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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 1,729 records · Page 96
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules and Systems: Experience and Results from International Research and Pilot Applications

Within the framework of IEA PVPS, Task 13 aims to provide support to market actors working to improve the operation, the reliability and the quality of PV components and systems. Operational data from PV systems in different climate zones compiled within the project will help provide the basis for estimates of the current situation regarding PV reliability and performance. The general setting of Task 13 provides a common platform to summarize and report on technical aspects affecting the quality, performance, reliability and lifetime of PV systems in a wide variety of environments and applications. By working together across national boundaries we can all take advantage of research and experience from each member country and combine and integrate this knowledge into valuable summaries of best practices and methods for ensuring PV systems perform at their optimum and continue to provide competitive return on investment. Task 13 has so far managed to create the right framework for the calculations of various parameters that can give an indication of the quality of PV components and systems. The framework is now there and can be used by the industry who has expressed appreciation towards the results included in the high-quality reports. The IEA PVPS countries participating in Task 13 are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States of America.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Large-Signal Stability Improvement of Parallel Grid-Forming Inverter-Driven Black Start: Preprint

With the rapid increase of inverter-based resources in modern grids, advanced grid-forming (GFM) inverter capa- bilities, such as system restoration and operation under faults, are urgently needed to realize power electronics-dominant grids at scale. One such capability is inverter-driven black start using GFM inverters. This paper analyzes the ability of two recently proposed advanced GFM controls to help GFM inverters sustain system-wide, off-nominal conditions and remain synchronized until they can overcome the momentary overloading as more GFMs join the process without generator sequence coordination or communications and finally stabilize the grid. Through an extensive set of 1,200 full-order electromagnetic transient simu- lations, we evaluate the black-start process while employing the various GFM inverter controls. The results show that the GFM current limiter and primary control have a significant impact on the stability of the system during dynamic operating conditions and thus impact the success of inverter-driven system restoration.

current limit↗
DOE OSTI2020

Microgrid Energy Management System Integration with Advanced Distribution Management System

The Integrated Distribution Management System (IDMS) project was initiated to demonstrate the interactive operation of microgrid systems and the distribution systems with which they interconnect. The key technologies for this are the microgrid management system and the utility distribution management system. The IDMS project successfully demonstrated that a utility’s advanced distribution management system/distributed energy resources management system (ADMS/DERMS) could effectively manage microgrids to provide visibility and control functionalities as well as use the microgrid as a dispatchable resource to support the utility grid. The DERMS accomplishes this by determining active and reactive power needs at the point of common coupling (PCC) using advanced applications like volt/VAR watt optimization (VVWO) and load relief (LR) with the underlying core applications state estimation (SE) and load flow (LF). The ADMS/DERMS can use the microgrid as a resource to resolve and prevent violations in the grid and to optimize the operational working state of the grid. The IDMS project demonstrated that a utility-operated ADMS with embedded DERMS functionality can flexibly manage a variety of microgrids and other aggregated distributed energy resources (DER) in concert with the wider distribution grid. Microgrids can provide grid services in any number of different ways to meet the operational needs of the distribution utility. The manner of aggregation — microgrid or virtual power plant — is not necessarily relevant to the utility as long as the grid services from the aggregated DER are available and can be managed by its ADMS/DERMS for the stability and reliability of the grid. The IDMS project demonstrated this integrated ADMS concept by combining hardware/software-in-the-loop testing with commercial products from different vendors and a utility’s network model. The project integrated the Schneider Electric EcoStruxure™ ADMS with DERMS with the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) POWERMAX ® Microgrid Control System, and the simulated resources with energy company PECO’s model of a utility-owned microgrid, establishing an operational relationship in which the utility manages the operational functionality of a microgrid at the PCC and that provides the utility with the capability to control the comprehensive power system, inclusive of the macrogrid and microgrid.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Developing Renewable Energy Applications for Water Treatment Technologies and Transmission

The need for smaller treatment facilities for more isolated or rural municipal entities and industrial water treatment facilities continues to grow. From environmental justice and energy needs in remote communities that have never been serviced by larger scale utilities to smaller onsite treatment requirements to meet discharge regulations, energy efficient treatment systems that can leverage renewable energy sources can be an important asset to owners. Climate change and population dynamics have changed the needs for distributed water treatment systems and the manner in which they function. New treatment technologies that can operate under dynamic conditions and leverage variable energy sources (e.g., renewable energy, RE) can provide substantial efficiencies and cost savings. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is embarking on research projects that will perform multi-scale studies to investigate treatment technologies on varying source water quality that can operate under unsteady state flow conditions (timing) in response to energy availability, supply, and demand. A pilot-scale system will be built to assess modularity and scaling of treatment system operating conditions and performance. Modeling will also be used to determine feasibility and integration into grid emulation platforms to understand the use and value of operation with RE. Optimization will be completed for the treatment and distribution systems to document strengths and weaknesses of using RE power sources. Results of this effort will advance dynamic water treatment understanding under variable conditions and integration of RE sources to power these systems. This will lead to further decarbonization of municipal and private treatment facilities while supporting a paradigm shift in water treatment process operation and system design to achieve net-zero goals and move toward energy-sensitive resilient water treatment systems.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advanced Grid Operational Technology Edge-Level Threat Detection

