating laboratory is to receive two ampoules. Each ampoule holds approximately 8 mL of solution containing approximately 10 mg Pu/g. The gross weights of the ampoules were provided. The test sample is assumed to have an iron content below the level of significance for the CPC. The isotopic composition of the plutonium test sample was provided; however, no analysis date was provided. In addition, IAEA-SGAS provided analytical instructions to participants. On September 20, 2022, SRNL received the samples sent by IAEA-SGAS.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

DOE OSTI2023

Integrate FARM with PID controllers: IES Simulation Ecosystem Control System Development

The FARM (Feasible Actuator Range Modifier) software module is a component of the RAVEN-based FORCE framework for analysis of Integrated Energy Systems (IES). FARM was designed to support the HERON software module in the solution of the optimal dispatch problem for IES units. As the result of HERON-FARM dispatch simulation, the set-point trajectories are optimized to meet constraints on both the production variables (i.e., the variables to be optimized such as the electrical power, the hydrogen production rate, etc.) and the process variables tied to the service life of equipment (e.g., steam flowrate, vessel pressure, turbine firing temperature, etc.) at a coarse time resolution (every 10 or 100 seconds) over long time horizons (several days or weeks). In case the operational constraints need to be met at finer time resolution, the computational burden of HERON-FARM would linearly increase with the sampling rate, and sub-optimal solutions might be obtained. System responses characterized by overshoots and damped oscillations temporarily violating the imposed constraints might occur during abrupt power transients. In this report, a hierarchical control system architecture for the operation of the Dynamic Energy Technology and Integration Laboratory (DETAIL) facility constructed at INL was proposed. First, the preliminary studies on the proposed control strategy for operating the facility and the designed PI controllers were reviewed. In particular, the current approach for generating the set-point trajectories was studied, and its limits were identified. To this aim, the inclusion of a Supervisory Control layer embedding a modified version of the FARM algorithm for preserving the system safe operation over both long and real-time horizons was proposed. In this way, FARM would be applied twice, i.e., the original version (“FARM Validator”) aiding the solution of the power dispatch problem, and the modified version (“FARM Supervisory” coordinating the PI controllers to address the real-time control tasks. Despite the kernel of the two modules is the same algorithm, their roles, tasks, and capabilities are quite different. A detailed description of the role of FARM at addressing low-level control tasks is provided, along with tentative operational procedures for training the models embedded into the algorithm by using the collected experimental data.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2022

Evaluation of Optimal Net Load Management in Microgrids Using Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

This paper presents the performance evaluation of a net load management (NLM) engine that balances load and generation in an isolated community to power a critical facility after a grid interruption event (e.g., the loss of a large generation unit). This NLM engine is particularly important for microgrid systems because it provides a high-speed, cost-optimal control solution to coordinate grid-forming inverters and to dispatch grid-following inverters and deferrable loads in microgrid systems to enhance grid resilience and reliability. The NLM algorithm cost-optimally dispatches the grid-following inverters and deferrable loads based on the demanded power and load priorities, and the grid-forming inverters use droop control to form system voltages and share active and reactive power. A controller-hardware-in-the-loop platform is developed to evaluate the control performance of the NLM algorithm with two sequential contingency events of lost generation units. The experimental results indicate that the NLM engine can maintain system stability, achieve the targeted system voltage and frequency, and balance load and generation to serve the critical facility with improved system resilience and reliability.

grid-following inverter↗

DOE OSTI2022

Evaluation of Optimal Net Load Management in Microgrids Using Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

This presentation discusses the performance evaluation of a net load management (NLM) engine that balances load and generation in an isolated community to power a critical facility after a grid interruption event (e.g., the loss of a large generation unit). This NLM engine is particularly important for microgrid systems because it provides a high-speed, cost-optimal control solution to coordinate grid-forming inverters and to dispatch grid-following inverters and deferrable loads in microgrid systems to enhance grid resilience and reliability. The NLM algorithm cost-optimally dispatches the grid-following inverters and deferrable loads based on the demanded power and load priorities, and the grid-forming inverters use droop control to form system voltages and share active and reactive power. A controller-hardware-in-the-loop platform is developed to evaluate the control performance of the NLM algorithm with two sequential contingency events of lost generation units. The experimental results indicate that the NLM engine can maintain system stability, achieve the targeted system voltage and frequency, and balance load and generation to serve the critical facility with improved system resilience and reliability.

droop control↗

DOE OSTI2025

Resilient Distributed Frequency Regulation of Renewable Generators under Communication Interruptions

Modern power systems (MPSs) face significant challenges due to the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and new types of loads such as electric vehicles (EVs). Traditional load frequency control (LFC) methods struggle with the intermittent, stochastic nature of RESs, the near-zero inertia of power-electronics-based generators, and the mobility of controllable loads and battery systems. This paper introduces a novel resilient distributed frequency regulation method to address these issues. The proposed method employs a state space model to represent the dynamic behavior of participating power sources while accounting for stochastic switching processes to model structural and parameter variations caused by disruptions such as generator connection/disconnection, communication interruptions, and physical faults. By integrating these dynamic and stochastic components, the method treats power grids as a comprehensive stochastic hybrid system. Our method enhances conventional frequency control by incorporating local stability control, neighborhood control decoupling, and coordination feedback. Theoretical analyses establish the stability, convergence, and resilience of the proposed method, and its effectiveness is validated through case studies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Microgrid Controller Survey Report: 2024 Update

