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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Practical Implementation of GPU-based Computing at the Grid Edge for Resilience Scenarios

This paper presents a practical implementation of GPU-accelerated computing at the grid edge to enhance power system resilience through next-generation smart meters. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems rely predominantly on centralized processing architectures, which limit real-time response capabilities during grid disturbances. This work proposes the integration of GPU-enabled computational platforms directly within smart meter to enable local execution support for power system analytics, fault detection algorithms, and optimization routines. The proposed framework uses the Julia programming language to leverage highperformance parallel computing capabilities while maintaining code portability and development efficiency. We use two experimental scenarios to benchmark the computational feasibility of this approach: sparse linear system solutions representative of power flow analyses, and multi-stage production cost simulations incorporating unit commitment and economic dispatch operations. Results demonstrate that computationally intensive power system algorithms, such as those supporting resilience scenario calculations, can be effectively executed at the distribution edge using commercially available embedded GPU hardware. Keywords—GPU acceleration, edge computing, smart meters, grid resilience, AMI, resilience.

De Souza, Reubun [School of Electrical Engineering↗
NASA NTRS1972

Advanced spacecraft fuel cell systems

The development and characteristics of advanced spacecraft fuel cell systems are discussed. The system is designed to operate on low pressure, propulsion grade hydrogen and oxygen. The specific goals are 10,000 hours of operation with refurbishment, 20 pounds per kilowatt at a sustained power of 7 KW, and 21 KW peaking capability for durations of two hours. The system rejects waste heat to the spacecraft cooling system at power levels up to 7 KW. At higher powers, the system automatically transfers to open cycle operation with overboard steam venting.

Thaller, L. H.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Cost and Performance Model for Redox Flow Batteries

A cost model was developed for all vanadium and iron-vanadium redox flow batteries. Electrochemical performance modeling was done to estimate stack performance at various power densities as a function of state of charge. This was supplemented with a shunt current model and a pumping loss model to estimate actual system efficiency. The operating parameters such as power density, flow rates and design parameters such as electrode aspect ratio, electrolyte flow channel dimensions were adjusted to maximize efficiency and minimize capital costs. Detailed cost estimates were obtained from various vendors to calculate cost estimates for present, realistic and optimistic scenarios. The main drivers for cost reduction for various chemistries were identified as a function of the energy to power ratio of the storage system. Levelized cost analysis further guided suitability of various chemistries for different applications.

efficiency↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fault Clearing Operation in Low-Frequency High-Voltage AC Systems

Abstract—Low-frequency high-voltage ac (LF-HVac) system has been proposed as an alternative to HVdc and HVac systems to reduce transmission losses and improve grid flexibility. LF-HVac system employs back-to-back (BTB) converters to interconnect and control the voltage and power interchange between two power grid operating at different frequencies. While there are multiple studies on LF-HVac system in the literature, the fault clearing method in the LF-HVac system has not been analyzed. Therefore, this paper focuses on fault clearing operation in LFHVac system and proposes a novel method to reduce fault current by changing operating frequency of power source and converter. The performance of the proposed method is validated using detailed models of BTB converters developed in PSCAD/EMTDC. The ability to change operating frequency at the onset of a fault condition allows breakers to rapidly clear the fault and recloses. The results obtained by using the proposed method substantially diminish the fault current.

Kim, Woosung↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluating Lunar Water Processing System Model Configurations for Small Scale Oxygen and Hydrogen Production Within JAXA'S ISRU Technology

