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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Hot, Cold, or Just Right? Using a Wide-View Infrared Biometric Sensor to Improve Occupant Comfort and Reduce Overcooling in Buildings via Closed-loop Control (CRADA Final Report)

This research adds to the understanding of building energy management by fundamentally challenging the long-standing paradigm of controlling an environmental parameter—air temperature—and assuming occupant comfort will follow. The project developed and demonstrated a novel approach that directly senses physiological indicators of human comfort to enable closedloop, human-centric control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This work shifts the focus from open-loop environmental control to a closed-loop system that prioritizes the occupants' actual thermal state. The primary benefit to the public is the potential for a simultaneous improvement in the quality of indoor environments, where people spend most of their time, and a significant reduction in national energy consumption. Overcooling, or the overuse of cooling energy in a way that discomforts occupants, wastes approximately 0.5 Quads of primary energy annually in U.S. commercial buildings and creates unproductive indoor environments.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Closed-Loop Control of Active Nematic Flows

Stabilizing and shaping autonomous flows of active fluids is a fundamental challenge and a prerequisite for applications. We embed a light-responsive microtubule-based nematic in a proportional-integral control loop that adjusts the applied light intensity in response to real-time measurements of the spatially averaged flow speed. The self-regulating hardware-software-wetware system maintains a target flow speed against external or internal perturbations, including protein aging and aggregation, sample-to-sample variability, and temperature variation. Varying the controller’s gains reveals antagonistic roles between feedback and intrinsic processes, leading to nontrivial dynamics observed in fluctuation spectra. In particular, oscillations emerge from the interplay between the controller, motor binding kinetics, and active hydrodynamic relaxation. Accounting for the underlying binding timescale, our coarse-grained model and nematohydrodynamics simulations corroborate these observations. This work provides insight into the coupled dynamics of controlled active matter, laying the foundation for spatiotemporal patterning of active stress to generate and stabilize new dynamical configurations.

Active nematics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Closed-loop control of active nematic flows

Stabilizing and shaping autonomous flows of active fluids is a fundamental challenge and a prerequisite for applications. We embed a light-responsive microtubule-based nematic in a proportional-integral control loop that adjusts the applied light intensity in response to real-time measurements of the spatially averaged flow speed. The self-regulating hardware/software/wetware system maintains a target flow speed against external or internal perturbations, including protein aging and aggregation, sample-to-sample variability, and temperature variation. Varying the controller’s gains reveals antagonistic roles between feedback and intrinsic processes, leading to nontrivial dynamics observed in fluctuation spectra. In particular, oscillations emerge from the interplay between the controller, motor binding kinetics, and active hydrodynamic relaxation. Accounting for the underlying binding timescale, our coarse-grained model and nematohydrodynamics simulations corroborate these observations. This work provides insight into the coupled dynamics of controlled active matter, laying the foundation for spatiotemporal patterning of active stress to generate and stabilize new dynamical configurations.

Nishiyama, Katsu [Brandeis Univ., Waltham, MA (Uni↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hardware-in-Loop Modules for Testing Automated Ventilator Controllers

Automated ventilator controllers have the potential to simplify oxygen and carbon dioxide management for trauma. In the pre-hospital or military medicine environment, trauma care can be required for prolonged periods by personnel with limited ventilator management training. As such, there is a need for closed-loop control systems that can adapt ventilator management to a complex, ever-changing medical environment. Here, we present a novel hardware-in-loop test platform for the independent troubleshooting and evaluation of oxygen and carbon dioxide automated ventilator management capabilities. The oxygen management system provides an analogue blood oxygen signal that is responsive to the fraction of inspired oxygen and the peak inspiratory pressure ventilator settings. A tested oxygenation controller successfully reached the target oxygen saturation within 5 min. The carbon dioxide removal system integrates with commercial ventilator technology and mimics carbon dioxide generation, lung compliance, and airway resistance while providing an end-tidal carbon dioxide level that is responsive to changes in the tidal volume and respiratory rate settings. A test mechanical ventilator controller was able to regulate EtCO2 regardless of the starting value within 10 min. This highlights the system’s functionality and provides proof-of-concept demonstrations for how the hardware-in-loop test platforms can be used for evaluating closed-loop controller technologies.

