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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Fault Contribution of Grid-Following and Grid-Forming Inverters Considering Generic Inverter Controls and Ride-through Requirements

Gradual transformation of the synchronous generator (SG)-dominated power systems to inverter-based resource (IBR)-dominated power systems is bringing new challenges regarding power system protection. Increasing IBR’s penetration will reduce the reliability of protection coordination, originally developed for SG-dominated power systems, potentially leading to less accurate calculation or even mis-operation. Thus, new protection schemes compatible with IBR-dominated power systems should be established. Prior to establishing the protection schemes, research on the fault contribution of generic IBR models should be conducted considering interconnection requirements. This paper conducts fault current contribution analysis of generic grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) inverters considering interconnection requirements using an electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation tool. To do this, EMT-based generic GFL models have been developed with the ride-through requirements from IEEE-1547 standards. In addition, the major functions of the generic models are explained. Then, the fault current analysis was conducted using GFL and GFM inverters in a single-inverter-infinite-bus system and a modified IEEE 34-node system considering different grid, fault, inverter control parameters.

Kim, Jinho [BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)]↗
DOE OSTI2022

Grid-Connected Modular Soft-Switching Solid State Transformers (M-S4T)

The objective of this project is to develop and verify the concept of a flexible and modular soft-switching solid-state transformer (M-S4T) for direct grid-connected applications. The ability to directly connect power electronics converters to the medium voltage grid (4 kV – 13 kV), and to potentially replace the passive and bulky, but ubiquitous 60 hertz service transformer in the 25 kVA to 100 kVA range, with a more flexible and controllable device, has been regarded as the ‘holy grail’ in grid control. However, this has proven to be extremely difficult. This project has developed the solutions to several key challenges of the direct grid-connected power electronics and realized a 7.2 kV M-S4T prototype. First, a protection method to protect the M-S4T from the high voltages (110 kV for the 13 kV system) that occur on the grid due to transients and lightning strikes have been developed and experimentally verified. Second, the realization and the operation of the M-S4T based on high-voltage SiC devices (>3.3 kV) and a medium-frequency medium-voltage low-leakage transformer in a single-stage solid-state transformer with zero-voltage switching, low dv/dt, and low electromagnetic interference has been successfully demonstrated up to 7.5 kV peak. Third, an oil-cooling system and stable communication and distributed control system for converter module voltage sharing have been developed and experimentally verified. The developed M-S4T has realized a modular universal high-performance power conversion system. This conversion system is scalable to different voltage and power levels and adaptable to four-quadrant bidirectional operation. Moreover, the use of passive cooling techniques meets the equipment life requirements, and the lightning protection scheme fulfills the basic insulation level specifications for direct grid connection. Such power conversion system opens up near-term opportunities, including energy storage, solar PV, or electric vehicle charging with significant cost and footprint savings. In the longer term, the possibility of replacing the utility distribution transformer with an M-S4T will be transformative for future distribution grids with a compact footprint and full controllability to enable high renewable energy and storage penetration. In addition to the main project, this report expands on the Plus-Up projected including as part of the main award. This project developed and demonstrated the technology for autonomous collaborative inverters that can be connected in an ad hoc manner to the grid. The aim of the project was to: (1) evaluate the existing techniques for grid-connected inverters and find their limitations; (2) develop detailed requirements for grid-connected inverters in the modern grid with millions of active nodes; (3) design a unified control strategy that brings more autonomy and intelligence to grid-connected inverters, and addresses parts of the issues with the existing techniques. The proposed technique, called UniCon, enables inverters to 1) connect/disconnect to/from the grid in an ad hoc manner; (2) work based on local sensing. Slow communication could be used for a more optimized behavior; (3) work automatically in both grid-forming/grid-following mode; (4) handle large disturbances, e.g., big load step and fault, in an oscillation-free manner; (5) work collaboratively with other inverters in steady-state and during transients. UniCon can be implemented in the middle-level control; hence it is agnostic to the vendor and to the implementation of the inner voltage/current and protection loops. Furthermore, a new synchronization scheme, based on deep learning, was developed that can extract the grid voltage phase and amplitude in a stable manner. The method is cheap to implement can improve the dynamic performance of the grid-connected inverters during fast transients, e.g., fault. The proposed control scheme was validated by (1) MATLAB/Simulink; (2) hardware-in-the-loop results, and; (3) experimental results using three inverters that form a microgrid in a down-scaled feeder. Lastly, both the M-S4T and UniCon have achieved promising tangible paths to markets. In the case of the M-S4T, the underlying technology — the Soft Switching Solid State Transformer (S4T) developed at the Georgia Tech Center for Distributed Energy (GT-CDE) has been licensed by GridBlock from the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, and GridBlock has been working with manufacturing partner Jabil (one of the largest US-based contract manufacturers) and system integrator Power Secure (largest deployer of microgrids in the US with 4.7 GW under management), to meet the strong initial demand. Similarly, GridBlock has an exclusive license to the UniCon technology, developed under this award by GT-CDE. The UniCon provides an intermediate control layer that enables the implementation of the higher-level ‘transactive’ control commands for the system. The architecture of the system - slow communications with the cloud for system optimization and setpoints, and the use of locally measured quantities for real-time control, provide a very robust and secure way of implementing a real-time must-run grid that is also secure and stable. This is a brand-new functionality that is critical for the future grid and key to GridBlock’s business model.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Novel State-Constrained Primary Control for Grid-Forming Inverters

