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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 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Module-OT: A Hardware Security Module for Operational Technology

Increased penetration levels of renewable energy and other types of distributed energy resources (DERs) on the modern electric grid-combined with technological advancements for electric system monitoring and control-introduce new cyberattack vectors and increase the cyberattack surface of energy systems. According to the IEEE Std. 1547-2018, DERs must use Modbus, Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3), or Smart Energy Profile 2.0 (SEP2) as their communication protocol. Previous research identified several vulnerabilities and security breaches in each one of these communication protocols; despite this, existing standards for DERs do not recommend cybersecurity measures. In order to reduce vulnerabilities in power distribution systems, this paper presents a novel open-source hardware security module that improves both information and operational security to better protect data and communications on the distribution grid. The security hardware is called “module for operational technology,” or simply Module-OT, and it has been validated and tested in an emulated distribution system application. Module-OT is integrated within a communication system in the transport layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. It improves system security through encryption, authentication, authorization, certificate management, and user access control. The main advancement of Module-OT is the addition of hardware cryptographic acceleration that improves the overall communication performance in terms of end-to-end latency.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Strategy for Forced Oscillation Suppression

Wide-area time-synchronized measurements have recently revealed troublesome forced oscillations (FOs) within modern synchronized power grids. In some cases, these FOs represent a dangerous hazard to the system. Recent research has focused on locating the source of FOs to provide operators with knowledge for mitigating their impact locally. This paper presents a complementary mitigation strategy, which is to purposely induce a second oscillation into the grid which cancels the impact of the FO. Such a strategy is complementary in that it may provide valuable time to operators attempting to locate the FOs source and to determine how to rectify it. This paper presents a suppression control strategy which modulates controllable devices to automatically cancel the impact of the FO without the need for locating the source of the original FO. The strategy is based upon tuned feedback control. In this study, the approach is demonstrated on a simulation system via modulation of inverter-based generation.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Geochemical characterization of lithium deposition in fossil energy wastes

Lithium is a critical mineral used in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and future modernization of electric grids with sensitive supply chains that are subject to volatility. Therefore, methods to recover lithium from domestic unconventional sources are actively being pursued in the United States. Herein, we report on the lithium recovery potential from four fossil energy waste feedstocks: oil and gas drill cuttings (sample number n = 16); oil and gas produced waters (n > 200) from Marcellus, Bakken and Permian basins; coal byproducts (n>20), such as coal ash; and acid mine drainage treatment solids (AMD solids). Select solid samples underwent sequential extraction to explore lithium hosting phases and simple organic and inorganic acid extraction to explore lithium recovery potential. Our preliminary results found lithium concentrations up to 440 mg/kg in select AMD treatment solids and up to 300 mg/L in Marcellus Shale produced waters, demonstrating these sources have lithium yield potentials comparable to conventionally mined lithium ores and brines. Sequential extractions revealed that lithium is mostly associated with clay and silicate phases in shale drill cuttings, whereas lithium resides in Fe,Mn-oxide reducible phases in AMD solids. Further, the lithium content in produced waters has a strong linear relationship with total dissolved solid (TDS) levels in three separate oil and gas basins. At the same TDS level, Marcellus Shale produced waters contain more lithium compared to Bakken Shale and Permian Basin waters, with higher percentages of Ca and Mg, major cations that might impact lithium recovery efficiencies. Our study demonstrates the heterogeneity of lithium hosts from different fossil energy wastes. Characterization results will inform future lithium recovery from these different feedstocks.

Stuckman, Mengling↗
DOE OSTI2015

Coupled Mechanical-Electrochemical-Thermal Modeling for Accelerated Design of EV Batteries; NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

The physical and chemical phenomena occurring in a battery are many and complex and in many different scales. Without a better knowledge of the interplay among the multi-physics occurring across the varied scales, it is very challenging and time consuming to design long-lasting, high-performing, safe, affordable large battery systems, enabling electrification of the vehicles and modernization of the grid. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, has been developing thermal and electrochemical models for cells and battery packs. Working with software producers, carmakers, and battery developers, computer-aided engineering tools have been developed that can accelerate the electrochemical and thermal design of batteries, reducing time to develop and optimize them and thus reducing the cost of the system. In the past couple of years, we initiated a project to model the mechanical response of batteries to stress, strain, fracture, deformation, puncture, and crush and then link them to electrochemical and thermal models to predict the response of a battery. This modeling is particularly important for understanding the physics and processes that happen in a battery during a crush-inducing vehicle crash. In this paper, we provide an overview of electrochemical-thermal-mechanical models for battery system understanding and designing.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Hardware-in-the-Loop Co-simulation of Distribution Grid for Demand Response