Introduction: In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) refers to novel methods of extracting and processing local resources for use in life support and propulsion systems, reducing or eliminating the required consumables to be transferred from Earth. Current estimates of water-ice availability embedded in regolith within the Moon’s permanently shadowed regions (PSR’s) range between 1-5% by weight. However, the composition and characteristics of the “wet” regolith is unknown. Alternate ISRU excavation techniques and Concept of Operations (ConOps) must be explored to optimize surface system operations based on these factors. To assess the feasibility of different ISRU subsystem technologies and compare system architecture configurations, an interchangeable system model was generated to incorporate technologies spanning excavation of raw materials to storage of products and determine optimal arrangement of total system processing needs. Total Mass, Volume, and Power (M/V/P) requirements were computed for 168 design iterations of this water processing plant. System Model: In FY24, the System Engineering and Integration (SE&I) ISRU Modeling and Analysis (SIMA) team developed a lunar water processing system model using the Mission Analysis and Integration Tool (MAIT) to estimate the M/V/P for ISRU subsystems operating under a wide range of Hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (O2) production targets for the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) [1]. Based on Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) surface operational requirements, this system architecture was modified to include the ability to excavate consolidated icy regolith (versus granular ice excavation using Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC) ISRU Pilot Excavator, IPEx) and explore the feasibility of processing the lunar water both inside and outside of the PSR. For the consolidated icy regolith case study, excavation was performed via a mobility transport chassis outfitted with The Regolith Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain (TRIDENT) for drilling [2] and the Cold Operable Lunar Deployable Arm (COLDArm) [3] for regolith transfer. The system model determines the required rover and payload. M/V/P to handle the required regolith processing rates. The regolith is then sorted and heated to sublimate the ice (via an auger dryer). The exiting high temperature, low pressure vapor is cleaned of volatiles (via cold trap) and electrolyzed to produce H2 and O2. These products are then dried, liquified with 20 K and 90 K cryocoolers (for H2 and O2, respectively), and stored in cylindrical tanks. Study Goals: Due to the different ConOps options of regolith transport to the ridge for processing versus processing it directly inside the PSR, as well as the unknown regolith/water-ice composition, new excavation techniques and their power configurations are being evaluated within a ISRU system architecture for production targets less than NASA’s pilot plant (1 mT). This analysis investigates the feasibility of numerous excavation techniques, power architectures, and logistical operations and determines an optimal system configuration with regards to M/V/P. It aims to investigate which parameters, both locally and globally, have the greatest effect on each subsystem within the plant. This can be used to identify the most critical components of the plant, and guide future decisions on allocating funding for research and development. The results from this study may provide subsystem developers with appropriate interfaces with excavation subsystems and downstream processes, and assessing the overall feasibility of each excavation technique, power architecture, and logistical timeframe. References: [1] Carlson, A. et. al. (2024) ICES. [2] Zacny, K., et. al. (2024) “ASCE Earth and Space”. [3] McCormick, R., et. Al. (2024) IEEE Xplore.

ISRU↗
NASA NTRS2000

Wide-Temperature Electronics for Thermal Control of Nanosats

This document represents a presentation which examines the wide and low-temperature electronics required for NanoSatellites. In the past, larger spacecraft used Radioisotope Heating Units (RHU's). The advantage of the use of these electronics is that they could eliminate or reduce the requirement for RHU's, reduce system weight and simplify spacecraft design by eliminating containment/support structures for RHU's. The Glenn Research Center's Wide/Low Temperature Power Electronics Program supports the development of power systems capable of reliable, efficient operation over wide and low temperature ranges. Included charts review the successes and failures of various electronic devices, the IRF541 HEXFET, The NE76118n-Channel GaAS MESFET, the Lithium Carbon Monofluoride Primary Battery, and a COTS DC-DC converter. The preliminary result of wide/low temperature testing of CTS and custom parts and power circuit indicate that through careful selection of components and technologies it is possible to design and build power circuits which operate from room temperature to near 100K.

Dickman, John Ellis↗
NASA NTRS2012

Sampling Technique for Robust Odorant Detection Based on MIT RealNose Data

This technique enhances the detection capability of the autonomous Real-Nose system from MIT to detect odorants and their concentrations in noisy and transient environments. The lowcost, portable system with low power consumption will operate at high speed and is suited for unmanned and remotely operated long-life applications. A deterministic mathematical model was developed to detect odorants and calculate their concentration in noisy environments. Real data from MIT's NanoNose was examined, from which a signal conditioning technique was proposed to enable robust odorant detection for the RealNose system. Its sensitivity can reach to sub-part-per-billion (sub-ppb). A Space Invariant Independent Component Analysis (SPICA) algorithm was developed to deal with non-linear mixing that is an over-complete case, and it is used as a preprocessing step to recover the original odorant sources for detection. This approach, combined with the Cascade Error Projection (CEP) Neural Network algorithm, was used to perform odorant identification. Signal conditioning is used to identify potential processing windows to enable robust detection for autonomous systems. So far, the software has been developed and evaluated with current data sets provided by the MIT team. However, continuous data streams are made available where even the occurrence of a new odorant is unannounced and needs to be noticed by the system autonomously before its unambiguous detection. The challenge for the software is to be able to separate the potential valid signal from the odorant and from the noisy transition region when the odorant is just introduced.

