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At least 289 records · Page 16

Controlled skyrmion ratchet in linear protrusion defects

Using atomistic simulations, we investigate the dynamical behavior of a single skyrmion interacting with an asymmetric linear protrusion array under external ac driving. The linear protrusion array is placed in the xy plane and is composed of magnetic walls near the edge of the nanotrack that have angled linear protrusions into the nanotrack. The structure forms a hard axis for –x direction motion and an easy axis for +x direction motion. When the ac drive is applied along the x direction, the skyrmion moves along the hard direction of the substrate asymmetry in three phases: a pinned phase with localized skyrmion orbits, a constant velocity phase where the orbits become delocalized, and a reentrant pinned phase with larger localized orbits. We measure the dependence of the skyrmion velocity on the frequency and amplitude of the ac drive. All three phases appear for all frequency values simulated here, and in the constant velocity phase the skyrmion velocity depends only on the frequency and not on the amplitude of the ac drive. When ac driving is applied in the y direction, the skyrmion moves along the easy direction of the substrate asymmetry and exhibits the same three phases as for x-direction driving along with a fourth phase which, at high driving frequencies, consists of a series of constant velocity phases, each with different average skyrmion velocities. For low frequencies, the constant velocity phase is lost and the skyrmion speed increases linearly with increasing ac drive amplitude due to a Magnus boost effect. Finally, our findings suggest new ways to create reliable data transport for spintronic devices using skyrmions as information carriers, where the skyrmion direction and speed can be controlled by varying only the ac drive amplitude and frequency.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Classical and quantum evolution in a simple coherent neutrino problem

The extraordinary neutrino flux produced in extreme astrophysical environments like the early Universe, core-collapse supernovae and neutron star mergers may produce coherent quantum neutrino oscillations on macroscopic length scales. The Hamiltonian describing this evolution can be mapped into quantum spin models with all-to-all couplings arising from neutrino-neutrino forward scattering. To date many studies of these oscillations have been performed in a mean-field limit where the neutrinos time evolve in a product state. In this paper we examine a simple two-beam model evolving from an initial product state and compare the mean-field and many-body evolution. The symmetries in this model allow us to solve the real-time evolution for the quantum many-body system for hundreds or thousands of spins, far beyond what would be possible in a more general case with an exponential number (2 N ) of quantum states. We compare mean-field and many-body solutions for different initial product states and ratios of one- and two-body couplings, and find that in all cases in the limit of infinite spins the mean-field (product state) and many-body solutions coincide for simple observables. This agreement can be understood as a consequence of the fact that the typical initial condition represents a very local but dense distribution about a mean energy in the spectrum of the Hamiltonian. We explore quantum information measures like entanglement entropy and purity of the many-body solutions, finding intriguing relationships between the quantum information measures and the dynamical behavior of simple physical observables.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Emergent topological quasiparticle kinetics in constricted nanomagnets

The ubiquitous domain wall kinetics under magnetic field or current application describes the dynamic properties in nanostructured magnets. However, when the geometrical size of a nanomagnetic system is constricted to the limiting domain wall length scale, the competing energetics between anisotropy, exchange, and dipolar interactions can cause emergent kinetics due to quasiparticle relaxation, similar to bulk magnets of atomic origin. This paper presents a joint experimental and theoretical study to support this argument: constricted nanomagnets, made of antiferromagnetic and paramagnetic neodymium thin film with honeycomb motif, reveal fast kinetic events at picosecond timescales due to the relaxation of topological quasiparticles that persist to low temperature in the absence of any external stimuli. This discovery is especially important considering the fact that paramagnets or antiferromagnets have no net magnetization. Yet, the kinetics in neodymium nanostructures is quantitatively similar to that found in ferromagnetic counterparts and only varies with the thickness of the specimen. This suggests that a universal, topological quasiparticle-mediated dynamical behavior can be prevalent in nanoscopic magnets, irrespective of the nature of the underlying magnetic material.

