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DOE OSTI2021

Model Based Predictive Control for Frequency Support in Multi-port Autonomous Reconfigurable Solar Plants

Primary frequency support functionality can be an added advantage for any new grid integrated power electronics resource. With increased penetration of power electronics resources, inertial and primary frequency response capabilities are decreasing. In this research paper, an advanced model-based predictive control (MBPC) algorithm for providing frequency support to a new topology of integrated photovoltaic(PV), batterybased energy storage systems (ESS), and high-voltage direct current (HV dc) systems called multi-port autonomus reconfigurable solar (MARS) plants is based on the synchronverter-based control. The simulation of MARS-HV dc system with proposed control strategy is simulated and validated for MARS connected to low short circuit ratio (SCR) grids in PSCAD/EMTDC simulation environment. The control algorithm proposed showcases better performance in terms of frequency nadir improvement and frequency steady state improvemnt with respect to no frequency control.

Marthi, Phani Ratna Vanamali↗

DOE OSTI2021

Techno-Economic Impact of Partial String Failure in Multi-string Energy Storage Systems

Electric utilities and large industrial/commercial customers, which integrate multi-MW multi-string energy storage systems (ESS), are typically at a significant risk of string failure. This results in the loss of system performance and capacity. In order to evaluate the accurate costs and benefits associated with a particular battery system, it is essential to incorporate the costs associated with battery string failure and, as a result, reduced capacity. This report analyzes how the economic losses can be estimated based on market rules and ESS availability. A framework for calculation of economic losses is developed and implemented with an illustrative string failure case for Independent System Operator (ISO-NE) forward capacity market. Further scenarios and case studies are analyzed by varying the probability of string failure as well as the capacity bid into the market. These scenarios are used to assess the variability of economic losses and the impact of string failure on the final realized benefits from the battery's market participation.

Fotedar, Vanshika↗

DOE OSTI2022

Discrete and Integrated Solutions for Hybrid PV Plants Without Momentary Cessation in Low SCR and High Penetration PE Grids

With the increased penetration of power electronic (PE) based loads and sources, advanced solutions may be required for the enhancement of grid stability in regions with low short circuit ratio (SCR) and high penetration PE grids. The requirement of advanced solutions arises from the gradual paradigm shift of the electric grid from the traditional electric machine dominant system to a high penetration of PE-based system. One of the major challenges with such systems in recent times is the momentary cessation during alternating current (ac) grid transmission faults. During momentary cessation, PE-based resources cease to operate, thus creating probable reliability challenges for the grid. In this paper, potential feasible options to provide continuity of operation during such scenarios are presented. The options are considered through identifying upgrades in existing and upcoming discrete development of photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) termed as discrete hybrid PV plants. Additionally, an advanced concept of integrated development of PV and ESS connecting to ac transmission grid links called multi-port autonomous reconfigurable solar power plant (MARS) is evaluated. The developed new solutions are evaluated for different grid use cases and scenarios in PSCAD.

Marthi, Phani Ratna Vanamali↗

DOE OSTI2021

High-Fidelity Models and Fast EMT Simulation Algorithms for Isolated Multi-port Autonomous Reconfigurable Solar power plant (MARS)

The integration of hybrid photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) based plants has become a promising way of solving the intermittency of PV plants and providing frequency support to the power grid. The multi-port autonomous reconfigurable solar power plant (MARS) can integrate the PV systems and ESSs to an ac grid and dc lines. The proposed isolated MARS incorporates an isolated converter that connects to the PV arrays and is based on the dual active bridge (DAB) converter. The high frequency switching in the DAB and the means to control the DAB converter using delays between switching signals lead to the need for a small timestep in simulations. Moreover, several hundreds of modules that include a DAB converter are present in the MARS. The small timestep and the presence of several hundreds of modules lead to a significant rise in the overall simulation time. To address this issue, simulation algorithms like numerical stiffness-based hybrid discretization and the hysteresis relaxation technique are applied to the switched system model of isolated MARS. Additionally, an event-driven interpolating method is introduced to help increase the minimum timestep to simulate the conventional DAB converter model while maintaining high accuracy in the simulation results. The developed model is validated by comparison with its reference model built in the PSCAD/EMTDC and MATLAB software environments using library components.

