Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “energy services interface”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Ab Initio Study of Energetics, Charge Transfer, and Atomic Structures of FCC Fe/NbC Interfaces with and Without N Doping: From Coherent to Semi-coherent Interfaces

Nitrogen is added to stainless steels to improve their toughness and corrosion resistance. However, it is not well understood how nitrogen may impact the precipitate/matrix interfacial properties. In this work, we consider the (FCC) Fe (001)/NbC (001) interface as a model system to study how interfacial structure, energy, and electron charge are affected by nitrogen using DFT calculations. We compare the structures and energetics of coherent and semi-coherent interfaces by including the elastic contribution component. It is found that nitrogen does not have a significant effect on either the interfacial energy or the atomic arrangement near the interface region. A highly intricate bonding feature is revealed near heterophase interfaces between alloy elements, in which metallic and covalent features are present together with charge transfer. Additionally, the work on determining accurate interfacial energies is at the core of all quantitative precipitation modeling efforts (in particular, in the XMAT Program). In turn, nucleation, growth/dissolution, and coarsening of precipitates contribute critically to the material’s ability to withstand creep, creep fatigue, and other detrimental processes reducing its service life. It is for this reason that developing quantitative understanding of interfaces and their energetics in materials is so important for their development and further improvement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center Building Energy Efficiency (CERC-BEE) Open-Source Retrofit Targeting Tool (CRADA FP00007338 Final Report)

To increase the cost-saving energy and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions reductions in buildings and portfolios at the scale and speed necessary to limit climate change, researchers at LBNL and Johnson Controls (JCI) developed the Building Efficiency Targeting Tool for Energy Retrofits (BETTER). BETTER is a software tool that consists of three components: (1) the BETTER analytical engine source code (which was developed with intellectual property provided by JCI under CRADA FP00007338); (2) the BETTER web application, developed by LBNL and McQuillen Interactive Pty. Ltd; and (3) the BETTER application programming interface (API), also developed by LBNL and McQuillen Interactive Pty. Ltd. BETTER enables building and portfolio owners, managers, and service providers worldwide to quickly, easily identify cost-saving energy efficiency retrofits in existing buildings and portfolios without expensive site visits or complex modeling. With minimal data input, the tool benchmarks a building’s electric and fossil energy usage against peers; quantifies energy, cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction potentials at the building and portfolio levels; and recommends energy efficiency measures to decarbonize and electrify buildings and portfolios, targeting specific energy savings levels. No other tool so comprehensively analyzes buildings and portfolios with such ease. If fully implemented, it is estimated that BETTER could help reduce emissions equivalent to planting 1.3 billion trees globally by 2030. Moreover, an additional 50-75% of embodied GHG emissions could be avoided in each case where BETTER results in a building being retrofitted instead of demolished and replaced, providing substantial additional decarbonization benefits for the buildings sector. BETTER has garnered multiple awards and avid interest from investors. In 2020, it earned a R&D 100 Award for innovation and a LBNL Director’s Award for Technology Transfer. In 2021, BETTER was named an EarthX E-Capital Summit Climate Tech Prize semi-finalist

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

ARIES/Flatirons Facility - Hydrogen System Capability Buildout

Under the Advanced Research for Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) initiative, NREL will build out hydrogen system capabilities at the Flatirons campus. The hydrogen infrastructure at the Flatirons campus will include a research-ready megawatt-scale electrolyzer with hydrogen compression and storage, and a fuel cell system. This hardware will support H2@Scale goals by enabling integrated systems R&D (e.g., to demonstrate grid services, energy storage, renewable hydrogen production, and innovative end-use applications). The system will be coupled with the controllable grid interface at the Flatirons campus and will be designed with flexibility to provide a testbed for integrated electrolyzer R&D, hydrogen utilization R&D, and to study the science of scaling for hydrogen energy systems.