Guo, Jiasen↗

Onset of Scrambling as a Dynamical Transition in Tunable-Range Quantum Circuits

In a fast-scrambling many-body quantum system, information is spread and entanglement is built up on a time scale that grows logarithmically with the system size. This is of fundamental interest in understanding the dynamics of many-body systems, as well as in efficiently producing entangled resource states and error-correcting codes. In this work, we identify a dynamical transition marking the onset of scrambling in quantum circuits with different levels of long-range connectivity. In particular, we show that as a function of the interaction range for circuits of different structures, the tripartite mutual information exhibits a scaling collapse around a critical point between two clearly defined regimes of different dynamical behavior. We study this transition analytically in a related long-range Brownian-circuit model and show how the transition can be mapped onto the statistical mechanics of a long-range Ising model in a particular region of parameter space. This mapping predicts mean-field critical exponents v=–1/(1 + s c ), which are consistent with the critical exponents extracted from Clifford-circuit numerics. In addition to systems with conventional power-law interactions, we identify the same phenomenon in deterministic sparse circuits that can be realized in experiments with neutral-atom arrays.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Toward 100% Renewable Power Grids: A Review

The transition to a 100% renewable power grid remains beset by significant technical challenges. This paper critically examines the obstacles arising from the variability and unpredictability of renewable energy sources (RES), which complicate the real-time balancing of power generation and load demand. In addition to traditional stability concerns (e.g., rotor angle, voltage, and frequency stability), the increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) introduces novel challenges, including resonance stability issues and converter-driven dynamics. Moreover, the dynamic behavior and fault response of IBRs diverge markedly from those of conventional synchronous generators, rendering traditional protection schemes increasingly inadequate. This paper reviews state-of-the-art solutions in power balancing, grid flexibility, stability enhancement, and advanced protection strategies, discussing their implications for future grid design. The analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of recent technological advancements, thereby outlining critical research directions essential for achieving a resilient, 100% renewable power grid.

100% renewable power grid↗

Evaluation of Converter Performance Considering Static and Dynamic Device Part-to-Part Variability

This paper presents a methodology to incorporate and analyze the impact of semiconductor device part-to-part variation on power converter performance. By integrating extensive static and dynamic device characterization data with an automated compact model generation process that reflects manufacturing variability, device models with inherent variability features are utilized in converter simulations for a comprehensive assessment of performance impacts. The traditional converter performance evaluation process typically yields fixed efficiency values, often dismissing the inherent part-to-part variability caused by the manufacturing process of semiconductor devices. To address this limitation, a large population of devices was characterized to capture variations in static parameters-such as transfer, output, and capacitance characteristics-as well as dynamic behaviors, including switching losses. This data-driven approach enables the development of individual compact models, which were then integrated into converter simulations to evaluate efficiency ranges rather than single point estimated values. The converter simulation results show that part-to-part component variation can lead to significant efficiency deviations, exceeding several percentage points in high-power conversion applications. By offering a more accurate representation of converter behavior under real-world manufacturing conditions, this methodology enables designers to anticipate performance variability, improving the robustness of power converter designs.

device characterization↗

Enhanced Frequency Support Scheme of Generic Inverter-Based Resource Models for Renewable-Dominated Power Grids

The frequency response of SG-dominated power grids is predictable ahead of an occurrence of a frequency event because the frequency response of SGs is consistent, and it can be inferred from the swing equation [1]. However, increasing the portion of IBRs in an SG-dominated power grid might make the characteristics of the conventional power grids no longer valid because this changing resource mix affects grid dynamics and controls [2]. Thus, maintaining these characteristics greatly benefits the control and operation of the power grids with high penetration of IBRs. To maintain these characteristics in IBR-dominated power grids, IBRs should have frequency response capability similar to that of an SG. The WECC modeling validation subcommittee has developed generic IBR models for large system planning [3]-[5]. These models can represent various vendors' dynamic behavior for WTG, PV, and ESS [5]. The current generic IBR models approved by WECC can provide frequency response only from droop control loops in REPC models [6], [7]. The contribution of the loops is proportional to the frequency deviation from the nominal frequency. Thus, it presents an insufficient contribution to arrest frequency variation compared to the frequency response of SGs because it allows a high ROCOF in the early stage of frequency events. This shortfall will become greater as the PL of IBRs increases in power grids. Controller enhancement for the generic IBR models is required to secure the frequency stability under high PL of IBRs as in the SG-dominated power grids. This paper proposes a control extension for the generic IBR models to enhance the frequency support capabilities and discusses the classification of frequency support for the different types of IBR considering their operating constraints. An inertial control scheme is implemented in the REPC and REEC models of the generic IBR models to achieve these objectives. The inertial control scheme includes the following stages: Control area data acquisition, inertia time constant estimation, IBR-related constraint check, IBR contribution determination, and inertial response provision. In the scheme, a REPC acquires control area data from a system operator and estimates a total inertia time constant for the control area the applicable IBR power plant belongs. Then, the estimated inertial time constant is transferred to each IBR controller—REEC—within the power plant. Each REEC checks the availability of applicable IBR for inertial response participation. If the IBR is available, the REEC amplifies the estimated inertial time constant to utilize it for inertial response provision. In this way, the proposed inertial response scheme extends the functionality of the generic IBR models to provide SG-like frequency response within their constraints. Various scenarios considering different IBR types, IBR penetration levels, and frequency control schemes were simulated and compared in an IEEE 39-bus system using PSCAD simulator to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Kim, Jinho↗

