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At least 343 records · Page 19

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DOE OSTI2020

In situ X-ray spatial profiling reveals uneven compression of electrode assemblies and steep lateral gradients in lithium-ion coin cells

Coin cells are used extensively as test devices in battery research for evaluation of new materials and optimization of cycling protocols. Here, in situ X-ray diffraction profilometry is used to characterize spatial distribution of the active materials, lithiation, and phase distribution in electrodes of NCM523/graphite coin cells. The X-ray data indicate uneven areal compression of the electrode assembly in such cells, which we trace to a specific design feature that leads to elastic deformation of a metal spacer. Steep lithiation gradients observed in the electrodes imply radially-dependent resistivity, for which uneven compression of the separator is a likely cause. Electrochemical model calculations suggest that variable porosity of the polymer separator would account for the salient features of spatial profiles observed in these coin cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Analysis Report documenting the Assessment of the Solubility of Lead, EDTA and other Organic Ligands in non-Sulfide systems performed under TP 08-02 and under TP 20-01

The objective of this report is to accept or reject the hypothesis that the experiments conducted under TP 08-02 Revision 0 (Ismail et al., 2008) were affected by CO 2 (g) intrusion and sample contamination. The test of the hypothesis is accomplished by comparing the experimental data collected under the protocols of TP 08-02 Revision O and TP 20-01 Revision O (Kirkes and Zhang, 2020). The protocols of TP 20-01 Revision 0 minimize the possibilities of CO 2 (g) intrusion and sample contamination. The experimental data sets obtained under both TPs will be assessed statistically to see if they are identical or not.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

Self-Sustainable IoT-Based Remote Sensing Powered by Energy Harvesting Using Stacked Piezoelectric Transducer and Thermoelectric Generator

We propose a self-powered remote multi-sensing system for traffic sensing which is powered by the collective energy harvested from the mechanical vibration of the road caused by the passing vehicles and from the temperature gradient between the asphalt of the road and the soil underneath. A stacked piezoelectric transducer converts mechanical vibrations into electrical energy and a thermoelectric generator harvests the thermal energy from the thermal gradient. Electrical energy signals from the stacked piezoelectric transducer and the thermoelectric generators are converted into usable DC power to recharge the battery using AC-DC and DC-DC converters working simultaneously. The multi-sensing system comprises an embedded system with a microcontroller that acquires data from the sensors and sends the sensory data to an IoT transceiver which transmits the data as RF packets to an ethernet gateway. The gateway converts the RF packets into Internet Protocol (IP) packets and sends them to a remote server. Laboratory and road-testing results showed over 98% sensory data accuracy with the system functioning solely powered by the energy harvested from the alternative energy sources. The successful maximum transmission distance obtained between the IoT, and the gateway was approximately 1 mile, which is a considerable transmission distance achieved in an urban environment. Successful operation of the self-powered multi-sensing system under both laboratory and road conditions contributes considerably to the fields of energy harvesting and self-powered remote sensing systems. The energy flow chart and efficiency for the steps in the system were found to be mechanical power from vehicles to the energy harvester of 0.25%, stacked PZT transducer efficiency was found to be 37%, and for the TEGs the efficiency is 11%. AC-to-DC and DC-to-DC converters’ efficiencies were found to be 90% and 11%. The wireless communication RF transceiver efficiency was found to be 62.5%.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2020

ModuleOT: A Hardware Security Module for Operational Technology: Preprint

With increasing penetration levels of distributed energy resources (DERs) on the distribution grid, as well as new technological advancements in the cyber space, new cyberattack vectors are being introduced, and the available attack surface is constantly increasing. Despite this increasing risk, the standard IEEE 1547-2018 does not yet recommend cybersecurity measures for DERs. To address this and to better protect data on the distribution grid - from the standpoints information security as well as operational security - ModuleOT has been developed. The module aims to significantly reduce cyberattack vectors by improving data privacy for user applications. This is accomplished by performing the core functions of encryption, authentication, authorization, certificate management, and user access control. The module integrates a custom security application with hardware cryptographic acceleration. The application secures all communications using Transmission Control Protocol over Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). These include the three most commonly used communications protocols for power systems information exchange: Modbus, Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3), and Smart Energy Profile 2.0 (SEP2.0). These three protocols are also supported by IEEE 1547-2018 for all DER devices. This paper tests the data encryption/decryption feature on a physical networking test bed with emulated Modbus devices reporting grid data and presents the results.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2020

