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At least 145 records · Page 8

Control system and method for tapered structure construction

A control system for forming a tapered structure includes a sensor providing feedback for a machine for forming a tapered structure including at least three rolls having at least one bend roll and at least two guide rolls. The guide rolls may include rollette banks having a plurality of rollettes. The machine may also include an adjustment mechanism to position at least one of the rolls, where a diameter of the tapered structure being formed is controlled by relative positions of the rolls. The machine may also include a joining element to join edges of a stock of material together as it is rolled through the rolls to form the tapered structure. The control system may also include a controller to receive feedback from the sensor and to send a control signal based on the feedback to the adjustment mechanism for positioning at least one of the rolls.

Takata, Rosalind K.↗

Time-frequency based cyber security defense of wide-area control system for fast frequency reserve

Global power systems are transiting from conventional fossil fuel energy to renewable energies due to their environmental benefits. The increasing penetration of renewable energies presents challenges for power system operation. The efficiency and sufficiency of responsive reserves have become increasingly important for power systems with a high proportion of renewable energies. The Fast Frequency Reserve (FFR), especially the Wide-area Monitoring System (WAMS)-based FFR, is a promising and effective solution to secure and enhance the stability of power systems. However, cyber security has become a new challenge for the WAMS-based FFR system. Cyber attacks on the FFR control system may threaten the safety of power system operation due to the rapid power controllability requirement of FFR. Therefore, to address this problem, a time-frequency based cyber security defense framework is proposed to detect the cyber spoofing of synchrophasor data in WAMS-based FFR control systems. This paper first introduces the Continuous Wavelet Transforms (CWTs) to decompose spoofing signals. Then, the Dual-frequency Scale Convolutional Neural Networks (DSCNN) is proposed to identify the time-frequency domains matrix from two frequency scales. Integrating CWTs and DSCNN, an identification framework called CWTs-DSCNN is further proposed to detect the spoofing attacks in the WAMS-based FFR system. Multiple experiments using the actual data from FNET/GridEye are performed to verify the effectiveness of the framework in securing WAMS-based FFR systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The problem analysis of data processing performance in nuclear power plant computerized information and control system - 288

This paper is based on the data processing performance problems of operating command delay and system display not updating real-time for nuclear power plant computerized information and control system. The plant computerized information and control system is responsible for monitoring and controlling the plant operation, and it is a key part in the plant DCS system. Its data processing performance will affect the operation stability of nuclear power plant. The architecture, hardware configuration and data communication for plant computerized information and control system among the different levels in DCS are described. The main reasons affecting data processing performance in different signal channels are analyzed according to the plant load test results. The CPU load curves for real time server and central processing server are displayed, although the detailed cause for operating command delay and system display not updating realtime are not found, central processing server load is heavier than real time server which remind us to analyze the data processing of software resource scheduling deeply. So the resource distribution problem of software execution task is also analyzed according to CPU load test results. This paper provides the optimization analysis for data processing performance, and it is available and effective according to the latest test results. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Hybrid power system control and operating strategy based on power system state vector calculation

Controlling a hybrid power system includes calculating a power system state vector based on energy demand and a stored data array including a matrix defined by a power system hardware configuration. The control further includes producing a power request based on the power system state vector, and varying a flow of energy amongst energy devices using drive linkages in the hybrid power system based on the power request. Related apparatus, control logic and controller structure is disclosed.

Guo, Fang↗

Stabilization and Attenuation of Bounded Perturbations in Discrete Control Systems

Necessary and sufficient conditions for the static output feedback stabilization of linear discrete-time control systems are formulated in the form of a matrix inequality. It is shown that the algorithms of stabilization based on these conditions are applicable to a certain class of nonlinear discrete-time control systems. We propose the procedure of construction of the regularities of control guaranteeing the required estimation of the weighted level of attenuation of input signals and initial perturbations, as well as the robust stability of the equilibrium state of the controlled system. A numerical example of the discretetime system of stabilization of a pendulum on a moving platform is presented.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Local access control system management using domain information updates

Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Masters, George W.↗

Local access control system management using domain information updates

Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Masters, George W.↗

Control Systems & LEED

This article discusses the LEED guidelines (2009 v3), and corresponding points, that can only be attained using control systems for lighting, HVAC, and/or the entire building. Integrating and centralizing control systems allows for better building management, energy savings and can potentially award 29 points towards certification across the following categories: Sustainable Sites, Energy & Atmosphere, and Indoor Air Quality. In closing, potential energy savings are highlighted and the overall market potential for control systems are summarized.