Novel Approach to PV Inverter Modeling and Simulation Leveraging Experiments, Learning Based Modeling and Co-Simulation

Photovoltaic (PV) inverter manufacturers use custom, proprietary control approaches and topologies in their inverter design. The proprietary nature of these approaches makes it challenging to share electromagnetic transients (EMT) domain models for system studies. This research work presents an approach to develop EMT models from experimental data. We use novel approach in experimental design, high fidelity data collection, use of learning-based modeling, and co-simulation to reduce the time taken to develop an EMT model for an inverter under test (IUT). We used a 20 kW off-the-shelf grid following PV inverter and subjected the inverter to controlled tests. The tests include voltage and frequency step changes, as well as solar irradiance variations. The recorded high frequency data were used to train a neural network model representing the dynamic behavior of the IUT. The model was subsequently imported into an EMT tool using co-simulation techniques, and thus completing the modeling effort.

black box inverter modeling↗

Power System Network Reduction for Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

This paper proposes single-port equivalent and two-port equivalent network reduction methods to respectively reduce single-port and two-port areas in a large power network. Parameters of the reduced systems are rigorously derived, which guarantees that the electrical quantities at the port(s) remain unchanged over the reduction, including voltage magnitude and phase and active and reactive power injections into the area to be reduced. The proposed techniques are applied to reduce a practical Maui grid, where the total numbers of buses, lines and transformers are respectively reduced from 212, 106 and 108 to 45, 30 and 13. Dynamic behaviors between the full model and the reduced model are compared in detail to illustrate the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed network reduction.

model reduction↗

Ubiquitous Power Electronics in Future Power Systems: Recommendations to fully utilize fast control capabilities

Power electronics is becoming ubiquitous in power systems because the rapid growth of variable renewable generation such as wind and solar, responsive load, electric vehicles, energy storage, as well as DC transmission. As a result, a high percentage of electricity will be generated, transmitted or consumed by power electronics in the future power system. Such a high penetration of power electronics is changing power system operation landscapes and dynamic characteristics. Two major kinds of impact are reduced system mechanical inertia by inverter-based resources displacing conventional generation and active participation of many distributed energy resources through inverters. This has caused significant reliability challenges for power system operation. The mitigation approach so far has mostly focused on accommodating power electronics inverters as passive devices or creating synthetic inertias to make inverter-based generation behaving as conventional generators. However, the high-speed control capabilities of power electronics present new opportunities for achieving an optimal performance beyond conventional power systems. A lower-inertia system can be more responsive for improving reliability, and distributed small resources can be more adaptive and scalable for better flexibility and resilience. Power electronic inverters are capable of multiple fast control functions. To fully utilized the ubiquitous power electronics in power systems requires technology advancements in the following areas: data and communications to capture the new dynamic behaviors introduced by power electronics; modeling and simulation to understand the behaviors of power electronics and its interactions with other components in the context of power systems; control and optimization methods for fully utilizing the capabilities of power electronics for a new paradigm of performance beyond the traditional inertia-heavy system; and significant upgrades in power electronics hardware to cater to the new control capabilities. If properly controlled and optimized, power electronics can help transform the power system to be responsive, adaptive, and scalable.