The problem of operating an AC microgrid with purely inverter-based generating units is considered, and a novel vector control for the constrained grid-forming (GFM) inverters is proposed. The design aims to achieve the primary control objectives of the GFM inverters: voltage establishment, synchronization, and voltage/frequency regulation. It is novel that the proposed control also ensures all operational variables constrained both real-time and for all the time except for low voltage during the period of grid forming. The constraints include frequency, output AC voltage, input DC power, and active/reactive power injections to the grid. Here, in this paper, outcomes of a detailed simulation are presented to demonstrated that the above design objectives are met and that the overall performance is superior due to its unique ability of simultaneously controlling the whole vectors of the inverter state and output.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

An Innovative Energy Management System for Microgrids with Multiple Grid-Forming Inverters

As increasingly more grid-forming (GFM) inverter-based resources replace traditional fossil-fueled synchronous generators as the GFM sources in microgrids, the existing microgrid energy management systems (EMS) need to be updated to control and coordinate multiple GFM inverters that consider system control objectives under different microgrid connection states.For each state, we formulate an optimization problem and apply a real-time feedback-based control algorithm; altogether, the control algorithms seamlessly connect the states into a generic microgrid EMS that controls the nodal voltages and frequencies, becomes a virtual power plant (VPP) when connected to the main grid, and coordinates power sharing responsibility among GFM sources when islanded. We showcase the EMS on a real-world simulation of a microgrid under the different states to demonstrate its operational effectiveness.

energy management system↗
DOE OSTI2022

Research Trends and Applications of PMUs

This work is a survey of current trends in applications of PMUs. PMUs have the potential to solve major problems in the areas of power system estimation, protection, and stability. A variety of methods are being used for these purposes, including statistical techniques, mathematical transformations, probability, and AI. The results produced by the techniques reviewed in this work are promising, but there is work to be performed in the context of implementation and standardization. As the smart grid initiative continues to advance, the number of intelligent devices monitoring the power grid continues to increase. PMUs are at the center of this initiative, and as a result, each year more PMUs are deployed across the grid. Since their introduction, myriad solutions based on PMU-technology have been suggested. The high sampling rates and synchronized measurements provided by PMUs are expected to drive significant advancements across multiple fields, such as the protection, estimation, and control of the power grid. This work offers a review of contemporary research trends and applications of PMU technology. Most solutions presented in this work were published in the last five years, and techniques showing potential for significant impact are highlighted in greater detail. Being a relatively new technology, there are several issues that must be addressed before PMU-based solutions can be successfully implemented. This survey found that key areas where improvements are needed include the establishment of PMU-observability, data processing algorithms, the handling of heterogeneous sampling rates, and the minimization of the investment in infrastructure for PMU communication. Solutions based on Bayesian estimation, as well as those having a distributed architectures, show great promise. The material presented in this document is tailored to both new researchers entering this field and experienced researchers wishing to become acquainted with emerging trends.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Large Angle Deviation in Grid-Following IBRs Upon Grid Voltage Dip

In the 2021 Texas Odessa large-scale solar PV tripping events, phase-locked-loop (PLL) loss of synchronism is identified as a major cause of solar PV tripping. When solar PVs detected a large phase angle deviation (e.g., 10 degrees), tripping commands were initiated. Here, the large phase angle deviation was triggered by a transmission line fault 200 miles away, which in turn led to approximately 30% voltage drop in the 345-kV system. This paper offers a plausible reason why grid-following inverter-based resources (IBRs) may experience a large angle deviation upon grid voltage dip. Critical operating conditions contributing to such phenomena are identified via analysis and their effects are demonstrated using electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation. Furthermore, the effect of converter control, e.g., grid-following control vs. grid-forming control, is examined. It is found from EMT simulation results that frequency and voltage control are helpful in mitigating angle deviation. Furthermore, linear block diagrams are derived to examine why frequency control can effectively suppress large angle deviation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Impedance Scan of Inverter-Based Resources and Diesel Generator for Stability Analysis