Control Systems↗

Deception-Based Cyber Attacks on Hierarchical Control Systems using Domain-Aware Koopman Learning

Industrial control systems are subject to cyber attacks that produce physical consequences. These attacks can be both hard to detect and protracted. Here, we focus on deception-based sensor bias attacks made against a hierarchical control system where the attacker attempts to be stealthy. We develop a a data-driven, optimization-based attacker model and use the Koopman operator to represent the system dynamics in a domain-aware and computationally efficient manner. Using this model, we compute several different attacks against a high-fidelity commercial building emulator and compare the impacts of those attacks to each other. Finally, we discuss some computational considerations and identify avenues for future research.

koopman operator, Cyber-Physical Security, machine↗

NSTX-U Control System Upgrades

The National Spherical Tokamak Experiment (NSTX) is undergoing a wealth of upgrades (NSTX-U). These upgrades, especially including an elongated pulse length, require broad changes to the control system that has served NSTX well. A new fiber serial Front Panel Data Port input and output (I/O) stream will supersede the aging copper parallel version. Driver support for the new I/O and cyber security concerns require updating the operating system from Redhat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) v4 to RedHawk (based on RHEL) v6. While the basic control system continues to use the General Atomics Plasma Control System (GA PCS), the effort to forward port the entire software package to run under 64-bit Linux instead of 32-bit Linux included PCS modifications subsequently shared with GA and other PCS users. Software updates focused on three key areas: (1) code modernization through coding standards (C99/C11), (2) code portability and maintainability through use of the GA PCS code generator, and (3) support of 64-bit platforms. Central to the control system upgrade is the use of a complete real time (RT) Linux platform provided by Concurrent Computer Corporation, consisting of a computer (iHawk), an operating system and drivers (RedHawk), and RT tools (NightStar). Strong vendor support coupled with an extensive RT toolset influenced this decision. The new real-time Linux platform, I/O, and software engineering will foster enhanced capability and performance for NSTX-U plasma control.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Experimental demonstration of a data-driven control system for subcritical nuclear facility

Here this paper presents an experimental demonstration of a data-driven control system (DCS) designed for the MIT Graphite Exponential Pile (MGEP). The DCS aims to regulate the neutron flux profile such that symmetry is preserved. Neutron flux perturbations are introduced into the MGEP to test the DCS's capabilities by the movement of an initiating control rod (ICR). To realize this functionality, a control system that relies on an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed, and then demonstrated on the MGEP. A Helium-3 ( 3 He) neutron detector and dual control rods, including their moving mechanisms, were fabricated. The perturbed flux profile was monitored by the moving neutron detector. The prediction accuracy of the neural network (NN) was examined and the DCS response was presented. Our results show that neural network regression model trained by experimental data can achieve a prediction error of less than 2.5 cm with a 95% confidence interval. The demonstration experiment also shows that a perturbation of the ICR can be captured by the control system and flux symmetry can be maintained within 1% after the response of the responding control rod (RCR).

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Biometric Access Control System Industrialization

The Biometric Access Control System Industrialization project was initiated as Project 2 under the umbrella Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) No. SC 14/01816.00.00 between National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia (NTESS) and AQUILA on July 16, 2019. The purpose of this project has been to evaluate alternatives to the more traditional biometric access control methods, such as fingerprints and retinal scanners.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Modernization of PLC-Based Control Systems at SNS

