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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 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Deep Reinforcement Learning for Distribution System Restoration Using Distributed Energy Resources and Tie-Switches

Distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar PVs and energy storage, can be used to restore distribution system critical loads after the extreme weather events to increase grid resilience. However, coordinating multiple DERs together with tie-switches for multi-step restoration process under renewable uncertainty is challenging. This paper proposes a deep reinforcement learning to control discrete actions of switching on/off tie switches and DERs for critical load restoration. The restoration problem is first cast into the Markov decision process suitable for DRL. Then, the original soft actor critic (SAC) method for continuous actions has been extended to handle discrete and continuous actions. Numerical comparison results with other stochastic optimization-based approaches on the modified IEEE 33-bus system show that the proposed method can achieve fast critical load restoration in the presence of substation power outage while maintaining system voltage limit throughout the restoration process.

active distribution systems↗
DOE OSTI2018

Duality-Free Decomposition Based Data-Driven Stochastic Security-Constrained Unit Commitment

To incorporate the superiority of both stochastic and robust approaches, a data-driven stochastic optimization is employed to solve the security-constrained unit commitment model. This approach makes the most use of the historical data to generate a set of possible probability distributions for wind power outputs and then it optimizes the unit commitment under the worst-case probability distribution. However, this model suffers from huge computational burden, as a large number of scenarios are considered. To tackle this issue, a duality-free decomposition method is proposed in this paper. This approach does not require doing duality, which can save a large set of dual variables and constraints, and therefore reduces the computational burden. In addition, the inner max-min problem has a special mathematical structure, where the scenarios have the similar constraint. Thus, the max-min problem can be decomposed into independent sub-problems to be solved in parallel, which further improves the computational efficiency. A numerical study on an IEEE 118-bus system with practical data of a wind power system has demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposal.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Primary System Test Facility Review

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is designing a Dynamic Energy Transport and Integration Laboratory (DETAIL) to demonstrate the operation of an integrated energy system as part of supporting research and development needs for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy Integrated Energy Systems (IES) Program. DETAIL will demonstrate real-time integration with the electrical grid, renewable energy inputs, thermal and electrical energy storage, and energy delivery to an end user. A Thermal Energy Distribution System (TEDS) is being constructed within the DETAIL facility to demonstrate the operation of integrated energy system heat transfer components, thermal energy storage, distribution systems, and instrumentation and control (I&C), which will allow the facility to emulate the distribution of thermal energy to the generation of electrical power, and/or producing non-electrical commodities (e.g., hydrogen). As is the case for other subsystems within DETAIL, TEDS is designed to operate either independently or as a part of an integrated system to demonstrate the operation of integrated components, develop and validate thermal energy transport models and control systems, and study thermal energy inertia and energy storage. In an effort to completely understand how TEDS will integrate with operational plants, data from tests previously run at existing integral system test facilities (IST) will be used to drive the TEDS heater. Alternatively, a real-time data connection would allow steam conditions at the IST to drive the TEDS heater at the same time as having TEDS conditions provide feedback to the IST in terms of steam demand and/or pressure. This integrated testing approach will assess the ability of TEDS to operate during all plant conditions. Three existing integral system test facilities have been reviewed to determine their suitability for demonstrating TEDS capabilities when integrated within the DETAIL. This report summarizes the capabilities of each IST facility and any challenges that must be overcome to meet the operational needs of TEDS and DETAIL.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Autonomous Energy Grids

Current frameworks to monitor, control, and optimize large-scale energy systems are becoming increasingly inadequate because of significantly high penetration levels of variable generation and distributed energy resources being integrated into electric power systems; the deluge of data from pervasive metering of energy grids; and a variety of new market mechanisms, including multilevel ancillary services. This paper outlines the concept of autonomous energy grids (AEGs). These systems are supported by a scalable, reconfigurable, and self-organizing information and control infrastructure, are extremely secure and resilient (self-healing), and can self-optimize in real time to ensure economic and reliable performance while systematically integrating energy in all forms. AEGs rely on cellular building blocks that can self-optimize when isolated from a larger grid and participate in optimal operation when interconnected to a larger grid. This paper describes the key concepts and research necessary in the broad domains of optimization theory, control theory, big data analytics, and complex system theory and modeling to realize the AEG vision.

autonomous energy grids↗
DOE OSTI2021

Per-Phase and 3-Phase Optimal Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays Using Genetic Algorithm

Penetration of the power grid by renewable energy sources, distributed storage, and distributed generators is becoming increasingly common. Increased utilization of these distributed energy resources (DERs) has given rise to additional protection coordination concerns, particularly where they are utilized in an unbalanced manner or where loading among phases is unbalanced. Digital relays such as the SEL-751 (produced by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Pullman, WA, USA) series have the capability of being set on a per-phase basis. This capability is underutilized in common practice. Additionally, in optimization algorithms for determining relay settings, the time-overcurrent characteristics (TOCs) of relays are generally not treated as variables and are assigned before running the optimization algorithm. In this paper, TOC options themselves are treated as discrete variables to be considered in the optimization algorithm. A mixed integer nonlinear programming problem (MINLP) is set up where the goal is to minimize relay operating times. A genetic algorithm (GA) approach is implemented in MATLAB where two cases are considered. In the first case, the TOC and Time dial setting (TDS) of each relay is set on a three-phase basis. In the second case, per-phase settings are considered. Relay TDSs and TOCs are both considered as simultaneous discrete control variables. Despite the stochastic nature of using per-phase settings for unbalanced systems is found to generally allow for shorter operating times. However, for relatively balanced systems, it is best to use three-phase settings if computation time is of importance.

