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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 883 records · Page 49
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Adaptive Voltage Regulation for Solar Power Inverters on Distribution Systems

The most recent version of IEEE 1547 has incorporated four reactive power control modes, including constant power factor, voltage-reactive power (Volt-Var), active power-reactive power and constant reactive power. These modes are specified to be mutually exclusive, and they don’t include every smart inverter function proposed by industry collaboration. In earlier work, we found that Volt-Var settings could be optimized but were sensitive to changes in the normal grid voltage. This sensitivity can be mitigated by combining Volt-Var with dynamic reactive current (DRC), but neither DRC nor combined modes appear in IEEE 1547. One problem with Volt-Var is the default dead-band; it mitigates the sensitivity to setpoint, but also limits the effectiveness in managing voltage fluctuations. There has been continued interest in tuning smart inverter functions locally, and in combining central with local control, but this process still requires extensive simulations. The goal is to find a default inverter setting that will effectively mitigate voltage fluctuations even as grid conditions change. It must be compatible with the current version of IEEE 1547. It should also be compatible with advanced control methods when available. Otherwise, it should not require communications, detailed engineering studies or field commissioning of custom settings. This would facilitate the integration of distributed solar in larger amounts. Adaptive voltage regulation (AVR) is a Volt-Var implementation, but with “autonomously adjusting” setpoint as described below Table 8 in IEEE 1547. Through simulation of a test system in OpenDSS, it was shown that AVR having a high gain and a time constant of 300 seconds could work well in any location. This mode and setting should be considered for a new universal default setting on smart inverters.

McDermott, Thomas E.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Suppression of Weakly-Damped Torsional Oscillations in Autonomous Power Systems

Variants are considered for suppression of weakly-damped vibration effects caused by the first critical frequency of torsional oscillations of a gas-turbine unit in the autonomous electric power system of an oil and gas field. It is shown that torsional oscillations can be suppressed with the aid both of a reactive power source installed at the field power system, consisting of a controlled shunt reactor (CSR) and a static capacitor battery, and of an auxiliary active RLC filter, when using in both cases auxiliary control loops of torsional deviation as well as its first and second derivatives. A methodology has been developed for simultaneous coordination of the settings of any regulation system based on a numerical optimization, which permits selecting the characteristics of control loops of the source of reactive power and active RLC filter that are optimal from the point of view of suppressing torsional oscillations.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Incorporating Valve Switching Losses Into a Static Optimal Control Algorithm for the Hybrid Hydraulic-Electric Architecture (HHEA)

The Hybrid Hydraulic-Electric Architecture (HHEA) has, in recent years, been proposed as an energy efficient alternative to conventional load-sensing architectures in mobile machines such as excavators and wheel-loaders. HHEA leverages the advantages of hydraulic power and electric power to eliminate throttling valves while also improving the energy and control performance of the system. The architecture utilizes a set of common pressure rails to provide a majority of power and and a small electric motor driven pump to modulate this power to meet the exact demand. Previous work has developed a computationally efficient Lagrange Multiplier approach for determining the optimal pressure rail selections that minimizes the energy losses in the system. The static model used considers only the energy use for each pressure rail selection but not the losses associated with the valves during the transition. This paper presents an approach to include the switching losses in the model and in the optimization procedure. To capture the switching losses, switching events between different rails and at various input and output flow rates were simulated with consideration of valve spool dynamics. A parameterized model that summarizes the losses is then obtained, allowing switching losses to be added to the previous energy analysis. The performance of the switching loss model was compared with reference data obtained from a high-fidelity simulation model. To incorporate the switching losses into optimal control algorithm, an efficient dynamic programming approach that prevents frequent switching is adopted in place of the Lagrange multiplier approach. The overall effect of switching losses on the energy consumption and optimal control decisions is presented. In general, switching losses contribute to about 9–10% of input energy.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Enhancing grid reliability and resilience through novel DER control, total situational awareness and integrated distribution-transmission representation

High penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) can lead to overvoltage and thermal violations, miscoordination of protection devices and potential adverse control interactions. The challenges are exacerbated by a lack of operator situational awareness of behind-the-meter DERs, and T&D interactions. Furthermore, the large attack surface of a DER environment creates significant cyber security challenges. The motivation is to address these barriers. The main goal is to enable extreme levels of DERs in distribution systems while simultaneously enhancing their reliability and resiliency. This is achieved by a data-driven approach for operation, planning and control of distribution systems with total situational awareness and real-time DER control enabled by a network of edge intelligent devices, a cloud-based analytical platform, and secure communications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Distributed Wind Controls: A Research Roadmap for Microgrids, Infrastructure Resilience, and Controls Launchpad (MIRACL)

The Microgrids, Infrastructure Resilience, and Advanced Controls Launchpad (MIRACL) project’s controls research area aims to expand the benefits from distributed wind (DW) generation assets beyond solely providing low cost power directly to consumers. To make distributed wind turbines operate more effectively there is a need for more advanced ways to control them, allowing power companies, businesses, and energy consumers to take advantage of the unique characteristics of wind energy. DW can contribute to the safe and secure operation of grid by providing services such as voltage regulation, frequency regulation, spinning reserves, and even black start capabilities. In the larger DER context where much of the research has focused around solar technologies, the inertia available in wind technologies has generally not been considered. For wind turbines to provide these services in an optimal and expanded way, development and demonstration of control methods and communication interfaces within a grid and microgrid framework are required. In this document, NREL led the literature review in collaboration with SNL, of DER controls-focused integration research to establish a baseline for the controls research under the MIRACL project to identify specific control functions to be focused on throughout this project. This literature review focused primarily on the control functions of variable distributed generation, largely pulling from past solar PV and battery controls works, with a specific focus on applicability for distributed wind energy systems. The goal of this document is to identify a research roadmap based on the open literature and past national laboratory works to inform advanced wind turbine and power electronics control functions for four use cases: 1) distributed wind in isolated systems, 2) grid-connected microgrids (wind-hybrid systems and islanded operation), 3) behind-the-meter distributed wind applications in the power distribution systems, and 4) front-of-the-meter distributed wind applications in the power distribution systems.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

DMS Advanced Applications for Accommodating High Penetrations of DERs and Microgrids: Preprint

Efficient and effective management of the electrical distribution system requires an integrated system approach for Distribution Management Systems (DMS), Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS), and microgrids to work in harmony. This paper highlights some of the outcomes from a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Electricity (OE) project, including 1) Architecture of these integrated systems, and 2) Expanded functions of two example DMS applications, Volt-VAR optimization (VVO) and Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR), to accommodate DER. For these two example applications, the relevant DER Group Functions necessary to support communication between DMS and Microgrid Controller (MC) in grid-tied mode are identified.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2017

Dual-Polarity Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry: Dynamic Monitoring and Controlling Gas-phase Ion–Ion Reactions

A dual-polarity linear ion trap (LIT) mass spectrometer was developed in this study, and the method for simultaneously controlling and detecting cations and anions was proposed and realized in the LIT. With the application of an additional dipolar DC field on the ejection electrodes of an LIT, dual-polarity mass spectra could be obtained, which include both the mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio and charge polarity information of an ion. Compared with conventional method, the ion ejection and detection efficiency could also be improved by about one-fold. Furthermore, ion–ion reactions within the LIT could be dynamically controlled and monitored by manipulating the distributions of ions with opposite charge polarities. This method was then used to control and study the reaction kinetics of ion–ion reactions, including electron transfer dissociation (ETD) and charge inversion reactions. A dual-polarity collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiment was proposed and performed to enhance the sequence coverage of a peptide ion. Ion trajectory simulations were also carried out for concept validation and system optimization. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Self-Organizing Map-Based Resilience Quantification and Resilient Control of Distribution Systems Under Extreme Events

