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DOE OSTI2025

A Scalable Solution for Grid Optimization and DER Integration (CRADA Final Report)

Utilidata Inc. is an energy software company that provides clean energy and digital solutions for utilities. This work was the result of Utilidata Inc. being awarded a New York State Energy Research and Development Agency award to integrate Utilidata volt-VAR optimization (VVO) software with smart inverters to explore enhanced voltage control. This project was conducted in partnership with Utilidata Inc., National Grid, the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). As part of the project NREL conducted modeling and simulation analysis, developed cost-benefit analysis framework, and conducted laboratory testing to understand the potential for smart inverter integration to a centralized VVO control scheme. The remainder of the report provides an executive summary of the work, an introduction to the challenges, sections detailing specific aspects of the work, and the overall findings and conclusions.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

A Simulation and Optimization Framework for Managing Wind-Driven Loading on PV Systems

As PV modules continue to trend toward larger, thinner, and more flexible forms they grow more susceptible to damage from dynamic wind loading. As a result, understanding the impact of wind on PV systems, particularly when mounted on solar-tracking hardware, and identifying robust, stable array layouts and stow strategies is becoming increasingly important for the PV community. We are developing an open-source software package, PVade (PV aerodynamic design engineering), to simulate the cascading fluid-structure interaction that occurs within solar-tracking arrays to enable researchers to test hardware, layout, and tracker control changes, leading to enhanced stability and a reduction in wind-driven damage. We will give an overview of the PVade software and present the latest outcomes from our ongoing validation campaign in which we compare statistical structural responses with field data. From there, we will present simulated results from a larger, multi-row array and highlight the effect of varying tracker angles on stability as measured by both acceleration and deformation, focusing on the stability differences between positive and negative tilt angles.

fluid structure interaction↗

DOE OSTI2025

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↗

DOE OSTI2025

Hybrid Energy Management with Real-Time Control of a High-Power EV Charging Site

Decarbonization of transportation systems is driving higher capacity energy storage and faster charging power requirements in electric vehicles (EVs). Given the potential advantages - such as increased efficiency, reduced inverter capacity, and less total cable mass - there is a demand in the industry for more DC distribution for high-power charging (HPC) hubs. However, the cost-effective, adaptive, and robust operation of the DC-coupled HPC hub necessitates a robust site energy management system (SEMS). Validating SEMS operation using a digital twin of an HPC hub in a real-time simulator (RTS) platform is crucial before field deployment. In this study, we propose a hybrid energy management site controller designed to achieve high-level, long-term operational objectives while managing low-level power sharing control between hub assets. We develop a centralized model predictive controller (MPC) to optimize hub operating points and use these points to update the droop parameters of the site energy storage system (ESS). This approach ensures the hub follows an optimal operating point while maintaining the flexibility to respond to load surges. We tested and verified our proposed approach both offline and on a Controller Hardware-in-the-loop (C-HIL) simulation platform integrated with a SEMS framework, demonstrating real-time site operation and validating a cost-effective and robust site controller.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

DOE OSTI2022

SAS4A/SASSYS-1 Validation with EBR-II Tests Performed During the SHRT Testing Program

The EBR-II sodium-cooled fast reactor supported a wide range of fast reactor research activities. The final fifteen years of operations at EBR-II were used for experiments and tests to demonstrate the importance of passive safety in liquid metal reactors and the capability of such systems to provide strong passive responses during off-normal conditions. The Shutdown Heat Removal Test program at EBR-II provided test data supporting the validation of computer codes for design, licensing, and operation of LMRs, among other objectives. The program included nearly sixty tests, most of which were protected and unprotected loss of flow and loss of heat sink tests run at various initial powers and flow rates. This report documents the results of modeling and simulation of tests from the Shutdown Heat Removal Test program to support validation of Argonne’s SAS4A/SASSYS-1 fast reactor safety analysis code. SHRT-17 was a protected loss of flow test where a loss of electrical power to all sodium coolant pumps was simulated to demonstrate the effectiveness of natural circulation cooling characteristics. SHRT-45R was an unprotected loss of flow test where the control rod scram function of the plant protection system was disabled to demonstrate the effectiveness of EBR-II’s passive reactivity feedbacks. BOP-301 and BOP-302R were unprotected loss of heat sink tests that demonstrated how reactivity feedback effects driven by changes to the core inlet temperature can shut down the fission process. This validation activity leverages modeling and simulation efforts that originated under an International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Project for benchmark analysis of the EBR-II Shutdown Heat Removal Tests. The SAS4A/SASSYS-1 models originally developed for the CRP have been modernized to utilize new code features and modeling practices. Differences between the predicted and measured test data were explored and the causes of these differences were identified as being due to modeling approximations, uncertainty in transient component behavior, and instrumentation uncertainties. Overall, it was concluded that for SHRT-17, SHRT-45R, BOP-301, and BOP-302R there was good agreement between the flow, power, and temperature predictions and the measured data.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2022