Huang, Zhenyu↗

Algorithm-Driven Advances for Scientific CT Instruments: From model-based to deep learning-based approaches

Multiscale 3D characterization is widely used by materials scientists to further their understanding of the relationships between microscopic structure and macroscopic function. Scientific computed tomography (SCT) instruments are one of the most popular choices for 3D nondestructive characterization of materials at length scales ranging from the angstrom scale to the micron scale. These instruments typically have a source of radiation (such as electrons, X-rays, or neutrons) that interacts with the sample to be studied and a detector assembly to capture the result of this interaction (see Figure 1 ). A collection of such high-resolution measurements is made by reorienting the sample, which is mounted on a specially designed stage/holder after which reconstruction algorithms are used to produce the final 3D volume of interest. The specific choice of which instrument to use depends on the desired resolution and properties of the materials being imaged. Additionally, the end goal of SCT scans includes determining the morphology, chemical composition, or dynamic behavior of materials when subjected to external stimuli. In summary, SCT instruments are powerful tools that enable 3D characterization across multiple length scales and play a critical role in furthering the understanding of the structure–function relationships of different materials.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Accurate Efficiency Measurements for Emerging PV: A Comparison of NREL's Steady-State Performance Calibration Protocol Between Conventional and Emerging PV Technologies

Emerging PV technologies (e.g. Perovskite, and Quantum Dot) are commonly known to possess challenges for accurate performance measurement under the existing IEC 60904 series of standards, which were developed for conventional Si solar cells. Potential performance artifacts depending on scan rates and directions and light bias exposure history are often seen in those emerging solar cells. To avoid these artifacts and provide an unbiased and reliable efficiency measurement, NREL's Cell and Module Performance (CMP) Group has developed a steady-state performance calibration protocol - the asymptotic P MAX method. In this paper, we applied this procedure to four PV cell technologies, Si, CIGS, perovskite, and Quantum Dot (QD), and compared their performance variations between the transient and the steady-state conditions. By comparison, we found that the performance parameters ( i.e. V OC , I SC , FF, ..eta..) measured between fast I-V scans (and the asymptotic method (steady-state) change significantly for perovskite and QD cells. These changes do not happen for Si and CIGS cells. Furthermore, the statistical performance analysis on nearly 100 emerging cells received globally (including OPV, Perovskite, and QD) shows that over 70 % of the fast I-V scans have a relative performance deviation larger than 1% compared to those determined using the asymptotic P MAX scan. Given the complex dynamic behavior observed in emerging PV devices, the CMP group at NREL thus only certifies their steady steady-state performance using the Asymptotic P MAX method. We highly recommend similar steady-state performance calibration protocol for all researchers in emerging PV because accuracy in reported efficiencies is critical to the long-term success of those promising new PV technologies.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

Model Based Validation of Intelligent Powertrain Strategies for Connected and Automated Vehicles

Systems incorporating Vehicle to Everything (V2X) and conventional cellular based communication in vehicles can significantly help improve energy consumption via a combination of intelligent powertrain control strategies, smarter routing algorithms and driving in such a way as to minimize fuel economy and the emission of carbon dioxide, known as "eco-driving." In projects led by the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), large-scale traffic simulations are created to model real-world scenarios with dynamic behavior that is reactive to imposed changes. Coupled with high fidelity powertrain models, the closed loop framework enables research and development of such Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) enabled technologies at scale. This paper will discuss a traffic system simulation environment that was built based on the High Street urban corridor in Columbus, Ohio. Eco-driving strategies were tested at scale on a variety of powertrain platforms – internal combustion engines, hybrid electric and fully electric vehicles. Furthermore, the paper will focus on hybrid electric powertrain modeling along with details on how the powertrain model was leveraged to develop a sophisticated clustering scheme to help down-select speed traces from large scale simulation studies for validation on vehicle dynamometer. Nominal energy consumption improvement around 12% was observed with good match between simulation studies and vehicle testing.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Metal-Insulation REBCO Pancake Coil With Solder Surface Shunt: Testing and Modeling

Rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets can generate very high magnetic fields with superior engineering current density and robust mechanical integrity. The no-insulation (NI) winding technique, including its metal-insulation (MI) variant, enables “self-protection” against localized overheating through inter-turn current sharing, improving defect tolerance and allowing temporary current overloads. In REBCO pancake coils, the current-sharing path is predominantly confined to the edges of the REBCO tapes due to insulating buffer layers. Applying a surface shunt using solder can effectively enhance current sharing in NI/MI coils via the REBCO tape edges. Here, in this paper, we present both experimental and numerical research on the current distribution in surface-shunt metal-insulation (SSMI) REBCO pancake coils. We tested a stainless steel co-wound MI REBCO double-pancake coil, before and after applying a soldered surface shunt, in a saturated liquid nitrogen bath. The SSMI coil was modeled using the H-formulation and rotated anisotropic resistivity to study its dynamic behavior, including inter-turn current sharing and intra-turn screening currents. Benchmarked by experimental data, the numerical model is able to study the defect tolerance of the SSMI coil during energization.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Stability and Performance of an Undersea Kite Operating in a Turbulent Flow Field

