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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Safe and Private Forward-trading Platform for Transactive Microgrids

Power grids are evolving at an unprecedented pace due to the rapid growth of distributed energy resources (DER) in communities. These resources are very different from traditional power sources, as they are located closer to loads and thus can significantly reduce transmission losses and carbon emissions. However, their intermittent and variable nature often results in spikes in the overall demand on distribution system operators (DSO). To manage these challenges, there has been a surge of interest in building decentralized control schemes, where a pool of DERs combined with energy storage devices can exchange energy locally to smooth fluctuations in net demand. Building a decentralized market for transactive microgrids is challenging, because even though a decentralized system provides resilience, it also must satisfy requirements such as privacy, efficiency, safety, and security, which are often in conflict with each other. As such, existing implementations of decentralized markets often focus on resilience and safety but compromise on privacy. In this article, we describe our platform, called TRANSAX, which enables participants to trade in an energy futures market, which improves efficiency by finding feasible matches for energy trades, enabling DSOs to plan their energy needs better. TRANSAX provides privacy to participants by anonymizing their trading activity using a distributed mixing service, while also enforcing constraints that limit trading activity based on safety requirements, such as keeping planned energy flow below line capacity. We show that TRANSAX can satisfy the seemingly conflicting requirements of efficiency, safety, and privacy. We also provide an analysis of how much trading efficiency is lost. Trading efficiency is improved through the problem formulation, which accounts for temporal flexibility, and system efficiency is improved using a hybrid-solver architecture. Lastly, we describe a testbed to run experiments and demonstrate its performance using simulation results.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Energy 101: Distributed Energy Resources and Controllable Loads [Slides]

The Energy 101: Distributed Energy Resources and Storage presentation, developed for the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP), provides an overview of distributed energy resources (DERs) and energy storage. It covers fundamental concepts, technologies, considerations, case studies, and additional resources.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Performance Evaluation of Peer-to-Peer Distributed Microgrids Coordination for Voltage Regulation

This paper presents the performance evaluation of a peer-to-peer microgrids coordination algorithm for sub-transmission systems. As distributed energy resources (DERs) in distribution system start to show negative impact to the bulk power system, a paradigm shift is needed for transmission planning and operation. Because distribution substations are located far from the sub-transmission system, and it is hard to use traditional centralized control for real-time control and coordination. Thus, distributed control is a natural choice because it requires less communication and central computation. In this paper, each distribution substation is treated as a microgrid, and the peer-to-peer distributed microgrids control is formulated as a real-time optimal power flow problem to reduce the negative impact in sub-transmission systems. A distributed primal-dual optimization algorithm is adopted to solve the problem. Validation of the peer-to-peer algorithm is performed through the simulation of a real-world sub-transmission system composing of many distribution systems with high renewable penetration. Simulation results show that the peer-to-peer algorithm can achieve satisfactory performance (e.g., voltage regulation) in sub-transmission system by coordinating and controlling DERs in distribution systems.

distributed control↗
DOE OSTI2020

DEEP Solar: Data DrivEn Modeling and Analytics for Enhanced System Layer ImPlementation

Realizing the SETO 2030 mission of reducing solar energy costs to 3-5 c/kWh will require innovative enabling research on effective, cost-efficient integration of local PV within distribution systems. However, the intermittent and variable nature of PVs compels operators to impose conservative hosting capacity constraints. Given the extremely high variability of (intermittent and unpredictable) solar energy generation, relaxing the capacity constraints (which are currently around 15%) and achieving 100% or greater integration of renewables will require a fundamental transformation of the power grid via the utilization of exponentially larger amounts of AMI enabled fine-grained data. To address the challenges in increasing the penetration of renewable energy based DERs, this project envisions an Enhanced System Layer (ESL) at the distribution network level that is reliable, cost-effective and scalable to millions of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)/devices. This includes developing: 1) Transformative and highly scalable machine learning based predictive analytics tools that plug into distribution system planning and provide real-time situational awareness at the distribution level for short and long-term operational planning. The tools will be built using novel data-driven energy models of millions of active nodes with AMI, 2) Adaptive stochastic analysis and optimization algorithms for real-time grid operations, 3) Dynamic Scenario Analysis using parallel Cloudenabled implementations with < 1 minute computational cycle times.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

