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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2021

Small-Signal Stability Analysis of Low-Inertia Power Grids with Inverter-Based Resources and Synchronous Condensers: Preprint

With the potential environmental impacts of conventional fossil fuels and the technology advances of grid interactive power electronics, inverter-based resources (IBRs) are playing a crucial role in modern power grids. However, due to the lack of physical inertia, IBRs are vulnerable to system disturbances. Further, conventional grid-following (GFL) inverters cannot actively establish the frequency and voltage, which could not be a appropriate solution for 100% inverter-based power grids. Grid-forming (GFM) control, as an emerging inverter control function, has drawn great attention in recent years, while it is still under development and pre-mature for large-scale field deployment. A potential solution for gradually transitioning into a 100% inverter-based power grid is to combine both IBRs and synchronous machines into a mixed generation portfolio. More importantly, synchronous machines can be operated as synchronous condensers (SCs) until they are retired. It is also worth mentioning that the stability analysis is of great importance to ensure the smooth transition from existing power grids to 100% inverter-based system, which is the main focus of this work with detailed modeling and modal analysis.

100% renewable↗

DOE OSTI2026

Enhancing Synchronous Condenser Operation of Hydrogenerators

Hydropower plants are sometimes dispatched below capacity or even shut down to meet water regulations. These can temporarily be repurposed to operate as synchronous condensers. To enable this capability, this paper proposes a design that allows hydrogenerators to safely operate as synchronous condensers, providing fast voltage and reactive power support under both normal and boost conditions. The proposed design integrates capability curves with hydrogenerators’ excitation systems through modifications using proposed MVA-field current curve, current controller, and limiter. The design is implemented locally at the machine for rapid response. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design and using hydrogenerators as synchronous condensers in power grids.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2023

Non-Synchronous Rotation on Europa Driven by Ocean Currents

It has been suggested that the ice shell of Jupiter's moon Europa may drift non-synchronously due to tidal torques. Here we argue that torques applied by the underlying ocean are also important and can result in non-synchronous rotation. The resulting spin rate can be slightly slower than the synchronous angular rate that would have kept the same point of the ice shell facing Jupiter. We develop an ice shell rotation model, driven by ocean stress calculated using a high-resolution state-of-the-art ocean general circulation model, and take into account the viscoelastic deformation of the ice shell. We use the ice shell model results together with observed limits on the ice shell drift speed to constrain ice shell parameters such as effective viscosity, which is currently uncertain by at least four orders of magnitude. Our results suggest, at best, sluggish ice shell convection. Depending on the relaxation time scale of the ice shell and on the ocean currents, the ice shell may exhibit negligible drift, constant drift, or oscillatory drift superimposed on random fluctuations. The expected rotation rate exceeds ~30 m/yr; future spacecraft observations can be used to test these predictions and yield insight into the properties of the ice shell and underlying ocean.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2023

Synchronizing the consistency relation

We study the N-point function of the density contrast to quadratic order in the squeezed limit during the matter-dominated (MD) and radiation-dominated (RD) eras in synchronous gauge. Since synchronous gauge follows the free-fall frame of observers, the equivalence principle dictates that in the gradient approximation for the long-wavelength mode there is only a single, manifestly time-independent consistency relation for the N-point function. This simple form is dictated by the initial mapping between synchronous and local coordinates, unlike Newtonian gauge and its correspondingly separate dilation and Newtonian consistency relations. Dynamical effects only appear at quadratic order in the squeezed limit and are again characterized by a change in the local background, also known as the separate universe approach. We show that for the 3-point function the compatibility between these squeezed-limit relations and second-order perturbation theory requires both the initial and dynamical contributions to match, as they do in single-field inflation. This clarifies the role of evolution or late-time projection effects in establishing the consistency relation for observable bispectra, which is especially important for radiation acoustic oscillations and for establishing consistency below the matter-radiation equality scale in the MD era. Defining an appropriate angle and time average of these oscillations is also important for making separate universe predictions of spatially varying local observables during the RD era, which can be useful for a wider range of cosmological predictions beyond N-point functions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Enhancing Time Synchronization in Smart Grid With White Rabbit: Theory, Architecture, and Challenges

