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At least 433 records · Page 24

Efficient Trajectory Options Allocation for the Collaborative Trajectory Options Program

The Collaborative Trajectory Options Program (CTOP) is a Traffic Management Initiative (TMI) intended to control the air traffic flow rates at multiple specified Flow Constrained Areas (FCAs), where demand exceeds capacity. CTOP allows flight operators to submit the desired Trajectory Options Set (TOS) for each affected flight with associated Relative Trajectory Cost (RTC) for each option. CTOP then creates a feasible schedule that complies with capacity constraints by assigning affected flights with routes and departure delays in such a way as to minimize the total cost while maintaining equity across flight operators. The current version of CTOP implements a Ration-by-Schedule (RBS) scheme, which assigns the best available options to flights based on a First-Scheduled-First-Served heuristic. In the present study, an alternative flight scheduling approach is developed based on linear optimization. Results suggest that such an approach can significantly reduce flight delays, in the deterministic case, while maintaining equity as defined using a Max-Min fairness scheme.

Traffic Management Initiative (TMI)↗

Enhancing power grid resilience to winter storms via generator winterization with equity considerations

Here we develop two-stage stochastic programming models for generator winterization that enhance power grid resilience while incorporating social equity. The first stage in our models captures the investment decisions for generator winterization, and the second stage captures the operation of a degraded power grid, with the objective of minimizing load shed and social inequity. To incorporate equity into our models, we propose a concept called adverse effect probability that captures the disproportionate effects of power outages on communities with varying vulnerability levels. Grid operations are modeled using DC power flow, and equity is captured through mean or maximum adverse effects experienced by communities. We apply our models to a synthetic Texas power grid, using winter storm scenarios created from the generator outage data from the 2021 Texas winter storm. Our extensive numerical experiments show that more equitable outcomes, in the sense of reducing adverse effects experienced by vulnerable communities during power outages, are achievable with no impact on total load shed through investing in winterization of generators in different locations and capacities.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Computational framework for behind-the-meter DER techno-economic modeling and optimization: REopt Lite

The energy system is undergoing a major transformation with the global emphasis on decarbonization. Distributed generation is projected to play a significant role in the new energy system, and energy models are informing how distributed generation can be integrated reliably and economically. In this work, we present an end-to-end computational framework for distributed energy resource (DER) modeling, REopt Lite™, which captures the interface of technology, economics, and policy in the energy modeling process. We describe the problem space, the building blocks of the model, the scaling capabilities of the design, the optimization formulation, and the extensibility of the model. We present a framework for accelerating the techno-economic analysis of behind-the-meter distributed energy resources to enable rapid planning and decision-making, thereby enabling greater renewable energy deployment. This computation framework is open-sourced to facilitate transparency, flexibility, and wider collaboration opportunities within the worldwide energy modeling community.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

A generalized superstructure-based framework for process synthesis

We propose a general framework for the formulation of superstructure-based optimization models for holistic process synthesis. First, we redefine the fundamental problems of reactor, separation, and heat exchanger network synthesis, by presenting generalized problem statements, to make them amenable to seamless integration with each other. Second, we describe the general forms of models that can be developed to address these generalized problems and identify some key characteristics. Notably, for each system, we identify internal variables used only within the system, cost variables used in the objective function, and, importantly, coupling variables for the coupling between systems. Third, we outline some literature models that can be used to address the generalized problems and present new models to couple the three systems. Finally, we show how the individual components (systems and coupling models) can be integrated to formulate a single simultaneous reactor, separation, and heat exchanger network synthesis.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Integration of graphical approaches into optimization-based design of multistage liquid extraction

We propose two optimization models for designing two liquid extraction systems: simple multistage liquid extractors and extractors with extract reflux. Both models are motivated by the concepts of the modified McCabe-Thiele graphical method for multistage extractor design. The operating and equilibrium curves in the McCabe-Thiele method are represented by material balances and piece-wise linearized thermodynamics properties. The use of piece-wise approximations improves computational tractability of both optimization models. In addition, we consider some extensions such as dilute systems, insoluble solvents, and non-ideal stages. In conclusion, the applicability of the proposed models is demonstrated with four illustrative examples.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optimizing mixed cool thermal storage systems across a connected community

