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At least 703 records · Page 39

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DOE OSTI2022

Improving DFIG performance under fault scenarios through evolutionary reinforcement learning based control

The double-fed induction generator (DFIG) usually experiences high rotor current and DC capacitor link voltage during system fault events. In this paper, a novel data-driven approach is proposed to enhance the DFIG performance under fault scenarios. An advanced reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm called guided surrogate-gradient-based evolution strategy (GSES) is used to control the DFIG power and capacitor DClink voltage by adjusting the optional reference signals. This controller is able to prevent the rotor of DFIG from overcurrent risk and maintain the grid-connected operation. The proposed GSES-based control algorithm was evaluated through simulations on a 3.6-MW DFIG in PSCAD/EMTDC software. Results have validated the effectiveness of the proposed GSESbased control algorithm in improving the DFIG performance under fault scenarios.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2020

Dynamic Restoration Strategy for Distribution System Resilience Enhancement

In electric power distribution systems, distributed energy resources (DERs) can act as controllable power sources and support utility operators to minimize power outages after extreme weather events (e.g., hurricane, earthquake, wildfire) and thus help enhance the grid's resilience. Meanwhile, the influences of extreme events and the capabilities of DERs are dynamic and difficult to predict. Hence, the desired distribution system restoration strategy should be able to evolve according to real-time fault/disturbance information and the availability of DERs. In this paper, we propose a new dynamic restoration strategy for distribution systems to enhance system resilience against potential hazards. An efficient reconfiguration algorithm is developed to eliminate the use of integer variables to relieve the computational burden. Model predictive control is implemented to adjust the system topology and DER operation set points based on the updated fault information and DER forecasts. The effectiveness of the proposed restoration model in enhancing distribution system resilience is validated through an IEEE 123-bus test system. Simulation results also validate that the proposed restoration model can mitigate the occurrence of unexpected events and the fluctuations of DERs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2022

Discrete and Integrated Solutions for Hybrid PV Plants Without Momentary Cessation in Low SCR and High Penetration PE Grids

With the increased penetration of power electronic (PE) based loads and sources, advanced solutions may be required for the enhancement of grid stability in regions with low short circuit ratio (SCR) and high penetration PE grids. The requirement of advanced solutions arises from the gradual paradigm shift of the electric grid from the traditional electric machine dominant system to a high penetration of PE-based system. One of the major challenges with such systems in recent times is the momentary cessation during alternating current (ac) grid transmission faults. During momentary cessation, PE-based resources cease to operate, thus creating probable reliability challenges for the grid. In this paper, potential feasible options to provide continuity of operation during such scenarios are presented. The options are considered through identifying upgrades in existing and upcoming discrete development of photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) termed as discrete hybrid PV plants. Additionally, an advanced concept of integrated development of PV and ESS connecting to ac transmission grid links called multi-port autonomous reconfigurable solar power plant (MARS) is evaluated. The developed new solutions are evaluated for different grid use cases and scenarios in PSCAD.

Marthi, Phani Ratna Vanamali↗

DOE OSTI2025

Simulations of the fault current limiting operation of a long-length REBCO CORC ® superconducting cable cooled by helium gas

Conductor-on-round-core (CORC®) cables composed of rare-earth-barium-copper-oxide high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes are of great interest for power transmission applications due to their many advantages such as high power density, light weight, and low loss. Closed circulation loops of cryogenic helium gas can be used to cool HTS cables down to low temperatures to significantly improve their current-carrying capacity. Coupled circuit-electromagnetic-thermal finite element simulations implemented in the COMSOL Multiphysics package were developed, validated, and then used for simulating the fault current limiting (FCL) performance and the cooling processes of an 8-layer CORC® cable cooled with a flow of cryogenic helium gas. In the simulations, the temperature dependence of the electrical and thermal properties of all component materials is implemented for improved accuracy. To overcome computational challenges caused by the considerable difference in geometrical scales (i.e. few-µm-thick HTS layers versus 10 m-long HTS cable), the model is divided into two separate simulations. The first simulation is performed on the transverse cross-section of the cable to calculate the electric field, heating power and temperature rise in each component of a CORC® cable during FCL operation. The heating power calculated in the first simulation is transferred to the second model to simulate the cooling of a 10 m-long cable after the fault is cleared. The effect of the helium gas flow rate on the cooling process is also investigated to develop strategic approaches for optimizing cooling systems for HTS cables with FCL capability. The simulations indicated that a 40 ms fault with a voltage drop of 20 V m −1 along the cable can result in a temperature increase from 60 K to about 165 K inside the cable, and it takes about 500 s to cool the cable back to nearly 60 K with a flow of cold helium gas at a rate of 5 g s −1 .

