Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Interoperability”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,639 records · Page 91

A Community Roadmap for Scientific Workflows Research and Development

The landscape of workflow systems for scientific applications is notoriously convoluted with hundreds of seemingly equivalent workflow systems, many isolated research claims, and a steep learning curve. To address some of these challenges and lay the groundwork for transforming workflows research and development, the WorkflowsRI and ExaWorks projects partnered to bring the international workflows community together. This paper reports on discussions and findings from two virtual “Workflows Community Summits” (January and April, 2021). The overarching goals of these workshops were to develop a view of the state of the art, identify crucial research challenges in the workflows community, articulate a vision for potential community efforts, and discuss technical approaches for realizing this vision. To this end, participants identified six broad themes: FAIR computational workflows; AI workflows; exascale challenges; APIs, interoperability, reuse, and standards; training and education; and building a workflows community. We summarize discussions and recommendations for each of these themes.

Ferreira Da Silva, Rafael↗

Strategies for Working Remotely: Responding to Pandemic-Driven Change.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Exascale Computing Project’s (ECP) Interoperable Design of Extreme-scale Application Software (IDEAS) productivity team launched the panel series Strategies for Working Remotely to facilitate informal, cross-organizational dialog in the absence of face-to-face meetings. In a time of pandemic, organizations increasingly need to reach across perceived boundaries to learn from each other, so that we can move beyond stand-alone silos to more connected multidisciplinary and multiorganizational configurations. The present paper argues that the unplanned transition to remote work, overuse of electronic communication, and need to unlearn habits associated with an overreliance on face-to-face, created unique opportunities to learn from the situation and accelerate cross-institutional cooperation and collaboration through online community dialog facilitated by informal panel discussions. Recommendations for facilitating online panel discussions to foster cross-organizational dialog are provided by applying the Simulation Experience Design Method.

Raybourn, Elaine M.↗

Enhancing Distribution System Resiliency Using Grid-Forming Fuel Cell Inverter: Preprint

Legacy inverters interfacing distributed energy re-sources are traditionally grid-following (GFL) in nature. GFL assets typically follow real power and reactive power set points. Recently, inverters with grid-forming (GFM) capability are gaining attention as GFM assets can increase the resiliency of the distribution system under stressed conditions. These GFM inverters can use photovoltaics, batteries, or fuel cells as their energy source. In this paper, we present information on inverters interfacing fuel cell assets, specifically with GFM capability. By introducing a fuel cell powered GFM coupled with hydrogen production and storage, the GFM can continuously provide GFM activities during periods of low renewable resource availability, and/or during power outages exceeding typical electric battery duration. Finally, we present information on the need for updates on interconnection and interoperability standards that can be leveraged by utilities for including fuel cell inverters in their asset mix.

fuel cell inverters↗

The Geothermal Data Repository: Ten Years of Supporting the Geothermal Industry with Open Access to Geothermal Data: Preprint

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Geothermal Data Repository (GDR) is celebrating its tenth anniversary! Over the last decade it has grown from the simple idea of storing public data in a centralized location to a valuable tool at the center of the US geothermal scientific community and an integral part of the DOE Geothermal Technologies Office (DOE GTO) project management strategy. Researchers funded by the DOE GTO have contributed over 1,300 data submissions to the GDR. These data have been used to further advancements in geothermal science, economic analysis, exploration, research, development, and operational efficiency. The adoption of open data methodologies and a data management strategy that prioritizes universal open access and standardized, interoperable data have further increased the value of GDR data, making them available across a distributed network of data sharing partners and improving their utility to other industries and related fields, including material science and space exploration. Incorporating feedback from users has been critical to the GDRs success, allowing it to grow over the years to meet the evolving needs of the geothermal community. This paper will explore some of many changes that occurred throughout the GDRs tenure and the lessons learned along the way, as well as highlight some of the new features and recent improvements that been implemented to support innovation, reduce duplication of effort, and advance the geothermal industry as a whole.

accessibility↗

A Blockchain Based Co-Simulation Framework for Integrating DERs into Wholesale Electricity Markets

