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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 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Advances in In-Situ Inspection of Automated Fiber Placement Systems

The advent of Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) systems have aided the rapid manufacturing of composite aerospace structures. One of the challenges that AFP systems present is the uniformity of the deposited prepreg tape layers, which are prone to laps, gaps, overlaps and twists. The current detection modus operandi involves halting fabrication and performing a time consuming visual inspection of each tape layer. Typical AFP systems use a quartz lamp to heat the base layer to make the surface tacky as it deposits another tape layer. The idea was proposed to use the preheated base layer as a through transmission heat source and to inspect the newly added tape layer using a thermographic camera. As a preliminary study of this concept a laboratory proof of concept device was designed and constructed to simulate the through transmission heat source. Using the proof of concept device, we inspected an AFP-built uncured composite specimen with artificial manufacturing defects. This paper will discuss the results of this preliminary study and the implications involved with deploying a full-scale AFP inspection system.

Juarez, Peter D.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Deploying Intra-hour Uncertainty Analysis Tools to ABB’s GridView - CRADA 445

The quickly-changing generation resource mix in the US grid, with large additions of variable resources, retirements of traditional thermal generation, distributed generation and demand response, are creating new challenges on the traditional operation of both the generation and transmission systems. The ability to perform intra-hour high fidelity production cost modeling (PCM) is needed to allow grid operators and grid planners to integrate high penetration (more than 50%) of variable energy resources, and to make prompt well informed decisions in market operations and planning. In the last decade, PNNL has developed several stand-alone tools to enable grid operators and planners to understand the impact of high variable generation on their systems. These tools have been used is studies such as: (1) Evaluation the benefits of WECC balancing authorities coordination under high variable generation penetration , (2) Benefits of Energy Imbalance Market in the North West Power Pool and (3) Duke Energy and NV Energy solar integration studies. ABB’s GridView is a widely used commercial PCM tool. It is the tool used by WECC and their stakeholders to develop the WECC PCM planning model on bi-annual basis. This proposal is focused on the integrating of PNNL intra-hour uncertainty analysis tools to GridView.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Rapid Evaluation and Response to Impacts on Critical End-Use Loads Following Natural Hazard-Driven Power Outages: A Modular and Responsive Geospatial Technology

The disparate nature of data for electric power utilities complicates the emergency recovery and response process. The reduced efficiency of response to natural hazards and disasters can extend the time that electrical service is not available for critical end-use loads, and in extreme events, leave the public without power for extended periods. This article presents a methodology for the development of a semantic data model for power systems and the integration of electrical grid topology, population, and electric distribution line reliability indices into a unified, cloud-based, serverless framework that supports power system operations in response to extreme events. An iterative and pragmatic approach to working with large and disparate datasets of different formats and types resulted in improved application runtime and efficiency, which is important to consider in real time decision-making processes during hurricanes and similar catastrophic events. This technology was developed initially for Puerto Rico, following extreme hurricane and earthquake events in 2017 and 2020, but is applicable to utilities around the world. Given the highly abstract and modular design approach, this technology is equally applicable to any geographic region and similar natural hazard events. In addition to a review of the requirements, development, and deployment of this framework, technical aspects related to application performance and response time are highlighted.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Iterative Reconstruction for Multimodal Neutron Tomography

Here, we describe a unified framework for model-based iterative 3-D reconstruction of multimodal neutron transmission, hydrogen-scatter, and induced-fission images from low resolution data recorded using 14.1-MeV neutrons and the associated-particle imaging (API) technique. The framework, which was developed to facilitate use in challenging field-deployment scenarios, is centered around physics-based system models and a total variation (TV) constrained implementation of the simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT). Modified to solve a statistically weighted least squares (WLS) problem, the SIRT algorithm is accelerated using ordered subsets and Nesterov’s momentum for which we derive a near-optimal value of the governing Lipschitz constant. The approach enables the reconstruction of images that are high resolution compared to the acquired data and is robust to both limited statistics and a limited number of projection angles. Moreover, the framework is fast enough to be practical. Example images are provided that demonstrate both the ability to perform fast-neutron imaging of high-atomic-number materials with low radiation dose and the benefit of multimodal neutron imaging to identify key materials.