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Mitigating commutation failures in HVDC systems with SFCL deployment

Commutation failures represent a prevalent issue encountered in line-commutated-converter high voltage direct current (LCC-HVDC) systems. As the widespread deployment of HVDC systems continues, the risk associated with commutation failures increases, posing a growing threat to power grids due to their potential to trigger severe consequences, including cascading failures and widespread blackouts. This research paper aims to address the significant issue of commutation failure within direct current (DC) systems through advocating for the use of resistive-type Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (R-SFCLs). To substantiate the efficacy of this proposed strategy, an array of simulations are executed using the PSCAD/EMTDC software. This comprehensive study investigates the performance characteristics of R-SFCLs configured with varying resistance values, scrutinizing their response under diverse fault resistance scenarios and distinct fault initiation times within the LCC-HVDC system. The outcomes of these simulations are that SFCLs confer significant advantages for mitigating commutation failures, surpassing traditional mitigation methods in terms of effectiveness. Consequently, SFCLs emerge as an optimal solution to prevent commutation failures in the HVDC systems.

Commutation failure↗

DOE OSTI2020

Report on local data recovery approaches suitable for weather and climate prediction (Deliverable 1.3) (V.1.0)

Numerical weather and climate prediction rates as one of the scientific applications whose accuracy improvements greatly depend on the growth of the available computing power. As the number of cores in top computing facilities pushes into the millions, increasing average frequency of hardware and software failures forces users to review their algorithms and systems in order to protect simulations from breakdown. This report surveys approaches for fault-tolerance in numerical algorithms and system resilience in parallel simulations from the perspective of numerical weather and climate prediction systems. A selection of existing strategies is analyzed, featuring interpolation-restart and compressed checkpointing for the numerics, in-memory checkpointing, user-level failure mitigation-based and backup-based methods for the systems. Numerical examples showcase the performance of the techniques in addressing faults, with particular emphasis on iterative solvers for linear systems, a staple of atmospheric fluid flow solvers. The potential impact of these strategies is discussed in relation to current development of numerical weather prediction algorithms and systems towards the exascale. Trade-offs between performance, efficiency and effectiveness of resiliency strategies are analyzed and some recommendations outlined for future developments.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2024

A review on protection challenges of Transmission Lines connected to Inverter Based Resources

The increased penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) connected to transmission grids is challenging how traditional electric power systems operate. Such systems were originally designed based on the dominant presence of synchronous generators. Some main challenges include the increased concerns about system stability due to the reduced system inertia caused by IBRs and the reduced protection reliability caused by the non-deterministic fault current response of IBRs. The protection relays’ algorithms have been designed and validated based on well-known fault current characteristics of synchronous generations, while the short-circuit responses of IBRs heavily depend on their vendor-specific control schemes, which are mainly set to protect inverter semiconductor switches and DC components. The magnitude of short current that IBRs contribute is typically between 1.1–1.5 times the rated current that may behave unstably and incoherently with the voltages. The control scheme of the IBRs also controls the active (P) and reactive (Q) support during system voltage sag and swell conditions. These characteristics challenge not only protective relay schemes but also existing short-circuit software tools to correctly model IBRs for fault studies and protection coordination analyses.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1979

Automated management of power systems

APSM (Automated Power System Management) is a technology readiness program underway to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate various techniques involved in power system monitoring, as well as computational and control functions. The demonstration breadboard consists of the Viking Orbiter '75 power subassembly breadboard modified to incorporate dedicated microprocessors and digital interface circuits, as well as test support equipment for both spacecraft and ground computer simulation, fault simulation, and data acquisition.