In the past decade, the number of microgrids deployed by electric utilities, end-use customers, and third parties has been increasing significantly both in the US and worldwide. The increase is driven by various reasons, such as carbon emission reduction, energy efficiency improvement, reliability and resilience enhancement, energy infrastructure modernization, and more. Microgrid controllers, as the most important components in these deployed microgrids, optimally coordinate the operation and control of the microgrid assets (e.g., distributed energy resources [DERs], energy storage systems, demand response, and even electric vehicles) and ensure that the microgrid is being operated in an efficient, clean, and resilient manner. To that end, the market for microgrid controllers has been growing rapidly in recent years. Various microgrid controllers have been released and continuously updated by vendors to satisfy the different needs of microgrid customers. However, the functionalities demonstrated by microgrid controllers released by different vendors show a huge difference because of a lack of widely known and accepted industrial standards, and various microgrid customers have specific requirements for different applications and scenarios. To obtain a clear view of the current state of the commercial microgrid controllers’ functionalities and identify potential research gaps, a survey of the functionalities of commercial microgrid controllers and the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) developed by vendors and national laboratories was conducted in 2023. The results of the survey are presented in this report with the current status of commercial microgrid controllers analyzed, potential research gaps identified, and future research trends revealed.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2026

Seasonal performance evaluation of zero-superheat active refrigerant charge control for variable-speed heat pumps

Heat pumps account for a significant portion of electricity consumption in buildings, making their energy efficiency a critical area of research. Control optimization is recognized as an effective approach for enhancing the efficiency of building HVAC systems. Specifically, since the efficiency of heat pumps increases with reduced superheat and the optimal refrigerant charge level varies with operating conditions, zero-superheat active charge control is a promising strategy to maximize the system’s COP. However, due to its complexity, this control strategy remains in the research phase and has only been tested under limited operating conditions. This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the seasonal performance improvement of zero-superheat active charge control across a full range of heating conditions in buildings. The methodology includes the development of an optimal controller that utilizes an accumulator to store excess refrigerant and manages the active charge level at zero superheat through subcooling control, as well as the creation of a detailed physics-based heat pump model. Targeted a 3-ton variable-speed heat pump with R410A refrigerant, we selected ten U.S. cities representing different climate regions for seasonal performance evaluation. Our simulations indicate that, depending on the climate conditions, the optimal control strategy could achieve energy savings ranging from 5.8 % to 8.0 % over the entire heating season. These results suggest that zero-superheat active charge control, combined with coordinated compressor and fan speeds, could substantially improve the energy efficiency of heat pump systems while maintaining the required heating capacity.

Guo, Fangzhou↗

DOE OSTI2022

A Q-Learning-Based Approach for Distributed Beam Scheduling in mmWave Networks

We consider the problem of distributed downlink beam scheduling and power allocation for millimeter-Wave (mmWave) cellular networks where multiple base stations (BSs) belonging to different service operators share the same unlicensed spectrum with no centralized control or explicit coordination among them. Our goal is to design efficient distributed beam scheduling and power allocation schemes such that the network-level payoff, defined as the weighted sum of the total throughput and a power penalization term, can be maximized. To this end, we propose a distributed scheduling approach to power allocation and adaptation for efficient interference management over the shared spectrum by modeling each BS as an independent Q-learning agent. As a baseline, we compare the proposed approach to the state-of-the-art non-cooperative game-based approach which was previously developed for the same problem. We conduct extensive experiments under various scenarios to verify the effect of multiple factors on the performance of both approaches. Experiment results show that the proposed approach adapts well to different interference conditions by learning from experience and thus can achieve higher payoff than the game-based approach. The proposed approach can also be integrated into our previously developed Lyapunov stochastic optimization framework for the purpose of network utility maximization with optimality guarantee. As a result, the weights in the payoff function can be automatically and optimally determined by the virtual queue values from the sub-problems derived from the Lyapunov optimization framework.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Dynamic Boundary Microgrids Under Privatization Considerations

Microgrids have physical, electrical, and logical (data, network, and ownership) boundaries. To power unserved customer loads during an outage, microgrids can extend the traditional operational boundaries. This can become complex when considering microgrid-to-microgrid (M2M) interactions where sensitive information such as competitive microgrid operational data is not shared. This work proposes an optimization method coordinated between microgrid controllers and distribution management systems that limits data sharing. The method involves a competitive bidding strategy that maximizes unserved load coverage while minimizing resource utilization and sensitive operational data sharing among entities. The work is validated on a two-microgrid system with photovoltaic and energy storage systems and curves of load derived from real world residential buildings datasets. Results show that the proposed method, when applied for three distinct use cases of energy storage sufficiency to cover the predefined boundary and/or the expanded boundary, can successfully select and bid the available load coverage.

Starke, Michael [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000221211195)↗