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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

A Distributed Model Identification Algorithm for Multi-Agent Systems: Preprint

In this study, we investigate agent-based approach for system model identification with emphasis on power distribution system applications. Departing from conventional practices of relying on historical data for offline model identification, we adopt online update approach utilizing real-time data by employing the latest data points for gradient computation. This methodology offers advantages including a large reduction in the communication network's bandwidth requirements by minimizing the data exchanged at each iteration and enabling the model to adapt in real-time to disturbances. Furthermore, we extend our model identification process from linear frameworks to more complex non-linear convex models. This extension is validated through numerical studies demonstrating improved control performance for a synthetic IEEE test case.

data-driven control↗
NASA NTRS1972

Optimization of electrostatic dual-grid beam-deflection system

Tests were performed to minimize accelerator grid erosion of a 5-cm diameter Kaufman ion thruster due to direct beam impingement. Several different screen hole diameters, pillow-shape-square screen holes, and dished screen grids were tried. The optimization was accomplished by copper plating the accelerator grid before testing each grid configuration on a thruster for a 2-hour run. The thruster beam sputtered copper and molybdenum from the accelerator grid where the beam impinged. The observed erosion patterns and measured accelerator currents were used to determine how to modify the accelerator system. The lowest erosion was obtained for a 50-percent open area pillow-shape-square-aperture screen grid, dished 0.043 centimeter convex toward the accelerator grid, which was positioned with the center of the screen grid 0.084 centimeter from the accelerator grid. During this investigation the accelerator current was reduced from 120 to 55 microamperes and was also more uniformly distributed over the area of the accelerator grid.

Hudson, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS2001

NASA Exhibits

A series of NASA presentations for the Supercomputing 2001 conference are summarized. The topics include: (1) Mars Surveyor Landing Sites "Collaboratory"; (2) Parallel and Distributed CFD for Unsteady Flows with Moving Overset Grids; (3) IP Multicast for Seamless Support of Remote Science; (4) Consolidated Supercomputing Management Office; (5) Growler: A Component-Based Framework for Distributed/Collaborative Scientific Visualization and Computational Steering; (6) Data Mining on the Information Power Grid (IPG); (7) Debugging on the IPG; (8) Debakey Heart Assist Device: (9) Unsteady Turbopump for Reusable Launch Vehicle; (10) Exploratory Computing Environments Component Framework; (11) OVERSET Computational Fluid Dynamics Tools; (12) Control and Observation in Distributed Environments; (13) Multi-Level Parallelism Scaling on NASA's Origin 1024 CPU System; (14) Computing, Information, & Communications Technology; (15) NAS Grid Benchmarks; (16) IPG: A Large-Scale Distributed Computing and Data Management System; and (17) ILab: Parameter Study Creation and Submission on the IPG.

Deardorff, Glenn↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effectively Considering the Distribution System in Integrated Resource Plans

While electricity planning practices vary by state and utility based on utility type and market structure, integrated resource planning (IRP) remains a prominent vehicle — even in states with centrally-organized wholesale electricity markets. IRP focuses on meeting forecasted long-term electricity needs. Typically, utilities have not considered impacts of design and operation of the low-voltage distribution network in IRP. With advanced capabilities of grid-edge technologies to generate and store electricity and provide load flexibility, and large utility investments in distribution systems, it's increasingly important to consider at least some distribution planning elements in IRP. This report considers the value proposition for doing so, such as reducing utility costs through resource co-optimization and strategic siting of grid-edge resources, and idenfities the most important touchpoints between planning for bulk power and distribution systems and provide a range of tactics for integrating these two processes.