In modern power systems, co-simulation is proposed as an enabler for analyzing the interactions between disparate systems. This paper introduces the co-simulation platform Virtual Grid Integration Laboratory (VirGIL) including Hardware-in-the-Loop testing, and demonstrates its potential to assess demand response strategies. VirGIL is based on a modular architecture using the Functional Mock-up Interface industrial standard to integrate new simulators. VirGIL combines state-of-the-art simulators in power systems, communications, buildings, and control. In this work, VirGIL is extended with a Hardware-in-the-Loop component to control the ventilation system of a real 12-story building in Denmark. VirGIL capabilities are illustrated in three scenarios: load following, primary reserves and load following aggregation. Experimental results show that the system can track one minute changing signals and it can provide primary reserves for up-regulation. Furthermore, the potential of aggregating several ventilation systems is evaluated considering the impact at distribution grid level and the communications protocol effect.

Rotger-Griful, Sergi↗
DOE OSTI2018

Synchrophasor Data Correction under GPS Spoofing Attack: A State Estimation-Based Approach

GPS spoofing attack (GSA) has been shown to be one of the most imminent threats to almost all cyber-physical systems incorporated with the civilian GPS signal. Specifically, for our current agenda of the modernization of the power grid, this may greatly jeopardize the benefits provided by the pervasively installed phasor measurement units (PMU). In this paper, we consider the case where synchrophasor data from PMUs are compromised due to the presence of a single GSA, and show that it can be corrected by signal processing techniques. In particular, we introduce a statistical model for synchrophasorbased power system state estimation (SE), and then derive the spoofing-matched algorithms for synchrophasor data correction against GPS spoofing attack. Different testing scenarios in IEEE 14-, 30-, 57-, 118-bus systems are simulated to show the proposed algorithms’ performance on GSA detection and state estimation. Numerical results demonstrate that our proposed algorithms can consistently locate and correct the spoofed synchrophasor data with good accuracy as long as the system observability is satisfied. The accuracy of state estimation is significantly improved compared with the traditional weighted least square method and approaches the performance under the Genie-aided method.

Phasor measurement units, Global Positioning Syste↗
DOE OSTI2026

Statistical Analysis of Inter-Area Oscillations in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection: A 2017-2023 Perspective

Recent advancements and the accumulation of high-resolution, long-term phasor measurement unit (PMU) data have provided detailed insights into inter-area oscillations in power grids. This study conducts a comprehensive statistical analysis of inter-area oscillations within the United States Eastern Interconnection from 2017 to 2023. Utilizing data captured by the advanced wide-area Frequency Monitoring Network (FNET/GridEye), this investigation examines the occurrence patterns, dominant frequencies, damping ratios, and excitation mechanisms of these oscillations. Our analysis sheds light on the evolving statistical behaviors of inter-area oscillations, offering updated and critical information for grid operators and planners. The insights gained from this study can be instrumental in enhancing the operational resilience of the power network and guiding strategic developments in grid infrastructure to accommodate future challenges. Additionally, the study discusses emerging challenges associated with the modernization of the power grid, including increased renewable penetration, dynamic load variability, and cyber-physical vulnerabilities that complicate oscillation monitoring and control.

