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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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16 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Operating Wind Turbine as Synchronous Generator: Modeling and Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Demonstration

Grid-forming (GFM) control of Type 3 and Type 4 wind turbine generators (WTGs) has attracted substantial attention in power systems research; however, the limited overcurrent capability of power electronics converters continues to deteriorate the grid strength of the evolving power systems. Synchronous wind, also referred to as a Type 5 WTG, offers a unique GFM solution to address grid integration and grid strength issues by keeping the grid largely synchronous at very high integration levels of renewable generation. A Type 5 WTG interfaces with the electric grid via a synchronous generator driven by a variable speed hydraulic torque converter; hence, the wind rotor operates in variable-speed mode for maximum power generation, and the generator shaft remains synchronous to the grid. This paper develops and tests a high-fidelity model of a Type 5 WTG in a power-hardware-in-the-loop testing environment, and it presents its operation characteristics under different grid contingencies. The power-hardware-in-the-loop demonstration shows that a Type 5 WTG inherently behaves as a GFM unit and can obtain similar performance in terms of power response, wind rotor dynamics, and stability enhancement compared to a Type 3 WTG in GFM control mode. Furthermore, the paper provides further insight into how Type 5 WTGs can support the smooth transition to power systems with high integration levels of inverter-based resources.

17 - WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Modeling and Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Validation of Synchronous Wind: An Inverterless Grid-Forming Wind Power Plant

Grid-forming (GFM) control of Type-3 and Type-4 wind turbine generators (WTGs) has attracted substantial attention in power systems research; however, the limited overcurrent capability of power electronics converters continues to deteriorate the grid strength of the evolving power systems. Synchronous wind, also known as a Type-5 WTG, offers a unique GFM solution to address grid integration and grid strength issues by keeping the grid largely synchronous at very high integration levels of renewable generation. A Type-5 WTG interfaces with the electric grid via a synchronous generator driven by a variable-speed hydraulic torque converter; hence, the wind rotor operates in variable-speed mode for maximum power generation, and the generator shaft remains synchronous to the grid. This paper develops and tests a high-fidelity model of a Type-5 WTG in a power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) testing environment. The PHIL demonstration shows that a Type-5 WTG inherently behaves as a GFM unit and can obtain similar performance in terms of power responses, wind rotor dynamics, and efficiency compared to a Type-3 WTG in high-wind conditions. The developed model provides further insight into how Type-5 WTGs can benefit the smooth transition to power systems with high integration levels of inverter-based resources.

grid strength↗
DOE OSTI2026

Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Experiments of a Microgrid with a Grid-Forming Battery Inverter

Microgrids continue to proliferate, and they are transitioning away from using conventional generating resources to increasingly relying on inverter-based resources (IBRs) as the voltage and frequency leaders. It is crucial to evaluate the capability of IBRs to provide microgrid stability and resilience. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiments were conducted to de-risk the field deployment of the San Diego Gas & Electric Company Borrego Springs Microgrid, where a battery inverter was upgraded with grid-forming (GFM) capability to serve as the island leader. This paper presents the HIL experimental results from an HIL test bed that uses a power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) interface with a power inductor that was previously developed for PHIL simulations of microgrids where the inverters need to switch modes, i.e., between grid-following and GFM as the microgrid transitions between grid-connected and islanded operation. This paper presents more details on the interface and HIL simulation results of the planned islanding and load steps in islanded operation to show the effectiveness of the inverters in managing the voltage and frequency.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Modeling and Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Validation of Synchronous Machine Governor

This paper introduces the development of a high-fidelity gas turbine governor model using a programmable logic controller for power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) validation. The governor model is integrated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) PHIL test bed, featuring a 2-MVA synchronous machine and a 2.5-MW variable-speed drive, to emulate NG-driven HRSGs and CTs under various operational scenarios. The primary objective of this research is to study the grid-connected and islanding operations of conventional generation sources, with representative startup sequences including turbine purge, ignition, speed ramp-up, synchronization, and breaker closure. Preliminary results of the generator governor model on NREL PHIL platform, particularly using the 2.5-MW dynamometer system, offered significant insights into the modeling techniques, hardware integration, scaling, and real-world simulation dynamics.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modeling and Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Validation of Synchronous Wind: An Inverterless Grid-Forming Wind Power Plant: Preprint