Relf, Grace [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2024

Trust Model Utilization for Energy Grid Communication

The internet information that is used by the Energy Grid of Things requires both preventative security measures as well as surveillance measures. The preventative security measures include certificates, encryption, and all of the basic security protocols as defined by published standards. The surveillance measures include monitoring information flow activities and evaluating these messages for indications of potential security attacks. We describe in this paper the utilization of a Distributed Trust Model that was developed specifically for monitoring communication within an Energy Grid of Things. The goal for the Distributed Trust Models is to provide a level of aggregate trust that a Distributed Energy Resource Management System can meet its grid service obligations, as opposed to a detailed individual Distributed Energy Resources assessment.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geographically Distributed Co-Simulation for the Interplay of Integrated Energy Systems and Power Grid

The increased penetration of renewable generation induces unbalanced demand-supply on a power grid, while integrated energy systems (IES) can provide high part-load efficiency and high flexibility to support grid resilience. To study the transients and improve dynamic operability, it’s important to investigate the interplay between IES and power grid concurrently using real-time co-simulation approaches. In this presentation, we showed the previous co-simulation test between NETL and INL and discussed how this co-simulation can be beneficial for both IES and power grid research. In addition, we gave an overview about the SuperLab2.0 project, which was a federated national platform to address future power grid challenges. (Virtual presentation to the MILLENNIUM CLEAN and SUSTAINABLE POWER workshop 2025).

Co-simulation↗
DOE OSTI2025

CHARGE-MAP: An integrated framework to study the multicriteria EV charging infrastructure expansion problem

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years has necessitated the development of effective charging infrastructures. However, charging infrastructure expansion is a multifaceted problem that requires careful consideration of the existing infrastructure, spatiotemporal distribution of charging demands, power-grid capacity, and budget constraints. Here, to approach this complex problem, we present CHARGE-MAP, a data-driven simulation-optimization framework, focused on ensuring meaningful charging experience for individual EV owners. CHARGE-MAP integrates three modules: an agent-based simulation module that estimates spatiotemporal distribution of charging demands by modeling EV adopter mobility and charging behavior; an optimization module that determines optimal new charging station/charger locations and capacities, while minimizing expected detour distances and wait-times with a limited number of new stations; and a power module that determines how to connect the stations to the power grid while maintaining its stability. Using the state of Virginia (consisting of 95 counties and 38 independent cities) as a case study, our results show that CHARGE-MAP can meet the demand of ~198,600 predicted EVs with 1,305 new public charging stations and 2,164 new chargers. It reduces average detour distances for charging by 66% and wait-times at stations by 72% compared to the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, transformer capacity requirement analysis reveals that only 1.8% of residential transformers require upgrades, while over 80% of commercial charging locations can be supported with modest transformer infrastructure (25 to 50 kVA). This indicates that targeted investments can facilitate cost-effective EV integration. Consequently, CHARGE-MAP provides policymakers and urban planners with crucial data-driven insights for effective EV charging infrastructure expansion. Sign up for PNAS alerts.

charging infrastructure↗
NASA NTRS1999

Technology for Elevated Temperature Tests of Structural Panels

A technique for full-field measurement of surface temperature and in-plane strain using a single grid imaging technique was demonstrated on a sample subjected to thermally-induced strain. The technique is based on digital imaging of a sample marked by an alternating line array of La2O2S:Eu(+3) thermographic phosphor and chromium illuminated by a UV lamp. Digital images of this array in unstrained and strained states were processed using a modified spin filter. Normal strain distribution was determined by combining unstrained and strained grid images using a single grid digital moire technique. Temperature distribution was determined by ratioing images of phosphor intensity at two wavelengths. Combined strain and temperature measurements demonstrated on the thermally heated sample were DELTA-epsilon = +/- 250 microepsilon and DELTA-T = +/- 5 K respectively with a spatial resolution of 0.8 mm.

Thornton, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Implications of natural sources for the latitudinal gradients of NO/y/ in the unpolluted troposphere

The latitudinal distributions of tropospheric odd nitrogen (NO/y/) due to lightning discharges and stratospheric injection are studied by estimating latitude dependences of the sources and the rainout sink from data obtained in August-September, 1977, and May-June, 1978, during project GAMETAG. A one-dimensional (latitude dependent) model is developed for the annually, zonally, and vertically averaged concentration of trace species, NO(y) being treated as a single species, which decouples the NO(y) calculation from the rest of the model since NO(y) has no chemical sources or sinks in the troposphere. The equation governing the NO(y) distribution is solved using finite differences with 33 uniformly spaced grid points in the micron range of -1 to 1. The distribution due to the stratospheric source has a minimum in the tropics, and there are broad maxima centered in the 25-30 degree region in both hemispheres. The calculated NO(y) due to lightning has a maximum near 15 degrees S, and it decreases to nearly a fourth of the maximum value near the poles. The drop off from the maximum is sharper in the Southern Hemisphere in comparison with the Northern Hemisphere.