Matthews, Ronald C.↗
NASA NTRS1979

SPS phase control system performance via analytical simulation

A solar power satellite transmission system which incorporates automatic beam forming, steering, and phase control is discussed. The phase control concept centers around the notation of an active retrodirective phased array as a means of pointing the beam to the appropriate spot on Earth. The transmitting antenna (spacetenna) directs the high power beam so that it focuses on the ground-based receiving antenna (rectenna). A combination of analysis and computerized simulation was conducted to determine the far field performance of the reference distribution system, and the beam forming and microwave power generating systems.

Lindsey, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Assessment of the electrical power generation/power reactant storage and distribution subsystem FMEA/CIL

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) is presented. The IOA effort first completed an analysis of the Electrical Power Generation/Power Reactant Storage and Distribution (EPG/PRSD) subsystem hardware, generating draft failure modes and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The IOA results were then compared to the NASA FMEA/CIL baselines with proposed Post 51-L updates included. A resolution of each discrepancy from the comparison is provided through additional analysis as required. The results of that comparison are documented for the Orbiter EPG/PRSD hardware. The comparison produced agreement on all but 27 FMEAs and 9 CIL items. The discrepancy between the number of IOA findings and NASA FMEAs can be partially explained by the different approaches used by IOA and NASA to group failure modes together to form one FMEA. Also, several IOA items represented inner tank components and ground operations failure modes which were not in the NASA baseline.

Ames, B. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Photovoltaic superiority for Space Station Freedom power in the 21st century

Complete power systems capable of delivering 75 kW of continuous power in low earth orbit have been compared. Performance, liabilities, and advantages are discussed for a shielded nuclear system, a solar dynamic system, and photovoltaic systems, both current Freedom Si design and near-term GaAs/Ge with NaS storage. System components include power generation, storage (if required), heat rejection, power conversion and distribution, structural support, and shielding (if required). Performance parameters indicate the substantial advantage of the GaAs/Ge photovoltaic system, which does not require altering the support structure of the current Freedom design.

Bailey, Sheila G.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Ceramic Integration Technologies for Advanced Energy Systems: Critical Needs, Technical Challenges, and Opportunities

Advanced ceramic integration technologies dramatically impact the energy landscape due to wide scale application of ceramics in all aspects of alternative energy production, storage, distribution, conservation, and efficiency. Examples include fuel cells, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, gas turbine propulsion systems, distribution and transmission systems based on superconductors, nuclear power generation and waste disposal. Ceramic integration technologies play a key role in fabrication and manufacturing of large and complex shaped parts with multifunctional properties. However, the development of robust and reliable integrated systems with optimum performance requires the understanding of many thermochemical and thermomechanical factors, particularly for high temperature applications. In this presentation, various needs, challenges, and opportunities in design, fabrication, and testing of integrated similar (ceramic ceramic) and dissimilar (ceramic metal) material www.nasa.gov 45 ceramic-ceramic-systems have been discussed. Experimental results for bonding and integration of SiC based Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) LDI fuel injector and advanced ceramics and composites for gas turbine applications are presented.

Singh, Mrityunjay↗
NASA NTRS2012

Integration Science and Technology of Advanced Ceramics for Energy and Environmental Applications

The discovery of new and innovative materials has been known to culminate in major turning points in human history. The transformative impact and functional manifestation of new materials have been demonstrated in every historical era by their integration into new products, systems, assemblies, and devices. In modern times, the integration of new materials into usable products has a special relevance for the technological development and economic competitiveness of industrial societies. Advanced ceramic technologies dramatically impact the energy and environmental landscape due to potential wide scale applications in all aspects of energy production, storage, distribution, conservation, and efficiency. Examples include gas turbine propulsion systems, fuel cells, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, distribution and transmission systems based on superconductors, nuclear power generation, and waste disposal. Robust ceramic integration technologies enable hierarchical design and manufacturing of intricate ceramic components starting with geometrically simpler units that are subsequently joined to themselves and/or to metals to create components with progressively higher levels of complexity and functionality. However, for the development of robust and reliable integrated systems with optimum performance under different operating conditions, the detailed understanding of various thermochemical and thermomechanical factors is critical. Different approaches are required for the integration of ceramic-metal and ceramic-ceramic systems across length scales (macro to nano). In this presentation, a few examples of integration of ceramic to metals and ceramic to ceramic systems will be presented. Various challenges and opportunities in design, fabrication, and testing of integrated similar (ceramic-ceramic) and dissimilar (ceramic-metal) material systems will be discussed. Potential opportunities and need for the development of innovative design philosophies, approaches, and integrated system testing under simulated application conditions will also be presented.