Berard, David (ORCID:0000000322863846)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Digital twin framework for PIP-II linac: AI-driven multi-scale modeling from ion source to 800 MeV

The PIP-II superconducting linac at Fermilab is designed to deliver multi-megawatt proton beams for neutrino physics and other high-intensity applications. To expedite commissioning and enhance operational reliability, we have developed an EPICS-based data flow framework that seamlessly integrates digital twins (DT) with physical twins (PT). These digital twins comprise high-fidelity beam dynamics models or data-driven surrogate models connected to their physical counterparts through real-time diagnostics and advanced machine-learning algorithms.Central to this framework is Linac_Gen, an accelerated simulation tool that incorporates convolutional neural networks, random forests, and genetic algorithms to provide up to a tenfold speedup in optimizing the accelerator geometry model. An EPICS translator layer ensures interoperability by efficiently mapping lattice parameters across diverse simulation platforms.Our EPICS-based framework supports multiple operational modes—monitoring, passive learning, closed-loop control, and online learning—covering the entire machine lifecycle. By leveraging HPC resources and multi-objective optimization techniques, the digital twin enables adaptive trajectory correction, real-time fault detection, and predictive modeling of beam stability. This comprehensive approach paves the way for robust, high-intensity operation and data-driven accelerator R&D at Fermilab.

Pathak, Abhishek [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Analysis and Control of a Three-Port Converter with High-Frequency AC Link for Hybrid Unmanned/Autonomous Aerial Vehicles

In this study, a three-port resonant converter with a high-frequency isolation link for hybrid unmanned/autonomous aerial vehicle (UAV/AAV) applications is analyzed. The rectified engine-generator set output supplies the first input ports while the other is connected to a battery energy storage system. Input ports consist of half-bridge high-frequency inverters, whereas output port utilizes a semi-bridgeless active rectifier. This rectifier is formed by replacing rectifier low-side diodes with active switching devices. A phase-shift duty-cycle control is implemented for switching signals to regulate the power share and flow between ports. The proposed control system implemented achieves zero voltage switching (ZVS), reduces switching losses, and minimum current flow optimization ensures regulation in a wide range of output power. Compared to the existing bidirectional pulse width modulation (PWM) converters, the proposed system decreases the number of power conversion stages and provides centralized control without needing communications between the ports. The proposed control technique operating in closed-loop control achieves the power flow between ports under various load conditions. Finally, theoretical analysis demonstrates the proposed converter’s viability and laboratory experimental validations at 500 W full power.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Distribution System Congestion Management - A Survey of Reliable Integration for Aggregated Resources and Microgrids

Rising penetration of consumer-owned Distribution Grid Resources (DGRs), increasingly managed by third party aggregators and enrolled in grid services and wholesale market programs, can create localized congestion in distribution networks. Managing these constraints is challenging due to a persistent coordination and information gap: utilities are accountable for reliability and have network topology and state visibility, while aggregators control the DGR capability needed to relieve congestion. This survey synthesizes congestion management solutions for distribution systems with high DGR penetration, covering both market-based mechanisms (distribution level markets, locational pricing, flexibility auctions) and non-market-based solutions (network reconfiguration, direct DGR control, demand response, curtailment, etc.). The literature is organized across three decision horizons: long term planning, operational planning, and real-time operation. Special attention is devoted to emerging distribution system operator architectures and coordination frameworks spanning transmission system operators, aggregators, and microgrids. Drawing on recent case studies and implementations, we distill best practices, identify key technical and economic barriers, and outline research directions. The evidence points to a shift toward integrated congestion management that combines market signals with technical controls, enabled by improved monitoring, forecasting, and closed loop control capabilities.

Active Distribution Networks (ADN)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effects of input gradient regularization on neural networks time-series forecasting of thermal power systems

This study proposes using neural networks, specifically gated recurrent unit (GRU), long-short-term memory (LSTM), and transformer networks, to improve control strategies in a 450 MW coal-fired power plant. However, neural networks face issues of becoming overly dependent on just a few variables to make predictions, which negatively impacts control decisions that rely on the model to determine the value of all manipulated variables. The paper introduces regularization techniques, including noise injection and input gradient regularization, during the training phase. Here, the work presents novel contributions in adapting neural networks to control industrial systems and applying regularization techniques from computer vision to industrial process control. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of input gradient regularization in reducing model dependence on subsets of variables, emphasizing the balance between fidelity and controllability. Further exploration is recommended, including the development of recurrent transformers, closed-loop control testing, and a sensitivity analysis on computer models to provide further insight.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Adaptive Optics control GUI

This is a GUI to explore adaptive optics system performance related to closed-loop control theory.

