Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Bush, Jason W.

Publications and source records attributed to Bush, Jason W..

Reducing Demand Charges and Onsite Generation Variability Using Behind-the-Meter Energy Storage

Electric utilities in the United States are increasingly employing demand charges and/or real-time pricing. This directive is bringing potential opportunities in deploying behindthe-meter energy storage (BMES) systems for various grid functionalities. This study quantifies techno-economic benefits of BMES in reducing demand charge and smoothing load/generation intermittencies, and determines how those benefits vary with onsite distributed photovoltaic. We proposed a two-stage control algorithm, whereby the first stage proactively determines costoptimal BMES configuration for reducing peak-demands and demand charges, and the second stage adaptively compensates intermittent generations and short load spikes that may otherwise increase the demand charges. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated through a 24 hours time sweep simulation performed using data from smart microgrid testbed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The simulation results demonstrated that this research provides a simple but effective solution for peak shaving, demand charge reductions, and smoothing onsite PV variability.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Procter & Gamble Wind and Solar Analysis Summary

This LETTER REPORT has been prepared by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as a basic summary of wind data, solar data, and energy production analyses for the Procter & Gamble (P&G) Box Elder Plant in Tremonton, UT. Along with this initial analysis report, future development studies/reports may go into more detail and be used to support the development of a renewable energy projects on P&G property. These summaries may also be used as supplemental material to support and accelerate further data analysis by other parties involved in the final development and construction of a renewable project.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

A Comparison of Real-Time Thermal Rating Systems in the U.S. and the U.K.

Real-time thermal rating is a smart-grid technology that allows the rating of electrical conductors to be increased based on local weather conditions. Overhead lines are conventionally given a conservative, constant seasonal rating based on seasonal and regional worst case scenarios rather than actual, say, local hourly weather predictions. This paper provides a report of two pioneering schemes-one in the U.S. and one in the U.K.-where real-time thermal ratings have been applied. Thereby, we demonstrate that observing the local weather conditions in real time leads to additional capacity and safer operation. Second, we critically compare both approaches and discuss their limitations. In doing so, we arrive at novel insights which will inform and improve future real-time thermal rating projects.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Malmstrom Air Force Base Wind Farm Economic Analysis

The Air Force’s Civil Engineer Support Agency and Global Strike Command (AFCESA and AFGSC) retained Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to perform an Economic Feasibility Study for a potential Malmstrom Air Force Base (MAFB) third party developed wind energy project in Great Falls, MT.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Technical Assessment for the CPC FD-7x-1500 Wind Turbine located at Tooele Army Base, Tooele Utah

The CPC FD-7x-1500 Wind Turbine was installed with funding from the Energy Conservation Investment Program (ECIP). Since its installation, the turbine has been plagued with multiple operational upsets causing unacceptable down time. In an effort to reduce down time, the Army Corps of Engineers requested the Idaho National Laboratory conduct an assessment of the turbine to determine its viability as an operational turbine.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Transformer Efficiency Assessment - Okinawa, Japan

The US Army Engineering & Support Center, Huntsville (USAESCH), and the US Marine Corps Base (MCB), Okinawa, Japan retained Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to conduct a Transformer Efficiency Assessment of “key” transformers located at multiple military bases in Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of this assessment is to support the Marine Corps Base, Okinawa in evaluating medium voltage distribution transformers for potential efficiency upgrades. The original scope of work included the MCB providing actual transformer nameplate data, manufacturer’s factory test sheets, electrical system data (kWh), demand data (kWd), power factor data, and electricity cost data. Unfortunately, the MCB’s actual data is not available and therefore making it necessary to de-scope the original assessment. Note: Any similar nameplate data, photos of similar transformer nameplates, and basic electrical details from one-line drawings (provided by MCB) are not a replacement for actual load loss test data. It is recommended that load measurements are performed on the high and low sides of transformers to better quantify actual load losses, demand data, and power factor data. We also recommend that actual data, when available, be inserted by MCB Okinawa where assumptions have been made and then the LCC analysis updated. This report covers a generalized assessment of modern U.S. transformers in a three level efficiency category, Low-Level efficiency, Medium-Level efficiency, and High-Level efficiency.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Developing Government Renewable Energy Projects

The US Army Corps of Engineers has retained Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to conduct a study of past INL experiences and complete a report that identifies the processes that are needed for the development of renewable energy projects on government properties. The INL has always maintained expertise in power systems and applied engineering and INL’s renewable energy experiences date back to the 1980’s when our engineers began performing US Air Force wind energy feasibility studies and development projects. Over the last 20+ years of working with Department of Defense and other government agencies to study, design, and build government renewable projects, INL has experienced the do’s and don’ts for being successful with a project. These compiled guidelines for government renewable energy projects could include wind, hydro, geothermal, solar, biomass, or a variety of hybrid systems; however, for the purpose of narrowing the focus of this report, wind projects are the main topic discussed throughout this report. It is our thought that a lot of what is discussed could be applied, possibly with some modifications, to other areas of renewable energy. It is also important to note that individual projects (regardless the type) vary to some degree depending on location, size, and need but in general these concepts and directions can be carried over to the majority of government renewable energy projects. This report focuses on the initial development that needs to occur for any project to be a successful government renewable energy project.

17 WIND ENERGY↗