Hameed, S.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Single-Phase to Split-Phase Inverters with Advanced Grid Support Functions for Grid-Interactive Applications

This work presents a cost-effective single-phase to split-phase inverter with a reduced switch count, achieving grid interactive performance while maintaining operational efficiency. The proposed system integrates an Andronov-Hopf oscillator based secondary controller, which inherently embeds a nonlinear resistive droop architecture, ensuring rapid dynamic response. A Lyapunov energy function-based primary control enhances transient stability and regulation, while an internal model-based point of common coupling voltage estimation enables cost optimization without additional sensors. Equipped with advanced grid support functionalities, the inverter facilitates seamless distribution system operation with enhanced robustness. The effectiveness of the proposed architecture and control strategy is validated through MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS simulations, demonstrating its feasibility for high-performance grid-supportive applications.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1993

A parallel dynamic load balancing algorithm for 3-D adaptive unstructured grids

Adaptive local grid refinement and coarsening results in unequal distribution of workload among the processors of a parallel system. A novel method for balancing the load in cases of dynamically changing tetrahedral grids is developed. The approach employs local exchange of cells among processors in order to redistribute the load equally. An important part of the load balancing algorithm is the method employed by a processor to determine which cells within its subdomain are to be exchanged. Two such methods are presented and compared. The strategy for load balancing is based on the Divide-and-Conquer approach which leads to an efficient parallel algorithm. This method is implemented on a distributed-memory MIMD system.

Vidwans, A.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Three-Dimensional Grid Visualization for Planning Activities: A Dubai Case Study

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Infra-X, has undertaken the Energy Visualization Analysis Project. The aim of this project is to enhance analytical and 3D visualization capabilities for distribution network planning and renewable energy integration. As modern grid continues to evolve with large-scale solar PV deployment and emerging distributed energy resources (DERs), the ability to effectively analyze, visualize, and communicate complex grid behaviors has become increasingly critical. The project focuses on developing empirical use cases based on real distribution feeder data and engineering workflows, ensuring the outcomes are directly aligned with operational environment. Through time-series power flow simulations and nodal hosting capacity analysis, the study quantifies the impacts of high PV penetration on voltage and thermal limits within representative 11 kV feeders. These analyses identify specific nodes and conditions where DER integration challenges arise. Furthermore, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) optimization algorithm was applied to determine the optimal size and placement of storage systems that can mitigate network constraints and enhance hosting capacity. The comparative results between base-case and BESS-augmented scenarios clearly demonstrate improvements in network stability and load management efficiency. In parallel, the NLR team developed an immersive 3D visualization framework, enabling interactive exploration of grid simulations using commodity head-mounted display (HMD) systems. This framework transforms conventional 2D simulation data into spatially intuitive visual environments - allowing engineers to analyze feeder conditions, PV hosting potential, and BESS effects in real time. This report represents the first foundational phase in establishing a visualization-driven analytical ecosystem. It provides a methodological foundation for data integration, visualization architecture, and simulation-based decision support, paving the way for large-scale adoption of immersive visualization across DEWA's Smart Grid Initiative, R&D activities, and future network resilience studies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Verification of Adaptive Protection in Hardware in the Loop for Coordination with Solar Variability

As inverter-based resources continue to be installed at all levels of the electric grid, the fixed protection schemes used at the distribution level will continue to be stressed until they no longer ensure the protection of the grid. Adaptive protection has been proposed as a solution with the ability to update the protection schemes in near real-time to ensure reliability and increase the resilience of the grid. However, weather variability poses a significant challenge to the ability of these methods to keep the selectivity and reliability of these schemes coordinated. If the ramp rates, due to solar variability, of the inverter-based resources change faster than the adaptive protection can issue new settings, the protection system could be uncoordinated, with the wrong device responding to a system fault. The proposed adaptive protection method ensures that due to solar variability, communication, and protection calculation latency, it can issu e coordinated protection settings promptly, in one minute or less. The hardware-in-the-loop results show the protection settings being issued and maintaining system coordination in under a minute.