Grid-forming (GFM) control of Type-3 and Type-4 wind turbine generators has attracted substantial attention in power systems research; however, the limited over-current capability of power electronics converters continues to deteriorate the grid strength of the evolving power systems. Synchronous wind, also known as Type-5 wind turbine generator (WTG), offers a unique GFM solution to address grid integration and grid strength issues by keeping the grid largely synchronous at very high penetration levels of renewable generation. A Type-5 WTG interfaces to the electric grid via a synchronous generator (SG) driven by a variable-speed hydraulic torque converter; hence, the wind rotor operates in variable-speed mode for maximum power generation and the generator shaft remains synchronous to the grid. This paper developed and tested a high-fidelity model of Type-5 WTG under power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) testing environment. The PHIL demonstration showed that a Type-5 WTGs inherently behaves as a GFM unit and can obtain similar performance in terms of power responses, wind rotor dynamics, and efficiency compared to Type-3 WTG in high wind conditions. The developed model also provides further insight on how Type-5 WTGs can benefit the smooth transition to power systems with high integration level of inverter-based resources.

grid strength↗
DOE OSTI2025

Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Experiments of a Microgrid With a Grid-Forming Battery Inverter: Preprint

Microgrids continue to proliferate, and they are transitioning away from using conventional generating resources to increasingly relying on inverter-based resources (IBRs) as the voltage and frequency leaders. It is crucial to evaluate the capability of IBRs to provide microgrid stability and resilience. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiments were conducted to de-risk the field deployment of the San Diego Gas & Electric Company Borrego Springs Microgrid, where a battery inverter was upgraded with grid-forming (GFM) capability to serve as the island leader. This paper presents the HIL experimental results from an HIL test bed that uses a power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) interface with a power inductor that was previously developed for PHIL simulations of microgrids where the inverters need to switch modes, i.e., between grid-following and GFM as the microgrid transitions between grid-connected and islanded operation. This paper presents more details on the interface and HIL simulation results of the planned islanding and load steps in islanded operation to show the effectiveness of the inverters in managing the voltage and frequency.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) Evaluation of Service Restoration With Networked Microgrids

This paper describes the power-hardware-in-the- loop (PHIL) evaluation of the feasibility of service restoration solutions determined by the PowerModelsONM.jl tool. This tool incorporates microgrids and the networking of microgrids into its determination of an optimal service restoration solution. The paper presents PHIL simulation results for a case study based on a real distribution feeder with multiple microgrids, showcas- ing the effectiveness of networked microgrids in aiding system restoration after an outage. The study leverages high-fidelity, real- time electromagnetic transient models to ensure accuracy in the simulation results. This work is the final output from the Resilient Operation of Networked Microgrids (RONM) project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity Microgrid Program and led by Los Alamos National Laboratory. RONM focused on the application of PowerModelsONM.jl to enhance the resilience of distribution systems.

fault location isolation and service restoration (↗
DOE OSTI2024

Probing Signal-Based Inertia and Frequency Response Estimation for Power Systems With High Levels of Inverter-Based Resources

Power system inertia is the inherent capability of a power system to resist changes in its frequency during disturbances. Real-time inertia estimation technology has become more important due to the low-inertia issues caused by the increasing integration levels of inverter-based resources (IBRs) from renewable energy; however, existing inertia estimation methods hardly consider multiple frequency response controls that act within the same time frame as conventional inertial response, thus making measured inertia values vary under different testing conditions. To resolve this issue, this paper proposes a novel real-time estimation method to simultaneously estimate a power system's inertia constant and frequency response droop constant using a well-designed probing signal. First, we formulate the inertia and frequency response model of a power system with IBRs. Second, through the integration and manipulation of the developed model, we propose a multivariate linear regression-based estimation method that is resilient to measurement noise. Third, we design a probing signal that can be injected by IBRs to incite the required transients for estimation. Finally, we validate the proposed estimation method through comprehensive power-hardware-in-the-loop experiments using inverter hardware and a realistic island power system model. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately estimate the inertia and droop value of the power system with grid-following IBRs and grid-forming IBRs with virtual synchronous machine control.

frequency response↗
DOE OSTI2026

Use of Power Hardware-in-the-Loop and Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop to De-Risk the Use Of Grid-Forming Fuel Cell Inverters in Microgrids

