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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 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Smart Contracts for Power Grid Applications Using the Advanced DLT Cyber Grid Guard Testbed

In this study is presented two power system applications with distributed ledger technology (DLT) and smart contracts (SC) that were assessed in a Cyber-Grid-Guard System (CGGS) advanced testbed, with protective relays, power meters, communication devices, DLT devices, synchronized time source, clock displays and real time simulator. This CGGS testbed was set in the Advanced Protection Lab, 252 lab space of the Grid Research Integration and Deployment Center (GRID- C), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In power grids, customer-owned distributed energy resources (DERs) are more frequent than in the past, and the numbers of points of interconnection (POI) with customer-owned DERs have increased. Disruptive operation from DERs presents a risk to grid operations, and protective relays located at the POI are used to isolate out-of-tolerance or poorly behaving of DERs. Ensuring the integrity of data from the relays at the POI, and DLT could enhance the security of the power grids. The first application is a SC to define and control the allowable total power factor (TPF) of the DER (wind farm) output, and the terms of the SC are implemented using DLT with a CGGS for a customer-owned DER. The TPF SC was implemented by the CGGS using DLT. The experimental model was performed with a real-time simulator using a CGGS and relay in-the-loop. The data collected from the CGGS were used to execute the TPF SC. The TPF limits were between +0.9 and +1.0, and the breakers’ operation in the POI was controlled by the relay using the SC. The events were collected from the real-time simulator, CGGS, and SEL 700GT relay to validate a successful application of the TPF SC using DLT. The second application is a SC to measure and control the allowable voltage service limits (VSL) by the CGGS using DLT. The tests were performed by using a real-time simulator, CGGS and relay in-the-loop. The data was collected from the CGGS that executed the SC. The main constraints were defined based on ANSI C84.1 service voltage limits, and the operation of the breakers in the POI. The events were collected from the CGGS, and SEL 700GT relay to assess a successful operation of the VSL SC using DLT.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Enhancing Local Grid Resilience with Small Hydropower Hybrids: Proving the concept through demonstration, simulation, and analysis with Idaho Falls Power

Large hydropower, connected to the transmission system and typically possessing significant ability to balance grid frequency, has long been central to black start plans in regions where it is present. Small hydropower possesses most of the attributes required for black start but is often connected to distribution or sub-transmission systems and has less ability to balance grid frequency. Integrating energy storage such as batteries or ultracapacitors increases the combined asset’s ability to balance frequency. This asset integration enables a bottom-up grid restoration paradigm in which critical electric loads on the local distribution system can be powered even when the regional transmission system is down. This report presents a field demonstration conducted with Idaho Falls Power that proved this concept. The contribution of energy storage in restoring the small hydro-dominated distribution grid and its operational sensitivity across different control settings are further analyzed using high-fidelity simulations. Readers will learn about technical details on the field demonstration setup, energy storage contribution to black start, detailed simulation steps of islanded distribution grid restoration, and usage of field demonstration measurements for transient model refinements. Collectively this report points to a great opportunity for small hydropower to enhance resilience of local electric grids.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Understanding Regional Inertia Dynamics in CAISO from Real Grid Disturbances

The shift from synchronous generators to inverter-based resources has caused power system inertia to be unevenly distributed across power grids. As a result, certain grid regions are more vulnerable to high rate-of-change of frequency (RoCoF) during disturbances. This paper presents a measurement-based framework for estimating grid inertia in CAISO (California Independent System Operator) region using real disturbance-driven frequency data from the Frequency Monitoring Network (FNET/GridEye). By analyzing confirmed disturbances from 2013 to 2024, we identify trends in regional inertia and frequency dynamics, highlighting their relationship with renewable generation and the evolving duck curve. Regional RoCoF values were up to six times higher than interconnection-wide values, coinciding with declining inertia. Recent recovery in inertia is attributed to the increased deployment of battery energy storage systems with synthetic inertia capabilities. These findings underscore the importance of regional inertia monitoring, strategic resource planning, and adaptive operational practices to ensure grid reliability amid growing renewable integration.

