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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 271 records · Page 15

CyDER: A Cyber Physical Co-simulation Platform for Distributed Energy Resources in Smartgrids

The CyDER project aimed at developing an open-source, modular and scalable co-simulation platform for power grids with large shares of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). The project partners are the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL), Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL), PG&E, SolarCity, and ChargePoint. The prime recipient is LBNL; SolarCity and ChargePoint were partners for the project’s first two years. Increased DER integration introduces a number of challenges in power grid operation including a more dynamic interaction between the transmission grid and distribution grids, and increased modeling complexity. Although specialized software exists to precisely model different components of the power system, it is far from trivial to integrate all various models and perform a holistic simulation. Instead of replicating all models in a common simulation program, a commonly accepted approach to tackle this model diversity is to couple third-party simulators and models through a co-simulation platform that coordinates information exchange among the various components. Following this line of research, this project’s objective was to develop a co-simulation platform based on a widely accepted industrial standard called Functional Mockup Interface (FMI). Within this process, the project developed models compliant with the FMI standard, called Functional Mockup Units (FMUs), and used them to perform various operational and planning power system analyses. Relying and building upon an industrial standard is the main differentiation of this project compared with previous or parallel efforts in the co-simulation area. Particular emphasis was put on delivering software utilities to facilitate setting up and running co-simulations by end-users. Furthermore, a strong aspect of this project is demonstrating that co-simulation techniques can be used to perform Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations that couple software components (e.g., simulated models) with hardware components (e.g., real devices such PV systems and batteries). The long-term goal of CyDER project is to help establish FMI as a powerful standard for co-simulation and promote adoption by electric utilities and other interested stakeholders. The main accomplishments of the project include the development of several FMUs including distribution and transmission grid models, PV inverters with Volt/Var/Watt controllers, batteries, and predictive optimal controllers. Additionally, a unique software package was developed, called SimulatorToFMU, which is capable of exporting any Python-driven simulator or Python script as an FMU. This is an important contribution towards establishing FMI as one of the main co-simulation standards, because more and more third-party programs for sub-system modeling and simulation are delivered with Python APIs. The CyDER platform was used to perform PV hosting capacity analyses in real utility feeders with and without smart inverter controls, battery storage, and EV charging. Smart inverter controls include conventional Volt/Var/Watt controls for reactive power support and active power curtailment, but also predictive controls that optimize the charging and discharging profile of the battery connected on the DC side in order to minimize the customer’s economic benefit. Finally, an important result of this project is delivering an experimental setup that consists of residential-scale PV inverters with battery storage, a real-time grid simulator with an ideal voltage source as grid emulator, and micro Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). All these components and additional software modules are coupled to one another using the FMI standard and can be co-simulated with the CyDER platform.

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Cambium Documentation: Version 2020

This is the documentation for the 2020 version of Cambium. Cambium is a tool that assembles structured data sets of simulated hourly cost and operational data for modeled futures of the U.S. electric sector with metrics designed to be useful for long-term decision-making. In this documentation, we define the metrics reported in Cambium databases and document the Cambium-specific methods for calculating those metrics.

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Validation and Demonstration of Control System Functional Capabilities within the IES Plug-and-Play Simulation Environment

The concept of an integrated energy system (IES) is meant to combine different energy technologies in synergistic ways to achieve a more secure and economical energy supply. The RAVEN-based HYBRID framework is used to find the optimal installed capacity and the optimal economical dispatch of each component of the IES. The new RAVEN plugin for grid and capacity optimization (HERON) only addresses the limits that affect the production variables and the corresponding rates of variation (explicit constraints). However, other variables are subject to constraints, and the associated limits should be accounted for (implicit constraints). In particular, for the power dispatch problem, the optimization algorithm takes into account the limits on the electrical power output and the corresponding hourly power variations but does not consider other constraints on process variables whose response affects the service life of the IES. This report describes a scheme that allows accounting for implicit constraints without increasing the size of the optimization problem. To obtain a more accurate approximation of the nonlinear dynamic behavior, a parametric version of the dynamic mode decomposition with control (DMDc) algorithm was developed to derive the state-space representation matrices of the IES components at different scheduling parameter. Thanks to this approach, a more accurate approximation of the system response can be obtained, the limits imposed by thermal mechanical implicit constraints can be translated into power dispatch limits, and the feedbacks to HERON power dispatcher can be provided. To assess the developed methodology, a power dispatching test case composed of three power generating and storage units (Balance of Plant, Secondary Energy Source, Thermal Energy Storage) was developed. The power output of each one of the three units was optimized to meet the imposed time-dependent load demand trajectory and to maximize the IES profitability by meeting both the explicit and implicit constraints.