Microgrids continue to proliferate, particularly those that rely on inverter-based resources as the microgrid's voltage and frequency leader. Hardware-in-the-loop simulations can de-risk microgrid deployments, and therefore we need power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) interfaces for grid-forming (GFM) inverters to enable simulations of seamless transitions between islanded and grid-connected operation. Such interfaces are particularly challenging when the inverters need to switch modes, i.e., between grid-following (GFL) and GFM as the microgrid transitions between grid-connected and islanded operation. This presentation shows the use of PHIL interfaces for such microgrids and the preliminary experimental results.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Experimental Analysis of Distribution Network Voltage Regulation Using Smart Inverters

Smart inverters (SIs) have demonstrated their potential to provide grid services for both transmission and distribution systems. One of these grid services, distribution network voltage regulation by SIs, has the potential to improve network voltage regulation through controlling the reactive and active power output of the SIs. Voltage regulation by SIs will be distributed and might be better suited to controlling local conditions to complement traditional voltage-regulating assets, e.g., tap-changing transformers, capacitor banks, and line voltage regulators. There is a gap in the literature on comparing the SI response characteristics when the SIs are controlled by a local controller or external control signals. This paper presents an experimental study to characterize SI reactive power regulation responses to two different control methods: autonomous control and remote dispatch. We found that SI reactive power regulation responses exhibit important differences between these methods in terms of delays and ramp rate. Finally, power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of these two methods. The PHIL test results show that the SI response characteristics for autonomous control and remote dispatch need to be considered when planning for distribution network voltage regulation using SIs.

autonomous control↗
DOE OSTI2025

Customized open source renewable energy models validated through PHIL lab experiments

Energy models for power systems require ongoing updates to reflect advancements in equipment technology and the increasing complexity of power electronic devices. This study utilizes a Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) experimental setup to validate custom photovoltaic (PV) inverter models, aiming to enhance and expedite the development of advanced renewable energy models. The research compares the performance of a physical inverter with generic Renewable Energy Source (RES) models recommended by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). As inverter-based renewable energy sources become more prevalent in modern electrical grids, it is crucial that dynamic models accurately represent their real-world behavior. Accurate models improve our understanding of these energy resources and their interactions with the grid. The proposed model enhancements are designed to better reflect real inverter performance, based on insights from PHIL experiments. These models are developed using the open source Modelica language and the OpenIPSL Modelica Library, allowing integration across various simulation tools without re-implementation. The paper concludes with a thorough assessment, comparing the enhanced models with PHIL experiments on a real PV inverter in a controlled laboratory setting. As a result, the study provides the enhanced WECC RES models and validation data as open source resources, facilitating further research and development.

Modelica↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hardware-in-the-Loop Using Electromagnetic Transient Simulation

Digital real time simulators have the capability to run electromagnetic transient simulations in real time. This capability allows users to leverage the hardware-software combination to evaluate controller performance, protection device performance, and power device performance. This has helped many field deployment projects to be successful and be cost-effective. In this talk, we will present current state-of-art, and future of real time electromagnetic transient simulation and its impacts on field deployment.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Smart Hydro: AI Applications

This presentation provides an overview of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in hydropower.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Probing Signal-Based Inertia and Frequency Response Estimation for Power Systems with High Penetration of Inverter-Based Resources: Preprint

Power system inertia is the inherent capability of a power system to resist changes in its frequency during disturbances. Real-time inertia estimation technology has become more important due to the low-inertia issues caused by the increasing integration levels of inverter-based resources (IBRs) from renewable energy; however, existing inertia estimation methods hardly consider multiple frequency response controls that act within the same time frame as conventional inertial response, thus making measured inertia values vary under different testing conditions. To resolve this issue, this paper proposes a novel real-time estimation method to simultaneously estimate a power system's inertia constant and frequency response droop constant using a well-designed probing signal. First, we formulate the inertia and frequency response model of a power system with IBRs. Second, through the integration and manipulation of the developed model, we propose a multivariate linear regression- based estimation method that is resilient to measurement noise. Third, we design a probing signal that can be injected by IBRs to incite the required transients for estimation. Finally, we validate the proposed estimation method through comprehensive power- hardware-in-the-loop experiments using inverter hardware and a realistic island power system model. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately estimate the inertia and droop value of the power system with grid-following IBRs and grid-forming IBRs with virtual synchronous machine control.

frequency response↗