This report presents a deployable solution to improve the cybersecurity situational awareness of the legacy SCADA system infrastructure in power grids. The main goal of this project is to provide system owners and operators a highly trusted, intelligent alarm system and comprehensive situational awareness of ongoing or potential cybersecurity threats on the grid network. The key contributions of this project include: (1) the development of software, the Intrusion Detection Visualizer for the Operational Technology Network (IViz-OT), to visualize and locate intrusions on the grid network; (2) testing the signature-based Hybrid Intrusion Detection for Energy Systems (HIDES) for different types of intrusions; (3) the integration of HIDES and IViz-OT into the visualization dashboard; and (4) real-time testing using a hardware-in-the-loop test bed.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

CPES-QSM: A Quantitative Method Towards the Secure Operation of Cyber-Physical Energy Systems

Power systems are evolving into cyber-physical energy systems (CPES) mainly due to the integration of modern communication and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. CPES security evaluation is challenging since the physical and cyber layers are often not considered holistically. Existing literature focuses on only optimizing the operation of either the physical or cyber layer while ignoring the interactions between them. This paper proposes a metric, the Cyber-Physical Energy System Quantitative Security Metric (CPES-QSM), that quantifies the interaction between the cyber and physical layers across three domains: electrical, cyber-risk, and network topology. A method for incorporating the proposed cyber-metric into operational decisions is also proposed by formulating a cyber-constrained AC optimal power flow (C-ACOPF) that considers the status of all the CPES layers. The C-ACOPF considers the vulnerabilities of physical and cyber networks by incorporating factors such as voltage stability, contingencies, graph-theory, and IoT cyber risks, while using a multi-criteria decision-making technique. We note that simulation studies are conducted using standard IEEE test systems to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed metric and the C-ACOPF formulation.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Environmental stability of additively manufactured siliconized silicon carbide for applications in hybrid energy systems

A key consideration for the successful operation of hybrid energy systems will be the environmental stability of materials used for their construction, particularly when experiencing service environments containing water vapor at high temperatures. Here, we report results from the characterization of siliconized silicon carbide (Si-SiC) prepared via binder jet additive manufacturing and reactive silicon melt infiltration after being exposed to environments representative of those in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes, and to exhaust gases inside a microturbine operating on natural gas. In both cases, it was found that oxide scales formed on the surface and that these scales were dense, continuous, and well-bonded to the substrates, although there was evidence of transverse and longitudinal cracking most likely as a result of mismatches in the thermal expansion of the scale and the substrate. Measured values of the thickness of the oxide scale were compared to those predicted by parabolic oxidation kinetics of silicon, but the potential effects of silica volatilization induced by water vapor, and silica reduction when exposed to hydrogen are discussed. The overall results showed that the oxide scale is expected to be protective under the conditions of hybrid power generation systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Field Verification of Grid-Forming Inverter-Based Power Plant Performance for Transmission System Reliability

This report describes some examples of the operation of two grid-forming (GFM) inverter-based photovoltaic-battery hybrid power plants connected to the electric system of the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Both plants are photovoltaic power plants with battery energy storage and are connected to the networked transmission system operated by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), along with several other power plants including an oil-fired plant, diesel generators, small hydroelectric plants, a biofuel plant, and several other photovoltaic plants.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Assembling an Effective Team for Renewable Generation and Storage Projects

On-site renewable generation and storage systems have piqued the interest of facility owners to substantially reduce their energy costs and environmental footprint. Assembling an effective team before the project begins can streamline the implementation of these systems and ensure that the design, installation, and operation of the system are well aligned with the needs of the facility owner. To inform this process, this resource will provide three specific guidelines: Guideline 1: Identify common skillsets in renewable energy and storage projects; Guideline 2: Decide who will fill these skillsets, internally and externally; and Guideline 3: Recognize additional project considerations to ensure cost-effectiveness, increased resiliency, and contribution to both electrification and decarbonization goals.

ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

NMPC for Setpoint Tracking Operation of a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell System

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are a promising technology to generate hydrogen through water electrolysis. However, intermittent renewable energy requires SOECs to transition between hydrogen production setpoints as the price of electricity fluctuates. A well-functioning control system is important to avoid cell degradation during setpoint tracking operation. In this work, we apply nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) to an SOEC module and supporting equipment and compare NMPC performance to classical PI control while ramping between hydrogen production setpoints. We find that these control methods provide similar performance in many metrics, but NMPC significantly reduces cell thermal gradients during the setpoint transition.