The smart grid aims to provide economically efficient and sustainable power to consumers with high quality and security. However, the increasing integration of distributed renewable energy sources presents challenges for smart grid protection and control systems. Here, to enhance smart grid operations, this article introduces White Rabbit (WR) as a more precise and accurate time synchronization technique. To explore White Rabbit’s potential applications in the smart grid, this study first explains existing time synchronization techniques and their limitations, followed by an analysis of the role and importance of time synchronization in smart grids. A comprehensive survey is then conducted, covering the theories, principles, implementations, performances, and existing application cases of White Rabbit. The findings suggest that White Rabbit is a promising technique for smart grid deployment. However, several challenges remain on the path to large-scale implementation. These challenges are analyzed in detail, highlighting key areas for future research.

Liu, Yu [University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (U↗

DOE OSTI2024

Microgrid to Microgrid Synchronization with Grid-Forming Inverters: Challenges and Solution

Research on network microgrids has primarily focused on control and optimization. However, application aspects such as microgrid-to-microgrid synchronization have not been fully addressed in existing literature. This paper first addresses the challenges of networking microgrids with grid-forming inverter in droop control. Then, it proposes a pre-synchronization algorithm to improves the synchronization speed and transient stability. To improve the speed, the phase difference between adjacent microgrids is minimized. Transients such as inrush current and oscillations are effectively mitigated by increasing the virtual impedance during interconnection. The proposed strategy allows smooth transitions when reconfiguration of the microgrids is needed. The applicability of this strategy to today’s microgrid systems is demonstrated through a validation in a 480V three-phase network microgrid testbed with commercial-grade inverters, protective devices, and switchgear.

Ferrari Maglia, Max↗

DOE OSTI2020

Bulk Power System Dynamics with Varying Levels of Synchronous Generators and Grid-Forming Power Inverters

Inverters using phase-locked loops for control depend on voltages generated by synchronous machines to operate. This might be problematic if much of the conventional generation fleet is displaced by inverters. To solve this problem, grid-forming control for inverters has been proposed as being capable of autonomously regulating grid voltages and frequency. Presently, the performance of bulk power systems with massive penetration of grid-forming inverters has not been thoroughly studied as to elucidate benefits. Hence, this paper presents inverter models with two grid-forming strategies: virtual oscillator control and droop control. The two models are specifically developed to be used in positive-sequence simulation packages and have been implemented in PSLF. The implementations are used to study the performance of bulk power grids incorporating inverters with gridforming capability. Specifically, simulations are conducted on a modified IEEE 39-bus test system and the microWECC test system with varying levels of synchronous and inverter-based generation. The dynamic performance of the tested systems with gridforming inverters during contingency events is better than cases with only synchronous generation.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Synchronization for CXL Based Memory

Compute Express Link (CXL) is an important emerging standard for disaggregated memory. While this standard provisions coherency across numerous hosts and devices, implementing hardware support for type three devices is challenging. In this work, we look at the overhead of software synchronization and using software-based coherency. Moreover, we discuss the limits of software-based coherency in fully expressing modern synchronization techniques for a CXL-based disaggregate memory system. We demonstrate our approach using a CXL hardware prototype and running a version of the famous Peterson Lock (enhanced to run with more than two threads). We analyze its performance and share how more advanced synchronization techniques might interact with software-based coherence CXL hardware and program execution models.

High Performance Computing (HPC)↗

DOE OSTI2024

Timing and Synchronization in the LLRF systems of the Fermilab PIP-II Linac

The PIP-II Accelerator is an 800 MeV superconducting Linac in the injection chain of the Fermilab accelerator complex. The LLRF systems for the 125 cavities which include a few normal conducting cavities in the warm front-end section, use a variety of LLRF hardware components and sub-systems that are part of the timing and synchronization system. This includes a master oscillator and phase averaging reference line, a beam pattern generator to enable beam transfer between non-harmonic RF systems and beam loading compensation systems synchronized to a start of beam trigger. The timing signals are based on a 650 MHz clock with manchester encoded event information and data provided over optical fiber. The timing and synchronization systems and their performance parameters will be described here.