Singh, M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Overview of Nasa's Watts on the Moon Challenge Phase 1

As NASA works to extend human exploration of the solar system, unprecedented capacity for electrical and thermal energy will be needed to support sustained human presence and the beginning of industrial activity on the Moon. Solar energy is abundant on the lunar surface but extended night hours (up to 350 consecutive hours) and extreme temperature change from daylight to nighttime operation creates complexity for solar power use. Analogous issues arise on Earth, where demand for additional renewable energy generation, including solar, is rising, but better power management, distribution, and energy storage solutions are needed to address intermittency and resiliency, among other issues. To accelerate the development of technologies for power distribution and energy storage that can operate in extreme lunar conditions, NASA’s Centennial Challenges Program launched the Watts on the Moon Challenge in September 2020. Submissions for Phase 1 of the challenge were due in March 2021 and winners were announced in May 2021. This paper provides an overview of the challenge, key technical requirements, outcomes from Phase 1, and an update on Phase 2 of the challenge, which is currently ongoing.

Denise P. Morris↗
DOE OSTI2022

Black Start From DER

This presentation gives overview of black start related research at NREL.

black start↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hydrogen Energy Storage System at Borrego Springs Towards an H2 Enabled 100 Renewable Microgrid

San Diego Gas & Electric's Borrego Springs Microgrid is one of the largest microgrids in the USA, serving 2500 residential customers, 300 commercial and industrial customers, and has a peak demand of approximately 14 MW. This microgrid is located at the end of a long transmission line, and is subjected to extreme weather events like storms, wildfires, and flooding, which frequently cause grid outages. The microgrid currently relies on 3.65 MW of diesel-powered generators to provide grid-forming services during these outages, which results in greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions. However, the microgrid has access to approximately 37 MW of installed solar generation and struggles with overgeneration and curtailment. 1.5 MW/4.5 MWh of grid-scale batteries have been installed to capture some the overgeneration and provide resiliency, but a longer-duration low-greenhouse gas emission energy storage solution is needed. In our project, the team will evaluate in the lab and demonstrate in the field a grid-forming fuel cell inverter that can provide grid-forming services while utilizing hydrogen's energy storage scalability. We will first utilize NREL's Renewable Energy Integration and Optimization (REopt) platform to perform analyses on future microgrid scenarios that use hydrogen assets to reduce or eliminate the need for diesel backup generators. We will then evaluate the grid-forming inverter through power hardware-in-the-loop and controller hardware-in-the-loop experiments at ARIES, and de-risk the field deployment and operation of hydrogen assets in the microgrid setting. Finally, this project will demonstrate the operation of the fuel cell inverter and updated microgrid controller by operating in grid-forming mode in the Borrego Springs microgrid.

Borrego Springs↗
DOE OSTI2024

South Asia Group for Energy - Bhutan

Bhutan's electricity system is already low-carbon through the use of hydropower. However, generation from hydroelectric plants is reduced during the dry winter months and will be impacted by climate change and other extreme weather events. Bhutan is mitigating these risks by diversifying their energy mix with clean energy resources. Bhutan is exploring photovoltaic (PV) solar energy development to enhance its energy system's overall resilience. To ensure efficient grid planning and solar integration, Bhutan's power generator, Druk Green Power Corporation, and the transmission and distribution utility, Bhutan Power Corporation, are partnering with the South Asia Group for Energy (SAGE) to develop their solar capabilities, integrate solar energy into the grid, and strengthen Bhutan's energy infrastructure and efficiency.

Bhutan↗
DOE OSTI2019

Coordinative Real-time Sub-Transmission Volt-VAr Control for Reactive Power Regulation between Transmission and Distribution Systems

This paper introduces an integrated voltage regulation approach to coordinate the Volt-VAr control between transmission and distribution systems. Distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems are aggregated as a virtual power plant (VPP). At the sub-transmission level, a Coordinated Real-time Sub-Transmission Volt-VAr Control Tool (CReST-VCT) is introduced to coordinate the operation of the shunt devices and the reactive power provided by the VPPs. The CReST-VCT uses an enhanced Volt-VAr control algorithm with weighted voltage control objects that include minimizing losses, maintaining the voltage within desirable levels, and minimizing the number of mechanical switching of shunt elements. The algorithm runs every 5 minutes and is solved using AC optimal power flow (OPF) solution technique. The outputs include the settings for each sub-transmission-level Volt-VAr control devices and the reactive power generation requirements for each VPP. Then, each VPP will run a distribution Volt-VAr control algorithm to select the PV inverters that provide the Volt-VAr control services considering the distribution network topology. The goal of the VPP reactive power control is to meet the transmission level service requirements while maintaining the voltage and line flow in the distribution system within limits. Each VPP will update its voltage regulation capacity every 5 minutes to allow the CReST-VCT to formulate the optimization problem for the next dispatch interval. The proposed tool is simulated on Duke Energy Carolina system to demonstrate the capability of providing voltage support service by dispatching of reactive power of distributed PV as VPP.

Ke, Xinda↗