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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 1,693 records · Page 94
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

SOLAr Critical Infrastructure Energization (SOLACE): Leveraging Distributed Energy Resources to Provide Local Power

This document is a technical report based on a large-scale DOE-funded project conducted between 2019 and 2022. The project, called SOLAr Critical infrastructure Energization (SOLACE), is aimed at leveraging distributed energy resources (DERs) to provide local power to communities, feeders, or other regions. The project included a particular focus on high-value critical loads such as municipal water supply, telecommunication hubs, and disaster shelters. The key developments of the project were: (1) A comprehensive pre-event power system analysis methodology that identifies and characterizes the viable local power options. (2) A DMS-based example control system for activating and operating the local power solution during a time of crisis. (3) Grid-forming inverter technology to enable isolated local power operation and black-starting. (4) Cyber-security considerations for isolated systems when wider-area communication may be offline. This report describes the overall process that identifies and assesses the viable DER-based local power solutions for a given facility, region, or community. The report documents the process, including the key analysis steps, tools required, data requirements, and recommended pass/fail criteria for each step. It also provides a sample implementation of this process through a test case. Finally, it provides details of how a viable pre-event plan can be selected and activated at go-time when an event has occurred.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

T&D LIBRA: Simulation Framework for Transmission and Distribution Load and IBR Assessment

This paper introduces T&D LIBRA, a HELICS-based dynamic co-simulation framework designed for transmission and distribution (T&D) load and inverter-based resource assessment. This framework is designed to model interactions between single-phase induction motors (i.e., Motor-D), distributed energy resources (DERs) and the transmission network, emphasizing system stability during fault conditions. The primary objective of this research is to study the fault-induced delayed voltage recovery (FIDVR) behavior of the T&D networks using the co-simulation framework and to compare the results with conventional PSS/E only simulations. Simulations are validated using T&D co-simulations with a single distribution node and the IEEE 123-bus distribution test case. The co-simulation results demonstrate the value of using T&D co-simulations to capture motor stalling, DER tripping and other sources of voltage diversity on distribution networks.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Controller Requirements for Managing Community Microgrids

Microgrid control systems are central to the functioning of a microgrid. They are responsible for managing distributed energy resources (DER) in both grid-connected and islanded modes of operation. Although microgrids are being developed and deployed by many utilities, several questions are being raised about the control system that manages them. This document provides the detailed list of requirements for a feeder-level microgrid controller to manage various islanded and grid-connected use cases. Functionally, the use cases include control scenarios that require the controller to maintain energy balance, prevent constraint violations, manage switching equipment, manage grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) DER, manage critical/non-critical loads, and coordinate with peer systems to operate joined island areas. In addition to detailed requirements, the document includes interface and performance metrics for functional evaluation. These requirements can be applied to utility-managed microgrid controllers that exclusively manage utility-owned equipment; requirements also apply to third-party managed microgrid controllers that coordinate with the utility- and customer-owned equipment. The document can also be used by technology developers and project developers in industry to specify desired control strategies and performance characteristics for community microgrid controllers.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Security Constrained Economic Optimization of Photovoltaic and Other Distributed Assets

The rapid growth of distributed energy resources (DERs), especially photovoltaic (PV) systems, has introduced new complexities in maintaining grid reliability, stability, and cost-effective operation. This project addresses these challenges by developing and demonstrating a scalable GridOS Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) that enables secure, real-time optimization and control of DERs at the distribution feeder level.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

POWER ELECTRONICS GRID TIED SYSTEM FINAL REPORT

Across the country, electric utilities are grappling with the persistent hurdles of integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). Managing these assets safely and effectively is a complex endeavor, complicated by varying ownership structures, management philosophies, and the diversity of the technologies themselves. Consequently, the industry has seen a proliferation of bespoke system designs, control strategies, and communication frameworks—forcing utilities to spend significant time and resources developing one-off integration solutions. This project addressed these integration hurdles through a scalable demonstration of intelligent devices designed to coordinate and control diverse resources in low-voltage applications. This concept minimized the need for complex integration by transforming the separate DERs into a dispatchable virtual power plant (VPP) with integrated resiliency functions (called a Node). By collaborating with a utility partner, the project focused on developing rapidly implementable use cases that bridged the gap between theoretical control and real-world deployment

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2023

The Origin of Anomalous Density Behavior of Silica Glass

The anomalous density–temperature relationship of vitreous silica with low hydroxyl content is explained by the formation of medium-range ordering structure in the glass transition process. The ordered medium-range structure has the shape of a “nanoflake” and consists of two layers of SiO 4 tetrahedra, bonded by O atoms located in the middle of the structure. The nanoflakes interact with their surrounding structures through both covalent chemical bonds and van der Waals bonds. In the formation of the van der Waals bonds, the orientation of SiO 4 tetrahedra can change, which results in an increase in distance between the nanoflakes and their surrounding structures. Thus, there is a slight volume enlargement associated with the formation of nanoflakes. Since the nanoflakes’ formation starts at a temperature near 1480 °C, and the population of the nanoflakes grows continuously as temperature decreases until about 950 °C, the bulk volume of silica glass increases in the temperature range from about 1480 °C to 950 °C. Therefore, the density anomaly of silica glass can be explained as a byproduct of forming of medium-range ordering structure in the silica glass transition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Feedback-Based Projected-Gradient Method For Real-Time Optimization of Aggregations of Energy Resources: Preprint