Hydrogen scatter↗
DOE OSTI2022

Review of Radio Frequency Interference and Potential Impacts on the CMB-S4 Cosmic Microwave Background Survey

CMB-S4 will map the cosmic microwave background to unprecedented precision, while simultaneously surveying the millimeter-wave time-domain sky, in order to advance our understanding of cosmology and the universe. CMB-S4 will observe from two sites, the South Pole and the Atacama Desert of Chile. A combination of small- and large-aperture telescopes with hundreds of thousands of polarization-sensitive detectors will observe in several frequency bands from 20-300 GHz, surveying more than 50% of the sky to arcminute resolution with unprecedented sensitivity. CMB-54 seeks to make a dramatic leap in sensitivity while observing across a broad range of largely unprotected spectrum which is increasingly being utilized for terrestrial and satellite transmissions. Fundamental aspects of CMB instrument technology leave them vulnerable to radio frequency interference (RFI) across a wide range of frequencies, including frequencies outside of their observing bands. Ground-based CMB instruments achieve their extraordinary sensitivities by deploying large focal planes of superconducting bolometers to extremely dry, high-altitude sites, with large fractional bandwidths, wide fields of view, and years of integration time. Suitable observing sites have historically offered significant protection from RFI, both naturally through their extremely remote locations as well as through restrictions on local emissions. Since the coupling mechanisms are complex, "safe" levels or frequencies of emission that would not interfere with CMB measurements cannot always be determined through straightforward calculations. We discuss models of interference for various types of RFI relevant to CMB-54, mitigation strategies, and the potential impacts on survey sensitivity.

Cosmic Microwave Background↗
DOE OSTI2022

Fabrication of Black Body Grids by Thick Film Printing for Quantitative Neutron Imaging

Neutron imaging offers deep penetration through many high-Z materials while also having high sensitivity to certain low-Z isotopes such as 1H, 6Li, and 10B. This unique combination of properties has made neutron imaging an attractive tool for a wide range of material science and engineering applications. However, measurements made by neutron imaging or tomography are generally qualitative in nature due to the inability of detectors to discriminate between neutrons which have been transmitted through the sample and neutrons which are scattered by the sample or within the detector. Recent works have demonstrated that deploying a grid of small black bodies (BBs) in front of the sample can allow for the scattered neutrons to be measured at the BB locations and subsequently subtracted from the total measured intensity to yield a quantitative transmission measurement. While this method can be very effective, factors such as the scale and composition of the sample, the beam divergence, and the resolution and construction of the detector may require optimization of the grid design to remove all measurement biases within a given experimental setup. Therefore, it is desirable to have a method by which BB grids may be rapidly and inexpensively produced such that they can easily be tailored to specific applications. In this work, we present a method for fabricating BB patterns by thick film printing of Gd2O3 and evaluate the performance with variation in feature size and number of print layers with cold and thermal neutrons.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS2017

Transformers for Lunar Extreme Environments: Ensuring Long-Term Operations in Regions of Darkness and Low Temperatures: II - Phase

This report shows how solar power could enable robotic operations in permanently shaded regions at lunar poles, to extract water ice and further produce liquid hydrogen and oxygen (LH2/LO2) propellant. The power needs are derived from an Architecture for Human Exploration of Mars based entirely on lunar propellant. The extraction of 10 metric tons of water per day (at 10% water in regolith) requires approx. 0.6 MW thermal power. Additional approx. 2 MW electric power are required to produce 7.5 metric tons of LH2/LO2 propellant per day, as needed by the architecture. To provide power to processing equipment inside Shackleton Crater, optimal locations are determined on the crater rim, from which several reflecting TransFormers (TFs) would redirect sunlight, achieving a combined period of illumination of approx. 99% of the year. A single 40-m diameter reflector could provide up to 1 MW solar power. Inflatable rigidizable tower support structures raise reflectors above ground for better solar exposure. There are trade-offs: e.g., two reflectors at ground level would provide the same combined total illumination as a single tower approx. 100-m tall. Such a TF based on a 100-m tower made with inflatable 2-m beams and 40-m diameter reflectors would be of similar dimensions as an MSL-class rover (approx. 1000 kg, 10 m(exp 3)). A TF-prospector rover combo could be designed and deployed in a Discovery-class mission searching for water. The TransFormers would be nodes of a Lunar Utilities Infrastructure that provides solar power year-round in the proximity of the pole, as well as local data transmission andintermittent direct to earth communications. This infrastructure would be instrumental infacilitating the development of a lunar economy.