39 EE - Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies (EE-3F↗
DOE OSTI2023

Neural Network-Enhanced Reproducing Kernel Particle Method for Image-Based Multiphysics Damage Modeling of Energy Storage Materials

Energy storage materials undergo significant stresses during charge/discharge cycling, which makes understanding their reliability and durability fundamental in predicting performance and service life. Strong electrochemical-mechanical coupling and highly anisotropic material properties contribute to the formation and propagation of micro-cracking, largely along material interfaces and grain boundaries. With microstructural images supplied by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), image-based modeling techniques are used to represent the complex material microstructures that dictate the coupled physics of these systems. Traditional electrochemical-mechanical models rely on mesh-based finite element methods, which can lead to difficulties in capturing crack propagation due to mesh dependency. Additionally, commonly used damage models, such as the continuous damage model and the cohesive zone model, often have steep tradeoffs between discontinuous field accuracy and computational expense. In this work, a neural network-enhanced reproducing kernel particle method (NN-RKPM) [1] is leveraged to accurately capture damage and crack propagation throughout the material by learning the location, orientation, and sharpness of discontinuity while allowing for a coarser nodal distribution than that necessary for capturing sharp solution transitions using traditional mesh-based methods. NN-RKPM is used to inform how crack opening and closure in turn affect the coupled chemical equations and material microstructure. Reference: [1] Baek, J., Chen, J. S., Susuki, K., "Neural Network enhanced Reproducing Kernel Particle Method for Modeling Localizations," International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, Vol. 123, pp 4422-4454, https://doi.org/10.1002/nme.7040, 2022.

damage modeling↗
DOE OSTI2021

Inertia Emulation Control using Demand Response via 5G Communications

Building energy equipment is moving rapidly towards Internet of Things (IoT)-driven devices to provide consumer connectivity and device management. These device-level interfaces along with 5G communications will be leveraged to develop control architectures to engage a large number of monitoring and control devices and provide real-time and reliable energy services. Emerging 5G networks have high potential to provide the communication technology for demand response, with fast transfer speed, high reliability, and high number of connections. Guaranteed inertial response to limit frequency fluctuations is one of the main challenges in modern power systems due to the increased penetration of renewable generation, and it is largely affected by communication delays and packet losses. This paper analyzes inertial response and rate of change of frequency in a power system model with inverter-interfaced air conditioners. The control loop considers time delays and packet losses to show the need to switch to 5G networks in future smart grids.

Morovati, Samaneh↗
DOE OSTI2024

VPP Participation Models: What is the Objective?

Virtual power plants (VPPs) can provide grid services by aggregating and controlling many distributed energy resources. However, their design, operation, level of participation, and outcomes depend on the regulatory and market environments they operate in, DER owner preferences, grid service value, and technical capabilities (e.g., communications, forecasting, controls, user interfaces). Although VPPs are inherently complex, they could enable high shares of behind-the-meter solar plus storage and reduce the cost of electrifying, e.g., personal vehicles and space heating.

demand response↗
DOE OSTI2014

Buildings-to-Grid Technical Opportunities: From the Information and Communications Technology Perspective

Information and communications technology (ICT) has enabled the integration of computer and audio-visual networks, leading to unprecedented exchange of data between various users and entities. By providing the infrastructure to coordinate millions of distributed assets within and across buildings, including variable loads, distributed energy resources, and energy-storage, ICT has the potential to lead to a similar convergence across building and grid domains. This paper illustrates obstacles to a broad application of ICT, lists steps to resolve these barriers, and explains how applying ICT to the building and grid domains, as well as the interface between those two domains, could provide new value to stakeholders by facilitating an exchange of services.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Model-based interface design for smart field-device integration

Operational complexity is ever-increasing for electric utilities that face challenges including integration of DERs, customer expectation of energy choices, the proliferation of non-utility-owned resources, new business models with energy service providers, and new technology with IT/OT convergence. To maintain and improve the quality of operations, planning, and decision-making in general, utilities need to manage and navigate the complexity. Managing complexity requires a modular, scalable, and flexible solution. Connecting large amounts of DERs and introducing new services requires increased grid control and evolving applications. In this paper, we show an approach utilizing model-based standardized interfaces that simplifies integration and deployment of new algorithms and smart field devices for interoperability across legacy or new systems. A modular design is presented for a reference implementation of widely used DNP3 and IEEE 2030.5 interfaces within an open-source, standards-based data integration platform for integration of smart field devices with independently developed, best-of-breed applications.

