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At least 1,099 records · Page 61

Peer-to-Peer Communication Trade-Offs for Smart Grid Applications: Preprint

Peer-to-peer energy management systems for smart grids require developers to consider the trade-offs between the amount of communication traffic generated and the quality and speed of convergence of the control algorithms that are deployed. Employing a fully connected communication causes messages to scale exponentially with the number of nodes, while using a sparse connectivity causes less information dissemination leading to degradation of the algorithm performance. The best communication topology for a particular application lies somewhere in between and often requires empirical evaluation by application designers. Existing methods do not put focus on the needs for smart grid applications, which is information dissemination throughout the network and they do not provide a flexible solution for application developers to prototype and deploy different topologies without modifying the application code. This paper introduces a configurable virtual communication topology framework TopLinkMgr, allowing users to specify any chosen communication topology and deploy peer-to-peer applications using it. It also introduces a self-adaptive, fault-tolerant topology management algorithm, Bounded Path Dissemination that can ensure the dissemination of information to all peers within a specified threshold for a sparsely connected topology. Experiments show that the algorithm improves on convergence speed and accuracy over state-of-the-art methods and is also robust against node failures. The results indicate the possibility of achieving a close-to optimal convergence without overloading the network allowing the realization of peer-to-peer control platforms covering larger and more complex power systems.

Bounded Path Dissemination↗

A new spatially distributed added value index for regional climate models: the EURO-CORDEX and the CORDEX-CORE highest resolution ensembles

The added value of using regional climate models (RCMs) to downscale data from general circulation models (GCMs) has often been questioned and researched. Although several studies have used different methods to identify (and in some cases quantify) the added value, there is still a need to find a general metric that quantifies the added value of any variable. This paper builds on past studies to propose a new metric of added value in the simulation of present-day climate which measures the difference in the probability density functions (PDFs) at each grid-cell between a model and an observation source, and then compares the results of the RCM and GCM in order to spatially compute the added value index. The same method is also adapted to quantify the climate change downscaling signal in a way that is consistent with the present-day metric. These new metrics are tested on the daily precipitation output from the EURO-CORDEX and CORDEX-CORE projection ensembles and reveal an overall positive added value of RCMs, especially at the tail-end of the distribution. Higher added value is obtained in areas of complex topography and coast-lines, as well as in tropical regions. Areas with large added value in present-day climate are consistent with areas of significant climate change downscaling signal in the RCP 8.5 far future simulations, and when the analysis is repeated at a low-resolution. The use of different resolution observations shows that the added value tends to decrease when models are compared to low-resolution observation datasets.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Towards intelligent emergency control for large-scale power systems: Convergence of learning, physics, computing and control

Here, this paper has delved into the pressing need for intelligent emergency control in large-scale power systems, which are experiencing significant transformations and are operating closer to their limits with more uncertainties. Learning-based control methods are promising and have shown effectiveness for intelligent power system control. However, when they are applied to large-scale power systems, there are multifaceted challenges such as scalability, adaptiveness, and security posed by the complex power system landscape, which demand comprehensive solutions. The paper first proposes and instantiates a convergence framework for integrating power systems physics, machine learning, advanced computing, and grid control to realize intelligent grid control at a large scale. Our developed methods and platform based on the convergence framework have been applied to a large (more than 3000 buses) Texas power system, and tested with 56 000 scenarios. Our work achieved a 26% reduction in load shedding on average and outperformed existing rule-based control in 99.7% of the test scenarios. The results demonstrated the potential of the proposed convergence framework and DRL-based intelligent control for the future grid.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Restoration Hydro: A Watershed Approach to Standard Modular New Hydropower