As the number of distributed energy resources (DERs) continue to increase across energy-delivery systems, there remains a need for integrating their capabilities into traditional grid operations. In this paper, a blockchain-based solution is proposed to facilitate FERC's Order No. 2222 implementations. The presented use-case enables small-scale DERs to participate in wholesale market operations through DER aggregators, while also enabling local distribution system operators to enforce distribution system constraints in a secure and traceable manner. The presented use case is built around the Unified Testing Platform (UTP) being developed as a part of the Blockchain for Optimized Security and Energy Management (BLOSEM) project. This is a multi-lab effort intended to simplify the deployment of blockchain-powered grid solutions by enabling the integration of simulation tools, and blockchain technologies through the use of system-agnostic interfaces that provide a modular, interoperable, and reusable connectivity layer.

blockchain testing↗

Real-Time Hardware-in-the-Loop Testbed to Evaluate FLISR Implemented with OpenFMB

With the increasing complexity of the distribution smart grid architecture, algorithms such as the fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR) scheme rely on robust communications that are resilient to natural and man-made adverse conditions and exhibit robustness. Existing communications infrastructure for information exchange are centralized at the distribution management system, with very little autonomy or intelligence at the grid-edge. As a first step towards achieving grid-edge self-healing, this paper aims to bridge this shortcoming by implementing a centrally coordinated rules-based FLISR scheme and integrating it with Open Field Message Bus (OpenFMB), which is a flexible publish-subscribe architecture with the potential to enable point-to-multipoint communications and is more robust and resilient to natural and man-made adverse conditions. A proof of concept is developed to validate the centrally coordinated FLISR and OpenFMB mounted on an SEL-3360 computer that interacts with a simple feeder network of five SEL-651R relays, an SEL-3530 RTAC, and a hardware-in-the-loop testbed. Results demonstrate the efficacy of this approach in enabling direct, low-latency information exchange. OpenFMB's publish-subscribe data model also opens new ways to enable grid-edge interoperability among devices of different vendors interacting with different protocols.

Sundararajan, Aditya↗

Microgrid Communications Using the Open-Source Open Field Message Bus (OpenFMB) Framework Applied to a 480V, 100kW Laboratory Microgrid

Microgrids require an extensive communication infrastructure to allow interoperability between the microgrid controller and assets. However, the lack of standardization of data structures combined with the variety of communication protocols poses several challenges to the implementation of a communication network. This paper presents an application of the open-source Open Field Message Bus (OpenFMB) framework to simplify the communication layer in microgrids. This work leverages the OpenFMB protocol translation and data model extensions to reduce the complexity in the microgrid communications. Conducted in a laboratory microgrid, the case study demonstrates how the OpenFMB provides predefined data models and simplifies the communication layer by providing information exchange between multiple legacy communication protocols.

Ferrari Maglia, Max↗

The Future of Energy Efficiency for U.S. Buildings - Drivers and Market Scenarios

This paper identifies likely drivers of building efficiency over the next ten years and expectations for how efficiency markets may evolve over this period. To prepare these predictions, we conducted an extensive literature review, interviewed 22 experts, reviewed legislation and executive orders in 12 states, and implemented a detailed questionnaire completed by 41 efficiency practitioners. The two most important drivers revealed by our research are (1) public policies and regulations, particularly those associated with climate change mitigation and adaptation and (2) the cost of energy relative to the cost of delivering efficiency. Other important drivers are technology changes, economic conditions, social priorities, and industry (including utility) business practices for increasing the uptake of efficiency in buildings. Our research indicates that efficiency markets will increasingly focus on supporting building decarbonization and enabling demand flexibility through the use of controls in grid-interactive efficient buildings and communities. Efficiency improvements for specific technologies (e.g., heat pumps, controls, and windows) and technological advances not specific to energy technologies (e.g., interoperability, artificial intelligence, and universal internet access) will improve the efficacy of efficiency measures and actions. Marketing of efficient products and services will increasingly focus on grid services, decarbonization, non-energy benefits for consumers, and integration with other distributed energy resources (DERs). We anticipate increased investment in disadvantaged and historically underserved communities, recognizing the social, health, and safety benefits of efficient energy usage and remediating historical biases. Lastly, we predict that while state and local government actions will vary, jurisdictions will increase their efficiency goals overall.