Model-driven development, system integration, smar↗
NASA NTRS2011

NASA Tech Briefs, January 2011

The topics include: 1) Distributed Aerodynamic Sensing and Processing Toolbox; 2) Collaborative Supervised Learning for Sensor Networks; 3) Hazard Detection Software for Lunar Landing; 4) Onboard Nonlinear Engine Sensor and Component Fault Diagnosis and Isolation Scheme; 5) Network-Capable Application Process and Wireless Intelligent Sensors for ISHM; 6) Interface Supports Multiple Broadcast Transceivers for Flight Applications; 7) FPGA Sequencer for Radar Altimeter Applications; 8) Miniature Sapphire Acoustic Resonator - MSAR; 9) Process-Hardened, Multi-Analyte Sensor for Characterizing Rocket Plume Constituents; 10) SAD5 Stereo Correlation Line-Striping in an FPGA; 11) Hybrid Composite Cryogenic Tank Structure; 12) Nanoscale Deformable Optics; 13) Reliability-Based Design Optimization of a Composite Airframe Component; 14) Zinc Oxide Nanowire Interphase for Enhanced Lightweight Polymer Fiber Composites; 15) Plasma Igniter for Reliable Ignition of Combustion in Rocket Engines; 16) Wire Test Grip Fixture; 17) A Sub-Hertz, Low-Frequency Vibration Isolation Platform; 18) Carbon Nanofibers Synthesized on Selective Substrates for Nonvolatile Memory and 3D Electronics; 19) Nanoparticle/Polymer Nanocomposite Bond Coat or Coating; 20) High-Resolution Wind Measurements for Offshore Wind Energy Development; 21) Spring Tire; 22) Marsviewer 2008; 23) Mission Services Evolution Center Message Bus; 24) Major Constituents Analysis for the Vehicle Cabin Atmosphere Monitor; 25) Astronaut Health Participant Summary Application; 26) Adaption of the AMDIS Method to Flight Status on the VCAM Instrument; 27) Natural Language Interface for Safety Certification of Safety-Critical Software; 28) Cryogenic Caging for Science Instrumentation; 29) Wide-Range Neutron Detector for Space Nuclear Applications; 30) In Situ Guided Wave Structural Health Monitoring System; 31) Multiplexed Energy Coupler for Rotating Equipment; 32) Attitude Estimation in Fractionated Spacecraft Cluster Systems; 33) Full Piezoelectric Multilayer-Stacked Hybrid Actuation/Transduction Systems; 34) Active Flow Effectors for Noise and Separation Control; 35) Method and System for Temporal Filtering in Video Compression Systems; 36) Apparatus for Measuring Total Emissivity of Small, Low-Emissivity Samples; 37) Multiple-Zone Diffractive Optic Element for Laser Ranging Applications; 38) Simplified Architecture for Precise Aiming of a Deep-Space Communication Laser Transceiver; 39) Two-Photon-Absorption Scheme for Optical Beam Tracking; 40) High-Sensitivity, Broad-Range Vacuum Gauge Using Nanotubes for Micromachined Cavities; 41) Wide-Field Optic for Autonomous Acquisition of Laser Link; 42) Extracting Zero-Gravity Surface Figure of a Mirror; 43) Modeling Electromagnetic Scattering From Complex Inhomogeneous Objects; 44) Visual Object Recognition and Tracking of Tools; 45) Method for Implementing Optical Phase Adjustment; 46) Visual SLAM Using Variance Grid Maps; 47) Rapid Calculation of Spacecraft Trajectories Using Efficient Taylor Series Integration; 48) Efficient Kriging Algorithms; 49) Predicting Spacecraft Trajectories by the WeavEncke Method; 50) An Augmentation of G-Guidance Algorithms; 51) Comparison of Aircraft Icing Growth Assessment Software; 52) Silicon-Germanium Voltage-Controlled Oscillator at 105 GHz; 53) Estimation of Coriolis Force and Torque Acting on Ares-1; 54) Null Lens Assembly for X-Ray Mirror Segments; and 55) High-Precision Pulse Generator.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2015

Dynamic Modeling of Adjustable-Speed Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant: Preprint

Hydropower is the largest producer of renewable energy in the U.S. More than 60% of the total renewable generation comes from hydropower. There is also approximately 22 GW of pumped storage hydropower (PSH). Conventional PSH uses a synchronous generator, and thus the rotational speed is constant at synchronous speed. This work details a hydrodynamic model and generator/power converter dynamic model. The optimization of the hydrodynamic model is executed by the hydro-turbine controller, and the electrical output real/reactive power is controlled by the power converter. All essential controllers to perform grid-interface functions and provide ancillary services are included in the model.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Transactive Energy Communications Interface Standards Landscape