The objectives of FOA DE- FOA-0001836- “Standard Modular Hydropower” included designing a standardized, modular, and environmentally compatible hydropower schematic for implementation in greenfield sites that generate up to 10 MW of capacity. Utilizing funds competitively awarded under DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office, the Natel Energy team developed a concept for modular new stream reach (NSR) hydropower that incorporates multi species upstream and downstream fish passage, improved river channel connectivity, and recreational modules. The in-stream design of the collective modules minimized site specific design and maximized the opportunities for modularity. Financial data was also presented using actual costs from regional suppliers, with figures provided in 2022 dollars. While the project team did not address potential permitting process improvements, the site selection criteria did consider established barriers to hydropower development such as tribal and preserved lands, interconnection proximity, and endangered species to exclude or deprioritize. The project’s design schematic met the objectives of the FOA, and presented a unique solution that targets alluvial pockets as natural features for sustainable development. Natel’s concept also incorporated the company's fish-safe Restoration Hydro Turbine for safe downstream passage, while featuring a rock arch that integrates fish passage, water, recreation, and grade control modules (including sediment). Alignment with the Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) “Innovative Design Concepts for Standard Modular Hydropower and Pumped-Storage Hydropower” Program: According to the Hydropower Vision (DOE, 2016), approximately 16 GW of hydropower growth is possible with the development of technology solutions that balance efficiency, economics, and environmental sustainability. The desired outcome of the SMH program is transformational innovation specifically in the site identification, conceptual, and detailed design phases of technology development lifecycles (DOE, 2018). In developing the SMH design schematic, the team aimed to address the opportunities outlined in the Vision through an inverted design philosophy; rather than singularly prioritizing efficiency and power production, the team focused on integrating hydropower with restoration of degraded streams to optimal ecosystem function and provision of exceptional recreation value as design criteria. To achieve this, Restoration Hydro incorporates the principles of nature-based engineering (WWAP, 2018) and biomimicry (Biomimicry NL.) to strategically deploy complementary combinations of permanent, semi-permanent, and ephemeral low-head structures - such as natural and engineered log jams - that harness geomorphological and hydrological processes at the landscape-scale. Primary applications of Restoration Hydro include: 1) restoration of degraded watersheds’ natural ecological function and enhancement of hydrological connectivity; and 2) creation of associated co-benefits to hydro production, including increased groundwater recharge, improved sediment transport and management, improved water security and water quality. Restoration Hydro projects build upon proven watershed restoration engineering techniques by integrating hydropower turbines into low-head structures using innovative and evolving civil works concepts that facilitate fish and sediment passage, and in some cases create additional revenue-generating recreational opportunities. Powering low-head structures creates a directly monetizable layer of economic value in the form of flexible, reliable, renewable energy on top of the already high-value water, environmental and recreational benefits of watershed and river restoration. The approach aims to create a virtuous, self-reinforcing cycle whereby Restoration Hydro projects support the scaling of ecosystem restoration activities, creating a water-energy-carbon multiplier effect that, through the principles of adaptive change management: 1) improves the resilience of landscapes and downstream population centers for changing hydrological cycles; 2) creates a reliable energy resource that facilitates the integration of intermittent renewable power sources into grids; and 3) supports climate change mitigation through grid decarbonization and enhanced ecosystem carbon capture and retention.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Random element method for numerical modeling of diffusional processes

The random element method is a generalization of the random vortex method that was developed for the numerical modeling of momentum transport processes as expressed in terms of the Navier-Stokes equations. The method is based on the concept that random walk, as exemplified by Brownian motion, is the stochastic manifestation of diffusional processes. The algorithm based on this method is grid-free and does not require the diffusion equation to be discritized over a mesh, it is thus devoid of numerical diffusion associated with finite difference methods. Moreover, the algorithm is self-adaptive in space and explicit in time, resulting in an improved numerical resolution of gradients as well as a simple and efficient computational procedure. The method is applied here to an assortment of problems of diffusion of momentum and energy in one-dimension as well as heat conduction in two-dimensions in order to assess its validity and accuracy. The numerical solutions obtained are found to be in good agreement with exact solution except for a statistical error introduced by using a finite number of elements, the error can be reduced by increasing the number of elements or by using ensemble averaging over a number of solutions.