Xia, Qian↗

DOE OSTI2025

Coordination of Energy Storage and Distributed Generation for Voltage Control and Peak-valley Filling

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in distribution network (DN) poses challenges on voltage control. In addition, the growing integration of DERs also reshapes the traditional load profile. To comprehensively address the voltage control and peak-valley filling in DN, this paper proposes a model predictive control (MPC) based optimization framework. The proposed method can achieve coordinated voltage control and peak-valley filling by adjusting the reactive power output from distributed generations (DGs) and the charging/discharging of energy storage systems (ESS). The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulations on a modified IEEE-123 bus system.

Zhang, Zhengfa [University of Tennessee, Knoxville↗

DOE OSTI2020

Advanced Models and Fast Simulation Algorithms for MARS Plants

With the successful commercialization of modular multilevel converters (MMC) and rapid increase in photovoltaic (PV) penetration and energy storage systems (ESS), one of the research areas being explored dynamically is integration of PV systems and ESS systems to MMCs. On this front, an integrated development of PV plants, ESS, and alternating- and direct-current (ac/dc) systems through Multi-Port Autonomous Reconfigurable Solar (MARS) plant is proposed and being researched upon. However, simulation of MARS systems on traditional existing software takes very long time (order of days) due to the presence of a large number of states and non-linear devices. Therefore, development of fast high fidelity models is of paramount importance to test the hardware design, control design and planning of power system expansions. In this context, two research objectives are addressed in this paper: firstly, an ultra fast single- or multi- CPU simulation algorithm to simulate the MARS system based on state-space models, hybrid discretization algorithm with a relaxation technique that reduces the imposed computational burden and a multi-rate method is presented. Secondly, a reduced order model of MARS is also presented. Both the developed techniques are validated with respect to reference PSCAD/EMTDC model.

Marthi, Phani Ratna Vanamali↗

DOE OSTI2022

Virtual Synchronous Generator Control of Multi-port Autonomous Reconfigurable Solar Plants (MARS)

Multi-port autonomous reconfigurable solar power plant (MARS) is an integrated concept for integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) to transmission alternating current (ac) grid and high-voltage direct current (HVdc) links. The integrated development incorporates advanced control methods to provide enhanced grid ancillary services such as fast frequency responses and dynamic voltage support. In this paper, the virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control algorithm of MARS is discussed. The proposed VSG-based control enables enhanced synthetic inertial response and flexible frequency response characteristics of hybrid PV and ESS power plants in accordance with grid ancillary service requirements. Multi-port power electronics interface allows controlled emergency power support from MARS to local transmission ac grid and remote grid through the HVdc link. The performance of VSG control is validated using a reduced-order model of MARS in Simulink. Methods for estimating grid ancillary service capabilities of MARS are also discussed.

Pan, Jiuping↗

DOE OSTI2020

Optimal Distribution System Voltage Regulation using State Estimation and DER Grid-Support Functions

Increasing solar energy penetrations may create challenges for distribution system operations because production variability can lead to large voltage deviations or protection system miscoordination. Instituting advanced management systems on distribution systems is one promising method for combating these challenges by intelligently controlling distribution assets to regulate voltage and ensure protection safety margins. While it is generally not the case today, greater deployment of power system sensors and interoperable distributed energy resources (DER)e.g., photovoltaic (PV) inverters, energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVs)will enable situational awareness, control, and optimization of distribution systems. In this work, a control system was created which measures power system parameters to estimate the status of a feeder, forecasts the distribution state over a short-term horizon, and issues optimal set point commands to distribution-connected equipment to regulate voltage and protect the system. This two-year project integrated multiple research innovations into a management system designed to safely allow PV penetrations of 50% or greater. The integrated software was demonstrated through extensive real-time (RT) and power hardware-in-the-loop studies and a field demonstration on a live power system with a 684 kVA PV system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2021

Hosting Capacity Improvement Method Using MV–MV Solid-State-Transformer

As a large number of distributed generations are connected to the distribution system, research on the hosting capacity is actively being conducted. In particular, various methods, such as smart inverter functionality, co-located energy storage systems (ESS), and the use of on-load tap changers (OLTC), have been proposed to improve the hosting capacity. In this paper, a method to improve the hosting capacity by utilizing a solid-state transformer (SST) and its unique control capability is proposed. Lastly, the proposed method is verified in the distribution system of the Republic of Korea using the OpenDSS program.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2022