Inter-area oscillations↗
DOE OSTI2026

Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems Cyber Range

As digital technologies expand to meet the needs of a more autonomous, interconnected, and advanced power system, new cybersecurity complexities and vulnerabilities arise. The ARIES Cyber Range enables the energy sector to evaluate these evolutions and validate cybersecurity solutions without impacting live systems. Combining power grid-scale hardware with emulation and simulation approaches, the ARIES Cyber Range can faithfully replicate modern energy systems - from grid physics to communication networks, and everything in between - with real-world fidelity. At NLR, researchers and partners are answering complex power system cybersecurity questions, examining emerging threats to the electric sector, and de risking new security technologies, all at a mission-relevant speed that keeps pace with rapidly evolving systems and hazards.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Potential For Plug-In Electric Vehicles To Provide Grid Support Services

Since the modern-day introduction of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), scientists have proposed leveraging PEV battery packs as distributed energy resources for the electric grid. PEV charging can be controlled not only to provide energy for transportation but also to provide grid services and to facilitate the integration of renewable energy generation. With renewable generation increasing at an unprecedented rate, most of which is non-dispatchable and intermittent, the concept of using PEVs as controllable loads is appealing to electric utilities. This additional functionality could also provide value to PEV owners and drive PEV adoption. It has been widely proposed that PEVs can provide valuable grid services, such as load shifting to provide voltage regulation. The objective this work is to address the degree to which PEVs can provide grid services and mutually benefit the electric utilities, PEV owners, and auto manufacturers.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2010

Detecting and mitigating abnormal events in large scale networks: budget constrained placement on smart grids

Several scenarios exist in the modern interconnected world which call for an efficient network interdiction algorithm. Applications are varied, including various monitoring and load shedding applications on large smart energy grids, computer network security, preventing the spread of Internet worms and malware, policing international smuggling networks, and controlling the spread of diseases. In this paper we consider some natural network optimization questions related to the budget constrained interdiction problem over general graphs, specifically focusing on the sensor/switch placement problem for large-scale energy grids. Many of these questions turn out to be computationally hard to tackle. We present a particular form of the interdiction question which is practically relevant and which we show as computationally tractable. A polynomial-time algorithm will be presented for solving this problem.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Open-Source Architecture for Multi-Party Update Verification for Data Acquisition Devices

Power grids are integral parts of modern daily life and are increasingly under cyberattack. Common software update processes for grid control devices rely on only one organization to provide verification. This paper roposes a multi-signature software update process to help better secure data acquisition devices from malicious actions by using standard cryptosystems such as TLS. A prototype system build on Linux and off-the-shelf hardware has shown successful update and attack prevention with our customized multi-party update software.

Newberg, Benjamin↗
DOE OSTI2022

Resilient Inverter-Driven Black Start with Collective Parallel Grid-Forming Operation: Preprint

As the modern power systems are experiencing exceptional changes with increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs), system restoration using IBRs has received attention. Using local grid-forming (GFM) assets near consumers, engineered to establish grid voltages in the absence of a stiff grid, i.e., bottom-up restoration, a distribution system would obtain high system resilience, by not relying on the bulk power system restoration requiring significant human intervention and procedure to restore. This paper studies the technical feasibility of the novel approach with detailed electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations. To thoroughly evaluate the potential of GFM inverters and technical challenges in IBR-driven black start, a detailed three-phase inverter model is developed, including negative-sequence control for voltage balance and a phase-by-phase current limiter to sustain momentary overloading during the black start. To examine dynamic aspects of the black start process, the EMT simulation also models transformer and motor dynamics to emulate their inrush and start-up behaviors as well as network dynamics. In addition, active involvement of grid-following distributed energy resources (DER) is also studied to facilitate the black start process. It is shown that, by allowing multiple GFM inverters to collectively black start without master-slave coordination, a system can achieve high resilience even with a fraction of assets lost. Two test cases of inverter-driven black start using two and one GFM inverters, respectively, for a heavily unbalanced 2-MVA distribution feeder are demonstrated. Takeaways for further study and field deployment are provided.

grid-forming inverter↗
DOE OSTI2012

Discontinuous Galerkin Dynamical Core in HOMME

Atmospheric numerical modeling has been going through radical changes over the past decade. One major reason for this trend is due to the recent paradigm change in scientific computing , triggered by the arrival of petascale computing resources with core counts in the tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands range. Modern atmospheric modelers must adapt grid systems and numerical algorithms to facilitate an unprecedented levels of scalability on these modern highly parallel computer architectures. The numerical algorithms which can address these challenges should have the local properties such as high on-processor floating-point operation count to bytes moved and minimum parallel communication overhead.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Grid Architecture Mapping to Understand Transformation (GAMUT): Concept Definition