1.2.4.404 - Data-Driven Approach for Hydropower Plant Controller Prototyping Using Remote Hardware in the Loop (DR-HIL)

Real-time prototyping of hydropower plant controls is important for reducing the cost and the risk of field deployment. This project will 1) collect design and operational data from actual hydro plants and 2) use a physics-informed machine learning approach for real-time emulation of hydropower plants, including hydro turbine and hydrodynamics. The data-driven models will be interfaced with digital real-time simulation at NREL’s Flatirons campus for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of the governor hardware device or controller-HIL (CHIL). The proposed approach will also establish the connectivity based remote CHIL testing capability using real-time data streams from an actual hydro plant. This integrated hydro-plant emulation with CHIL will be used to prototype hydro-governor controls and eventually provide an opportunity to test hydropower integrated with various technologies (e.g. conventional and renewable generation, energy conversion, etc.) as HIL.

controls prototyping↗

DOE OSTI2021

A Multi-Site Networked Hardware-in-Loop Platform for Evaluation of Interoperability and Distributed Intelligence at Grid-Edge

Electric power systems have experienced large increases in the number of intelligent, connected and controllable devices being deployed, leading to a high degree of distributed intelligence at the grid-edge. These devices, both utility-owned and consumer-owned, include but are not limited to: renewable generation sources, energy storage, remote switches, voltage regulators, and smart controllable loads such as electric vehicles. These new devices provide significant potential for increased operational flexibility that can be leveraged to achieve system reconfiguration, resiliency improvements, power quality improvements, and distribution system automation. However, there are two significant challenges that must be addressed before these assets can be leveraged for operations: interoperability and system level validation prior to deployment. Because of the complexity of distributed control systems, and their interactions with legacy centralized controls, a purely simulations-based approach for pre-deployment validation is not sufficient. It requires hardware-in-loop testing to emulate the operational hardware devices and evaluate their performance. Additionally, securely integrating multiple test facilities at utility operators and vendors might enable rapid scale-up of evaluation platforms, and remove the need for multiple expensive standalone installations. Presented in this paper, is the development of a multi-site evaluation platform that employs Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), distributed control devices, real-time hardware-in-loop assets, secure communication links, and protocol adapters. This platform uses standards-based approaches and open-source tools, and hence can serve as a template for other researchers and institutions to implement their multi-site evaluation frameworks for pre-deployment testing.

Essakiappan, Somasundaram↗

DOE OSTI2023

Assessing the National Off-Cycle Benefits of 2-Layer HVAC Technology Using Dynamometer Testing and a National Simulation Framework

Some CO2-reducing technologies have real-world benefits not captured by regulatory testing methods. This paper documents a two-layer heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system that facilitates faster engine warmup through strategic increased air recirculation. The performance of this technology was assessed on a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Empirical performance of the technology was obtained through dynamometer tests at Argonne National Laboratory. Performance of the vehicle across multiple cycles and cell ambient temperatures with the two-layer technology active and inactive indicated fuel consumption reduction in nearly all cases. A thermally sensitive powertrain model, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's FASTSim Hot, was calibrated and validated against vehicle testing data. The developed model included the engine, cabin, and HVAC system controls. Validation of component thermal models and engine efficiency ensured accurate thermal dynamics, fuel consumption, and two-layer benefit. The real-world benefit of the two-layer technology was calculated by simulating the validated powertrain model across a representative test matrix comparing performance with and without the two-layer system. Simulation across the test matrix revealed a real-world representative benefit of 0.0835%. Analysis of test matrix results at the regional level revealed the most benefit in cold climates and rural regions. Mean results across cycle length sensitivity simulations revealed a larger real-world benefit of 0.0872%. These benefit values can be considered a more accurate assessment of real-world technology performance. Future work is planned to explore the requisite number of drive cycles to ensure the full technology benefit is captured.