Varghese, Philip↗

DOE OSTI2025

Synchronous Machine Governor Upgrade

Conventional generation sources play a critical role in the stability and reliability of the electrical grid, particularly as we transition towards more renewable energy sources. To understand and accurately emulate their behavior for optimizing grid operations and ensuring seamless integration with renewable technologies, it is essential to better emulate the grid- and plant-level impacts of conventional generation sources, such as natural gas (NG) driven heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) and combustion turbines (CTs). Therefore, a governor model is developed in a programmable logic controller (PLC) to investigate the performance of the conventional generator under various dynamic operating conditions and to identify the impact on grid stability in a controlled environment. The governor model aims to enable the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) based emulation of these conventional generation sources using the existing 2 MVA synchronous machine/generator that is driven by a flexible 2.5 MW variable speed drive. This setup will allow us to replicate the dynamic characteristics and response behaviors of NG-driven HRSGs and CTs. The controls for the emulated conventional plants follow the industry standard and are adjustable, ensuring they accurately reflect the operational capabilities and limitations of real-world systems. These controls include load-following capabilities, ramp rates, startup and shutdown sequences, and emissions characteristics. By incorporating these adjustable controls, we aim to capture the nuanced impacts of conventional generation, such as their ability to provide ancillary services like frequency regulation, voltage support, and spinning reserve. In this report, we simulate two types of dynamic operations: grid-connected and islanding. For each dynamic operation, representative starting sequences are tested, including turbine purge, ignition, speed ramping up, generator excitation and synchronizing, and breaker close. The HIL based tests provides insights for field deployment, specifically the high-fidelity governor model provides results to predict the potential stability and reliability risk and suggest possible integration measures (e.g., generation and load balancing, tuning of governor control parameters). Ultimately, this enhanced emulation capability will be integrated into our Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES), enabling us to conduct comprehensive studies on the interactions between conventional and renewable energy sources. By better understanding these interactions, we can develop strategies to optimize the overall performance and reliability of the grid. This will support the deployment of advanced grid management techniques, such as demand response, grid-forming inverters, and energy storage systems. The main contributions are summarized as follows: (1) This report introduces a PLC-based governor model for gas turbines. This model accurately simulates the dynamic behavior of conventional generation sources under various operational scenarios; (2) The model is integrated with an HIL testbed that includes a 2.5 MW variable speed drive and a 2 MVA synchronous machine. This setup enables realistic, real-time emulation of conventional power plants, particularly NG driven HRSGs and CTs; (3) The developed model is adaptable to various gas turbine configurations and allows for precise control over parameters such as MW ramp rates. This flexibility makes it a valuable tool for future research and industry collaboration; and (4) By incorporating the model into the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems, the report lays the groundwork for future studies on interactions between conventional and renewable energy sources, enhancing the ability to develop advanced grid management strategies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2023

Synchronous Rotation in the (136199) Eris–Dysnomia System

We combine photometry of Eris from a 6 month campaign on the Palomar 60 inch telescope in 2015, a 1 month Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 campaign in 2018, and Dark Energy Survey data spanning 2013–2018 to determine a light curve of definitive period 15.771 ± 0.008 days (1σ formal uncertainties), with nearly sinusoidal shape and peak-to-peak flux variation of 3%. This is consistent at part-per-thousand precision with the P = 15.785 90 ± 0.00005 day sidereal period of Dysnomia's orbit around Eris, strengthening the recent detection of synchronous rotation of Eris by Szakáts et al. with independent data. Photometry from Gaia are consistent with the same light curve. We detect a slope of 0.05 ± 0.01 mag per degree of Eris's brightness with respect to illumination phase averaged across g, V, and r bands, intermediate between Pluto's and Charon's values. Variations of 0.3 mag are detected in Dysnomia's brightness, plausibly consistent with a double-peaked light curve at the synchronous period. The synchronous rotation of Eris is consistent with simple tidal models initiated with a giant-impact origin of the binary, but is difficult to reconcile with gravitational capture of Dysnomia by Eris. The high albedo contrast between Eris and Dysnomia remains unexplained in the giant-impact scenario.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1972

Error studies for ground tracking of synchronous satellites

The results of various sets of tracking error analysis studies of the ability of ground stations to determine the position and velocity of synchronous satellites are summarized. The effects of varying: (1) the ground station configuration from 1 to 6 tracking stations in differing locations; (2) the ground station measurement type such as S-Band, C-Band, VHF, and lasers and (3) the uncertainties in ground station location are investigated. The linear error analysis computer program used includes the effects of ground tracking station location uncertainties, measurement noise and biases, and station timing bias. Results show that two ground trackers are needed if at least 2000 meters position accuracy is desired, with a favorable two-station solution giving less than 500 meters position accuracy. Under favorable circumstances, a multi-station laser solution gives a synchronous satellite position accuracy of less than 100 meters. The various cases illustrate features of synchronous satellite tracking from ground stations.