A CIM Based Data Integration Framework for Distribution Utilities

With the proliferation of distributed energy resources and advanced metering, modern electric power distribution systems are data rich and include advanced capabilities for distribution automation. Distribution utilities need applications for planning and operations that can integrate all the available data from the enterprise applications and may incorporate distributed approaches to operate and control. This paper describes a framework for standardizing and integrating the data available at different vendor specific applications in a utility utilizing the Common Information Model (CIM). Theframework incorporates the conversion of these the standardized CIM models into models compatible with GridLAB-D, an open source distribution system simulator, for developing advanced planning and operation strategies.

data integration platform, object-oriented data mo↗
DOE OSTI2022

Performance Evaluation of Peer-to-Peer Distributed Microgrids Coordination for Voltage Regulation: Preprint

This paper presents the performance evaluation of a peer-to-peer microgrids coordination algorithm for sub-transmission systems. As distributed energy resources (DERs) in distribution system start to show negative impact to the bulk power system, a paradigm shift is needed for transmission planning and operation. Because distribution substations are located far from the sub-transmission system, and it is hard to use traditional centralized control for real-time control and coordination. Thus, distributed control is a natural choice because it requires less communication and central computation. In this paper, each distribution substation is treated as a microgrid, and the peer-to-peer distributed microgrids control is formulated as a real-time optimal power flow problem to reduce the negative impact in sub-transmission systems. A distributed primal-dual optimization algorithm is adopted to solve the problem. Validation of the peer-to-peer algorithm is performed through the simulation of a real-world sub-transmission system composing of many distribution systems with high renewable penetration. Simulation results show that the peer-to-peer algorithm can achieve satisfactory performance (e.g., voltage regulation) in sub-transmission system by coordinating and controlling DERs in distribution systems.

distributed control↗
DOE OSTI2025

Master Services Agreement - Flexible Feeder/Distribution System Support: Cooperative Research and Development (Final Report)

PGE will engage NREL on a broad range of projects related to the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into the utility's operations. This portfolio of work could include projects focused on DER adoption models, advanced distribution management system (ADMS) and distributed energy management system (DERMS) design, DER dispatch strategy development, and DER valuation framework development. Additional topics could include long-term energy planning, renewable energy, energy efficiency and demand-side management. As well as technology evaluations and design guidance for building retrofits and new construction projects, energy and energy infrastructure planning, policies, and markets (and their analysis), energy storage, energy security and resilience (including energy system-related cybersecurity), transportation and mobility, technology integration analysis. Additionally, other assistance as requested by PGE consistent with NREL’s expertise.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Sensor enabled data-driven predictive analytics for modeling and control with high penetration of DERs in distribution systems

The electric power grid is undergoing a tremendous transformation due to the increasing penetration of renewable energy resources beginning with wind and more recently with the distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar and battery storage. DERs have dramatically changed the role of the distribution systems in the overall power grid, and they are expected to contribute a significant portion of power generation in the future. If current trends for DERs continue, system operation and control will need to change dramatically for improved grid reliability and resiliency. As renewable resources increase in penetration, new and challenging operational, planning, and design problems are expected to emerge. Some of the key challenges that arise in the planning and operation of the future grid are: 1) Quantifying the impact of high DER penetration in distribution systems on bulk grid behavior over multiple time scales. 2) Identifying whether a particular DER configuration/settings have a large impact on the overall grid behavior. These challenges can be addressed in an offline manner using detailed T&D grid models and they can also be addressed in an online manner using sensor measurements. In particular, the advancement and planned growth in sensor technology in power grid over various voltage levels provide us with a unique opportunity to tackle these challenges from a data analytic perspective without needing detailed T&D grid models. A few questions that naturally arise when addressing the challenges from DERs using sensor data are: 1) How can we use limited sensor measurements to monitor & control voltage stability and small signal stability of the bulk system? 2) How can we ensure that the developed data analytic methods are robust to data availability and quality issues? 3) How can we compute the developed analytics in a scalable manner using streaming measurements? In this project, we addressed the aforementioned challenges arising from DERs and answered the questions raised above on how to effectively use the sensor measurements to enhance the reliability and performance of the electric grid. Thus, the overarching goal of this project is to develop effective reduced/representative system models from data that make the computational complexity sufficiently manageable so as to be useful to simulate, analyze, and even control complex non-linear power systems dynamics with large penetrations of DERs. In order to achieve the objective, the project team established a four-fold technical approach 1) Formulated a combined transmission-distribution co-simulation framework for data generation and validation, 2) Derived reduced/representative models of power systems based on data-driven methods for efficient computation and appropriate representation of system behavior, 3) Developed data driven characterization of power system behavior based on transfer operator theory, machine learning and optimization for model estimation, 4) Incorporated a scalable data management and processing architecture using distributed Kafka streaming applications that coordinate input data streams to the developed data analytics. The key accomplishments of the project are: 1) Development of a scalable multi-timescale T&D co-simulation framework (both for steady state and for dynamic co-simulation) using commercial solvers (PSSE and GridLAB-D). The steady-state T&D co-simulation interface is shared with our industry partner (PJM). 2) A structured reduced order dynamic model of distribution systems that can represent partial motor stalling along with a systematic procedure to derive the model parameters. 3) A PMU based online method to monitor, localize and mitigate fault-induced delayed voltage recovery using DER reactive support and load control in distribution systems. 4) Development of linear operator based robust methodologies for dynamic state estimation, uncertainty quantification, system identification and trajectory prediction for power system dynamics. 5) An adaptive damping control for utilizing wind energy resources to provide oscillation damping and system stability. 6) Implementation of Kafka-based framework for efficient processing of streaming data using Linux-based local virtual environment.