Impedance-based methods are widely used for power system stability analysis with inverter-based resources (IBRs), e.g., assessing dynamic interactions between the power grid and an IBR, control interactions between multiple IBRs, and the sub-synchronous oscillation and damping phenomenon. Since it is difficult to get a numerical model 100% matching with the hardware IBR, using the hardware inverter directly to obtain its output impedance has become a prominent approach nowadays. Therefore, this article presents the impedance scan using hardware IBRs, and also a hardware diesel generator as it still stays with the grid before the grid completely goes to renewable. The devices under test (DuTs) for the impedance scan includes two 3-..phi.., 480 V, 60 Hz commercial grid-forming IBRs (one of 250 kVA and another of 125 kVA rating) in series with ..delta..-Y transformers, one 3-..phi.., 480 V, 60 Hz commercial grid-following IBR (of 125 kVA rating), and a 3-..phi.., 480 V, 60 Hz commercial diesel generator (of 187.5 kVA rating). Using voltage signals perturbed with sub-, inter-, and higher harmonic components, and measuring the current response, the positive-sequence impedances are computed via an offline-based post-analysis. Moreover, best-fit transfer functions are estimated that closely resemble the measured data points of the positive-sequence impedances. Based on the observations from various outcomes of the hardware experiments, this article also provides some fundamental insights on the equivalent positive-sequence impedance of a combination of multiple hardware components by comparing the estimated and the empirically computed impedances. A comparative insight on the damping capability of the DuTs using the positive-sequence impedances of the hardware is also discussed.

current measurement↗
DOE OSTI2024

Impedance Scan of Inverter-Based Resources and Diesel Generator for Stability Analysis: Preprint

Impedance-based methods are widely used for power system stability analysis with inverter-based resources (IBRs), e.g., assessing dynamic interactions between the power grid and an IBR, control interactions between multiple IBRs, and the sub-synchronous oscillation and damping phenomenon. Since it is difficult to get a numerical model 100% matching with the hardware IBR, using the hardware inverter directly to obtain its output impedance has become a prominent approach nowadays. Therefore, this article presents the impedance scan using hardware IBRs, and also a hardware diesel generator as it still stays with the grid before the grid completely goes to renewable. The devices under test (DuTs) for the impedance scan includes two 3-..phi.., 480 V, 60 Hz commercial grid-forming IBRs (one of 250 kVA and another of 125 kVA rating) in series with ..delta..-Y transformers, one 3-..phi.., 480 V, 60 Hz commercial grid-following IBR (of 125 kVA rating), and a 3-..phi.., 480 V, 60 Hz commercial diesel generator (of 187.5 kVA rating). Using voltage signals perturbed with sub-, inter-, and higher harmonic components, and measuring the current response, the positive-sequence impedances are computed via an offline- based post-analysis. Moreover, best-fit transfer functions are estimated that closely resemble the measured data points of the positive-sequence impedances. Based on the observations from various outcomes of the hardware experiments, this article also provides some fundamental insights on the equivalent positive- sequence impedance of a combination of multiple hardware components by comparing the estimated and the empirically computed impedances. A comparative insight on the damping capability of the DuTs using the positive-sequence impedances of the hardware is also discussed.

grid following inverter↗
DOE OSTI2022

On Control Schemes for Grid-Forming Inverters

Grid-forming inverters can collaboratively regulate the voltage and frequency of a microgrid. These inverters are expected to be seen more in the future microgrid, undertaking the roles of the conventional power generators. Like conventional power generators, they must balance supply and demand, contribute to power-sharing between inverters and other power generators, and restore the voltage and frequency after any power changes. These technical challenges are typically achieved through different primary and secondary controllers. This article reviews some state-of-the-art primary and secondary control schemes for the emerging technology of grid-forming inverters. First, the typical control schemes for grid-following inverters are briefly presented for the continuity of the discussion on the roles of the grid-forming inverters in future power-grid, followed by two basic control schemes for the grid-forming inverters. Then, two decentralized power-sharing techniques, i.e., droop, and virtual inertia, are analyzed. The technical challenges for inverter synchronization and some control methods are discussed afterward. Finally, several secondary control methods for the voltage and frequency restoration in grid-forming inverters are reviewed.