This paper develops an online optimization method to maximize the operational objectives of distribution-level distributed energy resources (DERs) while adjusting the aggregate power generated (or consumed) in response to services requested by grid operators. The design of the online algorithm is based on a projected-gradient method, suitably modified to accommodate appropriate measurements from the distribution network and the DERs. By virtue of this approach, the resultant algorithm can cope with inaccuracies in the representation of the AC power, it avoids pervasive metering to gather the state of noncontrollable resources, and it naturally lends itself to a distributed implementation. Optimality claims are established in terms of tracking of the solution of a well-posed time-varying optimization problem.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Dynamic ADMM for Real-Time Optimal Power Flow: Preprint

This paper considers distribution networks featuring distributed energy resources (DERs), and develops a dynamic optimization method to maximize given operational objectives in real time while adhering to relevant network constraints. The design of the dynamic algorithm is based on suitable linearizations of the AC power flow equations, and it leverages the so-called alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). The steps of the ADMM, however, are suitably modified to accommodate appropriate measurements from the distribution network and the DERs. With the aid of these measurements, the resultant algorithm can enforce given operational constraints in spite of inaccuracies in the representation of the AC power flows, and it avoids ubiquitous metering to gather the state of non-controllable resources. Optimality and convergence of the propose algorithm are established in terms of tracking of the solution of a convex surrogate of the AC optimal power flow problem.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Grid Modernization of Cooperatives and Municipal Utilities via Breakthrough System Monitoring, Control and Optimization

Develop and validate new grid visualization, control paradigms, and business models for Holy Cross Energy (HCE) through integration of grid-friendly intelligent DER assets. Project Impact: Enable cooperatives and municipally-owned utilities to fully leverage DERs as part of their strategies for providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric services. Meets U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grid modernization goal of achieving at least 10% active devices to provide grid flexibility by 2035.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2019

Distribution Systems Planning and Analysis Framework for Indian Feeders - Partnership with BSES/BRPL

Integration of distributed energy resources (DER) such as photovoltaics, electric vehicles (EVs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) is expected to rapidly increase in distribution systems in India. These grid edge resources can have adverse impacts on the grid and can provide additional revenue streams as well. To mitigate these impacts distribution planning and analysis is required. So this paper presents a framework which can be used to complete all steps involved in distribution planning and analysis. This framework uses data in the same format as is readily available with Indian utilities and processes it to generate detailed feeder models and loading profiles. This framework already includes multiple DER use cases such as peak shaving for BESS and EV demand modelling and can be easily extended to simulate a number of additional use cases. All of these use cases can be simulated in parallel for multi-year time series simulations using an integrated command line interface. A suit of grid readiness metrics are then evaluated for each simulation to determine required network upgrades and associated costs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Smart-DS: Synthetic Models for Advanced, Realistic Testing: Distribution Systems and Scenarios

The explosion of new ideas for distributed energy resources and advanced distribution grid algorithms faces a critical challenge: how can one effectively develop and evaluate these breakthrough technologies without an adequate set of power systems network, load, and resource data to test against? Today's open test systems, particularly for distribution systems, are tiny and incomplete; and though with enough effort, obtaining utility data under NDA can overcome scale challenges, the results can't be openly shared, preventing fair comparison. The Smart-DS project-led by NREL in partnership with MIT, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, CYME, and EDD-is working to overcome this gap by generating multiple large-scale, open, synthetic, distribution systems that are realistic but not real. These datasets go beyond a single medium voltage feeder (~1000 customers) to cover entire metropolitan areas and their surrounds with up to hundreds of feeders and millions of customers, complete with low voltage customer connections and high voltage sub-transmission. This scale allows adequate testing and analysis of not just local controls and advanced DERs, but also multiple substation interactions, optimized switching, full-scale distribution-OPF, and more. To accompany these datasets, the project is also building a rich set of scenario generation tools that can be used for distribution and transmission systems alike. This includes automated, spatially aware access to world-class, high-resolution solar, wind, and weather data: forward looking generation mixes: and highly configurable DER, load, climate, outage, control-scheme, and other scenarios. We will also highlight DiTTo, an exciting open-source, multi-way distribution dataset transformation tool for many-to-many format translation with scenario, merge/split, and many other manipulation capabilities.

DERs↗
DOE OSTI2021

An Integrated Paradigm for the Management of Delivery Risk in Electricity Markets: From Batteries to Insurance and Beyond

This presentation discusses the objectives to quantify flexibility from distributed energy resources (DERs) through DER risk scores, increase the number of hedging options for resources with uncertain output by tapping system-wide resources through a system-wide flexibility auction, and create transparent flexibility prices ahead of time, alleviating the need for forecasting of balancing prices.