Dulal, Saurav [University of Tennessee, Knoxville ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cyber‐Resilient Distributed Energy Resource Control Algorithms for Smart Distribution Grids

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the development of cyber‐resilient gradient‐based optimisation algorithms and theoretical proof for grid‐interactive distributed energy resource (DER) control to enable two grid services of virtual power plants (VPPs) dispatch and grid voltage regulation, considering the communication and security impacts. Firstly, the combined DER dispatch and voltage regulation as a real‐time gradient‐based optimisation problem is recapped. Thereafter, we consider a probabilistic traffic model to characterise 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 centre that execute this control algorithm in a coordinated manner. Then, a strategy combining delay thresholds and message update rules is proposed to immunity the asynchrony resulting from the communications traffic and it avoids possible numerical instabilities and sensitivities of the power tracking and voltage regulation capabilities, resulting as cyber‐resilient DER control algorithms. Additionally, their convergence is theoretically proved. Effectiveness of proposed cyber‐resilient algorithms has been validated on the IEEE 37‐bus system in terms of convergence, VPP tracking and voltage regulation performance for smart distribution systems with high penetration of DERs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Communication host profiles

The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for automating the configuration of communication hosts in a software defined network (SDN) associated with an electric power transmission and distribution system. The systems and methods presented herein may utilize communication host profiles to specify various repeatable attributes and customizable attributes that may be utilized to configure the communication host and the SDN. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a communication host profile subsystem configured to select a communication host profile associated with a communication host. The host communication profile subsystem may configure the communication host based on one or more repeatable attributes and on one or more customizable attributes specified in the host communication profile. A traffic routing system may further configure a plurality of communication flows in the SDN based on the communication host based on the host communication profile.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

High Speed Medium Voltage CHP System with Advanced Grid Support

The project was a collaboration between Clemson University and TECO Westinghouse Motor Company. The goal of the project was to develop a medium voltage commercial grid-tied system with advanced grid support functions. Current state-of-the-art in medium voltage, multi-megawatt power electronic systems do not support advanced grid functions, traditionally due to power electronic limitations and required applications. The developed system is capable of interacting with the power system at the distribution level to efficiently integrate gas turbine generation systems or any other ac generation system with up to 20MWe of power production capacity. This project demonstrated a high level of technical readiness of the 1MW, 500Hz, 15000 RPM high frequency Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generator and electric machine system, utilizing advanced grid support functions required by IEEE Std. 1547-2018.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Review on Building Resilient Power Networks: Emphasizing Adjacent Span Dynamics

This research article presents a comprehensive review of resilience in power transmission and distribution systems, focusing on key studies that examine structural integrity, mechanical stress distribution, and system reliability under various conditions. The article synthesizes findings across multiple studies, covering assumptions, system topologies, methodologies, and challenges that affect resilience in these networks. Particular attention is given to identifying studies that address the influence of adjacent spans and tower--line interactions, as these factors play a crucial role in the stress distribution and structural dynamics within poles, towers, and transmission lines. In addition to identifying critical factors contributing to system vulnerability, this review emphasizes the importance of continued research to better understand and mitigate risks from extreme events, such as high winds combined with ice storms. By consolidating knowledge on current challenges and future needs, this work outlines future directions to advance resilience studies and contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen power transmission and distribution networks, reducing disruptions in electricity supply and improving overall system resilience in an evolving climate landscape.

Ahmad, Tawsif [Pacific Northwest National Laborato↗
DOE OSTI2020

Analyzing the Effects of Cyberattacks on Distribution System State Estimation: Preprint

Key components of power systems—such as energy management systems, automatic generation control, and state estimation—are under serious vulnerability from cyber attacks. Cyber threats in electric grids have increased significantly because of the increased interconnectivity of supervisory control and data acquisition systems and public network infrastructure. As the penetration level of distributed energy resources increases, it is imperative to employ system-monitoring techniques such as state estimation for the reliable operation of distribution systems. Recently, multiple methods have been developed that exploit the low rank property of distribution system state matrix and are robust to bad data, such as matrix completion. This paper analyzes the impact of various realistic cyber attack scenarios on matrix completion. Realistic cyber attack scenarios are converted into data corruption models that are used in an extensive simulation of a custom IEEE 123-bus system.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Real-time power management technique for microgrid with flexible boundaries