fuel↗
NASA NTRS2018

Simulation and Analysis of Opportunistic MSPA for Multiple Cubesat Deployments

We describe a software approach for simultaneous demodulation and decoding of multiple frequency- multiplexed spacecraft across multiple ground stations. The approach involves the use of a single ground antenna with wide enough aperture to receive multiple angularly adjacent spacecraft simultaneously. This technique uses a wide-band RF signal digitizer coupled with easily and cheaply duplicated software-receiver modules to independently process the frequency-channelized downlink signals from the spacecraft. This approach relaxes the need for realizable modems at each antenna, for example in the Deep-SpaceNetwork (DSN), and can also function as a delayed data retrieval method for cubesat missions with routine science data return. Thus, we hope that this solution can enable more efficient utilization of DSN assets. We concentrate on a simulation similar to the proposed Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) mission from a geometric perspective. To that end, the simulated scenario involves ten secondary cubesats deployed and tracked for a span of four days (the modeled motion over the first four days of the mission does not include any Trajectory Correction Maneuvers (TCMs) that may be necessary as the cubesats approach the moon). Transmissions from the cubesats may be received through a combination of DSN ground sites based on visibility. The cubesats are assumed to utilize typical cubesat transmit powers and a waveform similar to that of the Iris radio. One cubesat is chosen as the “target” and is considered tracked by all ground-stations throughout the simulation (i.e., it is consistently at the center of the main lobe of each ground station antenna when the ground station is in view of the cubesat in terms of elevation angle). The simulation effort involves synthesizing a wideband signal that includes the ten cubesats across a large bandwidth due to each cubesat having its own center-frequency in X-band, near 8.4 GHz. Each signal is characterized by its own Doppler-frequency shift and free-space path-loss computed through the underlying geometry of the simulation as well as the cubesat transmit power. Finally, each cubesat signal experiences a unique antenna gain at each ground station due to the underlying antenna pattern and spacecraft-ground station geometry. We establish two interesting findings: First, the link-budget for the EM-1-like scenario is almost completely limited by the angle between the center of the antenna main beam and the cubesat, which means that the signal-to-noise ratio is wholly adequate for demodulation and decoding at the simulated bitrates unless the cubesat exits the main beam. Secondly, and fortunately due to the use of a software radio architecture, we show that it is possible to successfully receive signals from most cubesats for the entire 4-day simulation. Due to the signal-to-noise ratio being sufficient for demodulation even after the side-lobe’s 17dB reduction in SNR, the software radio can still demodulate such cubesats as long as the radio is capable of re-establishing carrier lock as the cubesats leave the main beam and enter the side-lobe. Considering that the target application utilizes offline processing, a loss of lock can be detected and lock can be re-established by iterating over the data. Extensive simulations demonstrate these results.

Abraham, Douglas S.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Implementation and Operation of Power Flow Control Solutions for Transmission Systems

Power-flow controls (PFCs) technologies provide a suite of alternatives to more-efficiently direct the flow of power on the grid, improving flexibility and enabling the grid to be more responsive and resilient. PFCs can be used in many cases to mitigate overloads and consequently defer the installation of grid-expansion projects. They can also be suitable options in situations where new transmission lines cannot be built because of environmental constraints, land use, or other types of restrictions. Other uses include mitigation of loop or unintended flows, forcing of contractual or scheduled flows, reduction of congestion, and mitigation solutions during large maintenance or construction projects. While many studies have demonstrated the potential economic benefits of PFC for different types of applications, the implementation implications of using multiple PFCs for system operation and reliability have not been analyzed in detail. The lack of information and practical experience on these aspects hinders adoption of this technology. One use case would be that multiple PFCs are required to coordinate congestion management. In such cases, multiple PFCs are deployed in a meshed power system to control power flows across a wide area. The challenges are associated with PFC interaction—namely, the self and mutual power-flow sensitivity of each PFC, which must be accounted for in the calculation of the respective operating setpoints. This report analyzes implementation and operation that must be considered in evaluating transmission solutions using PFCs. The report first analyzes attributes with which PFC-based solutions should comply, based on the objective and characteristics of each particular use case. It then describes different approaches for coordinated control of multiple PFC devices for different applications, including options to avoid adverse interactions and reduce risks due to inappropriate coordination. Control and operation are illustrated through case studies performed on both generic and actual power system models. This report provides insights for transmission planners and operation engineers about the implementation of PFC-based transmission solutions; consequently, it will help them make informed decisions about the adoption of the technology.