Gerard, BenjaminL↗
DOE OSTI2025

Real-time Simulation Model of a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Energy Storage System with Power Electronics Integration

This paper presents a real-time (RT) model of a 20 kW multi-stack vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) system including power electronics converters in a single real-time framework. Implemented on a Typhoon HIL 604 device, this model is designed to simulate the operation of the flow battery with system-level controls. To provide a realistic overview of a VRFB system, the model incorporates a closed-loop control system for managing the speeds of two centrifugal pumps and an electro-thermal model of the battery stacks, enabling realtime temperature estimation. Furthermore, a two-stage power electronics topology and associated control solution are presented, operating with distinct strategies for interfacing the battery model with the main grid and a local load. Results from simulations demonstrate that the VRFB model is well suited for RT environment, and system can manage power during both charging and discharging cycles, while a SCADA monitor is used to display critical variables for safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the VRFB systems.

Rezende Da Costa Reis Kimpara, Renata [ORNL] (ORCI↗
DOE OSTI2026

Pareto-optimal target definition for multi-axis random vibration testing

In random vibration testing with multiple control channels, existing control laws require specification of a complete spectral density matrix at each control frequency. Spectral density matrices include autospectral densities on the diagonal and cross-spectral densities on the off-diagonal. In practice, the off-diagonal terms are often unknown, and recent vibration testing research has focused on fixing the diagonal and specifying the off-diagonal to minimize the required control energy, subject to a constraint that the target matrix is positive semidefinite. This paper shows that, even with a fixed diagonal, off-diagonal terms strongly affect control residuals. This overlooked effect occurs in both square and rectangular systems. By jointly considering input energy and control residuals, open-loop inputs are derived directly from the diagonal without specifying the off-diagonal terms. Vibration targets that can be used in closed-loop control are then derived using the optimal inputs, with positive semidefinite constraints applied during the derivation. The result is a set of Pareto-optimal control solutions. For each solution in the set, any other possible solution produces greater control error, greater input energy, or both. A balanced solution is selected automatically, though others can be chosen based on test needs. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art energy-minimizing approaches, achieving significant reductions in both control error and input energy.

Autospectral density↗
DOE OSTI2024

Isolating Signatures of Cyberattacks under Stressed Grid Conditions

In a controlled cyber-physical network, such as a power grid, any malicious data injection in the sensor measurements can lead to widespread impact due to the actions of the closed-loop controllers. While fast identification of the attack signatures is imperative for reliable operations, it is challenging to do so in a large dynamical network with tightly coupled nodes. A particularly challenging scenario arises when the cyberattacks are strategically launched during a grid stress condition, caused by non-malicious physical disturbances.

Ghosh, Sanchita [BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)]↗
DOE OSTI2024

In vivo evaluation of an adaptive resuscitation controller using whole blood and crystalloid infusates for hemorrhagic shock

Introduction Hemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. The most effective means to increase survivability is early hemorrhage control and fluid resuscitation. Unfortunately, fluid resuscitation requires constant adjustments to ensure casualty is properly managed, which is often not feasible in the pre-hospital setting. In this study, we showed how an adaptive closed-loop controller for hemorrhage resuscitation can be used to automate hemodynamic management using a swine hemorrhagic shock injury model. Methods The adaptive resuscitation controller (ARC) was previously developed to track pressure–volume responsiveness in real time and adjust its infusion rate to reach the target mean arterial pressure (MAP). Swine while maintained under a surgical plane of anesthesia and analgesia underwent a splenectomy, followed by two hemorrhage and resuscitation events. For the first resuscitation event, hemorrhage was induced to reduce the MAP to 35 mmHg until arterial lactate reached 4 mmol/L. The ARC system then infused whole blood (WB) to reach the target MAP and maintained the subject using crystalloids for 120 min. For the second resuscitation event, the subjects were hemorrhaged again but resuscitated using only crystalloid infusion to reach the target MAP and 120-min maintenance. Results The ARC was effective at WB resuscitation, reaching the target MAP in 2.0 ± 1.0 min. The median performance error was 1.1% ± 4.6%, and target overshoot was 14.4% ± 7.0% of the target MAP. The ARC maintained all animals throughout the 120 min maintenance period. For the second crystalloid-based resuscitation, ARC required a longer time to reach the target MAP, at an average rise time of 4.3 ± 4.0 min. However, target overshoot was reduced to 8.4% ± 7.3% of the target MAP. Much higher flow rates were required to maintain the target MAP during the second resuscitation event than during the first resuscitation event. Discussion The ARC was able to rapidly reach and maintain the target MAP effectively. However, this sometimes required large volumes of fluid as the ARC’s only goal was to reach the target MAP. Further clinical insight is needed regarding the preferred aggression level to achieve the target MAP. In conclusion, the ARC was successful in its programmed objective of reaching and maintaining the target MAP for extended periods of time in vivo , a critical next step toward improving hemorrhage treatment in the pre-hospital environment.