Summers, Adam↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Lithuania 100% Renewable Energy Study - Interim Results: Electricity System Scenarios for 2030 [Slides]

Lithuania's Energy Vision aims to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity generation by 2035 and transition to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible while maintaining affordability, reliability, and energy security. The Lithuania Energy Agency (LEA) is partnering with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct the Lithuania 100% Renewable Energy Study (Lithuania 100) to provide evidence-based analysis for development of Lithuania's National Energy Independence Strategy. The Lithuania 100 Study leverages unique tools and capabilities of NREL to provide rigorous technical analysis of clean energy policies to achieve 100% renewable energy, and assess impacts on electricity grid operations, hydrogen system development, electricity distribution networks, air quality, and human health outcomes. The study is supported by a stakeholder committee chaired by the Ministry of Energy of Lithuania and implemented by four technical working groups. This report provides highlights of key interim results from modeling of Lithuania's near-term electricity grid through the year 2030. Results show that Lithuania has sufficient renewable energy potential, flexible generation capacity, and interconnection with neighboring European Union countries to reliably meet projected 2030 electricity demand with 100% renewable energy. A range of scenarios were modeled, each of which achieves at least 100% renewable energy in electricity, on average over the year, by 2030. Potential demands for hydrogen across industrial and transportation sectors were also evaluated, as well as the cost of hydrogen produced in Lithuania by 2030.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Distribution Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity Considerations of Distributed Resources

This presentation is focused on cybersecurity of the distribution system. It will educate attendees about the evolving cybersecurity threats facing energy infrastructure through exploring relevant cybersecurity incidents. Additionally, Participants will gain an understanding of Distributed Energy Resources and their growing role in grid architecture. Finally, the session will examine critical standards and guidelines, including Cybersecurity Baselines for Electric Distribution Systems and the IEEE 1547.3 standard.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Shunt-Connected FACTS and Synchronous Condensers

In recent years, the electric-transmission system has undergone a significant transformation marked by a greater integration of renewable-energy sources like wind and solar, the phasing out of thermal generation plants, and a concerted effort towards electrifying energy consumption. To keep pace with the integration of renewable-energy sources and the escalating demands of industries and households, it is imperative to expand and modernize the existing power infrastructure. These upgrades are essential to maintain grid stability, enhance power delivery, and boost overall efficiency of the system. However, challenges have emerged with the growing complexity of power grids, particularly in the realms of voltage control, transient stability, and power-quality management.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Co-Simulation of PSS/E, OpenDSS, and PSCAD for Power Systems Stability Analysis With Inverter-Based Resources: Preprint

The increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) is reshaping the dynamic behavior of power systems. IEEE standard 1547-2018 suggests that distributed energy resources (DERs) should provide grid services such as voltage and frequency supports. On the other hand, dynamic events caused by IBRs such as sub-synchronous oscillation have been reported. These developments necessitate improvement in the current modeling capabilities to better understand the interdependencies within power systems. These include interactions between transmission and distribution systems, among IBRs themselves, and between IBRs and conventional resources. In this paper, we present a co-simulation model integrating PSS/E, OpenDSS, and PSCAD to analyze IBR impacts on the stability of transmission and distribution systems. A key challenge in developing a co-simulation model is ensuring interoperability among different simulators (interfacing and data flow) while maintaining accurate results. Using the developed model, we simulate the impact of IBRs on power systems in two test cases: 1) fault ride through (FRT) capability during a generation trip contingency; 2) IBR-induced sub-synchronous oscillation. The results show the effectiveness of the co-simulation model.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