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Tempus Project (Final Report)

This final technical report tracks the accomplishments of the Tempus Project to the statement of project objectives and resulting deliverables. The objective of the Tempus project was to develop and demonstrate the capabilities of a secure, modular, and customizable time synchronization platform that provides layers of protection from GPS spoofing attacks and other vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities present a challenge to power system operators utilizing GPS-based time synchronization, as time synchronization increasingly plays a critical role in the efficient and reliable operation of power systems. The Tempus project addressed these concerns through the development of a secure, customizable time synchronization platform. The Tempus platform applies a layered approach to time security that protects from manipulation of timing systems used by power utilities. The Tempus platform consists of a component framework utilizing modularized time sources and customizable manipulation detection algorithms. With multiple time sources, and comparisons between sources and tracking sudden or subtle changes to the timing phase and time information, the Tempus system can detect and mitigate compromised timing sources.

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gollnlp and magos (Final Scientific/Technical Report)

In 2018, the Advanced Research Project Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) launched the Grid Optimization Competition (GOC), a series of competitive challenges intended to accelerate innovation in decision support software used to schedule power grid operations, making them as efficient as possible, while respecting operational constraints of power equipment and operational security. This report covers the participation of teams led by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Challenge 1 and Challenge 2 of the competition.

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Modeling Communication Infrastructures of Cyber Physical Systems

This effort explores modeling cyber infrastructure, including communication devices like switches, routers, sensors, and controllers, and physical media attributes like propagation of radio signals, in coordination with power distribution system model layouts. To do this, the project studies real-world configurations to define axioms of how different communication media is deployed with control equipment. These axioms will be used to develop tools to generate realistic cyber infrastructure models from starting power system models. This effort leverages and builds on the co-simulation platform developed by the other RD2C projects. The axioms and tools will be validated and demonstrated with the NS3 simulation tool as part of a co-simulation to show the behavior/impacts of cyber infrastructure on control operations.

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Privacy-preserving Information Security for the Energy Grid of Things

Smart grid infrastructure relies on information exchange between multiple actors in order to ensure system reliability. These actors include but are not limited to smart loads, grid control, and energy management technologies. Further, as information exchange between these actors is susceptible to cyber-attacks, security and privacy issues are indispensable to ensure a reliable and stable grid. This position paper proposes a privacy-preserving, trust-augmented secure scheme for a smart grid implementation.

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Space Shuttle Main Engine

Significant features of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) include a staged combustion power cycle, high area ratio nozzle expansion, throttling capability, and a computer operated control system. These main design features are discussed along with development test results.

Thompson, J. R., Jr.↗

Reliability modeling of fault-tolerant computer based systems

Digital fault-tolerant computer-based systems have become commonplace in military and commercial avionics. These systems hold the promise of increased availability, reliability, and maintainability over conventional analog-based systems through the application of replicated digital computers arranged in fault-tolerant configurations. Three tightly coupled factors of paramount importance, ultimately determining the viability of these systems, are reliability, safety, and profitability. Reliability, the major driver affects virtually every aspect of design, packaging, and field operations, and eventually produces profit for commercial applications or increased national security. However, the utilization of digital computer systems makes the task of producing credible reliability assessment a formidable one for the reliability engineer. The root of the problem lies in the digital computer's unique adaptability to changing requirements, computational power, and ability to test itself efficiently. Addressed here are the nuances of modeling the reliability of systems with large state sizes, in the Markov sense, which result from systems based on replicated redundant hardware and to discuss the modeling of factors which can reduce reliability without concomitant depletion of hardware. Advanced fault-handling models are described and methods of acquiring and measuring parameters for these models are delineated.

Bavuso, Salvatore J.↗

Mathematical description of complex chemical kinetics and application to CFD modeling codes

A major effort in combustion research at the present time is devoted to the theoretical modeling of practical combustion systems. These include turbojet and ramjet air-breathing engines as well as ground-based gas-turbine power generating systems. The ability to use computational modeling extensively in designing these products not only saves time and money, but also helps designers meet the quite rigorous environmental standards that have been imposed on all combustion devices. The goal is to combine the very complex solution of the Navier-Stokes flow equations with realistic turbulence and heat-release models into a single computer code. Such a computational fluid-dynamic (CFD) code simulates the coupling of fluid mechanics with the chemistry of combustion to describe the practical devices. This paper will focus on the task of developing a simplified chemical model which can predict realistic heat-release rates as well as species composition profiles, and is also computationally rapid. We first discuss the mathematical techniques used to describe a complex, multistep fuel oxidation chemical reaction and develop a detailed mechanism for the process. We then show how this mechanism may be reduced and simplified to give an approximate model which adequately predicts heat release rates and a limited number of species composition profiles, but is computationally much faster than the original one. Only such a model can be incorporated into a CFD code without adding significantly to long computation times. Finally, we present some of the recent advances in the development of these simplified chemical mechanisms.