27 ARPA - Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy↗
DOE OSTI2021

Automation for Distributed Energy Resources Risk Manager Using OSCAL

The risk management framework (RMF) provides a well-organized and thorough approach to diagnose information technology (IT) system threats, to gather required materials to comply with industry standards, and to document a plan for achieving authority to operate (ATO). ATO is given by the operating authority with the awareness of vulnerabilities that arise when operating the IT system. The primary goal of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) distributed energy resource (DER) RM application is to provide a user-friendly interface and in-depth guidance for generating the authorization package for the authorizing official to review. In other words, the application satisfies steps 1 through 7 of the RMF process with a focus on DERs.

cybersecurity↗
DOE OSTI2022

Module-OT: A Turnkey Solution for Securing Energy Systems

The Modular Security Apparatus for Managing Distributed Cryptography for Command-and-Control Messages on Operational Technology Networks (Module-OT) is a flexible and lightweight solution for grid-edge devices focusing on end-to-end security. It is a bump- in- the-wire solution acting as a secure conduit for data between devices or systems across a network. It improves the cybersecurity posture of DER systems by providing authentication, authorization, and data integrity to secure DER communications. Additionally, it performs key management, provides data security through whitelisting Internet Protocol addresses and ports, blocks unauthorized connections, controls user access, and allows serial or Ethernet connections for added flexibility. The core software is portable to various Linux-based operating systems and is developed to be customized by the developer and researcher communities. Module-OT has been validated in the lab, has been demonstrated at a 500-KW PV-plus-storage site, and has been proven ready to secure operational technology devices. Its core functionality meets current standards, including validation procedures of the NIST Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program (CAVP) and the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS 140-2). Because of its capability to provide an accessible and affordable option for stepping up security across modern energy systems, Module-OT can serve as an effective technological option to standardize cybersecurity moving forward.

cryptography↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cybersecurity Certification Standard for Distributed Energy Resources

Cybersecurity Certification Standard for Inverter Based Resources led by UL, and contributed to by NREL, is a certification standard for devices and their cyber security practices. The standard, which is being developed and led by UL, contains certification and testing processes for the devices to be certified before they are deployed in the field. The importance of the standard is to ensure that all DER devices have all the five pillars of cybersecurity, in which the baseline cybersecurity posture of the DER industry will be elevated.

certification standard↗
DOE OSTI2023

GMLC Technical Assistance to States

This presentation provides an overview of the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium (GMLC) efforts to provide customized technical support specific to state public utility commissions (PUCs), specifically on the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). The goals are to increase awareness of existing materials and support to help state PUCs move forward on DER interconnection activities, to help participants make connections to colleagues with similar challenges (and solutions), and to help the GMLC/National Renewable Energy Laboratory project team understand context and implementation challenges.

DER↗
DOE OSTI2020

Visualizing Energy Transfer at Buried Interfaces in Layered Materials Using Picosecond X-Rays

Understanding the fundamentals of nanoscale heat propagation is crucial for next-generation electronics. For instance, weak van der Waals bonds of layered materials are known to limit their thermal boundary conductance (TBC), presenting a heat dissipation bottleneck. In this paper we present a new non-destructive method to probe heat transport in nanoscale crystalline materials using time-resolved x-ray measurements of photo-induced thermal strain. This technique directly monitors time-dependent temperature changes in the crystal and the subsequent relaxation across buried interfaces by measuring changes in the c-axis lattice spacing after optical excitation. We investigate films of five different layered transition metal dichalcogenides MoX 2 [X= S, Se, Te] and WX 2 [X= S, Se] as well as graphite and a W-doped alloy of MoTe 2 , on c-plane sapphire substrates, finding TBC values in the range 10-30 MWm -2 K -1 at room temperature. In conjunction with molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the high thermal resistances are a consequence of weak interfacial van der Waals bonding and low phonon irradiance. This work paves the way for an improved understanding of thermal bottlenecks in emerging three-dimensional heterogeneously integrated technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Interlayer Exciton Polarons in Mesoscopic V 2 O 5 for Broadband Optoelectronic Synapses

Persistent photoconductivity and optoelectronic synaptic behavior are demonstrated in solution-processed mesoscopic α-phase vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) thin films. First-principles simulations coupled with the two-site Holstein polaron hopping model show that vacancies at the terminal oxygen position lead to long recombination times because photoexcited electrons and holes reside on different layers separated by the van der Waals gap, forming a weakly coupled interlayer exciton polaron. Mid-gap polaronic states also significantly broaden the photoresponse of the films to span across visible and infrared wavelengths. By controlling the amplitude/intensity, duration, and/or number of optical pulses, tunable optoelectronic memory functions, such as short-term and long-term plasticity, are experimentally established in V 2 O 5 -based optoelectronic synapses. Furthermore, device fabrication was extended to mechanically flexible ultrathin glass substrates. Flexible optoelectronic synapses maintained high performance after 150 bending cycles.

Phan, Thanh Luan [National Renewable Energy Labora↗