2-layer↗

DOE OSTI2017

Commissioning and first results of the reinstated JET ICRF ILA

The JET ICRF ITER-like Antenna (ILA) has been operated at 33, 42 and 47 MHz in 2008–2009 but stopped operation in 2009 due to the failure of one of the tuning capacitors inside the antenna. Tests on a spare capacitor showed that a micro-leak was caused by the cycle wear of a capacitor’s internal bellows. The ILA was reinstated with a new operating scheme minimizing the full stroke requests of the capacitor. This contribution gives an overview of the works undertaken to reinstate the JET ILA up to the first results on plasma. The capacitors were replaced and high voltage tests of the capacitors were performed. An extensive calibration of all the measurements in the RF circuit was carried out. New simulation tools were created and control algorithms were implemented for the – toroidal and poloidal – phase control of the array as well as for the matching of the second stage. New protections are being implemented for the thermal and voltage protection of the capacitors. Low voltage matching tests were performed before the high power commissioning. Finally the first results on plasma are presented, showing that the new controls allow extending the range of the operation to lower (29 MHz) and higher (51 MHz) frequencies than previously achieved.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Experimental demonstration of a 5 kW th granular-flow reactor for solar thermochemical energy storage with aluminum-doped calcium manganite particles

A two-step cycle was discussed for solar thermochemical energy storage based on aluminum-doped calcium manganite reduction/oxidation reactions for direct integration into Air Brayton cycles. The two steps encompassed 1) the storage of concentrated solar direct irradiation via the thermal reduction of aluminum-doped calcium manganite and 2) the delivery of heat to an Air-Brayton cycle via re-oxidation of oxygen-deficient aluminum-doped calcium manganite. The re-oxidized aluminum-doped calcium manganite was fed back to the first step to complete the cycle. A 5 kWth solar thermochemical reactor operating under vacuum was fabricated and tested to examine the first cycle reduction step. Reactor operating conditions and high-flux solar simulator control were tuned for continuous reactor operation with particle temperatures > 1073 K. Continuous operation was achieved using intermittent, dense granular flows. A maximum absorption efficiency of 64.7% was shown, accounting for both sensible and chemical heat storage.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Designing an Intrusion Proof Adjustable Speed Drive System Controlling a Critical Process

In this paper, an intrusion proof adjustable speed drive system controlling a critical process in an industrial control system is detailed. In such a system, should the motor speed sensor signal data be compromised and/or altered via a cyber-attack, the system can potentially be unregulated, over speed and/or malfunction thereby disrupting the critical process. The proposed active detection scheme detailed in this paper introduces a private (secret) random signal termed as "watermark" into the inverter control signal that determines the PWM gating signals of the DC-AC inverter powering the motor. The watermarking signal introduced into the PWM modulation for the DC-AC inverter is shown to propagates its unique signature, which appears in all sensors signals at the inverter output such as voltage/current/speed used to control the motor. Now employing the measured data (from sensors), two statistical variance tests are conducted to identify anomalies if any in the presence of the watermarking signal. It is shown when an intrusion occurs to manipulate the sensor data to disturb and/or destabilize the process, the proposed tests immediately display a high value indicating a compromise in sensor data. It is shown that the proposed system is capable of immediate detection of a sophisticated attacks such as record/reply attack in which the actual speed sensor is disconnected and a prerecorded speed signal from the past of the same magnitude is played back to the controller. Several types of cyber-attacks such as speed reduction/increase including vibration have been tested. Extensive simulation results verify the proposed concepts. Experimental results will be discussed in the conference presentation.

Alotaibi, Faris↗

DOE OSTI2023

Ripple-Type Voltage Control for Extreme-Event Contingencies: Preprint

Frequent and intense extreme events make grid operation unprecedentedly challenging. Disruptive events could lead to dangerous voltage drops and even voltage collapse if corrective actions are not quickly taken. In this paper, we present a real-time algorithm for voltage control suitable for mitigating electric grid damage scenarios. In our strategy, when agents (generators, substations) experience a dangerous undervoltage, they first respond locally. When the local control resources are depleted, agents seek assistance from peer nodes over a communication network. The algorithm is simulated on a realistic test transmission system. Using fragility curve methodology, we simulate hurricane damages to the components of the synthetic 2000-bus grid representing the ERCOT system. Although being tested over a damaged grid after a hurricane event, our algorithm can be equally successfully applied to any other emergency low-voltage situation.

extreme weather events↗

DOE OSTI2021

Electricity and Gas IDS Dataset

The following dataset was collected from a set of cybersecurity experiments conducted in an Electricity and Natural Gas environment. The architecture was instantiated within the powerNET testbed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and is comprised of both simulated components and hardware-in-the-loop devices. The test environment consisted of a substation and control center network representative of electrical systems. In addition, it also contained a compressor station, and an odorizer and pressure regulation station representative of oil and natural gas systems. The various devices on the electrical and gas systems were organized into multiple networks to mimic real-world deployments. There were 14 testing scenarios overall that covered a wide variety of cybersecurity and infrastructure events.