Schiller, Steven R↗

Standardization of Smart Contracts for Energy Markets and Operation

This work presents a formal review of smart contracts, including definitions, technical requirements, and potential power and energy-related use cases. This includes in-depth discussions covering cybersecurity, legality and interoperability goals that must be taken into consideration by potential end-users. The paper presents a first attempt towards the standardization of smart contracts (SCs) within the field of power and energy as a work in progress activity under the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) P2418.5 Working Group. This work also proposes a holistic, language-agnostic reference model that is intended to accelerate the adoption of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) by industry stakeholders by providing standardized processes. Finally, the paper discusses key takeaways that must continue to be developed to increase SC usage within the energy industry.

Blockchain, smart contracts, DLT↗

A Blockchain Based Co-Simulation Framework for Integrating DERs to Wholesale Electricity Markets: Preprint

As the number of distributed energy resources (DERs) continue to increase across energy-delivery systems, there remains a need for integrating their capabilities into traditional grid operations. In this paper, a blockchain-based solution is proposed to facilitate FERC's Order No. 2222 implementations. The presented use-case enables small-scale DERs to participate in wholesale market operations through DER aggregators, while also enabling local distribution system operators to enforce distribution system constraints in a secure and traceable manner. The presented use case is built around the Unified Testing Platform (UTP) being developed as a part of the Blockchain for Optimized Security and Energy Management (BLOSEM) project. This is a multi-lab effort intended to simplify the deployment of blockchain-powered grid solutions by enabling the integration of simulation tools, and blockchain technologies through the use of system-agnostic interfaces that provide a modular, interoperable, and reusable connectivity layer.

blockchain testing↗

A Commercial Building Plug Load Management System that Uses Internet of Things Technology to Automatically Identify Plugged-In Devices and Their Locations

Plug and process loads (PPLs) account for a large portion of U.S. commercial building energy use. There is a huge potential to reduce whole building consumption by targeting PPLs for energy savings measures or implementing some form of plug load management (PLM). Despite this potential, there has yet to be a widely adopted commercial PLM technology. This paper describes the Automatic Type and Location Identification System (ATLIS), a PLM system framework with automatic and dynamic load detection (ADLD). ADLD gives PLM systems the ability to automatically identify devices as they are plugged into the outlets of a building. The ATLIS framework takes advantage of smart, connected devices to identify device locations in a building, meter and control their power, and communicate this information to a central database. ATLIS includes five primary capabilities: location identification, communication, control, energy metering, and data storage. A laboratory proof of concept (PoC) demonstrated all but the energy metering capability, and these capabilities were validated using a series of system tests. The PoC was able to identify when a device was plugged into an outlet and the location of the device in the building. When a device was moved, the PoC's dashboard and database were automatically updated with the new location. The PoC implemented controls to devices from the system dashboard so that devices maintained correct schedules regardless of where they were plugged in within the building. ATLIS's primary technology application is improved PLM, but other applications include asset management, energy audits, and interoperability for grid-interactive efficient buildings. An ATLIS-based system could also be used to direct power to critical devices, such as ventilators, during a brownout or blackout. Such a framework is an opportunity to make PLM more widespread and reduce the amount of energy consumed by PPLs in current and future commercial buildings.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Machine Learning for Improved Availability of the SNS Klystron High Voltage Converter Modulators

Beam availability has increased at the SNS, however, the targeted availability is greater than 95 %, while the SNS has failed to meet lower targets in the past. The HVCM used to power the linac klystrons have been one source of lost beam time and was chosen to explore using AI/ML techniques to improve reliability. Among the possibilities being explored are automating the tuning of HVCMs and predicting component failures such as capacitor aging, rectifier assemblies containing hundreds of diodes, and insulating oil degradation. The methodology pursued includes data cleaning, de-noising, post-analysis data labeling, and machine learning model development. We explore using Long Short-Term Memory and autoencoders for anomaly detection and prognostication used to schedule maintenance. We evaluate the use of model regularizers and constraints to improve the performance of the model and investigate methods to estimate the uncertainty of the models to provide a robust prediction with statistical interoperability. This paper describes the operational experience and known failures of the HVCMs and the proposed ML methodology and the preliminary results of training the AI/ML algorithms.