A high level of electric demand flexibility must be integrated into our building infrastructure to enable greater renewable energy penetration in the grid. In the U.S., 9% of electricity generated is used to cool buildings in a periodic manner, making this end-use an ideal target for active management through cool thermal energy storage (CTES) technologies. Historic uses for CTES are designed around central chilled water plants, but these systems cool less than 25% of U.S. commercial floorspace. Emerging technologies are under development to serve the many smaller distributed cooling systems, such as rooftop units (RTUs), and have the potential to add CTES to an additional 66% of cooled commercial floorspace. However, these unitary thermal storage systems (UTSS) lack the modeling and analysis tools to evaluate them in the future interactive grid context. Here, this study develops the modeling and optimization tools necessary to simultaneously examine central and distributed ice storage systems within the multi-building, connected community context. An integrated simulation-optimization workflow is created to allow for rapid customized analysis. Results demonstrate the energy and flexibility tradeoffs of various implementations.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

An interregional optimization approach for time series aggregation in continent-scale electricity system models

Modeling electric power systems with high shares of weather-dependent resources requires tradeoffs between temporal, spatial, and operational resolution. Many studies perform time series aggregation using clustering algorithms to reduce the temporal dimension, but when modeling continent-scale electricity systems that are large enough to contain multiple independent weather systems, this approach requires large numbers of representative periods to minimize errors in regional wind and solar capacity factors. Here, a new optimization-based approach for representative period selection and weighting is introduced that minimizes regional errors in average renewable capacity factors and electricity demand. The method delivers higher regional fidelity with fewer representative periods than alternative clustering methods when applied to wind, solar, and demand profiles for the contiguous United States. When representative periods are selected from multiple weather years, the optimized method reproduces regional averages with lower error than a complete 365-day time series from any single weather year. The method identifies only representative (as opposed to outlying) periods but can be combined with an iterative "stress period" identification approach to guide efficient decision-making considering both average and high-risk weather conditions.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A Decomposition-Based Learn-To-Optimize Approach with Feasibility Layer Assistance for Sub-Hourly Unit Commitment

Sub-hourly unit commitment (UC) with 15-min intervals is gaining significant attention as a way to respond rapidly to the fluctuations in electricity supply and demand introduced by renewable resources. However, the increased temporal resolution and complex inter-temporal dependencies pose substantial computational challenges for traditional optimization methods. To this end, this paper explores a decomposition-based learn-to-optimize approach. Building on recent advances in machine learning, our method revisits the long- overlooked Lagrangian relaxation framework, which is a classical decomposition technique that enables tractable subproblem solving. These smaller subproblems are inherently well-suited for machine learning, as their reduced dimensionality and structural regularity allow predictive models to efficiently learn and generalize solution patterns. We thus propose a generic predictive model, which embeds Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs) and Attention in the encoder-decoder structure, and integrate a rule-based feasibility layer to capture temporal dependencies, reduce training effort, and improve feasibility w.r.t. unit-level constraints. Our method has been validated on the IEEE 118-bus system, demonstrating promising performance in solving sub-hourly UC problems efficiently and feasibly.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Modeling and optimization of steady flow of natural gas and hydrogen mixtures in pipeline networks

Here, we extend the canonical problems of simulation and optimization of steady-state gas flows in pipeline networks with compressors to the transport of mixtures of highly heterogeneous gases injected throughout a network. Our study is motivated by proposed projects to blend hydrogen generated using clean energy into existing natural gas pipeline systems as part of efforts to reduce the reliance of energy systems on fossil fuels. Flow in a pipe is related to endpoint pressures by a basic Weymouth equation model, with an ideal gas equation of state, where the wave speed depends on the hydrogen concentration. At vertices, in addition to mass balance, we also consider mixing of incoming flows of varying hydrogen concentrations. The problems of interest are the heterogeneous gas flow simulation (HGFS), which determines system pressures and flows given fixed boundary conditions and compressor settings, as well as the heterogeneous gas flow optimization (HGFO), which extremizes an objective by determining optimal boundary conditions and compressor settings. We examine conditions for uniqueness of solutions to the HGFS, as well as compare and contrast mixed-integer and continuous nonlinear programming formulations for the HGFO. We develop computational methods to solve both problems, and examine their performance using four test networks of increasing complexity.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Physics-based modeling and information-theoretic sensor and settings selection for tool wear detection in precision machining