Ghoniem, A. F.↗

Safe Grid

The biggest users of GRID technologies came from the science and technology communities. These consist of government, industry and academia (national and international). The NASA GRID is moving into a higher technology readiness level (TRL) today; and as a joint effort among these leaders within government, academia, and industry, the NASA GRID plans to extend availability to enable scientists and engineers across these geographical boundaries collaborate to solve important problems facing the world in the 21 st century. In order to enable NASA programs and missions to use IPG resources for program and mission design, the IPG capabilities needs to be accessible from inside the NASA center networks. However, because different NASA centers maintain different security domains, the GRID penetration across different firewalls is a concern for center security people. This is the reason why some IPG resources are been separated from the NASA center network. Also, because of the center network security and ITAR concerns, the NASA IPG resource owner may not have full control over who can access remotely from outside the NASA center. In order to obtain organizational approval for secured remote access, the IPG infrastructure needs to be adapted to work with the NASA business process. Improvements need to be made before the IPG can be used for NASA program and mission development. The Secured Advanced Federated Environment (SAFE) technology is designed to provide federated security across NASA center and NASA partner's security domains. Instead of one giant center firewall which can be difficult to modify for different GRID applications, the SAFE "micro security domain" provide large number of professionally managed "micro firewalls" that can allow NASA centers to accept remote IPG access without the worry of damaging other center resources. The SAFE policy-driven capability-based federated security mechanism can enable joint organizational and resource owner approved remote access from outside of NASA centers. A SAFE enabled IPG can enable IPG capabilities to be available to NASA mission design teams across different NASA center and partner company firewalls. This paper will first discuss some of the potential security issues for IPG to work across NASA center firewalls. We will then present the SAFE federated security model. Finally we will present the concept of the architecture of a SAFE enabled IPG and how it can benefit NASA mission development.

Chow, Edward T.↗

SunDial – An Integrated SHINES System to Enable High-penetration Feeder-level PV

The Project Team of Fraunhofer USA, National Grid, and IPKeys developed and conducted a pilot deployment of the SunDial system, a virtual power plant platform that enables high-penetrations of solar PV to be integrated into the distribution grid. The pilot was conducted over a 15-month period from August 2018 through October 2019 on a National Grid distribution feeder in Shirley, MA. A vendor-agnostic control platform (the “Global Scheduler”) optimally shaped the net load for a virtual portfolio of non-co-located DERs based on user-defined policy objectives. The goal of the SunDial project was to simplify and reduce the risk associated with the deployment of solar in high-penetration environments by: (1) Developing an open-source, vendor-agnostic dispatch platform that can be readily adapted to optimize control of DERs over a variety of use cases; (2) Developing auto-calibrating load and solar prediction methodologies that can be readily implemented and scaled to new deployments; (3) Developing a methodology to use demand-side management with traditional electrochemical energy storage to provide “load shaping” services in high solar penetration environments; (4) Using grid-scale storage to minimize short-term intermittency association with PV production; and (5) Deploying on the National Grid distribution system to gain experience on the potential for (and limits of) integrated storage with demand-side management.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Addition of tabulated equation of state and neutrino leakage support to illinoisgrmhd

Here we have added support for realistic, microphysical, finite-temperature equations of state (EOS) and neutrino physics via a leakage scheme to illinoisgrmhd, an open-source GRMHD code for dynamical spacetimes in the einstein toolkit. These new features are provided by two new, nrpy+-based codes: nrpyeos, which performs highly efficient EOS table lookups and interpolations, and nrpyleakage, which implements a new, adaptive mesh refinement (AMR)-capable neutrino leakage scheme in the einstein toolkit. We have performed a series of strenuous validation tests that demonstrate the robustness of these new codes, particularly on the Cartesian AMR grids provided by carpet. Furthermore, we show results from fully dynamical GRMHD simulations of single unmagnetized neutron stars, and magnetized binary neutron star mergers. This new version of illinoisgrmhd, as well as nrpyeos and nrpyleakage, is pedagogically documented in jupyter notebooks and fully open source. The codes will be proposed for inclusion in an upcoming version of the einstein toolkit.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Finite element solver for 3-D compressible viscous flows