In order to diminish the impacts brought by high penetration of renewable energy on the reliability of distribution systems, some distribution networks (e.g. Chattanooga electric power board system) have deployed smart switches (SSs) to island some areas to mitigate outage losses. However, due to intermittency and sharply changing rate of renewable energy, it is likely to experience insufficient or excessive power for islanded areas. Therefore, a microgrid controller featured with flexible boundaries is proposed. With proposed microgrid controller, the microgrid can not only shrink or expand its boundaries according to current renewable energy supply, but also disconnect/connect to the main grid with a designated SS. Furthermore, to ensure the microgrid controller could obtain suitable boundaries on the time scale of seconds, a real-time power management technique with alternative generating algorithm is designed to generate all possible alternative boundaries and choose the optimal one, which is scalable to any topology. In addition, in order to maintain state of charge of batteries within a desirable range, anti-overcharge/discharge strategies are designed. Four comprehensive experiments verify that the implementation of the microgrid controllers can realise flexible boundaries and deal with sharply changing rate of renewable generation or load on the time scale of seconds.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

GDM (Grid Data Models) [SWR-24-31]

Grid Data Models (GDM) is a collection of pydantic data models for power distribution and transmission system components. These data models can be easily serialized and deserialized. GDM provides a standard interface for accessing power system component data with built in validation. See also: https://pypi.org/project/grid-data-models/

Duwadi, Kapil↗
DOE OSTI2024

EVs@Scale Lab Consortium High-Power Charging Pillar Deep-Dive Technical Meeting

Managed under the the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded EVs@Scale Consortium, the High-Power Electric Vehicle Charging Hub Integration Platform (eCHIP) project aims to create an experimental platform for integration and control approaches in a direct current (DC), distribution-based high-power charging (HPC) system. The eCHIP project addresses the crucial need to design and validate efficient, low-cost, reliable, and interoperable solutions for a DC-coupled charging hub ("DC hub" for short). This report explains the design, development, and implementation process of an experimental platform for the DC hub. DC distribution holds significant potential for enhancing the operation of an HPC station architecture. However, there are challenges in establishing a DC hub, including interoperability, commoditization, distributed energy resource integration, stability, DC protection, and a lack of common system-level controllers. To address these challenges, a testing setup is required that accommodates commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, as well as novel, in-house designed solutions, to evaluate different use cases at rated power and voltage levels. The developed proof-of-concept charging platform and open-source SEMS allow the development and testing of various controllers and chargers from different vendors. The DC hub platform integrated EVs, an ESS, a PV system, and building load to demonstrate the flexibility of the platform. The open-source SEMS controlled the devices within the hub using a rule-based implementation, realizing available standards.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Collaborative Distribution System Restoration Planning and Real-Time Dispatch Considering Behind-the-Meter DERs

Modern distribution systems are becoming more resilient against power outages thanks to the flexible generation capacity provided by the increasing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). Compared to utility-scale DERs, which can be directly controlled by system operators, small-scale, behind-the-meter DERs are much more difficult to coordinate despite being the vast majority. Two major obstacles to the implementation of DERs for service restoration are the coordination of behind-the-meter DERs and the management of uncertainty. In this paper, a novel distribution system restoration strategy is proposed to overcome these two obstacles. The flexibility of be-hind-the-meter DERs is quantified and integrated into the restoration planning models within a hierarchical structure. The model predictive control technique is employed to enable adaptive restoration planning solution adjustments to accommodate fault scenarios and forecast errors. Besides, real-time power dispatch models are proposed to maintain power balance using available DER capability. Comprehensive integration of adaptive restoration planning schemes and real-time dispatch results are achieved through a collaborative restoration framework. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed restoration strategy is verified through a modified IEEE 123-bus system and a real-world utility system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Good Grids Make Good Neighbors