Precision machining of metals is an energy intensive process with applications and impacts across the manufacturing industry. The energy efficiency, product yield, and maintenance of the precision machine require a digital twin that can assist with prognostics and health management. In this report a physics-based model is developed and validated against face milling data, and then used for the timely and precise inference of machining faults that cannot be measured directly. Computer numerical control (CNC) measurements of power and force are used through this physics-based machining model to predict deviations of the outputs of power consumption and cutting forces during normal operation. A model-based fault detection and isolation methodology is applied to determine the optimal (traditional and available) sensor suite and the test settings (admissible input values) that improve the inference of tool wear in face milling. The optimal sensor suite and input test settings are obtained by solving a mixed integer non-linear program that optimizes information-theoretic metrics relevant to the detection and isolation of tool wear from steady-state or transient machining measurements. Dynamic time warping and k—NN classification are then used to validate the robustness of the optimal design for fault detection test design, including the optimal sensor suite.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A Scalable Meter Placement Method for Distribution System State Estimation

This paper studies the optimal meter placement problem for distribution system state estimation given limited measurement resources. We formulate the problem as a mixed integer semi-definite programming that minimizes the worst case estimation errors over a set of operating points. To solve the problem, we first relax the problem as a convex optimization problem. Motivated by the lack of scalability of existing solvers, we next leverage the special structure of the cost function and propose an algorithm based on barrier method that solves the problem with significantly better numerical performance. The proposed method has been validated on the IEEE 13-bus, IEEE 123-bus, and IEEE 8,500-bus feeders.

barrier method↗

ACOPF Transmission Switching Using Open-Source MINLP Solvers

The optimal transmission switching (OTS) problem with AC physics represents a mixed integer non-linear non-convex optimization problem which can provide benefits to transmission level power system operations. In this paper we benchmark a set of open-source mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) solvers on the OTS problem with AC physics using the pglib set of power system test cases. Results characterizing the performance of the different solvers are reported and discussed.

ACOPF↗

Transmission Constraint Filtering in Large-Scale Security-Constrained Unit Commitment

When solving the security-constrained unit commitment problem, one of the most complicating factors is handling the large number of transmission constraints, corresponding to both base case and N - 1 line contingency scenarios. Although it is well known that only a few of these constraints need to be enforced, identifying this critical subset of constraints efficiently remains a challenge. In this letter, we propose a novel and simple iterative contingency-screening procedure that is able to eliminate 99.4% of the constraints selected by existing iterative methods, allowing for the solution of much larger-scale problems. We report computational results in realistic instances with up to 6468 buses and 9000 transmission lines. Furthermore, the method was also independently implemented and evaluated at MISO, where it performed faster than alternative methods.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A Flexible Operation of Distributed Generation in Distribution Networks With Dynamic Boundaries

Distributed generators performing black start to form isolated microgrids offer a flexible and resilient solution to service restoration in distribution systems. Employing the dynamic microgrid concept, distributed generators can form isolated microgrids by changing their physical boundaries through smart switches and conventional circuit breakers. However, the flexibility of distributed generators has not been thoroughly investigated and utilised in existing works. To address this issue, this letter presents a new model to the reconfiguration formulation in active distribution networks considering different operation modes of distributed generators. Compared with the existing models, this study provides a new formulation supporting different DGs' operation modes and fully making use of their flexibility. Illustrative results on IEEE 34-test systems verify the effectiveness of the proposed model.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