Duong, Tuan A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Operating Klystrons at the Spallation Neutron Source – Two Decades of Perspective

Klystron amplifiers have been operated at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) in support of the user program since 2006. SNS tubes have amassed over 100,000 hours of high-voltage and filament-on time providing a significant source of operational statistics for high power, high-duty klystrons. Additionally, the SNS Radiofrequency (RF) Systems Group has developed operational methods to mitigate specific reliability challenges, such as cathode arcing and output power instability. Despite much progress, many of these challenges persist, prompting the SNS to update the procedures used for klystron processing as well as develop a higher throughput test stand.

Moss, John [ORNL] (ORCID:0009000085988916)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cybersecurity Considerations and Research Pathways for Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings

Federal facilities serve critical missions and functions that require safe, reliable, and efficient operations. Digitization of several facility operations has increased the cost-effectiveness of energy usage and optimization of energy system performance. As the building controls landscape shifts to become more connected and smarter, building operators now face unique opportunities and challenges to adopt smart enabled devices that can lower energy usage while also optimizing building system performance. The grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEB) initiative aims to make buildings cleaner and more flexible through these smart devices. Smart enabled devices allow greater connectivity and control through remote operations and provide crucial data for analytics and increased efficiency. GEBs enable demand flexibility that has the potential to reduce electrical costs and transform the grid edge where buildings connect to power grids. This operation of interconnected systems, if not designed with cybersecurity practices, causes security gaps and introduces potential attack paths by adversarial and non-adversarial entities leading to disruption of operations.

building controls↗
DOE OSTI2024

Distributed Coordination of Networked Microgrids for Voltage Support in Bulk Power Grids

The increasing deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids (MGs) in power distribution systems has enabled the adjustment of reactive power consumption as seen at the substation, which can be used to provide voltage support for the bulk power system (BPS). Leveraging this new capability will provide greater resiliency to the power system as a whole. Here, the goal of this paper is to develop and compare three different algorithms, namely distributed optimal power flow, distributed consensus algorithm, and fully decentralized collaborative autonomy for unbalanced distribution systems for microgrid coordination. These algorithms use networked MGs to support the BPS voltage when a contingency at the bulk grid results in abnormally low voltages, which may be a precursor to voltage collapse. Our comparative analysis includes both qualitative and quantitative assessments of the three algorithms and a discussion of the trade-offs between the decentralized and distributed methods in normal and disrupted conditions. Each algorithm was evaluated on the modified IEEE 13-bus system and a real power distribution system at Chattanooga, Tennessee, that encompasses more than 4500 buses. Each algorithms excels differently and may be suited for different scenarios depending on the condition, operations, and priorities of the power and communication systems.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Lessons Learned from Performing a Human Factors Engineering Validation of an Upgraded Digital Control System in a Nuclear Power Plant Control Room

The United States' fleet of nuclear power plants (NPPs) have exceeded their original 40-year licenses and many are seeking license renewals to continue operations into the future. To support continued operation the Department of Energy's (DOE) Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program (LWRS) provides support for utilities to maintain and upgrade their power production capabilities. Control room modernization is one focus area, which aims to modernization the analog control rooms with digital controls and human-system interfaces (HSIs). The Turbine Control System (TCS) is a non-safety related system undergoing modernization efforts at multiple plants and utilities. Considerable human factors research efforts, comprised of expert reviews and operator in the loop studies were performed to develop human factors compliant and usable TCS. This report documents the final phase of the human factors engineering program used to design and validate the new digital TCS. According to the NUREG-0711 review guide, one of the last steps of human factors engineering program prior to implementation is human factors validation. This report details the method, results and conclusions from the human factors validation study of a collaborating utilities TCS slated to be implemented in one of their plants. One control room team consisting of two control room supervisors and two reactor operators participated in the validation. All team members had participated in the BNP TCS training program foregoing the TCS validation. Performance measures included task performance, situation awareness and workload, expert observation of any negative influences of human-system interface features on control room team performance, and interviews with the participating operators. Performance criteria were based on the performance scores and the topics identified by interviews and expert observations. The results showed that the crew using the new TCS clearly could achieve their overall objectives in the test scenarios with sufficient situation awareness. The new TCS compared to the old system provided clear improvements of the control room work regarding shell and chest warming and regarding valve and other system testing. However, a number of Human Engineering Discrepancies (HEDs) were identified. HEDs were prioritized (level 1, 2 or 3) according to potential safety, plant availability, operability or personnel performance consequences. Since no priority 1 HEDs were identified there is no HFE reason not to continue implementation of the TCS. The TCS upgrade is acceptable if the Priority 2 HEDs are resolved and dispositioned in a satisfactory way. Priority 3 HEDs should be noted and considered for future modifications.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS2013