DER integration↗
DOE OSTI2024

Secure Distributed Energy Resource Communications (sDERC)

The slides will be presented at a DOE CESER Peer Review for the Risk Management Tools and Technology (RMT) that provide an overview of the sDERC project. The slides discuss the project plan for this new project and how the results will be demonstrated at the conclusion of this project. The peer review is scheduled for August 27-29.

Chavez, Adrian R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Designing resilient decentralized energy systems: The importance of modeling extreme events and long-duration power outages

Mitigating and adapting to climate change requires decarbonizing electricity while ensuring resilience of supply, since a warming planet will lead to greater extremes in weather and, plausibly, in power outages. Although it is well known that long-duration outages severely impact economies, such outages are usually not well characterized or modeled in grid infrastructure planning tools. Here, we bring together data and modeling techniques and show how they can be used to characterize and model long-duration outages. We illustrate how to integrate outages in planning tools for one promising mode of resilient energy supply—microgrids. Failing to treat these extremes in models can lead to microgrid designs (1) that do not realize their full value of resilience, since models do not see the benefits of protecting against extremes, and (2) that appear reliable on paper yet do not actually protect against extremes. Although utilities record power interruptions, lack of access to that data is hindering research on resilience; making datasets available publicly would substantially aid efforts to improve grid planning tools.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS2014

Multilateral Biomedical Data Sharing in the One-year Joint US-Russian Mission on the International Space Station

The One Year Mission (1YM) by two astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), starting in March 2015, offers a unique opportunity to expand multilateral collaboration by sharing data and resources among the partner agencies in preparation for planned space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit. Agreements and protocols will be established for the collection, distribution, analysis and reporting of both research and clinical data. Data will be shared between the agencies sponsoring the investigators, and between the research and clinical medicine communities where common interests are identified. The assignment of only two astronauts, one Russian and the other American, to the 1YM necessitated creativity in bilateral efforts to maximize the biomedical return from the opportunity. Addition of Canadian, European and Japanese investigations make the effort even more integrative. There will be three types of investigations: joint, cross‐participation and data‐exchange. The joint investigations have US and Russian coprincipal investigators, and the data acquired will be their common responsibility. The other two types must develop data sharing agreements and processes specific to their needs. A multilateral panel of ISS partner space agencies will develop policies for international exchange of scientific information to meet their science objectives and priorities. They will promote archiving of space flight data and will inform each other and the scientific community at large about the results obtained from space life sciences studies. Integration tasks for the 1YM are based on current experience from the ISS and previous efforts on the Russian space station Mir. Closer coordination between international partners requires more common approaches to remove barriers to multilateral resource utilization on the ISS. Greater integration in implementation should increase utilization efficiency to benefit all participants in spaceflight human research. This presentation will describe the overarching principles for multilateral data collection, analysis and sharing and for data security for medical and research data shared between ISS partners prior to release in public forums.

Charles, John B.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Maintaining Grid Reliability: Lessons From Renewable Integration Studies

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other organizations have sponsored numerous research studies over the last two decades to examine the effect of increased wind and solar deployment on grid reliability, including a number of studies that examine grids deriving more than 50% of annual energy from wind and solar. In this report, we discuss key findings from both the research body of knowledge and real-world practice related to grid reliability, and we demonstrate how to plan for and achieve continued reliability in the future as wind and solar deployment increase.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Lahaina Energy Partnership: Community Priorities and Technical Assistance Scope of Work [Slides]