Due to climate change, extreme weather events are occurring more frequently and with increasing impact. This trend poses a significant challenge for distribution system operators (DSO) to ensure that there is uninterrupted power supply to critical loads in their networks. To embed resilience into DSO's decision-making, resilience needs to be first quantified and then integrated into the system-level optimization. Therefore, this paper first develops a novel self-organizing map (SOM) based method (called SomRes) to quantify the time-varying resilience index of a system that can leverage the powerful classification property of SOMs and removes some of the disadvantages of subjective weight assignment methods. Using SomRes, a resilient resource allocation and operational dispatch algorithm is further developed to enhance system resilience against extreme events by considering the SomRes resilience index directly as the feedback. Here, the proposed resilience quantification approach is benchmarked with a state-of-the-art approach and the efficacy of the proposed resilient dispatch algorithm is demonstrated through several deterministic and statistical case studies on the IEEE 123-bus distribution system. Simulation studies show that the proposed SomRes quantification method is an appropriate indicator of system resilience, and the resilient resource allocation and dispatch strategy can significantly reduce critical load shedding under varying event propagation scenarios.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Grid-Interactive Electric Vehicle and Building Coordination Using Coupled Distributed Control: Preprint

As an increasing number of controllable devices are introduced onto the grid, they can individually provide ancillary services in support of grid stability. However, the goals of each device differ due to their type and individual objectives, causing instances where they may conflict. To reduce the chances of these devices contributing to grid instability, these devices must effectively communicate in a cooperative manner to both meet their own needs while providing services to the grid. Previous work demonstrates that the NALD (Network Lasso-ADMM - Limited Communication - DMPC) algorithm allows coordination between two subsystems that use different control algorithms (building and charging stations) to provide services to the grid and individually optimize their performance in a specific scenario. The ideal NALD algorithm should be generalized to allow plug-and-play capabilities across devices of differing characteristics. This paper takes a step toward generalizability by updating the electric vehicle charging objective and re-defining the communication scheme compared to prior work to generalize the coordination and, as a result, improve the performance of the NALD algorithm.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY CONSERVATION, C↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advanced Transmission Technologies –GETs and HPCs Session 3: HPCs and Building Actions Plans to Digital Assurance Risks

The third session of the Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Technical Assistance for Digital Assurance (TADA) program, held on November 11, 2025, centered on High Performance Conductors (HPCs) and the formulation of action plans to address digital assurance risks associated with Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs). This session convened experts from utilities, vendors, and government agencies to examine the technical, operational, and cybersecurity aspects of HPC deployment. Discussions highlighted the benefits of HPCs, such as their ability to rapidly increase transmission capacity using existing corridors, improve grid resilience, reduce system losses, and align with FERC Orders 2023 and 1920. Participants evaluated supply chain and digital assurance risks, including reliance on imported materials, limited domestic manufacturing capacity, workforce shortages, and traceability issues. The session also emphasized the importance of digital trust, integration-layer cybersecurity, and unified risk frameworks, introducing tools like intrusion detection systems, encryption, zero trust networking, and firmware integrity. Recaps of earlier workshops on Dynamic Line Ratings (DLRs), Advanced Power Flow Control (APFC), and Transmission Topology Optimization (TTO) underscored institutional barriers and integration challenges. Action plans were proposed to mitigate issues such as inconsistent cybersecurity practices, SBOM usage, supply chain visibility, operator trust, and misaligned incentives. Additionally, INL presented its supply chain risk management tools and Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) principles to support secure procurement and system design. The session concluded with a commitment to share key takeaways, incorporate cohort feedback into future policy development, and continue collaborative engagement through upcoming pilot activities. Session 3 of 3.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2017

Faster than Real-Time Dynamic Simulation for Large-Size Power System with Detailed Dynamic Models using High-Performance Computing Platform