It's great to have neighbors you can depend on, whether you're borrowing a cup of sugar or you need someone to walk your dog while you're out of town. In the western Colorado neighborhood of Basalt Vista, the residents are even closer than most: They share their electricity. But unlike your neighbor with the sugar, the residents of Basalt Vista may not even know when they're being generous. The energy exchanges happen automatically, behind the scenes. What residents do know is how inexpensive, reliable, and renewable their electricity is.

autonomous energy grids↗
DOE OSTI2021

Systems and methods for randomized, packet-based power management of conditionally-controlled loads and bi-directional distributed energy storage systems

The present disclosure provides a distributed and anonymous approach to demand response of an electricity system. The approach conceptualizes energy consumption and production of distributed-energy resources (DERs) via discrete energy packets that are coordinated by a cyber computing entity that grants or denies energy packet requests from the DERs. The approach leverages a condition of a DER, which is particularly useful for (1) thermostatically-controlled loads, (2) non-thermostatic conditionally-controlled loads, and (3) bi-directional distributed energy storage systems. In a first aspect of the present approach, each DER independently requests the authority to switch on for a fixed amount of time (i.e., packet duration). The coordinator determines whether to grant or deny each request based electric grid and/or energy or power market conditions. In a second aspect, bi-directional DERs, such as distributed-energy storage systems (DESSs) are further able to request to supply energy to the grid.

Frolik, Jeff↗
DOE OSTI2021

Comparison of Probabilistic Forecasts for Predictive Voltage Control

This paper explores predictive cooperative voltage control in distribution systems with highly variable sources such as photovoltaics (PV). The goal is to maintain the voltage profile within the limits despite the fluctuations due to sudden changes in solar power generation. The predictive voltage control method relies on probabilistic solar power and load forecasts to select the optimum Voltage Regulator (VR) taps appropriately. VR taps are selected to minimize the risk of voltage violation. A modified version of the IEEE 123 system is used as the case study. A 100% penetration of solar power is assumed for the distribution system with profiles for solar generation and loads added to the system. Three different probabilistic forecast models (Quantile Regression (QR), Gaussian distribution and volatility forecasting using Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH)) are explored in this study. The results for the VR taps and Voltage Deviation Index (VDI) are compared to find the most effective forecast model.

Panamtash, Hossein↗
DOE OSTI2021

Location Selection of Fast-Charging Station for Heavy-Duty EVs Using GIS and Grid Analysis: Preprint

This work presents a systematic methodology for the location selection of fast-charging stations for heavy-duty Electric Vehicles (EVs) based on both geospatial and electrical grid analysis. The geo-spatial analysis is based on real-world geographic information system (GIS) data of road networks and existing supportive infrastructures. The grid analysis is implemented based on node level analysis of potential impacts on voltages and power losses in distribution system. A case study using realistic three-phase unbalanced distribution feeder from California and extracted real-world GIS data is used to demonstrate the intuitiveness and effectiveness of the proposed methodology for the location selection of fast charging station for heavy duty EVs.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Simulation-Based Analysis of Feeder Operation with Different PV Smart Inverter Functions on an Actual Distribution System: Preprint

High penetration of photovoltaics (PV) in distribution feeders can cause problems, such as overvoltage, reverse power flow, and large net load changes. Traditional voltage regulation devices, such as capacitors and voltage regulators, can solve some of these problems but might have some delays. Today, smart inverters are gradually being used to provide voltage regulation and frequency support in distribution systems. Different smart inverter settings have been recommended in various rules and standards; however, the potential benefits and their impacts on distribution system operation are not well compared and studied. This paper presents a comparison of different smart inverter settings as applied to a distribution system. An actual feeder model from San Diego Gas & Electric Company is used to conduct the simulation. Additionally, a load disaggregation method is proposed to disaggregate the load and PV profile for each load location using advanced metering infrastructure net load measurements. Then, different smart inverter settings are applied to the PV systems in the feeder, and the simulation results are compared. The results show that the implementation of specific functions of smart inverters can reduce voltage exceedances, and the utility can determine the specific inverter setting based on its operational requirements.

distribution system↗