Energy storage systems for electrical microgrids with pulsed power loads

Pulsed power loads (PPLs) are highly non-linear and can cause significant stability and power quality issues in an electrical microgrid. According to the present invention, many of these issues can be mitigated by an Energy Storage System (ESS) that offsets the PPL. The ESS can maintain a constant bus voltage and decouple the generation sources from the PPL. For example, the ESS specifications can be obtained with an ideal, band-limited hybrid battery and flywheel system.

Weaver, Wayne W.↗

DOE OSTI2023

System for evaluating hardware

A system for evaluating a power electronics module, such as a photovoltaic (PV) module or an energy-storage system (ESS) module, is provided. The power electronics module may form a component of a multiport autonomous reconfigurable solar (MARS) power plant, which may include a plurality of phase-legs each including an upper arm and the lower arm.

Marti, Shilpa↗

DOE OSTI2021

Techno-Economic Impact of Partial String Failurein Multi-string Energy Storage Systems

Electric utilities and large industrial/commercial customers, which integrate multi-MW multi-string energy storage systems (ESS), are typically at a significant risk of string failure. This results in loss of system performance and capacity. In order to evaluate the accurate costs and benefits associated with a particular battery system, it is essential to incorporate the costs associated with battery string failure and, as a result, reduced capacity. This report analyzes how the economic losses can be estimated based on market rules and ESS availability. A framework for calculation of economic losses is developed and implemented with an illustrative string failure case for Independent System Operator (ISO-NE) forward capacity market. Further scenarios and case studies are analyzed by varying the probability of string failure as well as the capacity bid into the market. These scenarios are used to assess the variability of economic losses and the impact of string failure on final realized benefits from the battery's market participation.

Fotedar, Vanshika↗

DOE OSTI2024

Energy storage-based packetized delivery of electricity

Systems and methods for Energy Storage-based Packetized Delivery of Electricity (ES-PDE) are disclosed that are radically different from the operation of today's grid. Using ES-PDE, the loads are powered by the energy storage systems (ESS) the majority of the time and only receive packets of electricity periodically to charge the ESSs. Therefore, the grid operators can schedule the delivery of electricity packets to utilize the existing grid infrastructure. Since the customers are powered by the co-located ESSs they are not impacted by the grid operation in short term. Therefore, when grid outages occur, the customers still have power for some time, giving the grid more time to be fully restored.

Nguyen, Tu Anh↗

DOE OSTI2026

Safe Deep Reinforcement Learning for Active Distribution System Model Predictive Control with EVs and DERs

The temporal and spatial mismatch between PV generation and electric vehicle (EV) charging and discharging may cause voltage violations in active distribution networks. Despite the widespread use of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in power system optimization and control, it lacks guarantees on constraint satisfaction during both training and deployment. This paper proposes a Lagrangian-based safe DRL approach for model predictive control (MPC) of active distribution systems with large-scale integration of PVs, EVs, and energy storage systems (ESSs). A Transformer-LSTM time-series model is proposed to forecast EV charging demand, which is then formulated as a constraint to ensure charging requirements are met. Using this prediction, a Lagrangian-based safe soft actor-critic (SAC) framework is developed for real-time control in a three-phase unbalanced distribution system, enforcing voltage safety constraints while optimizing the cumulative net reward. By integrating the forecasting model with multi-period constraints, the proposed framework jointly coordinates PV systems, EV charging and discharging, and ESS scheduling within the MPC horizon. Numerical experiments on a modified IEEE 123-bus system with real-world data show that, under a high PV penetration scenario, the proposed method increases the net reward by 30.74% and reduces average voltage violations from 0.0011 p.u. to 0.0002 p.u. compared with standard SAC. Compared with the optimal power flow (OPF) approach, it achieves similar voltage security while yielding lower line losses. It also maintains real-time control capability, reducing operation latency to 53.21 ms per 15-minute control interval. The proposed method remains effective under varying PV/EV penetrations and load conditions.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2022