This paper presents a faster-than-real-time dynamic simulation software package that is designed for large-size power system dynamic simulation. It was developed on the GridPACKTM high-performance computing (HPC) framework. The key features of the developed software package include (1) faster-than-real-time dynamic simulation for a WECC system (17,000 buses) with different types of detailed generator, controller, and relay dynamic models, (2) a decoupled parallel dynamic simulation algorithm with optimized computation architecture to better leverage HPC resources and technologies, (3) options for HPC-based linear and iterative solvers, (4) hidden HPC details, such as data communication and distribution, to enable development centered on mathematical models and algorithms rather than on computational details for power system researchers, and (5) easy integration of new dynamic models and related algorithms into the software package.

Huang, Renke↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electric Access System Enhancement (EASE): Assessment of a Distributed Energy Resource Management System for Enabling Dynamic Hosting Capacity

The Electric Access System Enhancement (EASE) project demonstrated a scalable, interoperable, and cost-effective means of integrating high penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs). The control architecture developed leveraged a Distributed Energy Resource Management System, Distribution System Operator for transacting energy, and 3rd Party DER Aggregator platform. The project identified ways to enhance the customer interconnection process to the grid and improve access to information from DERs and optimize the usage of DERs to provide energy services in a simulated day-ahead shadow market while maintain grid reliability. By integrating these capabilities into a scalable system of systems, the DSO can effectively balance DER generation and customer demand on the distribution network. This capability allows the grid to host more DER than traditionally possible on wires alone. Hosting more DER has the added benefit of supplying increased demand growth, sometimes beyond the capacity limits of the distribution network itself. This is known as a dynamic hosting capacity, which could help utilities manage the forecasted growth in electricity demand as California switch to electric vehicles and appliances. This could help to establish energy storage and PV generation as a “pseudo firm” generation resource mix if managed appropriately and provide sufficient resource adequacy for distribution capacity upgrade deferrals.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Model-Free Primal-Dual Methods for Network Optimization with Application to Real-Time Optimal Power Flow

This paper examines the problem of real-time optimization of networked systems and develops online algorithms that steer the system towards the optimal trajectory without explicit knowledge of the system model. The problem is modeled as a dynamic optimization problem with time-varying performance objectives and engineering constraints. The design of the algorithms leverages the online zero-order primal-dual projected-gradient method. In particular, the primal step that involves the gradient of the objective function (and hence requires a networked systems model) is replaced by its zero-order approximation with two function evaluations using a deterministic perturbation signal. The evaluations are performed using the measurements of the system output, hence giving rise to a feedback interconnection, with the optimization algorithm serving as a feedback controller. The paper provides some insights on the stability and tracking properties of this interconnection. Finally, the paper applies this methodology to a real-time optimal power flow problem in power systems, and shows its efficacy on the IEEE 37-node distribution test feeder for reference power tracking and voltage regulation.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Model-Free Primal-Dual Methods for Network Optimization with Application to Real-Time Optimal Power Flow: Preprint

This paper examines the problem of real-time optimization of networked systems and develops online algorithms that steer the system towards the optimal trajectory without explicit knowledge of the system model. The problem is modeled as a dynamic optimization problem with time-varying performance objectives and engineering constraints. The design of the algorithms leverages the online zero-order primal-dual projected-gradient method. In particular, the primal step that involves the gradient of the objective function (and hence requires networked systems model) is replaced by its zero-order approximation with two function evaluations using a deterministic perturbation signal. The evaluations are performed using the measurements of the system output, hence giving rise to a feedback interconnection, with the optimization algorithm serving as a feedback controller. The paper provides some insights on the stability and tracking properties of this interconnection. Finally, the paper applies this methodology to a real-time optimal power flow problem in power systems, and shows its efficacy on the IEEE 37-node distribution test feeder for reference power tracking and voltage regulation.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multi-layered Energy Management Framework for Extreme Fast Charging Stations Considering Demand Charges, Battery Degradation, and Forecast Uncertainties