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DOE OSTI2023

Deployment Feasibility Futures Analysis of Natural Gas Combined Cycle with Carbon Capture in Five U.S. Regions

A broad suite of technologies will be required to enable the United States to meet the current goal of a zero-carbon power sector by 2035, while continuing to provide the U.S. consumer with reliable, secure, stable, and affordable electricity. This study was conducted to evaluate the competitiveness of a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) with carbon capture and storage (CCS) in five independent system operating areas, the PJM interconnection (PJM) regional transmission organization, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), Western Electricity Coordinating Council’s (WECC) Northwest Power Pool (NWPP) region, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC) in the 2030 to 2035 time horizon. The modeling and simulation efforts focused on determining the dispatch characteristics and the economic feasibility of constructing an NGCC plant with CCS in each of those regions. The analysis indicates that a NGCC system with CCS can be economically viable in the ERCOT and PJM regions. Additional revenue stream and/or capacity payments are required in MISO, NWPP, and SERC to enable successful commercial deployment of a NGCC with CCS.

Pickenpaugh, Gavin↗
DOE OSTI2023

Resolving Nanoscale Processes during Carbon Mineralization Using Identical Location Transmission Electron Microscopy

Basalt reservoirs offer the potential for carbon mineralization, aiding in achieving net-zero emissions. However, debates persist about microscopic crystallization mechanisms due to limited characterization techniques under high-temperature and pressure conditions. By using Identical Location Transmission Electron Microscopy (IL-TEM) and cryo-TEM, this study reveals nanoscale interfacial carbonation processes of forsterite and diopside nanoparticles in water-saturated supercritical carbon dioxide under realistic reservoir conditions. Further, both minerals undergo preferential metal cation dissolution into a thin water film, forming porous Si-rich amorphous layers, supporting the leached layer mechanism as the dominant mineral reactivity process. Diopside’s amorphous layer has lower porosity and growth rate relative to forsterite, likely related to the connectivity of silicate tetrahedra. Kinetically favorable nesquehonite and aragonite nanocrystals form on the amorphous layers. These findings support the development of accurate reservoir simulations and help enable commercial-scale carbon storage deployment.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Probabilistic Cloud Optimized Day-Ahead Forecasting System Based on WRF-Solar (Final Report)

The most persistent challenge in both intraday and day-ahead solar forecasting is to get numerical weather prediction models to produce the right type of clouds with the right frequency at the right time and place. Another challenge is to understand and communicate the forecast uncertainty. The objective of this project was to develop an optimized ensemble-based solar irradiance forecasting system that will (1) demonstrably improve the current state-of-the-art solar forecasts from the deterministic Weather Research and Forecasting-Solar (WRF-Solar) model and (2) provide probabilistic forecasts for grid operations. This probabilistic solar forecasting system, referred to as the WRF-Solar Ensemble Prediction System (WRF-Solar EPS), aims to significantly enhance both the intraday and the day-ahead solar forecasting capability for grid operations. This technical report summarizes the work performed in the past 3 years through a collaboration between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the National Center for Atmospheric Research as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Forecasting 2 program that aims to improve the accuracy of solar energy forecasts and enable increased deployment of solar energy on the electric grid.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

International Cybersecurity: Capabilities and Overview [Slides]

Innovations in clean energy technology are beginning to transform electric grids around the world. It is more important than ever to understand and improve the resiliency and security of the grid against natural and human disruptions as our energy systems become more distributed, intelligent, and interconnected. Through its advanced cybersecurity technical assistance portfolio, experts at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) work with international governments to support secure and resilient deployment of renewable energy assets and address grid interconnection challenges. Cybersecurity technical assistance is tailored to the needs of our international partners.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

CSP Plant Optimization Study for the California Power Market (“CalCSP”) (Final Technical Report)