Sadeque, Fahmid↗
DOE OSTI2022

Operation and Control of Soft Switching Solid State Transformer as a Virtual Synchronous Machine for Photovoltaic Application

Possibility for control and operation of a three-phase solid state soft switching transformer based as a virtual synchronous machine or synchronverter has been investigated in this paper. The soft switching solid state transformer is used as an interface between the ac grid and a photovoltaic power generation unit supported by a battery bank. The control architecture investigated in this paper is that of a synchronverter to achieve inertial support to the grid and local loads. The operation of the soft switching solid state transformer has also been investigated as a V S M during unbalanced/distorted grid voltage condition. Control objective to achieve oscillation free power transfer between the ports (photovoltaic, battery and grid) has been achieved. The presented architecture has been verified for several important case studies via numerical simulations based on MATLAB/Simulink domain.

grid current controller↗
DOE OSTI2020

High-Efficiency Model Predictive Control for Star-Connected Cascaded H-Bridge STATCOM Under Unbalanced Conditions

This paper presents a high-efficiency model predictive control (HMPC), which is enabled by a sorting approach based on dc capacitor voltages to significantly reduce the exponentially-increasing switching states in cascaded Hbridge (CHB) converters. In addition, a generic discrete-time prediction model for star-connected CHB static synchronous compensator is proposed to address the issues due to either grid and/or load unbalances. Both simulation and hardware-in-loop experimental results are presented to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed HMPC strategy.

Li, Yufei↗
DOE OSTI2024

An Innovative Energy Management System for Microgrids with Multiple Grid-Forming Inverters: Preprint

As more and more grid-forming (GFM) inverter-based resources replace traditional fossil-fueled synchronous generators as the GFM sources in microgrids, the existing microgrid energy management systems (EMSs) need to be updated to control and coordinate multiple GFM inverters that consider system control objectives under different microgrid connection states. For each state, we formulate an optimization problem and apply a real-time feedback-based control algorithm; all together, the control algorithms seamlessly connect the states into a generic EMS. We showcase the EMS on a real-world simulation of a microgrid under the different states to demonstrate its operational effectiveness.

energy management system↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advanced Transmission Technologies – GETs and HPCs Session 2: Advanced Power Flow Control and Transmission Topology Optimization

The INL TADA GETs Cohort Session 2, held on November 7, 2025, conducted in collaboration with ScottMadden, focused on two core Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs): Advanced Power Flow Control (APFC) and Transmission Topology Optimization (TTO). These technologies are pivotal in enhancing grid flexibility, reliability, and cybersecurity resilience. APFC, particularly through modular FACTS devices like Modular Static Synchronous Series Compensators (M-SSSCs), enables dynamic voltage injection to reroute power flows. The session highlighted the deployment benefits of APFC, such as rapid installation, minimal civil works, and re-deployability. Regulatory drivers like FERC Order 2023 mandate the inclusion of Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) in interconnection studies. Case studies from Central Hudson, CAISO, and National Grid (UK) demonstrated APFC’s effectiveness in congestion relief and cost savings. The session also addressed cybersecurity concerns, including firmware vulnerabilities, SCADA integration risks, and supply chain dependencies. Participants engaged in interactive exercises to rank cybersecurity and supply chain risks, emphasizing the need for robust digital assurance strategies. TTO involves software-based reconfiguration of transmission networks to optimize power flow without new infrastructure. The session showcased its operational value, with examples from SPP, PJM, and MISO showing significant congestion cost reductions. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities were discussed, particularly in API security and software supply chains, referencing incidents like SolarWinds and attacks on Danish utilities. Digital assurance exercises explored worst-case scenarios, attack paths, and mitigation responsibilities between vendors and utilities. Reliability challenges such as algorithm stability, vendor dependency, and operator trust were also examined. Cross-cutting themes emphasized the importance of digital assurance tools, including Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) and hardware-in-loop testing. Human performance, training, and operational confidence were identified as critical enablers of technology adoption. The session concluded with a preview of Session 3, which will focus on High Performance Conductors (HPCs) and risk-based cybersecurity tools. Session 2 of 3.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Inrush Current Mitigation for Grid-Forming Inverters in Islanded Microgrids