Imamura, M. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Integrated flight/propulsion control system architectures for a high speed aircraft

The present investigation is concerned with the impact of integrated flight, inlet, and engine control system architectures on system effectiveness and life cycle cost (LCC). The aircraft employed in the investigation is a modified YF-12 with a cruise Mach number of 2.5. The aircraft has two advanced technology aircraft JT-69 afterburning, low-bypass turbofan engines. Advanced technologies suitable for use in future flight/propulsion control systems are related to distributed computer networks, fault tolerant computers and software, analytical redundancy, self-checking microprocessor pairs, advanced direct drive actuators, fiber optic data buses, VLSI microcircuits, and skewed sensors. The integrated architectures were found to have fewer sensors, actuators, and power sources than the nonintegrated architectures.

Bangert, L. H.↗

DOE OSTI2024

A Review on Protection Challenges of Transmission Lines Connected to Inverter-Based Resources

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2021

Anomaly Detection, Localization and Classification using Drifting Synchrophasor Data Streams

With ongoing automation and digitization of the electric power system, several Phasor Measurement Units(PMUs) have been deployed for monitoring and control. PMU data can have multiple anomalies, and many of the researchers in the past have concentrated on training machine/deep learning algorithms offline for anomaly detection over PMU data (i.e., not in real time). These machine/deep learning algorithms, when trained offline on a sample rather than a population of the dataset, fail to consider the dynamic behavior of the power grid in real-time, resulting in low accuracy. Considering the dynamic behavior of the power grid (e.g., change in load, generation, distributed energy resources (DERs) switching, network, controls), the definition of data anomalies varies in time and requires online training. A fundamental challenge is to enable online (i.e., real-time) training of machine/deep learning algorithms for anomaly detection over streaming PMU data. While machine/deep learning is often desirable to manage data streams, training a deep learning algorithm over streaming PMU data is nontrivial due to changes in data statistics caused by dynamic streaming data. This paper proposes PMUNET: a novel device-level deep learning-based data-driven approach for anomaly detection, localization, and classification over streaming PMU data, using online learning and multivariate data-drift detection algorithm .Two variants of PMUNET, Dynamic data Change Driven Learning (DCDL) and Continuity Driven Learning (CDL), are proposed and compared. DCDL aims to train the deep learning algorithm whenever the definition of anomaly changes due to the power grid dynamics. On the other hand, CDL continuously trains the deep learning algorithm over the PMU data-stream. The experimental results verify that DCDL outperforms CDL and other efficient anomaly detection methods over multiple events such as faults and load/ generator/capacitor/DERs variations/switching for IEEE 14 and 39 Bus test system as well as real PMU industrial data. The result verifies that DCDL variant of PMUNET improves over existing approach with a gain of 2% - 10% in terms of accuracy, false-positive rate, and false-negative rate.

adversarial deep learning↗

NASA NTRS1986

Development and evaluation of a fault-tolerant multiprocessor (FTMP) computer

The design, development, and testing of FTMP hardware and software for use in advanced NASA vehicles are described in three previously published reports prepared for NASA. Consideration is given to the overall FTMP architecture; the system bus; the regional design and operation of processor, slave, clock-generation, and power systems; and the FTMP executive, facilities, acceptance-test/diagnostic, applications, and support softwar. Also included are a summary of test procedures and results and an executive summary characterizing the system, the reliability and availability models, and the overall performance.

