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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Laboratory Evaluation of Federated, Hierarchical Controls for Distribution Power System Management: Preprint

The connection of more loads and distributed energy resources (DERs) to the distribution power system brings both challenges and opportunities to system operators. There are opportunities to aggregate flexible loads and DERs to provide transmission grid services, but the coordinated actions of DERs being managed by independent, third-party DER aggregators to support transmission system operations can present challenges. We developed a federated DER management architecture and control framework that aims to manage heterogeneous DERs to deliver reliable transmission grid services while respecting distribution system constraints. The controls include stochastic day-ahead optimization, model predictive control, and a simple real-time management scheme. We present simulation results obtained from a realistic laboratory test bed of federated controls managing DERs within a substation service area to make the substation net power follow the optimal net power determined by the day-ahead optimization based on cost and limiting reverse power flow.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Stabilize High-IBR Power Systems with Grid-Forming Inverters

The increasing share of IBRs challenges the stable operation of our power systems. Leveraging an oscillation event in Kaua`i Island as an example, we showcase the root cause of this event and highlight the potential of grid-forming inverters to reduce the stability risks in high-IBR power systems.

grid-forming inverters↗
DOE OSTI2025

Decomposing sources of value for electricity and negative emissions technologies in net-zero power systems

Deep decarbonization of the US power system would require rapid deployment of variable renewable energy (VRE) resources, which are projected to provide a substantial share of electricity generation at the time of net-zero emissions. However, the exact share of generation met by VRE and the roles of other technologies in supplying key electricity services—energy and firm capacity—remain uncertain. This study employs a detailed model of the US power sector to decompose the provision and value of electricity services, including negative emissions, by technology across a range of deep decarbonization scenarios. Results indicate that while technology deployment and the share of services provided by each technology vary significantly depending on future technological and market conditions, the value composition and future roles of individual technologies remain consistent. These findings offer guidance for research and development priorities and provide insights to inform electricity policy and planning.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
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↗
DOE OSTI2024

Deep Learning-enhanced Block-Diagram Modeling of Solar Power Systems

Data-driven models of power system inverter-based resources are desired to run simulations faster than with detailed electromagnetic transient models, to hide proprietary design details, to support control system design applications, and to aggregate the effects of distributed energy resources. This paper applies a customized Hammerstein Wiener framework to train block diagram models from thousands of electromagnetic transient simulations or experimental test records. The block diagram models integrate with larger grid simulations as voltagecontrolled current sources or current-controlled voltage sources for several simulators. Guidelines for block architecture and training are presented. Three-phase balanced, three-phase unbalanced, and single-phase examples all achieve an acceptable root mean square error of no more than 0.05 per-unit.

Mcdermott, Thomas E. [Private consulting company]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Assessing the Feasibility of Bordered Block Diagonal Reordering in Power System Matrices using Fully Convolutional Network

In electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations for power systems and inverter-based resources (IBRs), the arrangement of states within the system's linear equations, represented by matrix A in Ax=b, is critical. The state ordering in matrix A can highlight distinct characteristics of the system's graph, and identifying an optimal state ordering is crucial for efficient computation. The choice of state ordering, however, is dependent on the solver used, as each solver may perform optimally with different matrix patterns. With a wide array of matrix reordering algorithms available, selecting the most suitable one becomes challenging without insights into the matrix's ideal configuration. To address this, the paper proposes a fully convolutional network (FCN) to evaluate the reordering potential of the A matrix into a bordered block diagonal (BBD) pattern, which is commonly observed in power system and IBR modeling. The FCN's assessment aims to streamline the solver's operation, which in turn could substantially reduce the computational time required to find a solution.