The space shuttle main engine (SSME) has extremely complex internal flow structure. The geometry of the flow domain is three-dimensional with complicated topology. The flow is compressible, viscous, and turbulent with large gradients in flow quantities and regions of recirculations. The analysis of the flow field in SSME involves several tedious steps. One is the geometrical modeling of the particular zone of the SSME being studied. Accessing the geometry definition, digitalizing it, and developing surface interpolations suitable for an interior grid generator require considerable amount of manual labor. There are several types of grid generators available with some general-purpose finite element programs. An efficient and robust computational scheme for solving 3D Navier-Stokes equations has to be implemented. Post processing software has to be adapted to visualize and analyze the computed 3D flow field. The progress made in a project to develop software for the analysis of the flow is discussed. The technical approach to the development of the finite element scheme and the relaxation procedure are discussed. The three dimensional finite element code for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations is listed.

Reddy, K. C.↗

NASA/GEWEX Surface Radiation Budget: Integrated Data Product With Reprocessed Radiance, Cloud, and Meteorology Inputs, and New Surface Albedo Treatment

The NASA/GEWEX Surface Radiation Budget (SRB) project produces shortwave and longwave surface and top of atmosphere radiative fluxes for the 1983-near present time period. Spatial resolution is 1 degree. The current release 3.0 (available at gewex-srb.larc.nasa.gov) uses the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) DX product for pixel level radiance and cloud information. This product is subsampled to 30 km. ISCCP is currently recalibrating and recomputing their entire data series, to be released as the H product, at 10km resolution. The ninefold increase in pixel number will allow SRB a higher resolution gridded product (e.g. 0.5 degree), as well as the production of pixel-level fluxes. In addition to the input data improvements, several important algorithm improvements have been made. Most notable has been the adaptation of Angular Distribution Models (ADMs) from CERES to improve the initial calculation of shortwave TOA fluxes, from which the surface flux calculations follow. Other key input improvements include a detailed aerosol history using the Max Planck Institut Aerosol Climatology (MAC), temperature and moisture profiles from HIRS, and new topography, surface type, and snow/ice. Here we present results for the improved GEWEX Shortwave and Longwave algorithm (GSW and GLW) with new ISCCP data, the various other improved input data sets and the incorporation of many additional internal SRB model improvements. As of the time of abstract submission, results from 2007 have been produced with ISCCP H availability the limiting factor. More SRB data will be produced as ISCCP reprocessing continues. The SRB data produced will be released as part of the Release 4.0 Integrated Product, recognizing the interdependence of the radiative fluxes with other GEWEX products providing estimates of the Earth's global water and energy cycle (I.e., ISCCP, SeaFlux, LandFlux, NVAP, etc.).

Cox, Stephen J.↗

Adaptive clipping‐and‐redistribution algorithms for bounded and conservative high‐order interpolations applied to discontinuous and reactive flows

Abstract A new adaptive clipping‐and‐redistribution method is presented which provides bounds‐preservation for multidimensional interpolation in the context of high‐order finite‐volume discretizations with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). The underlying finite‐volume method (FVM) for the computational fluid dynamics applications is fourth‐order accurate for smooth solutions and utilizes AMR for computational efficiency in solving multiscale problems involving turbulence and combustion. High‐order interpolation between different AMR levels is required. However, this operation often leads to numerical issues because combustion species must have physical bounds preserved. The present study overcomes two major challenges in the development of the high‐order interpolation method. First, the method needs to be bound‐preserving near extrema or discontinuities to prevent the emergence of unphysical oscillations while maintaining fourth‐order accuracy in smooth flows. Second, the method needs to satisfy the conservation requirement in multiple dimensions, particularly in the context of curvilinear coordinate transformations. Additionally, the method is designed to be localized and computationally inexpensive. The new interpolation scheme is demonstrated by solving reacting flows, which are extremely sensitive to unphysical overshoots in conserved quantities. The test problems are shock‐induced ‐ combustion and a ‐air flame in a practical bluff‐body combustor. Results show the method prevents new extrema near discontinuities while maintaining high‐order accuracy in smooth regions. In particular, the method is extremely beneficial for combustion with stiff chemistry. With the proposed new method, even if flame fronts cross AMR interfaces or new grids are created in the vicinity of the flame, solution stability is retained.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Equivalent-Circuit Models for Grid-Forming Inverters under Unbalanced Steady-State Operating Conditions: Preprint