Pappas, Chris↗

Systems and methods for detecting and mitigating cyber attacks on power systems comprising distributed energy resources

Extensive deployment of interoperable distributed energy resources (DER) on power systems is increasing the power system cybersecurity attack surface. National and jurisdictional interconnection standards require DER to include a range of autonomous and commanded grid-support functions which can drastically influence power quality, voltage, and the generation-load balance. Investigations of the impact to the power system in scenarios where communications and operations of DER are controlled by an adversary show that each grid-support function exposes the power system to distinct types and magnitudes of risk. The invention provides methods for minimizing the risks to distribution and transmission systems using an engineered control system which detects and mitigates unsafe control commands.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Resilient Networks Minitrack

This minitrack focuses on enhancing the reliability of future electric power infrastructure. Advanced technologies will require sophisticated methods for understanding how they can be incorporated into increasingly complex and dynamic infrastructure. The minitrack is comprised of papers that examine issues of resiliency and secure interoperability of future grid systems, testbeds that will demonstrate the robustness of advanced technologies, and the associated computational and communication challenges associated with operating the power system.

Dagle, Jeffery E.↗

The Geothermal Data Repository: Ten Years of Supporting the Geothermal Industry with Open Access to Geothermal Data

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Geothermal Data Repository (GDR) is celebrating its tenth anniversary! Over the last decade it has grown from the simple idea of storing public data in a centralized location to a valuable tool at the center of the US geothermal scientific community and an integral part of the DOE Geothermal Technologies Office (DOE GTO) project management strategy. Researchers funded by the DOE GTO have contributed over 1,300 data submissions to the GDR. These data have been used to further advancements in geothermal science, economic analysis, exploration, research, development, and operational efficiency. The adoption of open data methodologies and a data management strategy that prioritizes universal open access and standardized, interoperable data have further increased the value of GDR data, making them available across a distributed network of data sharing partners and improving their utility to other industries and related fields, including material science and space exploration. Incorporating feedback from users has been critical to the GDR's success, allowing it to grow over the years to meet the evolving needs of the geothermal community. This paper will explore some of many changes that occurred throughout the GDRs tenure and the lessons learned along the way, as well as highlight some of the new features and recent improvements that been implemented to support innovation, reduce duplication of effort, and advance the geothermal industry as a whole.

access↗

Emulation and Adversarial Analysis of EV Charging Networks

In the effort of decarbonization and evolution of the modern electrical grid, electric vehicles (EVs) play a key part to transform the grid. However, due to the rapid adoption of EVs and the demand of the charging infrastructure required to power said EVs, risk of a cyber-attack may impose serious consequences. There is a need to analyze and protect the charging ecosystem infrastructure from cyber threats before it reaches wide-scale deployment. In an effort to secure vehicle to grid (V2G) communications, standardization is necessary for continued reliable system operation. The protocol ISO 15118 outlines controls and practices that should be implemented for secure vehicle to grid (V2G) communications. The standard is gaining momentum for American markets as the demand for EV infrastructure grows. The adoption of ISO 15118 in American markets poses several challenges: the deployment of a public key infrastructure (PKI) as outlined within the standard, interoperability of charging different EVs with chargers from different manufactures using the PKI, and scaling the ecosystem to meet the demand while managing risks. This project was created to understand potential cyber and scaling challenges of PKI for EV infrastructure through utilizing a series of emulated components mapping to what exists in the EV ecosystem today, and the components of the PKI that are under development. The key nodes within the emulation that are under development are: electric vehicle (EV), electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), charge network operator (CNO), certificate authority (CA), and online certificate status protocol (OCSP) that must all interact using secure and trusted communications. With these emulated components and utilizing orchestration methods to rapidly deploy and scale the components, the ability to analyze risks of the ecosystem and address gaps before the PKI ecosystem is fully deployed to production should yield a more robust and mature production charging infrastructure. Our approach will use a modular architecture of virtual machines within an orchestration platform and will target scales of 100s, 1000s, and 10,000s of entities interacting. The core research questions trying to be answered with this scope of work are: what are the impacts of a rogue CA, what are the risks of certificate revocation list (CRL) management, what is the value of OCSP stapling, what components are vulnerable to DOS attacks, and what test effective payloads may impact the components.