Xia, Qianxue↗
DOE OSTI2026

Inverter-Based Power Systems From an Electric Circuit Perspective

This presentation reports a twin circuit theory that enables us to interpret power system dynamics from a electric circuit perspective. Our proposed twin circuit theory can roughly prove the dissipating energy flow (DEF) method, and shows the positive impacts of well-designed grid-forming (GFM) inverters on power systems stability.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Power Systems Resilience

As communities take steps toward identifying and achieving their clean energy goals, the topic of resilience will likely emerge. This presentation aims to help inform and empower communities as they explore how their clean energy projects can address evolving power systems reliability and resilience due to climate change and other factors. The training provides a basic introduction to power systems and the resilience challenges this traditional infrastructure faces, as well as strategies for enhancing this important quality of electric service.

communities↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimal Droop Setting for Congestion Reduction in a 100% Grid-Forming Inverter-based Power System

he high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) introduces new challenges to power systems due to the complex inverter control. However, IBRs can be configured to maximize their benefits to improve system resilience and reliability. This paper proposes a steady-state optimization model that aims to mitigate transmission congestion in a 100% grid- forming (GFM) IBR-based power system. This goal is achieved by determining the optimal droop settings for the GFM IBRs under different congestion conditions due to renewable energy and load variations. The numerical solution is rigorously verified by a high-fidelity model of the IEEE 39-bus test system with detailed GFM IBR control in the time-domain electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation tool PSCAD. The numerical solution and simulation results show a significant congestion reduction while meeting all other operating requirements. It is also observed that the numerical solving time is substantially less compared to the EMT simulation time.

Nguyen, Quan H.↗
DOE OSTI2025

An exploration of how the geographic distribution of power sources impacts power system resilience

The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively explore the question of whether as a power system’s sources and energy storage become more distributed, the power system also tends to become more resilient. The paper is divided into two main parts. After presenting introductory material, Part 1 looks at factors that might limit the ability of ‘fully-distributed’ resources to provide the expected resilience, and Part 2 considers factors that might make a more centralized system more resilient.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Automation of debris removal and resurfacing of insulators in terawatt pulsed power systems using state of the art laser technology

The increasing complexity and scale of pulsed power systems necessitate effective maintenance strategies to ensure optimal performance and safety. This report investigates the automation of debris removal and resurfacing of insulators in terawatt pulsed power systems using advanced laser cleaning technologies. The motivation for this research stems from the limitations of current manual cleaning methods, which are labor-intensive and pose health risks due to hazardous materials. The study addresses the problem of surface flashover, a significant issue affecting insulator performance, by evaluating two innovative cleaning techniques: Pulsed Laser Cleaning (PLC) and Flash Lamp Annealing (FLA). Experimental results demonstrate that PLC effectively restores the dielectric strength of Rexolite insulators, while FLA shows limited success. The findings highlight the potential for automated cleaning solutions to enhance safety and efficiency in insulator maintenance, paving the way for future advancements in pulsed power technology.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Twin Circuit Theory-Based Framework for Oscillation Event Analysis in Inverter-Dominated Power Systems With Case Study for Kaua‘i System

Here, this paper proposes a real-world oscillation event analysis framework for power systems that include inverter-based resources together with synchronous generators. Specifically, the proposed framework combines both measurement-and model-based techniques to readily identify potential oscillation sources, replay the oscillation event with numerical simulation, unveil the underlying oscillation mechanism, and suggest mitigation methods for a wide range of oscillation events. To strengthen the theoretical foundation of our analysis framework, this paper proposes a twin circuit theory that provides theoretical support for one key utilized but not well-proven measurement-based oscillation source identification method-Dissipating Energy Flow. Our twin circuit theory also shows that adopting well-tuned grid-forming inverters can be a potential mitigation method for oscillation events. Finally, the effectiveness of our proposed oscillation event analysis framework is demonstrated by addressing a real-world 18-20 Hz oscillation event in Kaua‘i's power system on November 21, 2021.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fundamentals of Resource Adequacy for Modern Power Systems

This webinar covers and introduction to power system resource adequacy, examining definitions, metrics, an overview of probabilistic methods, incentives and capacity credits, storage modeling, and evolving practices.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

A comprehensive framework for validating simulation models of power system equipment using terminal measurements