J-integral measured from experimental torque load versus torque-ends rotation angle obtained from a spiral notch torsion test

In this work, Spiral Notch Torsion Test (SNTT) was developed to measure the intrinsic fracture toughness of structural materials using small specimens. The SNTT system operates by applying pure torsion to cylindrical specimens with a notch line that spirals around the specimen at a 45° pitch. 3-D finite-element analysis has been used to estimate the fracture toughness obtained from SNTT test specimen with 3-D non-coplanar crack front. Furthermore, here a newly developed SNTT protocol to estimate J-integral directly from the experimental torque load versus torque-ends rotation angle trend curve without the aid of 3-D finite element analyses is presented and its applicability is illustrated by applying it for the evaluation of fracture toughness of SS304/308 weldment. The estimated JQ’ for the SS304/308 weld is 144.2 kJ/m2, which is consistent with that obtained from CT specimen.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Cybersecurity Certification Recommendations for Interconnected Grid Edge Devices and Inverter Based Resources

Escalating deployment of PV and grid-edge devices on the distribution grid has increased the sustainability and efficiency of the electric grid. However, the increasing number of distributed energy resources (DERs) deployed creates a heightened cyber-physical interdependency on the distribution grid and thus creates more vectors for cyber-attacks to exploit through information and communication technology (ICT) systems and networks. For example, control signal packets can be modified, intercepted, or corrupted due to vulnerabilities in communication protocols used by microgrid controllers and grid edge devices for power control. Therefore, to mitigate and prevent cyber-attacks on grid edge devices and the inverter-based resources connected to the distribution grid, the U.S. Department of Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) awarded funding to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) to research, develop, and harmonize cybersecurity standards for Photovoltaic (PV) systems and for other kinds of DERs. To help develop a standard for DER cybersecurity, NREL established certification recommendations and test cases, in consensus with the solar industry and UL, for ensuring intrinsic design security for DERs. These recommendations were developed to bolster the cybersecure functionalities such as TLS, MAC, CRL, session resumption/renegotiation, and password, system, and service security management within the DER devices. The proposed test cases verify authentication, authorization, confidentiality, and data integrity for data and communications of DERs that use Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). They were also developed to protect DER communications from eavesdropping, replay, man-in-the-middle, denial of service (DoS), spoofing through security certificates, least-privilege violation, and brute-force credentials. This report, which has been validated and reviewed by UL, expands upon those test cases to provide DER cybersecurity certification recommendations which increase DER resiliency and help to mitigate cyber-attacks. UL's collaboration with NREL and approval of this document will accelerate the adoption of a UL standard for DER cybersecurity.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2021

An exploration of benchtop X–ray emission spectroscopy for precise characterization of the sulfur redox state in cementitious materials

The evolution of sulfur chemistry in cements is best known in the bailiwick of failure mechanisms via sulfate attack but is equally important for its contributions to the reduction capacity of cementitious materials often used for immobilizing nuclear waste streams destined for long-term storage, e.g., cementitious waste forms (CWF). The total reduction capacity of CWFs, encompassing contributions from both S and Fe reductants, and its implications toward radionuclide immobilization is most often studied by destructive wet chemistry methods requiring acid digestion in the presence of Ce(IV) and subsequent titration and colorimetric interpretation. Here, we investigate a similarly analytical but nondestructive alternative, benchtop high resolution wavelength-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, most commonly known as x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), for probing the bulk sulfur oxidation state distribution. We present here an initial investigation of S XES, including an improved experimental protocol for lab XES of inhomogeneous samples, both as a complement to the Ce(IV) test and for new scientific opportunities that it enables for observing changes in sulfur chemistry. We discuss future improvements and opportunities, including: (1) the practical challenges associated with coordinating XES and Ce(IV) liquid extraction for a more comprehensive perspective on reduction capacity and for a high-precision evaluation of uncertainties in the Ce(IV) test; and (2) new opportunities, due to the nondestructive nature of XES, for controlled evolution studies aimed at elucidating specific chemical responses of CWF’s exposed to invasive gas or liquid species or to accelerated aging by radiative dose or thermal treatment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

