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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 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Hybrid Resources: Challenges, Implications, Opportunities, and Innovation

The electric power system has historically been designed to provide reliable energy to loads by using a relatively small number of well-understood generators. The distinction between load, generation, and transmission resources has been quite clear. Most of the responsibility for planning and operating a system - building a highly reliable network from less reliable parts - has been with the system manager, whether that be a utility, a regional market operator, or some similar entity. Given this historical context, many experts were initially perplexed by the rapidly growing popularity of hybrid resources, which combine multiple technologies into a single entity. Rather than depending on a system operator to provide instructions to individual technologies, hybrid resources intentionally take on more operational responsibility by optimizing and scheduling their combined functions. Interconnection queues in many regions reveal a large and growing interest in hybrids, suggesting that project developers and investors see them as providing advantages.

generators↗
DOE OSTI2024

Grid-Forming Inverters: Project Demonstrations and Pilots

Power system operators around the world are pushing the limits of integrating inverter-based resources (IBRs) to very high levels, approaching 100% instantaneous penetration under certain operating conditions. This often applies to smaller power systems with very little or no ac interconnections to other neighboring regions or sometimes to fringes of large balancing areas, such as Denmark or Portugal, within the mainland European power system. These jurisdictions have identified the potential of grid-forming (GFM) technology as a key enabler to support the energy transition with very few or no synchronous generators online. Until recently, practical applications of GFM inverters were limited to microgrids and isolated grids and in smaller grid applications on the order of a few tens of megawatts (MW).

Australia↗
DOE OSTI2020

Implementing Online Oscillation Monitoring and Forced Oscillation Source Locating at Peak Reliability

This paper introduces a framework of online oscillation monitoring systems and forced oscillation detection & source location tools that Peak Reliability ('PEAK') has implemented for the Reliability Coordinator (RC) function of the Western Interconnection. The framework consists of four main components: (1) Montana Tech's Modal Analysis Software (MAS) engine; (2) Washington State University's Oscillation Monitor System (OMS) software; (3) Forced Oscillation Detection and Source Location Algorithms (FODSL); and (4) PEAK in-house visualization tool and alarming logic built in PI Processbook. The framework has been validated and applied for real system oscillation studies successfully. Implementation experience and lessons learned will be discussed in the paper.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grid Optimization Competition on Synthetic and Industrial Power Systems

This paper summarizes a grid optimization (GO) competition effort in the United States to find the best solution strategies for up to interconnect-scale power system networks with around 32,000 buses. The optimization problem is a mixedinteger, non-convex non-linear problem, (MINLP) and includes discrete variables such as unit commitment and line switching, control settings (transformer taps and phase shifters with impedance correction tables), and bus shunts. The case study includes six actual industry grids as well as 16 realistic synthetic grids created by three different dataset teams. The winners are selected and ranked based on scoring criteria, which consider the solution quality (such as objective functions) within time limits. Nine winner teams are selected from 26 competitor teams. The results achieved by different teams are described and the performance of different algorithms on synthetic grids and actual industry grids are compared and analyzed.

mixed-integer non-linear programming↗
DOE OSTI2023

Reduced-Order Models of Static Power Grids based on Spectral Clustering

For large-scale interconnected power systems that cover large geographical areas, certain electrical studies are required so that appropriate decisions ensure system reliability and low cost. For such studies, it is often neither practical nor necessary to model in detail the entire power system, which is increasingly complex due to a more diverse range of grid assets to choose from in both short and long-term planning. The goal of this paper is to present a methodology to reduce the order of large-scale power networks based on spectral graph theory given that current methods for static network reduction are not scalable. A brief analysis of some spectral clustering properties to determine which graph Laplacian matrix should be used and why is included. The analysis shows that the utilization of the normalized graph Laplacian is more advantageous for clustering purposes. Techniques are proposed to approximate cost functions for the aggregated generators. This is done via linear regression. The reduced-order model obtained with the proposed methodology has an accuracy above 94% and solves the scalability issue commonly present in other reduction methods. If the utilization of the reduced-order model is either constrained to load levels above mid-peak demand, or cost functions of aggregated units are approximated via a piecewise quadratic approach, then the error distribution is in the order of 10^-3. .