Bittker, D. A.↗

Mathematical Description of Complex Chemical Kinetics and Application to CFD Modeling Codes

A major effort in combustion research at the present time is devoted to the theoretical modeling of practical combustion systems. These include turbojet and ramjet air-breathing engines as well as ground-based gas-turbine power generating systems. The ability to use computational modeling extensively in designing these products not only saves time and money, but also helps designers meet the quite rigorous environmental standards that have been imposed on all combustion devices. The goal is to combine the very complex solution of the Navier-Stokes flow equations with realistic turbulence and heat-release models into a single computer code. Such a computational fluid-dynamic (CFD) code simulates the coupling of fluid mechanics with the chemistry of combustion to describe the practical devices. This paper will focus on the task of developing a simplified chemical model which can predict realistic heat-release rates as well as species composition profiles, and is also computationally rapid. We first discuss the mathematical techniques used to describe a complex, multistep fuel oxidation chemical reaction and develop a detailed mechanism for the process. We then show how this mechanism may be reduced and simplified to give an approximate model which adequately predicts heat release rates and a limited number of species composition profiles, but is computationally much faster than the original one. Only such a model can be incorporated into a CFD code without adding significantly to long computation times. Finally, we present some of the recent advances in the development of these simplified chemical mechanisms.

Bittker, D. A.↗

A Strategic Lens on Quantum Sensing for Space Applications

As classical technologies approach their theoretical power limits, quantum technologies, including computing, communications, and sensing, are often credited as the next science and engineering revolution. Quantum sensors are the basis of quantum computing and communications technologies, but also have unique uses for security, medical, and space-related applications. Regarding NASA’s agency goals, quantum sensing can improve climate change monitoring, enable navigations systems for deep space, and enhance fundamental astrophysics research. This report outlines the findings from an independent intern project on the ways NASA can strategically invest in quantum sensing technologies. This report also outlines policy barriers to developing the technology, largely related to communication difficulties, unfamiliarity with quantum, and lengthy approval processes. The information on tools and challenges relevant to quantum technology was gathered from literature reviews, online research, and discussions with NASA individuals. This report concludes with strategic recommendations to answer the question: what policies should NASA implement to effectively research and develop quantum sensing technologies?

Holland Frieling↗

Quantum self-authenticating timing system

An improved method of distributing timing information is provided. The method includes transmitting encrypted timing signals from two or more beacons at different locations. The encrypted timing signals are transmitted at regular intervals and are received by a receiver. The receiver then performs a logic operation on the encrypted timing signals and validates, based on the logic operation, the authenticity of the timing signals. The logic operation also results in a decrypted message from the beacons, which can contain additional information, for example, data to be sent back to the beacons to verify receipt.

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Language-Theoretic Data Analysis to Support ICS Protocol Baselining

Critical infrastructure stakeholders need to baseline their systems to understand expected protocol communications. Baseline behaviors may vary based on operational context. Expected operations during a maintenance window, for example, may be different from normal operations. Furthermore, constructing system baselines for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) is difficult and time-consuming. ICS processes generate artifacts expressed across heterogeneous data sources such as network traffic and device logs. This paper explores the hypothesis that such ICS artifacts form a language in the language-theoretic sense. From a theoretical perspective, the variety of implementations of ICS protocols and constrained environment of OT networks provide a rich application domain for language-theoretic approaches. We present several use cases related to the practical construction of system baselines: grammars for data fusion, language dialects for device fingerprinting, and security automata for system baselining

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JPype

JPype is a Python module to provide full access to Java from within Python. It allows Python to make use of Java only libraries, exploring and visualization of Java structures, development and testing of Java libraries, scientific computing, and much more. By gaining the best of both worlds using Python for rapid prototyping and Java for strong typed production code, JPype provides a powerful environment for engineering and code development. This is achieved not through re-implementing Python, as Jython has done, but rather through interfacing at the native level in both virtual machines. This shared memory based approach achieves decent computing performance, while providing the access to the entirety of CPython and Java libraries.

Nelson, KarlE.↗

Computational Investigation of a Boundary-Layer Ingesting Propulsion System for the Common Research Model

The present paper examines potential propulsive and aerodynamic benefits of integrating a Boundary-Layer Ingestion (BLI) propulsion system into a typical commercial aircraft using the Common Research Model (CRM) geometry and the NASA Tetrahedral Unstructured Software System (TetrUSS). The Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) environment is used to generate engine conditions for CFD analysis. Improvements to the BLI geometry are made using the Constrained Direct Iterative Surface Curvature (CDISC) design method. Previous studies have shown reductions of up to 25% in terms of propulsive power required for cruise for other axisymmetric geometries using the BLI concept. An analysis of engine power requirements, drag, and lift coefficients using the baseline and BLI geometries coupled with the NPSS model are shown. Potential benefits of the BLI system relating to cruise propulsive power are quantified using a power balance method, and a comparison to the baseline case is made. Iterations of the BLI geometric design are shown and any improvements between subsequent BLI designs presented. Simulations are conducted for a cruise flight condition of Mach 0.85 at an altitude of 38,500 feet and an angle of attack of 2 deg for all geometries. A comparison between available wind tunnel data, previous computational results, and the original CRM model is presented for model verification purposes along with full results for BLI power savings. Results indicate a 14.4% reduction in engine power requirements at cruise for the BLI configuration over the baseline geometry. Minor shaping of the aft portion of the fuselage using CDISC has been shown to increase the benefit from Boundary-Layer Ingestion further, resulting in a 15.6% reduction in power requirements for cruise as well as a drag reduction of eighteen counts over the baseline geometry.

Blumenthal, Brennan T.↗