In this paper, we examine the effects of flow disturbances resulting from turbulence on the dynamic behavior of an underwater energy-harvesting kite system that executes periodic figure-8 flight. Due to the periodic nature of the kite’s operation, we begin by assessing orbital stability using the Floquet analysis and stroboscopic intersection analysis of a Poincaré section, with the former analysis performed on a simplified “unifoil” model and the latter performed on a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF)/flexible tether model. With periodic stability established, a frequency-domain analysis based on a linearization about the kite’s path is used to predict the quality of flight path tracking as a function of the turbulence frequency. To validate the accuracy of these simulation-based predictions under flow disturbances, we compare the predictions of the kite’s behavior against the results of small-scale tow testing experiments performed in a controlled pool environment.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Real-time Electromagnetic Transient Simulation of Multi-Terminal HVDC-AC Grids based on GPU

High-fidelity electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation plays a critical role in understanding the dynamic behavior and fast transients involved in operation, control, and protection of Multi-Terminal dc (MTdc) grids. Here, this paper proposes a cost-effective high-performance real-time EMT simulation platform for large-scale cross-continental MTdc grids based on graphics processing unit (GPU). The proposed simulation platform: i) assembles detailed EMT models of all components within an MTdc-ac grid into a single platform. This setup provides a complete simulation solution to capture fast transient signals required for high-bandwidth controller design and protection studies without any compromise; ii) implements the first GPU-based simulation architecture and corresponding algorithms for MTdc-ac grids with real-time performance at scales of 1s; iii) is highly-efficient and balances the high utilization of GPU resources and low latency required for the simulation; and iv) outperforms the existing central processing unit (CPU)- or digital signal processor (DSP)/field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based simulators in terms of its higher scalability on large-scale MTdc-ac grids and superior price-performance ratio on the hardware. Accuracy and performance of the proposed platform are evaluated with respect to the reference results from PSCAD/EMTDC environment.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A Time-Domain Protection Approach for AC Transmission Systems With Grid-Forming Resources

Ac transmission protection must reliably detect, classify, and locate short-circuit faults from voltage and current measurements. At present, these functionalities, which have been classically engineered using phasors approaches, are being challenged by the dynamic behavior and fault-current limits of converter-based generation. This paper tackles these challenges by engineering a time-domain protection approach that leverages the classical Bergeron model in a new manner. Low- and high-impedance faults are detected and classified by ascertaining how well line voltage and current measurements match the Bergeron equations. Faults are located by posing a novel one-variable optimization problem, whereas voltage and current waveforms at the fault location are estimated by unveiling rigorous relationships. The proposed elements are secure against external faults, measurement errors, and variation of line parameters and sampling time. Furthermore, these advances are tested via electromagnetic transient simulations and are significant to satisfy IEEE and North American Electric Reliability Corporation requirements.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Oscillation Risks of Grid-Following and Grid-Forming Inverter-Based Resources in Series-Compensated Networks

Here, this paper investigates the dynamic behavior of a grid-connected inverter-based resource (IBR) when connected radially to a series compensated line. Potential interactions between the series compensation and the IBR have been identified for both types: grid-following (GFL) or grid-forming (GFM). The study begins with electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations to demonstrate stability issues. Subsequently, nonlinear analytical models are formulated in the dq frame, validated against the EMT simulation, and leveraged to assess eigenvalues and participation factors. Influencing factors of the dominant oscillation modes have been identified. The analysis results show that series compensation may make a mode associated with the synchronization unit unstable. Furthermore, customized feedback systems are built for the synchronizing loop. Series compensation can increase the sensitivity of the voltage phase angle towards the synchronizing angle, and introduce phase lag in the real power response towards the synchronizing angle. These factors may cause interactions with the phase-locked loop in GFL-IBR systems and with power-based synchronization in GFM-IBR systems, potentially leading to instability.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