Cooley, J. L.↗

NASA NTRS1972

An estimation algorithm with learning feature for an adaptive bit synchronizer.

Description of an on-line optimal (in the sense of linear minimum mean square error) sequential bit synchronizer assuming minimal a priori knowledge of the incoming data. The adaptive synchronization algorithms, implemented on a small computer, are capable of accurately estimating pulse transition time, pulse amplitude, and pulse width by invoking the powerful Gauss-Markov theorem. Numerous simulations indicate that the performance of the synchronizer is satisfactory from the point of view of the amount of data required and the speed of convergence.

Chow, L. R.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Digital data detection and synchronization

The primary accomplishments have been in the analysis and simulation of receivers and bit synchronizers. It has been discovered that tracking rate effects play, a rather fundamental role in both receiver and synchronizer performance, but that data relating to recorder time-base-error, for the proper characterization of this phenomenon, is in rather short supply. It is possible to obtain operationally useful tape recorder time-base-error data from high signal-to-noise ratio tapes using synchronizers with relatively wideband tracking loops. Low signal-to-noise ratio tapes examined in the same way would not be synchronizable. Additional areas of interest covered are receiver false lock, cycle slipping, and other unusual phenomena, which have been described to some extent in this and earlier reports and simulated during the study.

Noack, T. L.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Maximum likelihood synchronizer for binary overlapping PCM/NRZ signals.

A maximum likelihood parameter estimation technique for the self bit synchronization problem is investigated. The input sequence to the bit synchronizer is a sequence of binary overlapping PCM/NRZ signal in the presence of white Gaussian noise with zero mean and known variance. The resulting synchronizer consists of matched filters, a transition device and a weighting function. Finally, the performance is examined by Monte Carlo simulations.

Wang, C. D.↗

NASA NTRS1972

An analysis and demonstration of clock synchronization by VLBI

A prototype of a semireal-time system for synchronizing the DSN station clocks by radio interferometry was successfully demonstrated. The system utilized an approximate maximum likelihood estimation procedure for processing the data, thereby achieving essentially optimum time synchronization estimates for a given amount of data, or equivalently, minimizing the amount of data required for reliable estimation. Synchronization accuracies as good as 100 nsec rms were achieved between DSS 11 and DSS 12, both at Goldstone, California. The accuracy can be improved by increasing the system bandwidth until the fundamental limitations due to position uncertainties of baseline and source and atmospheric effects are reached. These limitations are under ten nsec for transcontinental baselines.

Hurd, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Shuttle bit rate synchronizer

A shuttle bit rate synchronizer brassboard unit was designed, fabricated, and tested, which meets or exceeds the contractual specifications. The bit rate synchronizer operates at signal-to-noise ratios (in a bit rate bandwidth) down to -5 dB while exhibiting less than 0.6 dB bit error rate degradation. The mean acquisition time was measured to be less than 2 seconds. The synchronizer is designed around a digital data transition tracking loop whose phase and data detectors are integrate-and-dump filters matched to the Manchester encoded bits specified. It meets the reliability (no adjustments or tweaking) and versatility (multiple bit rates) of the shuttle S-band communication system through an implementation which is all digital after the initial stage of analog AGC and A/D conversion.

Huey, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Review of available synchronization and time distribution techniques

The methods of synchronizing precision clocks will be reviewed placing particular attention to the simpler techniques, their accuracies, and the approximate cost of equipment. The more exotic methods of synchronization are discussed in lesser detail. The synchronization techniques that will be covered will include satellite dissemination, communication and navigation transmissions via VLF, LF, HF, UHF and microwave as well as commercial and armed forces television. Portable clock trips will also be discussed.

Hall, R. G.↗