Smith, T. B., III↗

DOE OSTI2020

Dynamic Distribution System Restoration Strategy for Resilience Enhancement: Preprint

In electric power distribution systems, distributed energy re-sources (DERs) can act as controllable power sources and support utility operators to minimize power outages after ex-treme weather events (e.g., hurricane, earthquake, wildfire) and thus help enhance the grid's resilience. Meanwhile, the influ-ences of extreme events and the capabilities of DERs are dy-namic and difficult to predict. Hence, the desired distribution system restoration strategy should be able to evolve according to real-time fault/disturbance information and the availabil-ity of DERs. In this paper, we propose a new dynamic distribu-tion system restoration strategy to enhance system resilience against potential hazards. An efficient reconfiguration algo-rithm is developed to eliminate the use of integer variables to relieve the computational burden. Model predictive control is implemented to adjust the system topology and DER opera-tion setpoints based on the updated fault information and DER forecasts. The effectiveness of the proposed restoration model in enhancing distribution system resilience is validated through an IEEE 123-bus test system. Simulation results also validate that the proposed restoration model can mitigate the occurrence of unexpected events and the fluctuations of DERs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NASA NTRS2019

Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Systems: Potential Failure Modes and Failure Mitigation Strategies

Electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) systems hold great potential for the reduction of aircraft fuel burn, emissions, and noise. Currently, NASA and other organizations are actively working to identify and mature technologies necessary to bring EAP designs to reality. A requirement for the development of any civil aircraft and its systems is to ensure that potential hazards in the design are identified and appropriately mitigated to ensure that the system is safe. During aircraft development, a system safety assessment that consists of a functional hazard assessment is conducted to identify all potential failure conditions of each function, and classify those failures according to the severity of their effects on the aircraft or its occupants. The more severe a function's failure condition classification, the greater the development assurance level required for the function to ensure that the probability of the hazard is acceptably low. Today, aircraft engines and their control systems receive type certificate approval as a stand-alone system to signify their airworthiness. However, the complex coupling and distributed nature of EAP designs are expected to place added challenges on the certification of these systems. This presentation will provide an initial high-level review of the potential failure modes and hazards posed by a generic EAP system along with potential mitigation strategies for those failures. The EAP system is assumed to be a hybrid design consisting of gas turbine engines, mechanical drives, electric machines, power electronics and distribution systems, energy storage devices, and motor driven propulsors. The functionality provided by each of these EAP subsystems will be discussed along with the potential failure modes they may encounter. This will include a discussion of coupled failure effects, where a fault in one EAP subsystem effects the operation of other subsystems in the architecture. Next, potential failure mitigation strategies are discussed including both software-based and hardware-based mitigation strategies. The presentation will conclude with an example evaluation of the potential failure modes and mitigation strategies for a concept EAP system proposed by NASA.

Simon, Donald L.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Enhancements to the Engine Data Interpretation System (EDIS)

The Engine Data Interpretation System (EDIS) expert system project assists the data review personnel at NASA/MSFC in performing post-test data analysis and engine diagnosis of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). EDIS uses knowledge of the engine, its components, and simple thermodynamic principles instead of, and in addition to, heuristic rules gathered from the engine experts. EDIS reasons in cooperation with human experts, following roughly the pattern of logic exhibited by human experts. EDIS concentrates on steady-state static faults, such as small leaks, and component degradations, such as pump efficiencies. The objective of this contract was to complete the set of engine component models, integrate heuristic rules into EDIS, integrate the Power Balance Model into EDIS, and investigate modification of the qualitative reasoning mechanisms to allow 'fuzzy' value classification. The results of this contract is an operational version of EDIS. EDIS will become a module of the Post-Test Diagnostic System (PTDS) and will, in this context, provide system-level diagnostic capabilities which integrate component-specific findings provided by other modules.