The electric power system is undergoing significant transformation driven by changes in the generation mix, increasing reliance on information and communication technologies, evolving customer expectations, and a dynamic cyber-physical environment. To address these challenges, substantial investments will be made over the next decade to create a flexible, affordable, secure, reliable, and resilient electric system. In response, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity is developing knowledge management tools aimed at systematically documenting technology pilots and demonstration projects. This initiative seeks to improve understanding of operating contexts, planning steps, and integration requirements for innovative grid technologies. The Department of Energy project leverages Grid Architecture principles to collect and organize insights into the interdependencies, requirements, and capabilities of various grid solutions. By employing a systematic approach, the project aims to perform a feasibility study for the development of a software tool that will support stakeholders, including regulators, transmission and distribution system operators, distributed energy resources aggregators, and technology providers. By offering a systematic, software-based framework to document technologies, understand their benefits and impacts, and inform deployment strategies, the proposed Grid Architecture Mapping to Understand Transformation (GAMUT) Tool is intended to reduce costs, enhance decision-making, and facilitate scaling and effective deployment of new technologies. The feasibility study will evaluate the technical and financial viability of the GAMUT Tool, identifying stakeholder needs and assessing risks and mitigation strategies. Ultimately, the GAMUT team aims to develop an initial minimal viable product, followed by staged improvements, to aid in the modernization of the electric grid, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Voltage Probability Density Function Shaping Control Strategy Considering Grid Operational Uncertainties

It is well-known that power systems operation always affected by various uncertainties which make the bus voltage a random process that can be characterized by its probability density function (PDF) at any time instant. In this context, this paper presents a novel PDF-based voltage control framework for power systems. By modeling voltage as a stochastic process, we formulate a stochastic differential equationthat captures grid uncertainties. The associated Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov equation is derived to describe the evolution of the voltage PDF, which enables the formulation of a PDF-shaping control strategy. To simplify the PDF control formulation, a B-spline neural network is introduced for real-time estimation and regulation of the voltage distribution. The proposed PDF control law updates voltage references for energy storage systems and synchronous generators using real-time PDF measurements and feedback signals. The proposed method is validated on a modified Kundur’s two-area system. Simulation results demonstrate that the controller can significantly improve the voltage stability under stochastic conditions, highlighting its effectiveness in modern inverter-rich grids.

Gui, Yonghao [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000250435534)↗
DOE OSTI2017

Five Indisputable Facts on Modern Power Systems

This presentation overviews five indisputable facts about modern power systems: Fact one: The grid can handle more renewable generation than previously thought. Fact two: Geographic and resource diversity provide additional reliability to the system. Fact three: Wind and solar forecasting provide significant value. Fact four: Our electric power markets were not originally designed for variable renewables -- but they could be adapted. Fact five: Modern power electronics are creating new sources of essential reliability services.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2017

Chapter 5: Integration of Renewable Energy Technologies in Buildings and Cities

Sustainable Energy Technologies, such as the solar, wind, and waterpower systems described in other chapters of this book, need to be integrated into our energy systems to expand access to energy while avoiding harmful effects on the environment. The existing utility system or 'grid' is a network that consists of components for generation, transmission, distribution, and control of electric power from producers (also called 'resources') to consumers (also called 'loads' or 'demand'). Public safety necessitates that the grid be reliable, and public policy requires that grid power be affordable and broadly accessible. Much of the existing power grid was constructed before the advent of modern information technology for controls and automation. The existing grid is facing new challenges related to increases in power demand, complexity in managing more diverse and distributed resources, power quality issues introduced by 'non-linear' loads (that have parasitic inductance and capacitance like LED lights or computers), physical and cybersecurity threats, and challenges to the existing economic model of costs and revenues. Increases in power demand include not only growth in population and per-capita electricity use, but also call for electricity to meet the need for heating and transportation as well. Electric vehicles are a rapidly growing example of this electrification of previously fossil-fueled uses. [Your author's Chevrolet Volt vehicle uses about the same amount of electricity as his house, around 300 kWh/month. Fortunately, both are served with solar photovoltaics (PVs)]. Therefore, there is an immediate need for improvement toward a reliable, self-regulating, efficient, and economical grid system that will allow the integration of renewable distributed power generation.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