Allan, Douglas↗
DOE OSTI2025

Real-Time Simulation of Solid Oxide Electrolyzers (SOEC) for Dynamic Operability Improvement and Cyber-Physical System Development

As more intermittent-renewable generations are being added to the power grid, solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) must enhance their rapid load transition capabilities to load follow and support grid resilience. At NETL, we developed real-time SOEC models to research SOEC transients during load step changes. The gained insights can be useful for dynamic operability improvement. These real-time SOEC models also established the basis for cyber-physical SOEC hybrid energy systems. (Virtual presentation to the 2025 MILLENNIUM CLEAN and SUSTAINABLE POWER workshop, University of Genoa, Italy)

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Measuring Climate and Water Risk across the Bulk Power System

As climate impacts increase and power systems transition to renewables, planners and operators need insights into climate risks to power generation and infrastructure to ensure reliable decision-making in the short and long-term. We present a standardized, consistent mechanism for utilities and system operators to evaluate the climate- and water-related risks of their current and future grid assets. Using a risk-based approach on the combined outcomes of high-fidelity climate drivers together with water and power system models, we examine the temperature and water availability impacts within the contiguous United States to power system assets at the water basin level in three different time periods and report resulting outcomes on lost capacity across different expansion scenarios and climate models. The results indicate that air temperature has the highest effect on derating. Changes in streamflow do not have a large impact on generation capacity at the national level. Electric sector buildout scenarios each have a unique regional risk profile, depending on the technology mix and total capacity, although risks from high temperatures are significant for both traditional and renewable energy generation. Stakeholders can use this approach to monitor effects of generation capacity losses and potential impacts as climate, generation mix, and infrastructure change.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Initial operation and data processing on a system for real-time evaluation of Thomson scattering signals on the Large Helical Device

A scalable system for real-time analysis of electron temperature and density based on signals from the Thomson scattering diagnostic, initially developed for and installed on the NSTX-U experiment, was recently adapted for the Large Helical Device and operated for the first time during plasma discharges. During its initial operation run, it routinely recorded and processed signals for four spatial points at the laser repetition rate of 30 Hz, well within the system’s rated capability for 60 Hz. We present examples of data collected from this initial run and describe subsequent adaptations to the analysis code to improve the fidelity of the temperature calculations.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Initial operation and data processing on a system for real-time evaluation of Thomson scattering signals on the Large Helical Device

A scalable system for real-time analysis of electron temperature and density based on signals from the Thomson scattering diagnostic, initially developed for and installed on the NSTX-U experiment, was recently adapted for the Large Helical Device (LHD) and operated for the first time during plasma discharges. During its initial operation run, it routinely recorded and processed signals for four spatial points at the laser repetition rate of 30 Hz, well within the system's rated capability for 60 Hz. We present examples of data collected from this initial run and describe subsequent adaptations to the analysis code to improve the fidelity of the temperature calculations.

Thomson scattering, real-time, LHD, plasma diagnos↗
DOE OSTI2024

PV Modules Temperature Variation and Patterns in Medium and Utility-Scale Floating PV Systems

This paper presents the preliminary results and findings of the four operational Floating PV systems across the USA. At each site, temperature of five PV modules located at North-West, North-East, Middle, South-West, and, South-East have been monitored through the Resistant Temperature Detector (RTD) sensors. Three RTDs were attached to each PV module on the rear-side along the diagonal at top, middle and bottom cells. The preliminary results reveal wide temperature differences among the inter and intra PV modules. Besides this, wave pattern temperatures were observed in a few PV modules. The final results, findings, and, factors responsible will be investigated during the next few months.

array↗
DOE OSTI2025

New helium recapture and reliquefier system for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization at UNH.

A new helium recapture and reliquefaction system, consisting of a gas bag, recapture manifold, cooling chiller, cryogenic purifier and, a gas storage cylinder banks, has been installed in the dynamic nuclear polarized target lab at the University of New Hampshire. This new system has the capability to improve the efficiency of our capacity to do target polarization runs by recycling our cryogenic helium which would otherwise be lost during polarization operations. Our helium liquefier is rated upto 40 L/Day under normal full-capacity operations, and is rated for a capacity of 500 liquid liters of helium. I explain the initial installation process followed by a discussion of the challenges with installation, including issues of impurities which appeared during the initial operation of the system. Then I discuss how we overcame these difficulties. Finally, I discuss the function of the system during normal operation and the present situation of the helium recapture and reliquefaction processing in the UNH Lab.

Lama, Chhetra [Univ. of New Hampshire, Durham, NH ↗
DOE OSTI2024

PV Modules Temperature Variation and Patterns in Medium and Utility-Scale Floating PV Systems

This paper presents the preliminary results and findings of the four operational Floating PV systems across the USA. At each site, temperature of five PV modules located at North-West, North-East, Middle, South-West, and, South-East have been monitored through the Resistant Temperature Detector (RTD) sensors. Three RTDs were attached to each PV module on the rear-side along the diagonal at top, middle and bottom cells. The preliminary results reveal wide temperature differences among the inter and intra PV modules. Besides this, wave pattern temperatures were observed in a few PV modules. The final results, findings, and, factors responsible will be investigated during the next few months. Index Terms - photovoltaic module, floating PV systems, string, array, temperature, mismatch, utility scale.

ENGINEERING,SOLAR ENERGY↗