Hofmann, Martin O.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Enhancements to the Engine Data Interpretation System (EDIS)

The Engine Data Interpretation System (EDIS) expert system project assists the data review personnel at NASA/MSFC in performing post-test data analysis and engine diagnosis of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). EDIS uses knowledge of the engine, its components, and simple thermodynamic principles instead of, and in addition to, heuristic rules gathered from the engine experts. EDIS reasons in cooperation with human experts, following roughly the pattern of logic exhibited by human experts. EDIS concentrates on steady-state static faults, such as small leaks, and component degradations, such as pump efficiencies. The objective of this contract was to complete the set of engine component models, integrate heuristic rules into EDIS, integrate the Power Balance Model into EDIS, and investigate modification of the qualitative reasoning mechanisms to allow 'fuzzy' value classification. The result of this contract is an operational version of EDIS. EDIS will become a module of the Post-Test Diagnostic System (PTDS) and will, in this context, provide system-level diagnostic capabilities which integrate component-specific findings provided by other modules.

Hofmann, Martin O.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Firmware Architecture of the ARMADAS Bolting Robot

The Automated Reconfigurable Mission Adaptive Digital Assembly Systems (ARMADAS) project, under development at NASA Ames Research Center, has demonstrated on-ground autonomous robotic assembly of extensive digital structures, and it is now moving forward towards in-space demonstration. The ARMADAS system comprises of the operation software, the operation user interface (opsUI), and a swarm of robots. The robotic system consists of a multitude of collaborative agents specifically designed to transport, place and bolt the building blocks, called voxels (volumetric pixels). This paper focuses on the bolting robot, referred to as Mobile Metamaterial Internal Co-Integrator (MMIC-I). MMIC-I is a battery-powered crawling robot. It navigates the structure through extension, contraction and gripping. Two distinct controller boards operate the robot's two symmetric modules, referred to as module A and B. Board A is the master board: it coordinates motion planning and motion primitives execution, hosts the WiFi client, performs periodic self-assessment and system idle check and triggers faults if anomalies are detected. Board B periodically sends a heartbeat to board A, through a wired communication channel that uses the Serial protocol. Additionally, board A's WiFi client receives heartbeat packet requests or motion/bolting commands from a dedicated server board, and acknowledges reception sending back a response heartbeat packet containing information about the overall robot status, e. g. electrical current and voltage values, target and actual angles, operating mode, fault status. Whenever a motion command is sent, the motion planning section of the firmware determines the current robot configuration, using Inertial Measurement Unit readings and the motors Pulse Width Modulation values. Afterwards, it calculates the list of primitives needed to reach the target state, and controls their execution in the proper order. MMIC-I can receive and execute motion and bolting commands only when it is in operational mode. MMIC-I has three operating modes: standby, operational and safed. Standby mode is automatically entered upon startup. While in standby mode, all motors are powered off, and the only accepted commands are the ones relative to a change of mode and heartbeat packet request. Fault detection causes the robot to automatically enter safed or standby mode. Whenever the detected fault occurs within a motion and requires immediate intervention, e. g. an over-current situation, the robot enters safed mode. Safed mode powers off all motors except for the locomotion module, thus preventing the robot from collapsing. Conversely, when the detected fault doesn't require immediate intervention (low battery warning, for instance), the robot enters standby mode after completing the ongoing motion. This paper provides a detailed discussion of MMIC-I's firmware architecture. It accurately describes the implementation approach for each module: sensor data reading, motor control and actuation, WiFi server-client communication, intra-boards Serial communication, operating modes and autonomous fault detection, motion planning, coordination and execution, etc. Moreover, in support of the software description, this paper includes a thorough characterization of MMIC-I's hardware and avionics.

In-space assembly↗

NASA NTRS2008

Fault-Tolerant, Multiple-Zone Temperature Control

A computer program has been written as an essential part of an electronic temperature control system for a spaceborne instrument that contains several zones. The system was developed because the temperature and the rate of change of temperature in each zone are required to be maintained to within limits that amount to degrees of precision thought to be unattainable by use of simple bimetallic thermostats. The software collects temperature readings from six platinum resistance thermometers, calculates temperature errors from the readings, and implements a proportional + integral + derivative (PID) control algorithm that adjusts heater power levels. The software accepts, via a serial port, commands to change its operational parameters. The software attempts to detect and mitigate a host of potential faults. It is robust to many kinds of faults in that it can maintain PID control in the presence of those faults.

Granger, James↗