Positive- and negative-sequence equivalent-circuit models are put forth to capture the operation of grid-forming (GFM) inverters in unbalanced steady-state operating conditions acknowledging the impact of current limiting. The particular control architecture examined adopts droop control (for primary control), nested inner-current and outer-voltage control (in the stationary reference frame), and it is adaptable to two different types of current limiting (current-reference saturation and virtual-impedance limiting). We anticipate the proposed models to be of interest in modeling, analysis, and simulation of GFM inverters in unbalanced settings that may arise, e.g., in the face of faults. Validation of the equivalent-circuit models is pursued via comparison with full-order electromagnetic-transient (EMT) simulations for representative balanced and unbalanced faults.

equivalent-circuit models↗

Geometrically Flexible and Efficient Flow Analysis of High Speed Vehicles Via Domain Decomposition, Part 1: Unstructured-Grid Solver for High Speed Flows

The ability to solve the equations governing the hypersonic turbulent flow of a real gas on unstructured grids using a spatially-elliptic, 2nd-order accurate, cell-centered, finite-volume method has been recently implemented in the VULCAN-CFD code. This paper describes the key numerical methods and techniques that were found to be required to robustly obtain accurate solutions to hypersonic flows on non-hex-dominant unstructured grids. The methods and techniques described include: an augmented stencil, weighted linear least squares, cell-average gradient method, a robust multidimensional cell-average gradient-limiter process that is consistent with the augmented stencil of the cell-average gradient method and a cell-face gradient method that contains a cell skewness sensitive damping term derived using hyperbolic diffusion based concepts. A data-parallel matrix-based symmetric Gauss-Seidel point-implicit scheme, used to solve the governing equations, is described and shown to be more robust and efficient than a matrix-free alternative. In addition, a y+ adaptive turbulent wall boundary condition methodology is presented. This boundary condition methodology is deigned to automatically switch between a solve-to-the-wall and a wall-matching-function boundary condition based on the local y+ of the 1st cell center off the wall. The aforementioned methods and techniques are then applied to a series of hypersonic and supersonic turbulent flat plate unit tests to examine the efficiency, robustness and convergence behavior of the implicit scheme and to determine the ability of the solve-to-the-wall and y+ adaptive turbulent wall boundary conditions to reproduce the turbulent law-of-the-wall. Finally, the thermally perfect, chemically frozen, Mach 7.8 turbulent flow of air through a scramjet flow-path is computed and compared with experimental data to demonstrate the robustness, accuracy and convergence behavior of the unstructured-grid solver for a realistic 3-D geometry on a non-hex-dominant grid.

White, Jeffery A.↗

Development of an Extended Reality (XR) Tool for Earth Science Visualization

In this presentation, we will discuss our work in adapting the NASA open source XR software, the Mixed Reality Exploration Toolkit (MRET), to an earth science domain. MRET is a NASA open source XR software for rapidly building extended reality (XR) environments for NASA domain problems, e.g., pulling in CAD models of thermal vac chamber and Roman Space Telescope to do fit checks. Primarily used for hardware integration & test, we have been adapting and extending MRET for science problems. Traditionally, scientists view and analyze the result of calculated or measured observables with static 1-D, 2-D or 3-D plots. It can be difficult to identify, track and understand the evolution of key features due to poor viewing angles and the nature of flat computer screens. Additionally, numerical models, such as the NASA GEOS climate model, are almost exclusively formulated and analyzed on Eulerian grids with points fixed in space and time. However, atmospheric phenomena such as convective clouds, hurricanes and wildfire smoke plumes move with the 3-D flow field, and it is often difficult and unnatural to understand these phenomena in an Eulerian reference frame as opposed to the Lagrangian reference frame in which nature operates. As part of an Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) proposal, we have been adapting MRET to be a scientific exploration and analysis XR tool with integrated Lagrangian Dynamics (LD) for the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) numerical weather prediction model. We believe this will help scientists identify, track, and understand the evolution of Earth Science phenomena. This presentation will discuss current results in our work in developing this XR tool for Earth Science.