High-Efficiency Nested Hall Thrusters for Robotic Solar System Exploration

This work describes the scaling and design attributes of Nested Hall Thrusters (NHT) with extremely large operational envelopes, including a wide range of throttleability in power and specific impulse at high efficiency (>50%). NHTs have the potential to provide the game changing performance, powerprocessing capabilities, and cost effectiveness required to enable missions that cannot otherwise be accomplished. NHTs were first identified in the electric propulsion community as a path to 100- kW class thrusters for human missions. This study aimed to identify the performance capabilities NHTs can provide for NASA robotic and human missions, with an emphasis on 10-kW class thrusters well-suited for robotic exploration. A key outcome of this work has been the identification of NHTs as nearly constant-efficiency devices over large power throttling ratios, especially in direct-drive power systems. NHT systems sized for robotic solar system exploration are predicted to be capable of high-efficiency operation over nearly their entire power throttling range. A traditional Annular Hall Thruster (AHT) consists of a single annular discharge chamber where the propellant is ionized and accelerated. In an NHT, multiple annular channels are concentrically stacked. The channels can be operated in unison or individually depending on the available power or required performance. When throttling an AHT, performance must be sacrificed since a single channel cannot satisfy the diverse design attributes needed to maintain high thrust efficiency. NHTs can satisfy these requirements by varying which channels are operated and thereby offer significant benefits in terms of thruster performance, especially under deep power throttling conditions where the efficiency of an AHT suffers since a single channel can only operate efficiently (>50%) over a narrow power throttling ratio (3:1). Designs for 10-kW class NHTs were developed and compared with AHT systems. Power processing systems were considered using either traditional Power Processing Units (PPU) or Direct Drive Units (DDU). In a PPU-based system, power from the solar arrays is transformed from the low voltage of the arrays to the high voltage needed by the thruster. In a DDU-based system, power from the solar arrays is fed to the thruster without conversion. DDU-based systems are attractive for their simplicity since they eliminate the most complex and expensive part of the propulsion system. The results point to the strong potential of NHTs operating with either PPUs or DDUs to benefit robotic and human missions through their unprecedented power and specific impulse throttling capabilities. NHTs coupled to traditional PPUs are predicted to offer high-efficiency (>50%) power throttling ratios 320% greater than present capabilities, while NHTs with direct-drive power systems (DDU) could exceed existing capabilities by 340%. Because the NHT-DDU approach is implicitly low-cost, NHT-DDU technology has the potential to radically reduce the cost of SEP-enabled NASA missions while simultaneously enabling unprecedented performance capability.

Hofer, Richard R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A programmable power processor for high power space applications

A Programmable Power Processor (P3) has been developed for application in future large space power systems. The P3 is capable of operation over a wide range of input voltage (26 to 375 Vdc) and output voltage (24 to 180 Vdc). The peak output power capability is 18 kW (180 V at 100 A). The output characteristics of the P3 can be programmed to any voltage and/or current level within the limits of the processor and may be controlled as a function of internal or external parameters. Seven breadboard P3s and one 'flight-type' engineering model P3 have been built and tested both individually and in electrical power systems. The programmable feature allows the P3 to be used in a variety of applications by changing the output characteristics. Test results, including efficiency at various input/output combinations, transient response, and output impedance, are presented.