Transactive energy represents distributed, optimal-seeking coordination approaches for managing the operation of large numbers of energy-related devices and systems. The concept assumes intelligent agents interact with other agents on behalf of their owners to balance the supply and demand of energy and coordinate other operation services in an electric system. They do this by exchanging value signals for services in near-term and forward time periods using market mechanisms. The technique is particularly applied to coordination of flexibility in operating distributed energy resources. The integration of large numbers of devices requires that they be able to connect and interoperate easily and reliably. Given the many technologies and solution providers integrating products, communications interfaces based on clear, unambiguous specifications with supporting tests require standardization and adoption by the community of system integrators. This report reviews the state of communications interface standards that show promise for transactive energy approaches to the coordination of distributed energy resources. It reviews promising standards to highlight challenges and gaps. It offers structured comparisons between standards and the features offered by their ecosystems of participants.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2019

Reconfigurable and Dynamic Distribution Systems Enabled Using Self-Sustainable Minimal-Microgrids with Region Based Stability Guarantees

In this paper, a reconfigurable and dynamic distribution system is designed using self-sustainable minimal-microgrids (min-MGs). Particularly, multiple dynamic microgrids are implemented by aggregating local min-MGs in a controllable way to facilitate service restoration at critical grid infrastructures, especially during severe power outages (e.g., those induced by natural disasters). These dynamic microgrids are implemented surrounding inverter interfaced distributed energy resources (DERs) to pick up local critical loads. Stable transient process during neighboring microgrid disconnection and resynchronization is realized by involving additional control terms in the secondary control level. Meanwhile, in order to ensure a stable operation with dynamic topology change, a computationally efficient region-based stability assessment approach is developed to ensure stability guarantees of each inverter dominated min-MG with potential changes of external grids modeled as disturbances. In contrast to conventional point-by-point stability evaluation approaches, the proposed region-based stability analysis can intuitively exhibit the feasible region comprised of stable operating points and identify sufficient stability margin to tolerate disturbances of dynamic system topology variations. Theoretical analysis is verified using simulation in MATLAB/Simulink.

distribution systems↗
DOE OSTI2023

Guest Editorial Special Issue on Emerging Topics of Power Electronics Interfaced Battery Energy Storage System

No doubt, battery energy storage systems have been the enabling solution to balance generation and consumption of power systems with high-penetration renewable energy resources, long-range electric vehicles, and various smart devices. Upon the battery has been manufactured, the rest of implementation issues become how to interface battery and related systems, how to regulate the charging/discharging power, and how to keep battery energy storage systems (BESSs) safe, reliable, and long-term service. In this editorial, we discuss how power electronic converters and associated control and optimization, which can maximize the value of BESSs, are devoted to provide cost-effective, efficient, and even revolutionary technologies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2013

The Virtual Observatory Service TheoSSA: Establishing a Database of Synthetic Stellar Flux Standards I. NLTE Spectral Analysis of the DA-Type White Dwarf G191-B2B *,**,***,****

Hydrogen-rich, DA-type white dwarfs are particularly suited as primary standard stars for flux calibration. State-of-the-art NLTE models consider opacities of species up to trans-iron elements and provide reliable synthetic stellar-atmosphere spectra to compare with observations. Aims. We will establish a database of theoretical spectra of stellar flux standards that are easily accessible via a web interface. Methods. In the framework of the Virtual Observatory, the German Astrophysical Virtual Observatory developed the registered service TheoSSA. It provides easy access to stellar spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and is intended to ingest SEDs calculated by any model-atmosphere code. In case of the DA white dwarf G191−B2B, we demonstrate that the model reproduces not only its overall continuum shape but also the numerous metal lines exhibited in its ultraviolet spectrum. Results. TheoSSA is in operation and contains presently a variety of SEDs for DA-type white dwarfs. It will be extended in the near future and can host SEDs of all primary and secondary flux standards. The spectral analysis of G191−B2B has shown that our hydrostatic models reproduce the observations best at Teff =60 000 +/- 2000K and log g=7.60 +/- 0.05.We newly identified Fe vi, Ni vi, and Zn iv lines. For the first time, we determined the photospheric zinc abundance with a logarithmic mass fraction of −4.89 (7.5 × solar). The abundances of He (upper limit), C, N, O, Al, Si, O, P, S, Fe, Ni, Ge, and Sn were precisely determined. Upper abundance limits of about 10% solar were derived for Ti, Cr, Mn, and Co. Conclusions. The TheoSSA database of theoretical SEDs of stellar flux standards guarantees that the flux calibration of all astronomical data and cross-calibration between different instruments can be based on the same models and SEDs calculated with different model-atmosphere codes and are easy to compare.