A 50-kW Bidirectional Step-up / Step-down DC/DC Oak Ridge Converter for Wireless Charger Applications

This study presents a novel bidirectional concept by using Oak Ridge Converter (ORC) for wireless energy conversion (WEC) technologies such as wireless electric vehicle (EV) chargers, wireless mobile or energy storage systems (MESS / ESS), etc. The presented system can be deployed in a bidirectional wireless power transfer (WPT) structure for different input voltages by using two different operating frequencies. The proposed concept here achieves zero voltage switching (ZVS) in during step-up and step-down configurations. The system overall theoretical design and experimental test results are presented for 50 kW power transfer in both bidirectional operations modes. The laboratory demonstration of the system is presented for the three-phase bidirectional system with 6 inches of airgap between the coils and output of 560 VDC with 95.4% dc-to-dc efficiency.

Asa, Erdem↗

DOE OSTI2024

Machine Learning-Assisted Stability Boundary Determination of Multiport Autonomous Reconfigurable Solar Power Plants

The multiport autonomous reconfigurable solar (MARS) power plant is a promising solution to integrate renewable resources and energy storage systems into the alternating current (ac) power grid and an high-voltage direct current (HVdc) link. In the MARS system, various input power sources are connected to the individual submodules (SMs) through direct current (dc)–dc converters. However, the presence of external power sources can result in unbalanced capacitor voltages of SMs, thereby violating stability constraints under multiple/diverse operating conditions. This article aims to address the gap by accurately determining the stability boundary of the MARS system. As such, a novel machine learning (ML)-assisted energy balancing control (EBC) criterion is proposed. Further, in conjunction with a refined EBC, this approach ensures balanced capacitor voltages across various types of SMs, significantly enhancing the overall system efficiency. The proposed EBC criterion effectively controls EBC activation and deactivation, achieving remarkable accuracy. Both power systems computer aided design (PSCAD)/electromagnetic transients including direct current (EMTDC) simulations and control hardware-in-the-loop (cHIL) tests are conducted to validate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method. By combining the EBC and ML-assisted EBC criterion, efficient energy management is achieved for systems featuring multiple input power sources, such as MARS. This approach enables the system to fully exploit its potential across an expanded operational range while upholding high-efficiency standards.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

A Penalty Scheme for Mitigating Uninstructed Deviation of Generation Outputs From Variable Renewables in a Distribution Market

With rapid growth of distributed renewable generation, the establishment of electricity distribution markets has attracted widespread concerns. Different from existing transmission grid-scale electricity markets, an electricity distribution market is featured by numerous small-scale prosumers, and zero marginal cost and intermittency of renewable generation units. Against this background, this paper first extends an average pricing market (APM) mechanism for pricing renewable generation outputs with zero marginal cost in the distribution network concerned. Then, to mitigate the uninstructed volatility of renewable generation outputs and power demand, a penalty scheme is proposed for deviations between the real-time demand/output and market cleared bid/offer, with frequency regulation service (FRS) from energy storage systems (ESSs) considered. It is proved that the market volatility can be well controlled within an expected limit through properly setting the penalty prices for load demand and generation output fluctuations. Also, with this mechanism a non-negative market surplus could always be attained. Case studies are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed distribution market mechanism and penalty scheme.

electricity distribution market↗

DOE OSTI2023

Control System of Multi-Port Autonomous Reconfigurable Solar Power Plant (MARS) & HIL Platforms for Design

Multi-port autonomous reconfigurable solar power plant (MARS) provides an attractive alternative to connect photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESSs) to high-voltage direct current (HVdc) links and high-voltage alternating current (ac) grids. In this paper, a unique hierarchical control system of MARS is proposed and evaluated. To evaluate the control system and associated algorithms in early-stage research of complex architectures like MARS, it is important to develop unique suitable hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platforms. In this paper, the HIL platforms for MARS to evaluate the performance of the hierarchical control system and the control algorithms implemented are presented. Further, they help with the design process of control systems. The real-time simulation models and algorithms that are utilized for MARS in the HIL platforms are also discussed in the paper. The HIL experiments of the control system of MARS showcase the capability to provide continuity of operation under faults and frequency support to the power grid during loss of generation. They also showcase the stability of the proposed hierarchical control system of MARS.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