Baquedano-Aguilar, Mario D.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Generalized Power Flow Model of an Extra High-Power Multi-Terminal HVdc Transmission Grid with Parallel-Connected and Voltage-Stacked Converters

To increase power transfer capacity of high-voltage direct current (HVdc) transmission, a new extra high-power HVdc architecture with multiple standard modular multilevel converters (MMCs) per substation has recently been introduced. This paper proposes a power flow model for a multi-terminal HVdc (MTdc) grid with this innovative substation architecture. The proposed MTdc model can be integrated seamlessly with existing ac-dc power flow algorithms with minimal modifications. The model is applicable to various MTdc grid types and topologies, different numbers of dc buses, dc lines, and MMCs per substation, along with diverse control parameters. In addition, it accurately captures both balanced and unbalanced operations of the MTdc grid. The proposed model is verified using a 5-terminal bipole MTdc grid that spans 4 areas in the Eastern Interconnection system of the USA. The numerical solutions obtained from unified and sequential ac-dc power flow algorithms under different operating conditions closely match the time-domain simulation results in PSCAD, validating the accuracy and versatility of the proposed MTdc power flow model.

Nguyen, Quan H.↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Co-Simulation Framework for Steady-State Analyses of Multiple Droop-based MTdc Grids in Continental-Scale Systems

The growing scale and complexity of planning continental hybrid ac and multi-terminal dc (MTdc) systems require scalable steady-state modeling and analysis approaches not currently available in commercial tools. This paper presents a comprehensive multi-fidelity model-conversion framework that enables the efficient transition of MTdc grid models from production cost modeling (PCM) and approximated ac power flow to detailed ac–MTdc power flow for large-scale planning studies. The core of this framework is a scalable co-simulation approach that, for the first time, enables power flow analysis in continental-scale ac–MTdc systems. It seamlessly couples commercial ac solvers with a detailed MTdc grid model that incorporates droop-based control and current-limiting strategies of multiple meshed MTdc grids. Leveraging this capability, an evaluation framework to systematically assess and compare different MTdc power redispatch strategies under ac and dc contingencies is introduced. The proposed framework and algorithm are evaluated using a combined Western and Eastern Interconnection system with 11 MTdc grids of various sizes, showing a coherent transition from PCM to detailed ac–MTdc power flow and improved system performance in voltage regulation and line overload mitigation following typical contingencies.

Nguyen, Quan H.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Guest Editorial for Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation (NDT&E) Special Section

Nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) are interdisciplinary fields that require a significant amount of interconnection between fundamental physics, measurement techniques, data processing, decision making, and reporting to have a significant impact on industry. NDT&E practitioners are challenged to keep up with the fast-paced evolution of materials, structures, processing, and manufacturing technologies. The development of engineered materials, complex structures and composites, and novel forming techniques require NDT&E to rapidly evolve to meet the needs of industry.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Review of Power System Support Functions for Inverter-Based Distributed Energy Resources - Standards, Control Algorithms, and Trends

Penetration of renewable energy in power systems has been increasing in the past decades in response to increased global electricity demand and concerns for the environment. Distributed energy resources (DERs) based on renewables have experienced rapid growth thanks to the incentive programs and broad-based participation. With the growing prevalence of DERs, the risk of grid instability and vulnerability increases due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy. At the same time, the voltage and frequency deviation problems emerge more often when the reverse power flow occurs under supply-demand imbalance in distributed power systems. Standards and grid codes have been issued for DER inverters to interconnect with the distribution grid. The updated standard and grid codes expect DERs to provide a variety of power system support functions in order to incorporate higher DER penetration and to maximize DER value to the grid. This paper provides an overview of the power system support functions from renewable DER inverters, which are categorized as: voltage regulation by active/reactive power control, frequency regulation by active power control, voltage ride-through, and frequency ride-through. The benefits and drawbacks of each algorithm are presented and compared with its predecessor, manifesting the logic in the evolution of the algorithms.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

System-Level Efficiency Study of Modular DC/DC and Fuel Cell Stack Series–Parallel Configurations