Thomas G Grubb↗

Development of an Extended Reality (XR) Tool for Earth Science Visualization

In this presentation, we will discuss our work in adapting the NASA open source XR software, the Mixed Reality Exploration Toolkit (MRET), to an earth science domain. MRET is a NASA open source XR software for rapidly building extended reality (XR) environments for NASA domain problems, e.g., pulling in CAD models of thermal vac chamber and Roman Space Telescope to do fit checks. Primarily used for hardware integration & test, we have been adapting and extending MRET for science problems. Traditionally, scientists view and analyze the result of calculated or measured observables with static 1-D, 2-D or 3-D plots. It can be difficult to identify, track and understand the evolution of key features due to poor viewing angles and the nature of flat computer screens. Additionally, numerical models, such as the NASA GEOS climate model, are almost exclusively formulated and analyzed on Eulerian grids with points fixed in space and time. However, atmospheric phenomena such as convective clouds, hurricanes and wildfire smoke plumes move with the 3-D flow field, and it is often difficult and unnatural to understand these phenomena in an Eulerian reference frame as opposed to the Lagrangian reference frame in which nature operates. As part of an Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) proposal, we have been adapting MRET to be a scientific exploration and analysis XR tool with integrated Lagrangian Dynamics (LD) for the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) numerical weather prediction model. We believe this will help scientists identify, track, and understand the evolution of Earth Science phenomena. This presentation will discuss current results in our work in developing this XR tool for Earth Science.

Thomas Grubb↗

A New Design Consideration for Bidirectional Resonant Converters

This paper introduces innovative design considerations for a bidirectional resonant converter, optimized for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and vehicle-togrid (V2G) applications. By eliminating the need for complex voltage or current gain functions, the proposed design greatly simplifies the development process, making it more accessible for manufacturers and system integrators. This approach not only reduces engineering time and resource investment but also accelerates time-to-market, giving stakeholders a competitive edge in rapidly expanding EV infrastructure markets. In addition, the streamlined design ensures soft switching at maximum output power, leading to higher efficiency and improved durability, which translates to lower operating costs and a longer service life for EV charging equipment. These benefits provide a clear pathway to more cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable EV charging and V2G solutions, enhancing value for stakeholders by facilitating smoother integration into the grid and supporting energy resilience. To validate the benefits, a 60 kW bidirectional charger with a flexible input range of 700−900VDC and an output range of 400−1250VDC was developed, underscoring the design's adaptability and potential for large-scale implementation.

Asa, Erdem [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000190884812)↗

Enabling Data Exchange and Data Integration with the Common Information Model: An Introduction for Power Systems Engineers and Application Developers

The Common Information Model (CIM) is an open-source information model that is used to model an electrical network and the various equipment used on the network. CIM is widely used for data exchange of bulk transmission power systems and is finding increasing use for distribution systems. Use of a non-proprietary information model (such as CIM) that has been agreed upon and adopted by numerous utilities, vendors, and researchers allows significant reduction in the effort and cost of data integration. Likewise, adoption of open data platforms built around the CIM increases available functionalities for managing and optimizing the smart grid of the future. This report is intended as an introduction to CIM for utility engineers, power systems researchers, and application developers, providing a broad view of the CIM and how particular profiles can be adapted for various use cases. Unlike most other CIM introduction documents and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards (which are mostly targeted to an audience of data scientists, enterprise database managers, and platform developers), this report is intended for users of traditional power systems analysis software and other readers without any prior experience with canonical information models, data profiles, or UML modeling.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