Lanier, J. R., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Particle Beam Acceleration Using 3 Petawatt Laser Pulses

The Zettawatt-Equivalent Ultrashort pulse laser System (ZEUS) is presently operational at the Gerard Mourou Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS) at the University of Michigan. ZEUS is a significant upgrade of the previous high power laser systems at CUOS and consists of two beamlines thatoperate in perfect synchronization. The 500 TW beamline became operational in 2023, 2 PW operation started in 2025 and full 3 PW power levels will be available in 2026. It is presently the highest power laser system in the US. In this grant the high field science group at CUOS has leveraged this unique high power laser facility to investigate laser wake field acceleration (LWFA) in ultra-high power laser plasma interactions and have shown how this can scale for future electron–positron colliders at high energy. The dual beam experimental configuration enables flexibility for many frontier experiments in laser-driven acceleration research, in particular, enabling extended channelling/acceleration experiments, positron generation/acceleration experiments and proof-of-principle transverse pumping “dephasingless” electron acceleration experiment and theory. LWFA may be able to miniaturize particle accelerators for high energy physics and also enable new sources of ultrafast, extreme brightness and precise x-rays for a wide variety of applications. In laser wake field acceleration, an electron bunch “surfs” on the electron plasma wave (the “wake field”) generated by the ponderomotive force of an intense laser. The plasma wave has a strong longitudinal electric field that stays in phase with the relativistic driver. A relativistic charged particle may, therefore, remain in phase with the accelerating field over long distances and gain ultra-relativistic energies. The accelerating electric field strength that the plasma wave can support can be many orders of magnitude higher than that of conventional accelerators, which makes laser wakefield acceleration an exciting prospect as an advanced accelerator concept. In this research project we have investigated the scaling of this mechanism to laser powers of 2 PW and have measured the x-ray emission and radio frequency emission resulting from the acceleration process. We have also performed theoretical investigation of mechanisms to scale laser driven accelerators to much higher energy using dephasingless acceleration processes.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

3D parallel-detection microwave tomography for clinical breast imaging

A biomedical microwave tomography system with 3D-imaging capabilities has been constructed and translated to the clinic. Updates to the hardware and reconfiguration of the electronic-network layouts in a more compartmentalized construct have streamlined system packaging. Upgrades to the data acquisition and microwave components have increased data-acquisition speeds and improved system performance. By incorporating analog-to-digital boards that accommodate the linear amplification and dynamic-range coverage our system requires, a complete set of data (for a fixed array position at a single frequency) is now acquired in 5.8 s. Replacement of key components (e.g., switches and power dividers) by devices with improved operational bandwidths has enhanced system response over a wider frequency range. High-integrity, low-power signals are routinely measured down to −130 dBm for frequencies ranging from 500 to 2300 MHz. Adequate inter-channel isolation has been maintained, and a dynamic range >110 dB has been achieved for the full operating frequency range (500–2900 MHz). For our primary band of interest, the associated measurement deviations are less than 0.33% and 0.5° for signal amplitude and phase values, respectively. A modified monopole antenna array (composed of two interwoven eight-element sub-arrays), in conjunction with an updated motion-control system capable of independently moving the sub-arrays to various in-plane and cross-plane positions within the illumination chamber, has been configured in the new design for full volumetric data acquisition. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) are more than adequate for all transmit/receive antenna pairs over the full frequency range and for the variety of in-plane and cross-plane configurations. For proximal receivers, in-plane SNRs greater than 80 dB are observed up to 2900 MHz, while cross-plane SNRs greater than 80 dB are seen for 6 cm sub-array spacing (for frequencies up to 1500 MHz). We demonstrate accurate recovery of 3D dielectric property distributions for breast-like phantoms with tumor inclusions utilizing both the in-plane and new cross-plane data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2011