To achieve a cost-effective and expeditious charging experience for extreme fast charging station (XFCS) owners and electric vehicle (EV) users, the optimal operation of XFCS is crucial. It is however challenging to simultaneously manage the profit from energy arbitrage, the cost of demand charges, and the degradation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) under uncertainties. This paper, therefore, proposes a multi-layered multi-time scale energy flow management framework for an XFCS by considering long- and short-term forecast uncertainties, monthly demand charges reduction, and BESS life degradation. In the proposed approach, an upper scheduling layer (USL) ensures the overall operation economy and yields optimal scheduling of the energy resources on a rolling horizon basis, thereby considering the long-term forecast errors. A lower dispatch layer (LDL) takes the short-term forecast errors into account during the real-time operation of the XFCS. Per the latest research, monthly demand charges can be as high as 90% of the total monthly bills for EV fast charging stations; to this end, this paper takes the first attempt at the reduction of demand charges cost by considering the trade-off between the energy cost and monthly demand charges. Contrasting literature, this work allocates an energy reserve in the BESS stored energy to deal with the impact of short-term forecast errors on the optimized real-time operation of the XFCS. Moreover, degradation modeling considers the trade-off between short-term benefits and long-term BESS life degradation. As a result, case studies and a comparative analysis prove the efficacy of the proposed framework.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2014

Optimization of magneto-resistive response of ion-irradiated exchange biased films through zigzag arrangement of magnetization

Exchange coupled ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic Ni{sub 81}Fe{sub 19}/Ir{sub 23}Mn{sub 77} films with a zigzag alignment of magnetization are prepared by local ion irradiation. The anisotropic magneto-resistive behavior of the magnetic thin film structures is correlated to the magnetic structure and modeled. A unique uniaxial field sensitivity along the net magnetization alignment is obtained through the orthogonally modulated and magnetic domain wall stabilized magnetic ground state. Controlling local thin film magnetization distributions and, thus, the overall magnetization response opens unique ways to tailor the magneto-resistive sensitivity of functional magnetic thin film devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Development of a Digital Twin for Hydrogen Dispersion and Safety Assessment in an Electrolyzer Based Hydrogen Production Facility

Digital twin models are virtual representations of physical systems that use real-time data to simulate and optimize performance. This study presents the development and initial implementation of a digital twin (DT) for the electrolyzer-based hydrogen production facility at NREL's Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES), focused on enhancing safety and optimizing sensor placement through physics-based simulations and metadata integration. The DT incorporates detailed facility-specific information, including component layout, leak locations, and controlled release parameters, to model hydrogen dispersion under varying environmental conditions. Using steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations informed by real meteorological data, such as wind speed, direction, and vertical wind profiles, the DT enables visualization of hydrogen plume behavior and spatial concentration distributions. Comparative analysis between high and low wind speed scenarios illustrates the significant influence of wind dynamics on plume shape and extent, with horizontal momentum dominating dispersion at higher speeds, while buoyancy effects become more prominent under low wind conditions. These simulations generate a rich dataset embedded within the DT, allowing users to assess potential leak outcomes and identify optimal sensor locations based on concentration thresholds. The model supports scenario-based analysis to guide safety strategies and equipment deployment for open-area hydrogen infrastructure. The digital twin thus serves as a dynamic platform for virtual prototyping, providing predictive insight into hydrogen behavior and enhancing risk-informed decision-making. This initial phase establishes a validated foundation for future integration of transient, uncontrolled leak scenarios and real-time sensor feedback, positioning the DT as a critical tool for safety design, operational planning, and adaptive monitoring in hydrogen systems. Overall, the approach demonstrates the value of combining environmental data with digital simulations to inform safer and more efficient deployment of hydrogen technologies.

08 HYDROGEN↗