Industrial Control↗

DOE OSTI2021

Electricity and Gas IDS Dataset

Industrial Control↗

DOE OSTI2017

Improving the Fuel Economy of Class 8 Military Vehicles using a Smart Cruise Control Algorithm

Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVS) have the potential for improving fuel economy by changing the way vehicles are driven. Fuel economy can be improved through a wide range of technologies, many of which do not require Level 5 automation. One of the most promising technologies is a smart cruise control for which a speed-matching algorithm can be designed to account for fuel economy. Accounting for fuel economy in the algorithm leads to different driving behavior than simply matching the driver entered set speed. This paper describes the application of such a smart cruise control to a class 8 vehicle both in simulation and in the actual vehicle on a close test track. This paper evaluates the algorithm and describes the correlation procedure used to calibrate the model using test data from the vehicle.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Update on the Simulation of Commercial Drying of Spent Nuclear Fuel

The purpose of this report is to document improvements in the simulation of commercial vacuum drying procedures at the Nuclear Energy Work Complex at Sandia National Laboratories. Validation of the extent of water removal in a dry spent nuclear fuel storage system based on drying procedures used at nuclear power plants is needed to close existing technical gaps. Operational conditions leading to incomplete drying may have potential impacts on the fuel, cladding, and other components in the system. A general lack of data suitable for model validation of commercial nuclear canister drying processes necessitates additional, well-designed investigations of drying process efficacy and water retention. Scaled tests that incorporate relevant physics and well-controlled boundary conditions are essential to provide insight and guidance to the simulation of prototypic systems undergoing drying processes.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2020

A Model-Predictive Hierarchical-Control Framework for Aggregating Residential DERs to Provide Grid Regulation Services

This paper develops a hierarchical control frame-work to aggregate and to manage behind-the-meter distributed energy resources (DERs), which will be ubiquitous in future distribution systems. In the proposed framework, firstly, each controller in the hierarchy determines the flexibility of the DERs such that the obtained flexibility is feasible with respect to its operational purview. For example, the operational purview of a home energy management system may only consider consumer comfort preferences, while that for an aggregator or a grid controller may consider network voltage management as well. Based on the feasible flexibility, optimal setpoints for the DERs is then determined by the hierarchical controllers to help the distribution power network in voltage regulation, coordination issues with existing transmission-level conventional generators, etc. Therefore, the proposed strategy, which is based on model-predictive control, can be effectively utilized by the distribution network to coordinate several DERs to provide grid regulation services. Numerical simulations performed on the IEEE 37-bus test system demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.

behind-the-meter↗

DOE OSTI2018

Distinguishing Research Reactor Fuels Using Neutron Multiplicity - 25615

Neutron measurements are one of the reliable means of interrogation of fissile material. Neutron measurements are used for total counting (pure metal fissile samples) or counting coincidence/multiplicity (for impure fissile samples). Various flavors of neutron measurement are used routinely by the IAEA to determine the fissile mass of an unknown sample. The objective of this work is to design an experiment to distinguish the two different fuel types using neutron multiplicity method. The design of experiment is performed using Monte Carlo N- Particle (MCNP) transport code. General Electric (GE) designed 1-MWt pool-type research reactor at UMass Lowell (UMLRR) uses Materials Testing Reactor (MTR) plate-type fuel consisting of 19 full and 2 partial fuel assemblies, controlled by four boron control blades and one regulating control rod. Two different fuel types are available at the UMLRR facility. In 2008, UMass Lowell obtained slightly burnt fuel assemblies from the decommissioned WPI research reactor. The simulation results discussed in this paper show that within the limits of statistical error, the single and double moments for the WPI and UMLRR fuels can be measured. The two fuels have very similar composition and enrichments resulting in very similar neutron multiplicity moments. This implies that neutron multiplicity measurements alone would not be sufficient to distinguish between the two fuel types at low burnups. The change in the observed single-double ratio between each fuel type is less than 6 % which falls below the uncertainty in the efficiency of the JCC71 slab detectors. The neutron signature from low burnup and low enriched uranium fuel are not strong, however, these can be measured under low background and long measurement times. This would be an important consideration in designing the experiments and parallel gamma measurements will also be planned. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