When the SNS site was built around 20 years ago, the Conventional Facilities (CF) control systems were de-signed using 2 communication protocols to allow pro-grammable logic controllers (PLCs) to interface with motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and remote input and output (I/O) devices. The protocol chosen to control motors and VFDs is DeviceNet, a CANbus-based protocol developed by Allen-Bradley, a subsidiary of Rockwell Automation. The protocol chosen to communi-cate with remote I/O is ControlNet, another protocol developed by Allen-Bradley. Both of these protocols are obsolete and present reliability and maintainability is-sues, particularly DeviceNet. As the Control Systems Section at SNS is working to modernize control systems throughout the machine, a major goal for PLC-based systems is to remove the obsolete communication proto-cols in favor of standard, ubiquitous Ethernet. To this end, any new VFDs installed use Ethernet communica-tion. Many VFDs are currently being replaced in the Central Utilities Building (CUB) and the Central Exhaust Facility (CEF) and are being removed from DeviceNet in favor of Ethernet communication. Planning is underway to retrofit Eaton Intelligent Technology motor control centers (MCCs) in the Target Building to remove particu-larly troublesome DeviceNet adaptors and replace them with Ethernet adaptors for each motor starter. The Con-trolNet network in the CUB has been demolished, with I/O drops integrated into a local Ethernet network, im-proving sustainability and maintainability.

Beaushaw, Isaiah [ORNL]↗

Holistic Small-Signal Stability Analysis for Large-Scale Inverter-Intensive Power Systems with Coupled and Full-Order Dynamics from Control Systems and Power Networks

The increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) into the existing power systems introduces tremendous benefits for enhanced sustainability but also poses inevitable challenges in terms of insufficient inertia, potential instability, and complex network dynamics, among others. However, the additional coupling introduced by the interactions among gridfollowing (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) IBRs and the other components (i.e., synchronous generators [SGs], loads, and network, etc.) has not been clearly explored. A holistic, scalable, and quantitative stability analysis framework with the control systems and power networks is still missing. Here, in this paper, to fill in the technical gaps, a holistic small-signal model of the entire system with both rotating generation units and IBRs is established. An extended power flow model with operation dynamics from both generator control schemes and power networks is proposed to provide the varying steady-state operating points for small-signal modeling. The proposed method is compared with MATLAB solvers, and the results show that the proposed approach has a minimum calculation time, which can be less than 12 seconds for a large-scale power system with up to 2,000 buses. Furthermore, a quantitative method is developed to identify the impacts of IBRs on system performance with emphases on the potential stability issues with GFL IBRs, additional benefits of employing GFM IBRs, the feasibility of replacing SGs with GFM IBRs, and the impact of penetration level of different kinds of generation units. Finally, a field island power system is used to verify the proposed approach, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests are provided to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed analysis.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

A Multidimensional Holistic Framework for the Security of Distributed Energy and Control Systems

The digitization of smart grid distributed generation and industrial control systems has prompted utilities to deploy tools with ubiquitous communications that potentially widen the attack surface. The utilities still continue to rely on the traditional cybersecurity technologies, such as firewalls, anti-malware tools, and passwords that do not ensure security across all dimensions of the information assurance model required for a strong cybersecurity business process. This paper proposes a multidimensional holistic framework that addresses this gap through advanced technologies, intelligent algorithms, and continued assessments. To show proof, the layered defense model, a solution dimension of the framework, is integrated into the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Security and Resilience Testbed to replicate a utility's enterprise and substation networks. The model is used to evaluate the security and resilience of microgrid control systems, and, based on the insights gathered, recommend best practices for utility cybersecurity analysts for a strong business process. Here, with this baseline, the paper conceptually introduces intelligence-driven solutions comprising contextual data analysis and machine learning to respond to advanced persistent threats sponsored by campaign efforts.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Commercial Building Sensors and Controls Systems - Barriers, Drivers, and Costs

Optimized building sensors and controls systems could lead to 29% annual energy savings in commercial buildings and are integral to the growth of grid-interactive efficient buildings. However, only 8% of small commercial buildings have installed sensors and controls systems-which is largely due to cost barriers. This publication seeks to increase the transparency of system costs and identify specific barriers and drivers for increased adoption. Qualitative interview data was collected from 20 interviews with industry and qualitative cost data was collected from invoices during the interviews. The greater understanding of costs and barriers associated with commercial building sensors and controls systems lays the groundwork for future steps in increasing system adoption, reducing energy consumption, and market transformation.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Industrial Control Systems Network Protocol Parsers

Industrial Control Systems protocol parsers plugins for the Zeek network security monitoring framework. Currently we have four fully developed protocol parsers but we plan on adding more in the future. The protocol parsers we currently have developed are for BACnet, DNP3, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus.

Rasmussen, BrettD↗