Observatory↗
DOE OSTI2014

Sci—Thur PM: Planning and Delivery — 03: Automated delivery and quality assurance of a modulated electron radiation therapy plan

Modulated electron radiation therapy (MERT) offers the potential to improve healthy tissue sparing through increased dose conformity. Challenges remain, however, in accurate beamlet dose calculation, plan optimization, collimation method and delivery accuracy. In this work, we investigate the accuracy and efficiency of an end-to-end MERT plan and automated-delivery workflow for the electron boost portion of a previously treated whole breast irradiation case. Dose calculations were performed using Monte Carlo methods and beam weights were determined using a research-based treatment planning system capable of inverse optimization. The plan was delivered to radiochromic film placed in a water equivalent phantom for verification, using an automated motorized tertiary collimator. The automated delivery, which covered 4 electron energies, 196 subfields and 6183 total MU was completed in 25.8 minutes, including 6.2 minutes of beam-on time with the remainder of the delivery time spent on collimator leaf motion and the automated interfacing with the accelerator in service mode. The delivery time could be reduced by 5.3 minutes with minor electron collimator modifications and the beam-on time could be reduced by and estimated factor of 2–3 through redesign of the scattering foils. Comparison of the planned and delivered film dose gave 3%/3 mm gamma pass rates of 62.1, 99.8, 97.8, 98.3, and 98.7 percent for the 9, 12, 16, 20 MeV, and combined energy deliveries respectively. Good results were also seen in the delivery verification performed with a MapCHECK 2 device. The results showed that accurate and efficient MERT delivery is possible with current technologies.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Informative Background on the Interoperability Requirements in IEEE Std 1547-2018

The intent of this document is to support local authorities governing interconnection requirements in adopting the most current requirements for interconnecting distributed energy resources (DERs) to the electric distribution system, as specified in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed Energy Resources with Associated Electric Power Systems Interfaces (IEEE Std 1547-2018 ). To create interconnection rules that successfully address policy goals, market trends, and technical requirements, electric service regulators need to be well informed of DER integration considerations. Interconnection processes and technical issues often overlap; the two are not easily segregated, and they are often considered and evaluated concurrently within the context of interconnection rulemaking. Accordingly, this document addresses both the technical issues and related process considerations.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Novel and Practical Method to Quantify the Quality of Mobility: The Mobility Energy Productivity Metric: Preprint

Recent technology innovations are enabling fundamental improvements in mobility systems, including options for new travel modes, methods, and opportunities to connect people with goods, services, and employment. A desire to quantify and compare both existing and emerging transportation options motivated development of the mobility energy productivity (MEP) metric described herein. The MEP metric fundamentally measures the potential of a city's transportation system to connect a person to a variety of services and activities that define a high-quality of life, relative to the convenience, cost and energy needed to provide these connections. Fundamentally derived from accessibility theory, the MEP advances practice by using readily available travel time data (either from web-based application programming interfaces (APIs) or outputs from an urban transportation model) combined with established parameters that reflect the energy intensity and cost of various travel modes, and relative frequency of activity engagement. The construction of the MEP metric allows for aggregation and disaggregation to the appropriate spatial, modal, and trip purpose resolution, as analysis needs dictate. The MEP could be used to compare alternative futures related to technology, infrastructure investment, or policy, providing a much-needed tool for planners, researchers, and analysts.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Power Converter Topologies for Electrolyzer Applications to Enable Electric Grid Services

Hydrogen electrolyzers, with their operational flexibility, can be configured as smart dynamic loads which can provide grid services and facilitate the integration of more renewable energy sources into the electrical grid. However, to enable this ability, the electrolyzer system should be able to control both active and reactive power in coordination with the low-level controller of the electrolyzer via the power electronics system interface between the utility grid and electrolyzer. This paper discusses power converter topologies and the control scheme of this power electronics interface for electrolyzer applications to enable electricity grid services. For the sake of unity, in this paper, we consider the power converter system interfacing the utility grid at the line-to-line root mean square (RMS) value of 480 VAC-60 Hz and supplying to the 3500 A-750 kW PEM electrolyzer stack.

electrolyzer↗