Non-Nuclear Testing of Compact Reactor Technologies at NASA MSFC

Safe, reliable, compact, autonomous, long-life fission systems have numerous potential applications, both terrestrially and in space. Technologies and facilities developed in support of these systems could be useful to a variety of concepts. At moderate power levels, fission systems can be designed to operate for decades without the need for refueling. In addition, fast neutron damage to cladding and structural materials can be maintained at an acceptable level. Nuclear design codes have advanced to the stage where high confidence in the behavior and performance of a system can be achieved prior to initial testing. To help ensure reactor affordability, an optimal strategy must be devised for development and qualification. That strategy typically involves a combination of non-nuclear and nuclear testing. Non-nuclear testing is particularly useful for concepts in which nuclear operating characteristics are well understood and nuclear effects such as burnup and radiation damage are not likely to be significant. To be mass efficient, a SFPS must operate at higher coolant temperatures and use different types of power conversion than typical terrestrial reactors. The primary reason is the difficulty in rejecting excess heat to space. Although many options exist, NASA s current reference SFPS uses a fast spectrum, pumped-NaK cooled reactor coupled to a Stirling power conversion subsystem. The reference system uses technology with significant terrestrial heritage while still providing excellent performance. In addition, technologies from the SFPS system could be applicable to compact terrestrial systems. Recent non-nuclear testing at NASA s Early Flight Fission Test Facility (EFF-TF) has helped assess the viability of the reference SFPS and evaluate methods for system integration. In July, 2011 an Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP) provided by Idaho National Laboratory was tested at the EFF-TF to assess performance and verify suitability for use in a10 kWe technology demonstration unit (TDU). In November, 2011 testing of a 37-pin core simulator (designed in conjunction with Los Alamos National Laboratory) for use with the TDU will occur. Previous testing at the EFFTF has included the thermal and mechanical coupling of a pumped NaK loop to Stirling engines (provided by GRC). Testing related to heat pipe cooled systems, gas cooled systems, heat exchangers, and other technologies has also been performed. Integrated TDU testing will begin at GRC in 2013. Thermal simulators developed at the EFF-TF are capable of operating over the temperature and power range typically of interest to compact reactors. Small and large diameter simulators have been developed, and simulators (coupled with the facility) are able to closely match the axial and radial power profile of all potential systems of interest. A photograph of the TDU core simulator during assembly is provided in Figure 2.

Houts, Michael G.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Co-optimized trading of hybrid wind power plant with retired EV batteries in energy and reserve markets under uncertainties

To be competitive in the electricity markets, various technologies have been reported to increase profits of wind farm owners. Combining battery storage system, wind farms can be operated as conventional power plants which promotes the integration of wind power into the power grid. However, high expenses on batteries keep investors away. Retired EV batteries, fortunately, still have enough capacity to be reused and could be obtained at a low price. In this work, a two-stage optimization of a wind energy retired EV battery-storage system is proposed. The economic performance of the proposed system is examined concerning its participation in the frequency containment normal operation reserve (FCR-N) market and the spot market simultaneously. To account uncertainties in the wind farm output, various electricity market prices, and up/down regulation status, a scenario-based stochastic programming method is used. The sizing of the equipment is optimized on top of daily operations of the hybrid system which formulates a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem. Scenarios are generated with the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and Roulette Wheel Mechanism (RWM), which are further reduced with the simultaneous backward method (SBM) to increase computational efficiency. A 21 MW wind farm is selected as a case study. Here, the optimization results show that by integrating with a retired EV battery-storage system (RESS) and a bi-directional inverter, the wind farm can increase its profits significantly when forwarding bids in both of the aforementioned electricity markets.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Distributed Wind Controls: A Research Roadmap for Microgrids, Infrastructure Resilience, and Controls Launchpad (MIRACL)

The Microgrids, Infrastructure Resilience, and Advanced Controls Launchpad (MIRACL) project’s controls research area aims to expand the benefits from distributed wind (DW) generation assets beyond solely providing low cost power directly to consumers. To make distributed wind turbines operate more effectively there is a need for more advanced ways to control them, allowing power companies, businesses, and energy consumers to take advantage of the unique characteristics of wind energy. DW can contribute to the safe and secure operation of grid by providing services such as voltage regulation, frequency regulation, spinning reserves, and even black start capabilities. In the larger DER context where much of the research has focused around solar technologies, the inertia available in wind technologies has generally not been considered. For wind turbines to provide these services in an optimal and expanded way, development and demonstration of control methods and communication interfaces within a grid and microgrid framework are required. In this document, NREL led the literature review in collaboration with SNL, of DER controls-focused integration research to establish a baseline for the controls research under the MIRACL project to identify specific control functions to be focused on throughout this project. This literature review focused primarily on the control functions of variable distributed generation, largely pulling from past solar PV and battery controls works, with a specific focus on applicability for distributed wind energy systems. The goal of this document is to identify a research roadmap based on the open literature and past national laboratory works to inform advanced wind turbine and power electronics control functions for four use cases: 1) distributed wind in isolated systems, 2) grid-connected microgrids (wind-hybrid systems and islanded operation), 3) behind-the-meter distributed wind applications in the power distribution systems, and 4) front-of-the-meter distributed wind applications in the power distribution systems.

17 WIND ENERGY↗