Virtual-inertia and droop control methods are commonly used for grid-forming inverters. While the virtual inertia is used to emulate the equation of motion/frequency, if the inverter output voltage is emulated as in synchronous generators, then the method is known as the virtual synchronous generator. An inductive pulse-load, e.g., a relatively large induction motor, connection to a microgrid fed only by grid-forming inverters may lead to blackout due to high inrush currents. This article presents virtual reactance techniques to mitigate the inrush current effects and enhance the inverter’s robustness for the safe connection of inductive and dynamic loads. This article also compares the virtual inertia and droop control methods under switching inductive-dynamic loads while the proposed techniques are implemented. Experimental tests are performed considering the linear and nonlinear virtual reactance techniques, and the findings are discussed. The mitigation significantly suppresses the inrush currents while the inverters can perform a normal operation. Furthermore, the frequency and power response of the virtual inertia control with different inertia settings to a sudden change in the load is analyzed. The virtual reactance technique is tested in a laboratory-scale hardware setup of a 208V microgrid fed by 5kVA and 10kVA inverters, and the results are presented in this article.

Gursoy, Mehmetcan↗
DOE OSTI2022

Caldera_Grid

Caldera Grid is part of Caldera software platform, a suite of collective, open-source tools that was developed to improve the state of the art in modeling the impacts of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging on the grid. Caldera Grid is a co-simulation framework implemented using Hierarchical Engine for Large scale Infrastructure Co-Simulation (HELICS). The framework facilitates the co-simulation of EV charging and Smart Charge Management (SCM) strategies in Caldera Infrastructure Charge Model (ICM) with distribution level grid models in OpenDSS. Vehicle energy needs and charge session requirements generated using Caldera Charge Decision Module (CDM) are fed in as input to Caldera Grid. The EV charging models in Caldera ICM simulates both the uncontrolled charging loads as well as loads modified by the SCM strategies to develop distributed load profiles for each grid node hosting an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) – also known as chargers. These loads were simulated in OpenDSS alongside existing distribution feeder loads. Each of these models are co-simulated in a HELICS federate. The HELICS co-simulation framework facilitates communication and synchronization between the federates. By co-simulating EV loads and distribution feeder loads, Caldera Grid can assess the potential grid impacts of EV charging on distribution feeders under various grid conditions. A control strategy federate is implemented with an interface where control strategies based on feedback from EV charging status and grid conditions can be developed and implemented. The platform can also support multiple control strategies in a single co-simulation.

Sundarrajan, ManojKumar Cebol↗
DOE OSTI2023

Type 5 Wind Turbine Technology: How Synchronised, Synchronous Generation Avoids Uncertainties About Inverter Interoperability under IEEE 2800:2022

Degradation of system strength because of inverter-based resources (IBRs) is a major concern facing the zero-carbon transition. A new standard released this year, IEEE Standard 2800, attempts to codify the relationship between IBRs and the Transmission System Operator (TSO). It is apparent from IEEE 2800:2022 that there remain fundamental problems with quantifying whether source impedance (the measure of "system strength" with which the standard is concerned) will present a problem for allowing an IBR to connect. This is "because of complex interdependencies between IBR and power system characteristics". So developers are increasingly required to adopt mitigation options such as adding synchronous condensers or curtailing IBRs. A proven Type 5 (synchronous) wind turbine exists and has been running at 0.5 MW scale in a 46 MW wind farm in New Zealand since 2006 and eight turbines in Scotland since 2013. The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is conducting a study of the impacts on grid reliability, stability, and resilience of Type 5 wind turbines. The project has both simulation and testing tasks and will result in proposing a variable generation solution that will help system operators and utilities address all reliability and most resilience challenges in the evolving grid.

grid stability↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dispatching Grid-Forming Inverters in Grid-Connected and Islanded Mode

This paper explores the dispatchability of grid-forming (GFM) inverters in grid-connected and islanded mode. An innovative concept of dispatching GFM sources (inverters and synchronous generators) is proposed to output the target power by adjusting their droop intercepts. The fundamental principle is that the GFM inverter's active and reactive power is dictated by its frequency and voltage, and thus dispatching the active and reactive power of a GFM inverter can be achieved through dispatching its frequency and voltage. The concept is validated with an example microgrid system with two GFM inverters, one diesel generator, one GFL inverter, and the load in both grid-connected and islanded mode. This pioneering work results in practical guidance for the development of energy management systems for future electric grids with GFM and GFL inverters. The key findings are summarized as follows: 1) The GFM inverters can be dispatched through frequency and voltage droop intercepts to output the target power; 2) The dispatch rule for grid-connected and islanded mode is slightly different.

dispatch GFM inverter↗