How to avoid multiple scattering in strongly scattering SANS and USANS samples

Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and Ultra Small Angle Neutron Scattering (USANS) are the only available experimental techniques to provide seamless non-destructive measurements of the geometry of the accessible and inaccessible pore structure of rocks from sub-nanopore size to the scale of macropores. They have therefore become the measurement of choice for tight reservoir rocks such as organic rich shales. A simplifying assumption in the analysis is, however, that during the path of neutrons through the sample each neutron is only scattered once. Shales are samples with a high scattering power and Multiple Scattering (MS) may occur which requires special modelling for deconvolution of the results. The approach to avoid MS is to simply reduce the sample thickness to <0.15–0.5 mm. Here, in this work, we present a systematic method on wavelength selection and preparation of samples to optimise extraction of microstructural data and minimise parasitic errors. Experimentally measured SAS transmission (TSAS) values are used as a practical criterion for estimation of the extent of MS. Generous beamtime allocations allowed robust testing revealing that sample thicknesses can be twice as thick as predicted using the standard protocol. Analysing thicker samples is particularly beneficial for statistically relevant characterisation of heterogeneous samples making the new protocol the method of choice for such samples.

(U)SANS↗

DOE OSTI2024

OpenFacadeControl: enabling integration of automated facades with other building systems

Automated facades are, for the most part, still considered as separate from other building systems throughout the design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance cycle. This takes place despite the fact that their energy and comfort performance are deeply interlinked with the operation of lighting and HVAC systems. Over the last two decades, research has shown that there are significant advantages from operating facades as an integrated system with the rest of the building. Nevertheless, significant barriers prevent this type of integration becoming more common. One of them is the lack of a platform that is inexpensive to implement and that easily allows the practical implementation of integrated control algorithms across fenestration and other building systems, using a variety of communications protocols. This is particularly challenging when automated facades are installed in existing buildings, where interaction with legacy building systems that were installed over the past lifetime of the building can require a high degree of interoperability. OpenFacadeControl (OFC) is an open-source controls framework aimed at unified control of facades and other building systems, including the sharing of third-party sensor information. Through leveraging the Volttron controls platform, it allows the integration of systems and sensors that are manufactured by different companies and that use different communications protocols into an ensemble that functions as a single system. OFC is designed to enable integrated control algorithms of varying degrees of complexity, ranging from simple, heuristic controls to more sophisticated approaches like model-predictive control. Use of a research version to test advanced lighting and shading strategies in a full-scale experimental testbed has demonstrated the ease of deploying advanced control solutions using OpenFacadeControl. This paper presents the structure of OpenFacadeControl and a demonstration case showing the use of OFC in laboratory tests of advanced lighting and fenestration controls that coordinated motorized shades communicating via the BACnet building communications standard and lights communicating via internet-protocol-based application programming interface (API), based on the readings of a shared light level sensor communicating via a different API.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2021

Enabling Interoperable SCADA Communications for PV Inverters through Embedded Controllers

The percentage integration of photovoltaic (PV) inverters in the field has increased significantly in the past 5 years. Regardless of the size of the PV plants and the inverters (residential vs. commercial), it is becoming crucial that these devices have the capability to communicate with peers (other smart devices) and with components that are at a hierarchy above the inverters (e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, distributed controllers, and data managers). This project aims to develop a standard SCADA software code for inverters’ embedded controllers that will enable interoperability with other components in the system. To achieve this, the code will be developed using two different protocols: Distributed Network Protocol 3 and International Electrotechnical Commission 61850. The developed code is aimed to be deployed in simple embedded controllers. It will be tested in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Energy Systems Integration Facility. The tested code will then be made available through Triangle MicroWorks’s (TMW’s) software platform. The primary objectives of this project include training the NREL team with TMW’s embedded controller libraries, developing an interoperable communication code for embedded controllers, successfully testing and deploying the code, and demonstrating the newly developed code in a conference.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop Evaluation of a Microgrid Controller for a Microgrid System with Multiple Grid-Forming Inverters

