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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 145 records · Page 8

LCOE Design Optimization Using Genetic Algorithm with Improved Component Models for Medium-Voltage Transformerless PV Inverters

For real-world installations of photovoltaic and other renewable energy resources, the critical design metric is the levelized cost of energy (LCOE); however, many power electronics design optimizations are performed with efficiency and power density as the primary design goals. Recent work has shown that a new LCOE-focused optimization approach can yield improved system designs balancing cost and energy generation. This paper expands the LCOE optimization approach by considering comprehensive optimization parameters, adding new modeling of inductor cost, extending the semiconductor model to include effects of losses on housing cost, and implementing a genetic algorithm to improve computation efficiency.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

Controller-Hardware-in-the-Loop Test Bed for Fast-Switching SiC-Based 50-kW PV Inverter

The recent advent of wideband gap power semiconductor devices will lay the path to the future power converters. These devices provide the advantage of high switching speed and lower losses. The high cost and high switching speeds of these devices provide a challenge in the development and validation of the fast switching inverter controls with accuracy of that of a hardware setup. In this paper an FPGA real-time simulator-based controller-hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) testbed is used to verify the low-level and advanced inverter controls fast switching wide bandgap-based string photovoltaic inverter. The paper also includes development of the CHIL testbed, which is run at a time-step of 500 ns in order to implement 20 kHz switching frequency. The developed CHIL testbed is validated through experimental results from a three-phase, 50 kW, 480 VLLrms SiC devices based inverter.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Distributed PV Hosting Capacity Evaluation Considering Equitable PV Accommodation

Distributed photovoltaic (DPV) hosting capacity is widely used by distribution system operators to evaluate how much DPV the distribution networks can accommodate without violating operational constraints. If the proliferation of DPV deployment is appropriately managed, it offers an excellent opportunity to mitigate the energy inequity issue in electric grids. Hosting capacity improvement plans that neglect energy equity can exacerbate unequal DPV access. To consider energy equity in distribution network planning to enhance DPV accommodation, hosting capacity evaluations should be improved to consider equity constraints endogenously. This paper proposes a DPV hosting capacity evaluation method that considers equitable DPV access among sub-regions of a distribution feeder partitioned by socioeconomic indicators, such as income level. The results demonstrate that considering equity in DPV hosting capacity evaluations can provide a valuable reference in the equitable energy transition. This work provides guidance for future distribution network upgrade planning for equitable DPV deployment.

distributed PV↗

Distributed PV Hosting Capacity Evaluation Considering Equitable PV Accommodation: Preprint

In distribution systems, distributed photovoltaic (DPV) hosting capacity is widely used by system operators to evaluate how much DPV the distribution networks can accommodate without violating operational constraints. With the proliferation of DPV deployment, if managed properly, it offers a great opportunity to mitigate the persistent energy inequity issue in electric grid. Otherwise, energy inequity can be exacerbated with unequal DPV access when hosting capacity improvement plans ignore the equity factor. To consider energy equity in distribution network planning for enhancing DPV accommodation, the hosting capacity evaluation should be improved to consider equity constraints endogenously. In this paper, a DPV hosting capacity evaluation method is proposed considering equitable DPV access among sub-regions of a distribution feeder partitioned by social-economic indicators such as the income levels. The results demonstrate that considering equity in DPV hosting capacity evaluation can provide valuable reference in the equitable energy transition. This work provides a valuable guidance for future distribution network upgrade planning for equitable DPV deployment.

distributed PV↗

Baseline and Target Values for PV Forecasts: Toward Improved Solar Power Forecasting

Accurate solar power forecasting allows utilities to get the most out of the solar resources on their systems. To truly measure the improvements that any new solar forecasting methods can provide, it is important to first develop (or determine) baseline and target solar forecasting at different spatial and temporal scales. This paper aims to develop baseline and target values for solar forecasting metrics. These were informed by close collaboration with utility and independent system operator partners. The baseline values are established based on state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction models and persistence models. The target values are determined based on the reduction in the amount of reserves that must be held to accommodate the uncertainty of solar power output.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Managing EHS of PV-Related Equipment at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Preprint

Managing environment, health, and safety (EHS) risks at a national laboratory, or university, can be intimidating to a researcher who is focused on research results. Laboratory research and development (R&D) operations are often driven by scientists with limited engineering support and lack well-refined equipment development resources. To add to the burden for a researcher, there is a plethora ofcodes, standards, and regulations that govern the safe installation and operation of photovoltaic-related R&D equipment -- especially those involving hazardous production materials. To help guide the researcher through the vast list of requirements, the EHS office at NREL has taken a variety of steps. Organizationally, the office has developed hazard-specific laboratory-level procedures togovern particular activities. These procedures are a distillation of appropriate international codes, fire agencies, SEMI standards, U.S. Department of Energy orders, and other industry standards to those necessary and sufficient to govern the safe operation of a given activity. The EHS office works proactively with researchers after a concept for a new R&D capability is conceived to help guidethe safe design, acquisition, installation, and operation of the equipment. It starts with a safety assessment at the early stages such that requirements are implemented to determine the level of risk and degree of complexity presented by the activity so appropriate controls can be put in place to manage the risk. As the equipment requirements and design are refined, appropriate equipmentstandards are applied. Before the 'to-build' specifications are finalized, a process hazard analysis is performed to ensure that no single-point failure presents an unacceptable risk. Finally, as the tool goes through construction and installation stages, reviews are performed at logical times to ensure that the requisite engineering controls and design are in place and operational.Authorization to operate is not given until adherence to these requirements is fully verified and documented. Operations continue under the conditions defined through this process and are reviewed with changing processes.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