The Lahaina Energy Partnership (LEP) is an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to support energy planning and rebuilding efforts in Hawaii's historic town of Lahaina on Maui as the community recovers from a devastating fire on August 8, 2023, with technical assistance provided by NREL. To inform the scope of technical assistance, NREL has partnered with Hawaii-based community engagement and sustainability-focused organizations to connect with Lahaina residents, business owners to understand the community's energy priorities and vision for the future. This presentation presents a summary of the community's energy priorities and NREL's scope of work for the project, to be completed in early 2027.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Least-cost Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion (LODGE): Utility Pilots

The Least-cost Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion (LODGE) model provides the optimal portfolio of distribution system upgrades—e.g., voltage regulators, feeder reconductoring, transformer upgrades and non-wires alternatives (NWA), such as strategic siting of storage and distributed generation—to interconnect distributed energy resources (DERs) and enable load growth. It can be used to assess grid infrastructure costs and explore policy and regulatory solutions for distribution planning and DER valuation.In 2025, Berkeley Lab conducted three pilot analyses to validate LODGE results with empirical utility data before the model’s first release in 2026. The pilots, done with utilities in Washington, Colorado, and New Mexico, provide examples that illustrate how the model works, what it can do, and the value of the analysis.

Heleno, Miguel↗
DOE OSTI2024

Maximizing Demand Flexibility with Buildings and FERC 2222

In 2020, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a rule, Order 2222, that requires market operators to create pathways enabling distributed energy resource aggregators (DERAs) to compete in all regional organized wholesale electric markets. The goal is to encourage various forms of distributed energy resources (DERs) to participate in electricity markets in a way that would enhance competition, encourage innovation, and drive down costs for consumers. In this document, we briefly discuss how FERC Order 2222 affects the opportunities for participation in electricity markets for building owners and operators, the role of aggregators, and the involvement of buildings in the electricity market.

demand flexibility↗
DOE OSTI2024

Powered by PRECISE [Slides]

This presentation is part of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) Powered By webinar series, hosted by the Grid Planning and Analysis Center. The series highlights NREL's impressive suite of grid planning and analysis tools to help attendees better understand their capabilities and applications. In this presentation, NREL power grid researchers, Killian McKenna and Darice Guittet, and the principal electrical distribution engineer at Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Sheikh Hassan, discuss NREL's PRECISE interconnection tool. PRECISE automates holistic distributed energy resource interconnection studies for distribution utilities by leveraging diverse utility datasets.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1984

Satellite land remote sensing advancements for the eighties; Proceedings of the Eighth Pecora Symposium, Sioux Falls, SD, October 4-7, 1983

Among the topics discussed are NASA's land remote sensing plans for the 1980s, the evolution of Landsat 4 and the performance of its sensors, the Landsat 4 thematic mapper image processing system radiometric and geometric characteristics, data quality, image data radiometric analysis and spectral/stratigraphic analysis, and thematic mapper agricultural, forest resource and geological applications. Also covered are geologic applications of side-looking airborne radar, digital image processing, the large format camera, the RADARSAT program, the SPOT 1 system's program status, distribution plans, and simulation program, Space Shuttle multispectral linear array studies of the optical and biological properties of terrestrial land cover, orbital surveys of solar-stimulated luminescence, the Space Shuttle imaging radar research facility, and Space Shuttle-based polar ice sounding altimetry.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2020

Guest Editorial: Planning and operation of resilient distribution system for integrated multi-energy

Resilience is the ability of power systems to prepare for and adapt to low-probability, high-impact incidents and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. With the ageing of electricity distribution infrastructure and increasing threats of weather-related incidents and natural disasters, the need to effectively enhance the resilience of the electricity distribution system has become urgent and has attracted worldwide attention. Although there are an increasing number of publications related to enhancing resilience strategies, resilience is an emerging concept in power systems. Existing practices are mostly focused on deploying distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids, hardening the existing infrastructures and building redundant capacities. However, from a broader perspective, resilience enhancement of power distribution system is a systematic engineering, involving long-term system planning and upgrading (e.g., deployment of smart grid technologies and intelligent switches), short-term proactive scheduling, real-time robust and resilient control of DERs, and post-event restoration and recovery strategies. Based on this point, this Special Issue in IET Energy System Integration focuses on soliciting the most recent and original technologies, scheduling and control strategies for improving the resilience of power distribution system. Eight papers are presented in this Special Issue, covering various aspects related to resilience enhancement of power distribution system, including fault-tolerant frequency measurement, robust scheduling of integrated electricity and district heating systems, robust control of DERs, efficient methods for safety verification as well as novel graph theory-based approach to restore the distribution systems after multiple simultaneous faults. A brief introduction of these 8 papers is provided below.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