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) with thermal energy storage offers a unique and strategic opportunity to support California’s clean energy transition. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) systems, CSP with thermal storage can generate electricity after sunset and during periods of high demand, making it a valuable complement to intermittent renewable resources. CSP also provides synchronous, inertia-contributing generation, long-duration storage, and flexible dispatch—capabilities increasingly important as thermal plants retire. This report summarizes the findings of the CSP Plant Optimization Study for the California Power Market or “CalCSP study,” which evaluated the technical, economic, environmental, and policy factors that influence the deployment of CSP technologies in California. The CalCSP study was conducted to assess how CSP can contribute to California’s long-term decarbonization goals while enhancing grid reliability, supporting local economic development, and making efficient use of land and transmission resources. It draws on detailed modeling of CSP performance and costs, site suitability analysis, policy reviews, and stakeholder engagement across utilities, regulators, developers, and community organizations. The analysis focuses on mature molten-salt tower technology and incorporates lessons learned from the global CSP fleet, distinguishing today’s CSP from earlier first-of-a-kind projects in the U.S. The findings support a more prominent role for CSP in California’s evolving clean energy landscape. With strategic planning, targeted policy support, and continued cost improvements, CSP can complement PV and batteries to deliver reliable, around-the-clock clean electricity—especially in areas with high solar resource and constrained grid capacity.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Transient Simulations with a Large Penetration of Converter-Interfaced Generation: Scientific Computing Challenges and Opportunities

Current trends in energy systems point to renewable energy sources (RESs) and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) becoming prevalent in power system operations. As of writing this article, the United States has more than 37 GW of utility-scale solar capacity and an additional 112 GW under development. With the rapidly declining capital costs of many of these technologies, we can expect significant deployments in the coming years.

analytical models↗
DOE OSTI2022

Data Validation for Hosting Capacity Analyses: Executive Summary

The usefulness of Hosting Capacity Analysis (HCA) is dependent on users' confidence that the results accurately reflect grid conditions. This report provides the findings and recommendations from research, conducted by The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), into HCA data validation best practices. The goal is to provide utilities, regulators, and stakeholders best practices for HCA data validation procedures so that future HCA deployments avoid uncertainties and potential mistakes from earlier rollouts and provide useful and accurate data from the day they are published.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

eMosaic: Electrification Mosaic Platform for Grid Informed Smart Charging Management (Final Scientific/Technical Report)

ABB (Prime Contractor), in collaboration with its partners at the Utah State University (USU), Idaho National Laboratory, Rocky Mountain Power (RMP), and Electric Power Engineers (EPE), have performed research, development, and wide scale demonstration of a scalable and resilient Electrification Mosaic (eMosaic) platform for Smart Charge Management (SCM) for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. Work was completed under DE EE0009194, titled “eMosaic Electrification Mosaic Platform for Grid Informed Smart Charging Management”, funded by the US Department of Energy. The project members developed algorithms that provide localized and bulk grid services and that reduce and stabilize costs all the way down the supply chain to the PEV owner through SCM. This platform aggregates telemetry from multiple data sources as pieces of the larger picture including personal, private fleet or transportation EVs, fast chargers and other supply equipment, weather service information, and geographically distributed charging sites such as public lots, garage and retail, and private or shared usage depots. ABB and the project team designed, tested, and improved a charging management system at local/edge and cloud levels. The ultimate objective of the project was to convincingly demonstrate that the developed secure eMosaic plat-form can be readily and favorably adopted by diverse utilities and site owners at scale. This was achieved through a demonstration plan with field deployment at several physical sites across 4 states and additional scalable simulation from high fidelity charging models.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Adaptive Protection and Validated Models to Enable Deployment of High Penetrations of Solar PV (PV-MOD)