This paper presents a system-level efficiency study of modular DC/DC converter and fuel cell stack configurations under series, parallel, and series–parallel connections. The investigation considers selected DC/DC converter topologies, including isolated and non-isolated architectures, boost, non-inverting buck-boost, and resonant converters, integrated with commercially available fuel cell stacks, including the Accelera FCE150, Ballard FCgen-HPS, and Toyota TFCM2. DC/DC converter modules are evaluated in modular configurations rated at 60 kW and 90 kW and two distinct output voltage ranges, specifically 580–730V and 780–930V, examining how different interconnection schemes impact overall system efficiency. The converters are evaluated under full load (100%), partial load (66%), and light load (33%) conditions, providing a comprehensive assessment of efficiency and operational characteristics across varying power demands. Approximately two-thousand efficiency data points are obtained from laboratory prototype–level component measurements and validated design evaluations across multiple converter topologies, modular configurations, voltage ranges, and load conditions, providing a robust dataset for comparative system-level efficiency analysis. The results highlight the effects of modularity and topology selection on system-level efficiency, offering a “playbook” framework for designers to select appropriate DC/DC converter arrangements and fuel cell stack connections for series, parallel, or hybrid configurations based on efficiency considerations.

DC/DC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Cooperative Inverters to Overcome PLL Malfunctions

This paper presents a cooperative strategy between smart inverters to overcome instability and undesired trips of inverters caused by Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) malfunctions. For the grid-interactive inverter, PLL is typically required to measure the phase angle of the AC voltage at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) of the inverter. Accurate phase-angle measurement is critical for grid-interactive inverters to stay synchronized with the power grid. If the inverters are interconnected through a communication link, they can support each other by sharing their grid information, such as phase-angles at their PCCs. The cooperative strategy utilizes the phase-angles and voltages at PCCs in a neighborhood to identify any possible PLL malfunctions or measurement inaccuracies and then enable the inverters to make corrective decisions. The efficacy of the cooperative strategy has been verified through simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink environment in this paper.

Sadeque, Fahmid↗
DOE OSTI2022

Solid State Power Substations (SSPS): A Multi-Hierarchical Architecture from Substation to Grid Edge

With the growing deployment of distributed generation, or power electronic interfaced renewable energy and storage technologies, the nature and behavior of the grid is changing. Synchronous machine-driven asset contributions to the generation mix are shrinking, leading to concerns regarding grid stability. Furthermore, the scale of smaller distributed PE resources needed for managing the electrical network could dwarf the existing system leading to more complex optimization problems and communication interconnections. This paper introduces the concept of a hierarchal system of controllers that spans the grid edge or the customer end to distribution scale substations or solid-state power substation (SSPS). This concept focuses on minimizing the number of interfaces and optimization considerations in the grid by clustering resources into nodes and hubs. The work validates the concept in a controller hardware-in-the-loop (cHIL) platform.

Chinthavali, Madhu Sudhan↗
DOE OSTI2019

Power Flow Solution Methods for Combined Transmission and Distribution Systems

High distributed PV penetration makes the distribution systems more active and increases their impact on the upstream transmission grid. To facilitate the studies on this area, this paper proposes a power flow (PF) model and formulation of combined transmission and distribution (T&D) power systems. The formulation is based on the physical coupling of transmission and distribution grids. The unbalanced nature of distribution feeders and voltage regulators are modeled so that the resulting PF balance equations in distribution systems are similar to those in the interconnected transmission system. The formulated nonlinear PF equations are solved using the proposed unified and sequential methods. Both methods are verified and compared with each other using several combined T&D power systems. A multi-period PF simulation is also included to demonstrate the capability of the proposed formulation and solution methods in capturing the influences of high distributed PV penetration on transmission level.

Nguyen, Quan H.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Real-time Event Detection Using Rank Signatures of Real-world PMU Data

Timely detection of power system events is a crucial task, which can facilitate the implementation of remedial actions to improve reliability, resiliency, and security of the system. Meanwhile, the widespread deployment of phasor measurement units (PMUs) makes it possible to develop data-driven event detection techniques. However, relying purely on data without incorporating domain knowledge for the event detection task in power systems poses substantial security and stability risks due to issues associated with data misinterpretation and model accuracy. In this regard, we propose a real-time event detection method using real-world PMU data by incorporating domain knowledge to adequately capture the event signatures. Specifically, we track the change in rank signatures of PMU data to accurately localize the events. To optimize the detection process, we incorporate an offline Bayesian optimization algorithm to tune the parameters by efficiently searching for the best values. The experiments using the real-world PMU dataset from a U.S. interconnection show that the proposed event detection approach can efficiently detect the events from PMU data streams with high accuracy.