Snider, Eric J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Resilient Energy Delivery and Control Systems (REDCS) (Final Technical Report)

US critical infrastructure is increasingly the target of cyberattacks, where disturbances could cause considerable damage and disruption. To help provide a new layer of cyber-physical protection for one key energy delivery system, natural gas pipelines, GE Vernova Advanced Research along with partners Florida State University and Intel Corporation created an innovative technology called "Resilient Energy Delivery and Control Systems" (REDCS). This cybersecurity package helps detect anomalies caused by cyberattacks, isolate the subsystem being impacted by the attack, and provide functions that can allow for resiliency – giving better situational awareness to the operators and cybersecurity specialists or in the future perform closed loop control for continued operation while compromised.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Closed-Loop Wind Turbine Controllers for Active Wake Mixing Strategies

Wind turbine active wake mixing (AWM) is an exciting new field of research where dynamic actuation, usually on the blade pitch angles, is used to increase wind farm-wide power production. From a controls perspective, the current state-of-the-art AWM strategies are very simple: a dynamic, usually periodic, reference signal is prescribed to actuators in an open-loop (OL) fashion. The actuation is then presumed to have a certain desired effect on the system, i.e., the wind turbine and the flow it affects. However, this system is highly nonlinear and experiences disturbances in the form of wind variations that are not known a priori. As a result, the OL approach might not yield optimal results. In this article, a novel approach is presented, which closes the loop on AWM controllers. A feedback loop is implemented, which uses measurements of the individual blade bending moments that are widely available on modern wind turbines to determine the individual blade pitch angles. A proof of concept of this implementation is presented in this article, and a thorough comparison with the OL method is executed using high-fidelity flow simulations. These simulations show that the novel closed-loop controller does not substantially increase wake mixing but achieves similar performance as the OL controller while reducing fatigue loads on the controlled turbine.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

FOCAL Campaign I: Advanced Wind Turbine Control Strategies

Campaign I of the Floating Offshore-wind Controls Advanced Laboratory Experimental Program (FOCAL) aims to generate a dataset enabling the validation of aerodynamic performance of a scaled turbine mounted on a rigid tower in a fixed condition. The turbine considered in the FOCAL testing campaigns is the IEA-Wind 15MW Reference Wind Turbine. This scaled model is capable of simulating advanced blade-pitch control strategies in a high-quality wind field. The turbine is fully instrumented to record a variety of parameters in real time such as structural loads and dynamics. The test data considered was generated at the University of Maine's Harold Alfond Wind and Wave (W2) testing facility. The Load Cases (LC) considered in this testing campaign are as follows: LC 1.X - Constant wind and blade-pitch with varying rotor speeds LC 2.X - Constant wind and rotor speed with varying blade-pitch LC 3.X - Varying wind with active closed-loop control Detailed properties on the modeled system are found in the following reference: Lenfest E., Floating Offshore-wind Controls Advanced Laboratory (FOCAL) Experimental Program - Campaign I: 1:70 Model-scale Testing of the IEA-Wind 15MW Reference Turbine. UMaine ASCC Report Number 23-40-1183. Details on the results of the verification and validation are found in the following reference: Mendoza, Nicole et al., "Verification and Validation of Model-Scale Turbine Performance and Control for the IEA Wind 15 MW Reference Wind Turbine," Energies, vol. 15, no. 20, 2022, https://doi.org/10.3390/en15207649.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Review and Gap Analysis of Heliostat Components and Controls

This investigation provides a comprehensive literature review pertaining to heliostat components and controls as part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Heliostat Consortium (Heliocon) program. Here, this work presents a detailed assessment of subcomponents, controls and wireless communications elements that comprise various designs of helisotats within concentrating solar power (CSP) installations. Additionally, this work also provides the results of an industry survey, intended to compliment the literature discussion, to provide a gap analysis of the primary technology and cost areas that need to be addressed to help improved to spur concentrating solar power (CSP) bankability. Although the results of the study determined several key areas for development, three strategic areas identified were: (1) the use of advanced composite materials to replace a need for expensive steel within the structure and mirror substrate, (2) employment of closed-loop controls for automated calibration, reduction of commissioning time and O&M hours, reduction of drive requirements, as well as overall cost reduction, and (3) the need for more Heliostat-centric codes and standards to facilitate engineering confidence in the development of new features, cost reductions, or other design iterations to be seamlessly introduced without optical performance problems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