This paper presents the laboratory evaluation of a commercial Microgrid Management System (MGMS) implemented in the real-world Bronzeville Microgrid which features a futuristic scenario with high renewable energy integration and the use of multiple Grid-Forming (GFM) inverters. The primary objective of the performance evaluation for the MGMS is to assess the MGMS's capability to dispatch GFM units, including a GFM PV unit and two GFM battery units, to maintain the system stability and ensure economic operation, thus guaranteeing the microgrid's resilience during prolonged outages and dynamic events. The laboratory controller hardware-in-the-loop provides realistic testing environment through detailed electromagnetic transient modeling of the microgrid system, hardware MGMS, and standard communication protocols (DNP3). The CHIL evaluation shows how the MGMS effectively manages the GFM inverters, highlighting its performance in maintaining stability, reliability, and survivability in a microgrid environment with a high penetration of renewable energy sources.

controller hardware-in-the-loop↗

DOE OSTI2021

Named Data Networking for DER Cybersecurity

We present our research findings on the novel NDN protocol. In this work, we defined key attack scenarios for possible exploitation and detail software security testing procedures to evaluate the security of the NDN software. This work was done in the context of distributed energy resources (DER). The software security testing included an execution of unit tests and static code analyses to better understand the software rigor and the security that has been implemented. The results from the penetration testing are presented. Recommendations are discussed to provide additional defense for secure end-to-end NDN communications.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2024

Cybersecurity Certification Requirements for Distributed Energy Resources: A Survey of SunSpec Alliance Standards

This survey paper explores the cybersecurity certification requirements defined by the SunSpec Alliance for Distributed Energy Resource (DER) devices, focusing on aspects such as software updates, device communications, authentication mechanisms, device security, logging, and test procedures. The SunSpec cybersecurity standards mandate support for remote and automated software updates, secure communication protocols, stringent authentication practices, and robust logging mechanisms to ensure operational integrity. Furthermore, the paper discusses the implementation of the SAE J3072 standard using the IEEE 2030.5 protocol, emphasizing the secure interactions between electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) for functionalities like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. This research also examines the SunSpec Modbus standard, which enhances the interoperability among DER system components, facilitating compliance with grid interconnection standards. This paper also analyzes the existing SunSpec Device Information Models, which standardize data exchange formats for DER systems across communication interfaces. Finally, this paper concludes with a detailed discussion of the energy storage cybersecurity specification and the blockchain cybersecurity requirements as proposed by SunSpec Alliance.

Tsikteris, Sean (ORCID:0009000524202250)↗

DOE OSTI2024

Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop Evaluation of a Microgrid Controller for a Microgrid System with Multiple Grid-Forming Inverters: Preprint

controller hardware-in-the-loop↗

DOE OSTI2024

Controller-Hardware-in-the-Loop Evaluation of a Microgrid Controller for a Microgrid System With Multiple Grid-Forming Inverters

This paper presents the laboratory evaluation of a commercial Microgrid Management System (MGMS) implemented in the real-world Bronzeville Microgrid which features a futuristic scenario with high renewable energy integration and the use of multiple Grid-Forming (GFM) inverters. The primary objective of the performance evaluation for the MGMS is to assess the MGMS's capability to dispatch GFM units, including a GFM PV unit and two GFM battery units, to maintain the system stability and ensure economic operation, thus guaranteeing the microgrid's resilience during prolonged outages and dynamic events. The laboratory controller hardware-in-the-loop provides realistic testing environment through detailed electromagnetic transient modeling of the microgrid system, hardware MGMS, and standard communication protocols (DNP3). This CHIL evaluation shows how the MGMS effectively manages the GFM inverters, highlighting its performance in maintaining stability, reliability, and survivability in a microgrid environment with a high penetration of renewable energy sources.