Ghasemkhani, Amir↗
DOE OSTI2022

Weakly Supervised Event Classification Using Imperfect Real-world PMU Data with Scarce Labels

This paper studies event classification using imperfect real-world phasor measurement unit (PMU) data with scarce event types (labels). By investigating the real-world PMU data, it is observed that most real-world PMU data's event type is unknown, which makes it challenging to directly use such dataset to build event classifiers as existing classification techniques require high-quality training data with known event type (i.e., label). To address this challenge, a weakly supervised learning based event classification approach is developed, which can use noisy and low-quality PMU data for the training. First, data quality issues are fixed using data preprocessing techniques and then event features are constructed from the PMU data. Using these features, a series of labeling functions are learnt to generate initial estimates of the labels of large amounts of unlabeled PMU data. As the labeling functions are learnt using the same data with scarce labels, the label estimates from the labeling functions can be correlated, noisy, and bias. To enhance these initial estimates, a generative model is developed to characterize the dependencies among the estimated labels, based on which better labels are obtained for training event classifiers. Numerical experiments using the real-world dataset from the Western Interconnection of the U.S. power transmission grid show that the proposed weakly supervised event classifier trained using the dataset with only 5% labeled data can achieve 78.4% classification accuracy.

Liu, Yunchuan↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modeling and Automation Framework for High IBR Integration in Large-Scale Power Systems

The increasing prevalence of power electronics- interfaced renewable generation sources is leading to a gradual replacement of traditional thermal generation-based synchronous machines. In this context, the modeling of a large-scale power grid that incorporates a significant number of inverter-based resources is crucial for understanding the dynamics and effects of these resources on the power system. This study investigates the positive sequence model of grid-following and grid-forming inverters. Additionally, this work explores the integration of distributed energy resources using population as an indicator of their relative geographic locations. To address challenge to integrate these inverter based resources into a realistic grid of the US Western interconnection, automation scripts are developed to streamline the process of replacing conventional generators with grid-following and grid-forming inverters, as well as allocating distributed energy resources. Different penetration levels of these inverters are considered, and their frequency regulation support following a disturbance is compared through dynamic simulations.

Lyu, Xue↗
DOE OSTI2024

Anomaly Detection and Mitigation for Dynamic Frequency Regulation in Hydropower-Battery Systems

Hydropower operators and energy storage providers are increasingly interested in participating in frequency regulation services, driven by the incentives offered by independent system operators, such as the PJM Interconnection. This transition, however, unfolds against the backdrop of a modernizing and rapidly digitizing power grid, exposing the integrated legacy infrastructure to a multitude of cybersecurity threats. This work presents an approach for developing an anomaly detection and mitigation system to address cybersecurity challenges during the participation of a hydropower-integrated battery energy storage system (BESS) in a frequency regulation market. The applied anomaly detector utilizes machine learning algorithms to provide detailed classification of cyber-physical events. Later, the applied mitigation system triggers predefined corrective actions to minimize the impact of data integrity attacks on the regulation market and system stability. We evaluated the proposed approach on a hydropower-integrated BESS topology, specifically analyzing the slow regulation signal (Reg A) coming from the PJM market. Our simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach performs well in detecting data integrity attacks within the allocated time frame and also minimizes the system's transient instability during the participation of hydropower and BESS in the regulation market.

battery energy storage system↗
DOE OSTI2024

Bilevel Nodal Behind-the-meter Solar Disaggregation Under Unexpected Extreme Weather Conditions

As the power grid undergoes significant paradigm shift due to the increasing penetration of renewable generation, the ever-growing installation of behind-the-meter (BTM) solar generation in the power grid also has a significant impact on nodal loads, posing challenges on transmission operators. Furthermore, increasing frequent and severe extreme weather events intertwine with ubiquitous BTM solar generations and have amplified the challenges of accurately model nodal load profiles, especially under the lack of ground-truth information for verification. To tackle these challenges, this paper introduces a bilevel model that utilizes year-long data (e.g., proxy solar, zonal load, and individual node load profiles) to disaggregate metered profiles into actual demand and BTM solar generation at each transmission node. The proxy solar not only scales the BTM solar generation of individual nodes but also create a compensation term for enhancing performance on days with unexpected extreme weather events. The proposed algorithm is validated with real-world PJM Interconnection data during unexpected events like the recent Winter Storm Elliott. For quantitative evaluations, a novel Score error is introduced, which is based on mean percentages and load scales and offers a universal assessment method suitable for all nodes and different data formats (e.g., normalized or raw values).

behind-the-meter solar, load disaggregations, load↗