charging ecosystem↗

Resilient Information Architecture Platform for Smart Grid (RIAPS)

A number of emerging trends will substantially alter the operation and control of the electric grid over the next several decades. These trends include ensuring resiliency under severe weather events, increasing integration of renewable electricity generation, supporting changing electricity demand patterns, and the improving cost effectiveness of distributed energy resources. To address these challenges, the future “Smart Grid” management will need to transition from centralized to coordinated distributed control paradigm. Reliable operation of the Smart Grid depends on distributed intelligence realized through software applications that run on distributed computing devices attached to the power system to collect data and collaboratively manage resources. However, much of the existing software for Smart Grid-enabled devices is either proprietary or developed with custom solutions, which limits interoperability among the heterogeneous devices and hinders the ability to manage system-level reliability, security, and resiliency requirements. Additionally, this approach makes Smart Grid applications hard to maintain, evolve, verify, and replace; resulting in high development and deployment costs. Further development of the Smart Grid requires a reusable software base-layer to move from hard-coded functionality to a plug-and-play architecture capable of managing system-level objectives and constraints in addition to providing consistent common services across heterogeneous devices and applications. Vanderbilt University, in collaboration with North Carolina State University and Washington State University has developed a foundation ‘software platform’ for developing and deploying robust, reliable, effective and secure software applications for the Smart Grid. The Resilient Information Architecture Platform for the Smart Grid (RIAPS) provides core services for building effective and powerful smart grid applications. It offers unique services for real-time data dissemination, fault tolerance, and coordination across apps distributed over the network.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Black Start of Unbalanced Microgrids Harmonizing Single- and Three-Phase Grid-Forming Inverters: Preprint

As power systems are transforming with increasing penetrations of inverter-based resources (IBRs), system restoration using IBRs has drawn attention. Using distributed grid-forming (GFM) assets located near critical loads, either three-phase or single-phase, to establish microgrid voltages in the absence of a bulk grid, a distribution system could obtain high system survivability. For swift and secure recovery of a critical load in a single-phase lateral, local single-phase GFM inverters can form a microgrid, and then it can be combined with a neighbouring grid with the inverters remaining in GFM mode for voltage and frequency regulation until the bulk grid comes online. It leads to dynamic interoperation of single-phase GFM inverters with three-phase ones in the black start process. This paper studies the novel approach with electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations. To evaluate the potential and the technical challenges of the heterogeneous IBR-driven black start, three-phase and single-phase GFM inverter models are developed, including negative-sequence control for voltage balance and a phase-by-phase current limiter (three-phase) and current magnitude limiter (single-phase). To examine dynamic aspects of the black-start process, the EMT simulation also models transformer and motor dynamics emulating their inrush and startup behavior as well as network dynamics. Involvement of grid-following assets to facilitate the black-start process is also modeled. By allowing multiple GFM inverters to collectively black start without leader-follower coordination, regardless of phases, a system can achieve extreme resilience. An inverter-driven black start of a heavily unbalanced 2-MVA distribution feeder using 1 three-phase and 3 single-phase GFM inverters is demonstrated. The simulation shows the heterogeneous system can maintain stability with the single-phase GFM dynamics coupled with the three-phase one.

grid-forming inverter↗