The availability and validation of various PV models in commercial tools differ, with some models not yet thoroughly validated for advanced inverter functionalities and reliable performance under weak system conditions. Many existing models do not fully incorporate new inverter control functions, which can affect system stability. The increasing deployment of solar PV and other inverter-based resources (IBRs), including distributed energy resources (DERs), is influencing the reliable operation of protection schemes in distribution systems and microgrids. Emerging adaptive protection schemes (APS) offer new opportunities for protecting these systems during varying configurations and DER operating conditions, though their demonstration and validation remain limited. Adaptive protection schemes face similar challenges, as they are typically designed for specific configurations. There is a growing need for tools and methodologies to streamline the deployment of adaptive protection for safe and reliable DER integration. The project main objective was to develop and validate high-fidelity generic models of solar PV facilities for stability, protection, EMT, and QSTS analyses. This objective was achieved, and these models can now be integrated into commercial software tools, enabling utilities, vendors, and developers to study high-penetration PV systems more confidently. The project also demonstrated advanced applications of these models, including the design and deployment of adaptive protection schemes in high-penetration field applications and microgrids, supporting grid safety and reliability. Several milestones were reached by the end of the project. A sophisticated inverter test plan was developed, and inverters representative of the North American marketplace were selected. EPRI and NREL tested various inverters, conforming to IEEE standards. Improvements were made to existing generic models of IBR units, IBR plants, and aggregated feeders for various analyses. The first generic electromagnetic transient (EMT) model for a solar PV plant was developed, conforming to IEEE Std 2800™-2022 and validated against laboratory measurements of a 2.2 MVA large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) inverter. That model was then used to produce reference responses illustrating examples of validated and verified IBR plant models that pass or fail tests for technical minimum capability and performance as specified in the IEEE standard. The developed, tested, and validated generic models can be used for transmission planning, stability assessments, expansion planning, and evaluating potential future IBR interconnection requirements. They can also support interconnection screens and conformity assessments of IBR plants, including solar PV. The project significantly contributed to the ongoing standardization and model-based representation and verification of IBR responses. The project further addressed challenges of common distribution protection schemes with increasing deployment of DER by developing, validating, and demonstrating adaptive protection schemes (APS) that can improve the reliable and safe integration of DER into distribution systems. New APS were designed using improved DER models for three common distribution systems: a radial feeder, a meshed network, and a microgrid. Modeling and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of the APS were conducted, successfully showing their effectiveness and selectivity. Proof-of-concept field demonstration was achieved for two APS, i.e., one on a radial feeder and another one in a microgrid. Field demonstration could not be achieved for the APS on a meshed network, primarily due apprehension of one utility partner and also due to limited access to the protective algorithms in the network protectors. Guidelines developed from the lessons learned in the project lay out the general process followed in the design, installation, and commissioning of APS for various distribution systems. Distribution utility partners’ apprehension about field demonstration of the new APS were addressed—with varying success—by taking a stepped risk-management approach of modeling of a wide range of sensitivities first, performing in-depth proof-of-concept testing in the laboratory including HIL next, and finally deliberately implementing and commissioning the actual protection equipment and algorithms into parts of—or in parallel operation to—the three real distribution systems. Future work should include pilot projects that further show the acceptable performance of the developed APS before these schemes be rolled out more widely. Inclusion of both utility and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in future projects could increase chances of successful field demonstration. Despite challenges in achieving the field demonstration goal of the project for all three APS, the research significantly contributed to the innovation of adaptive protection solutions for scalable and reliable DER integration into distribution systems. This project significantly enhances the understanding of the impact of using appropriate inverter models on distribution and transmission (T&D) systems. By addressing the limitations of existing generic models, the project introduces high-fidelity models for stability, protection, electromagnetic transient (EMT), and quasi-static time series (QSTS) analyses. These models, integrated into commercial software tools, enable utilities, vendors, and developers to confidently study high-penetration PV systems. The project also demonstrates advanced applications, including adaptive protection schemes (APS) for distribution systems and microgrids, ensuring grid safety and reliability. The technical effectiveness and economic feasibility of the methods are evident through the development and validation of sophisticated inverter test plans and the selection of representative inverters. Testing by EPRI and NREL on retail, commercial, and utility-scale inverters, conforming to IEEE standards, underscores the robustness of the models. Improvements to existing generic models for various analyses further enhance their validity and applicability. The project also identifies gaps in common distribution protection schemes and designed new APS using improved DER models, demonstrating their effectiveness through modeling and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing. The project’s benefits to the public are manifold. By advancing the standardization and model-based representation of IBR response, it supports transmission planning, stability assessments, and future IBR interconnection requirements. The generic models can facilitate better communication between transmission planners and developers, supporting expected IBR plant capability and performance. Additionally, the development of APS for radial feeders, meshed networks, and microgrids supports the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into distribution systems, enhancing grid reliability and safety. The project’s emphasis on thorough testing and simplicity in design ensures practical and scalable solutions for DER integration.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