Accurate simulation of power-plants is essential to the planning and operation of modern power grids. The current methods used to periodically check power-plant simulation models have many open questions about their limitations and accuracy. The research in this project explored using Monte-Carlo Experimentation (MCE) as a means for answering these important questions.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

How Improved Forecasting Can Increase the Bulk Power System Value of Price-Responsive Electric Vehicle Managed Charging

Personal light-duty vehicle (LDV) electric vehicle managed charging (EVMC) can reduce power system costs by better aligning electric vehicle (EV) charging with locations and times of low energy cost or infrastructure use. The need to coordinate charging demand across thousands to millions of vehicles while preserving mobility service is a barrier to realizing the value of EVMC. Price-responsive dispatch mechanisms like time-of-use rates (TOU) and hourly real-time prices (RTP) are attractive compared to direct load control (DLC) because they only require one-way communications and local controls. However, increasing participation in price responsive mechanisms can induce costly-to-serve spikes in load and otherwise increase, rather than decrease, production costs. We quantify the ability of improved EVMC forecasting to sustain savings from price responsive mechanisms beyond the limit of 14% of LDVs actively participating observed in previous work. Perfect forecasting of price-responsive EV load makes TOU and RTP value-competitive with a low-error DLC formulation with up to 27% (within-week flexibility) to 45% or more (within-session flexibility) of LDVs participating in EVMC in an envisioned New England power system with 84% clean energy. Additional costs of implementing DLC should be no more than tens of dollars per vehicle-year if DLC is to be value-competitive with accurately forecast price-responsive EVMC for double-digit percentage shares of LDVs participating.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Managing Increased Electric Vehicle Shares on Bulk Power Systems

The convergence of transportation electrification, other load growth, and the integration of many power sector technologies presents a complex planning problem requiring realistic, region-specific modeling and analysis to ensure the power system can support new loads quickly and affordably.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2025

RE-INTEGRATE EMT Simulation Tool: Input Data Processing Layer for Bulk Power System

This paper introduces an advanced input data processing layer for EMT simulations of large-scale bulk power systems. The paper proposes two versions of the RE-INTEGRATE EMT simulation tool, RE-INTEGRATE Gen-0 and RE-INTEGRATE Gen-1, which are developed to enhance simulation generalizability, scalability, and accuracy. The framework leverages a generic class design for components to incorporate linear equations, which are generated by discretizing the Differential-Algebraic Equations (DAEs) that represent the dynamics of the components. In addition, the framework employs a parsing algorithm that parses a power system’s raw and dyr files to generate a connectivity graph which is then traversed to form the overall system’s dynamics. The proposed input data processing layer is used to simulate the IEEE 39-bus test system. The obtained results demonstrate the framework’s capability to achieve simulation scalability and accuracy. Further, the results indicate that EMT simulations performed using the proposed automations can effectively handle complex grid configurations.

Mishra, Rahul [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000328205932)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamic Line Rating Models and Their Potential for a Cost‐Effective Transition to Carbon‐Neutral Power Systems

Most transmission system operators (TSOs) currently use seasonally steady-state models considering limiting weather conditions that serve as reference to compute the transmission capacity of overhead power lines. The use of dynamic line rating (DLR) models can avoid the construction of new lines, market splitting, false congestions, and the degradation of lines in a cost-effective way. DLR can also be used in the long run in grid extension and new power capacity planning. In the short run, it should be used to help operate power systems with congested lines. The operation of the power systems is planned to have the market trading into account; thus, it computes transactions hours ahead of real-time operation, using power flow forecasts affected by large errors. In the near future, within a “smart grid” environment, in real-time operation conditions, TSOs should be able to rapidly compute the capacity rating of overhead lines using DLR models and the most reliable weather information, forecasts, and line measurements, avoiding the current steady-state approach that, in many circumstances, assumes ampacities above the thermal limits of the lines. Here, this work presents a review of the line rating methodologies in several European countries and the United States. Furthermore, it presents the results of pilot projects and studies considering the application of DLR in overhead power lines, obtaining significant reductions in the congestion of internal networks and cross-border transmission lines.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