controller hardware-in-the-loop↗

DOE OSTI2025

Studying the Durability of Molybdenum Carbide Aerogel as an Electrocatalyst Support for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Carbon-supported platinum nanoparticles (Pt/C) are currently the state-of-the-art catalyst in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Unfortunately, the carbon support lacks the ability to stabilize the metal catalyst, as platinum tends to dissolve and agglomerate, significantly compromising the durability. Herein, we synthesized a ceramic material, molybdenum carbide aerogel (MCAG), and utilized it as a Pt support for PEMFCs, as an alternative for conventional carbon supports. N 2 adsorption and XRD analysis showed that the MCAG possesses a combination of high porosity and a well-defined ceramic crystalline structure. The Pt/MCAG system was studied for its electrocatalytic activity toward ORR in a half-cell and demonstrated satisfactory reaction kinetics and electrochemical active surface area, comparable to the commercial Pt/C. For durability examination, an accelerated stress test (AST) in a single cell was conducted with the Pt/MCAG catalyst at the cathode, following the U.S. DOE electrocatalyst AST protocol. Intermediate polarization curves and cyclic voltammograms were recorded over the course of the AST to monitor the aging process. The results indicated that the MCAG support exhibited superior durability in long-term fuel cell operation compared to a carbon support. The Pt/MCAG system demonstrated stable behavior during the progressive stages of the AST, retaining more than 50% of its initial performance by the end of the test, whereas carbon-supported Pt preserved only 30%.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Test and extraction methods for the QC parameters of silicon strip sensors for ATLAS upgrade tracker

The Quality Control (QC) of pre-production strip sensors for the Inner Tracker (ITk) of the ATLAS Inner Detector upgrade has finished, and the collaboration has embarked on the QC test programme for production sensors. This programme will last more than 3 years and comprises the evaluation of approximately 22000 sensors. 8 Types of sensors, 2 barrel and 6 endcap, will be measured at many different collaborating institutes. The sustained throughput requirement of the combined QC processes is around 500 sensors per month in total. Measurement protocols have been established and acceptance criteria have been defined in accordance with the terms agreed with the supplier. For effective monitoring of test results, common data file formats have been agreed upon across the collaboration. To enable evaluation of test results produced by many different test setups at the various collaboration institutes, common algorithms have been developed to collate, evaluate, plot and upload measurement data. This allows for objective application of pass/fail criteria and compilation of corresponding yield data. These scripts have been used to process the data of more than 3000 sensors so far, and have been instrumental for identification of faulty sensors and monitoring of QC testing progress.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2021

Initial tests of large format sensors for the ATLAS ITk strip tracker

For the construction of the Inner Tracker (ITk) as part of the phase-II upgrade programme of the ATLAS detector for the High-Luminosity (HL) LHC, batches of Long Strip (LS) and Short Strip (SS) n + -in-p type micro-strip sensors have been produced by Hamamatsu Photonics and Infineon. The full size sensors measure approximately 98 × 98 mm 2 and are designed and engineered for tolerance against the 9.7 × 10 14 1 MeV n eq /cm 2 fluence expected at the HL-LHC, including a safety factor of 1.5. Each sensor has 2 or 4 columns of 1280 individual channels arranged at 75.5 μ m horizontal pitch. To ensure the sensors comply with their specifications, a Quality Control (QC) procedure has been implemented, comprising measurements on every individual sensor as well as on a sample basis. Every sensor is subjected to an initial visual inspection, after which the full surface of the sensor is captured with very high resolution by an automated camera setup. Non-contact metrology is performed to obtain the sensor surface profile. Electrical measurements establishing the reverse bias leakage current and depletion voltage are then conducted automatically. Sample sensors from every batch are subjected to 40 h of leakage stability checks in controlled atmosphere, and tests on every channel measuring leakage current, coupling capacitance and bias resistance are done. The recorded results are uploaded to a production database following data quality checks. In this paper, QC test validation data and the compiled results for the first batches of production grade sensors are presented. The QC protocol was validated, and the first production sensors were confirmed to be within specification. The results are compared to those from the previous generation of prototype sensors.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