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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Energy Resilience Options for the Koolauloa Community Resilience Hub – Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project, Cohort 2: Summary of Findings and Assessment

Hui o Hau‘ula (HoH) is a community organization dedicated to the well-being of the population of the Ko‘olauloa district on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. In response to growing concerns about challenges related to extreme weather events or natural disasters, HoH formulated the concept of the Ko‘olauloa Community Resilience Hub, or KCRH. The KCRH facility would serve as a focal point for the community during normal conditions, while also providing essential services and acting as a safe space during emergencies, natural or man-made. The concept of the KCRH was initially developed in partnership with the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, +Lab Architects, and the City and County of Honolulu. In the fall of 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy, under the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project Program (ETIPP), provided support to the KCRH project, in the form of technical assistance (TA) to be provided by its National Laboratory complex. In this case, the core TA was provided by Sandia National Laboratories, and it was directed to providing options for designing an energy system based at the KCRH that could support critical loads in the event of a 30- day grid outage. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provided communications and logistics support in the project.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Peer-to-Peer Energy Management System for Distributed Microgrid Coordination [SWR-21-92]

Resiliency is one of the key challenges in today's power system. Natural disasters and cyber-attacks both can limit communications between microgrids and the central management system. Thus, having a Distributed Microgrid Coordination (DMC) algorithm can improve the system resiliency, which enables the microgrids to operate without communication with the central management system. Peer-to-Peer Energy Management System for Distributed Microgrid Coordination adopts a primal-dual approach, where each microgrid controller keeps a local estimate of the dual variables. The estimate is updated with local measurements and peer-to-peer communication, leading to a fully distributed algorithm. While the DMC is developed for microgrid coordination, it can be used for general distributed control purpose.

Li, Yashen↗
DOE OSTI2026

Kauhale 'O Kipapa: Kahikinui Community Cultural, Educational, and Resilience Center Preliminary Design Technical Assistance Summary Report

The Kahikinui Homestead Community in Maui faces energy resilience challenges due to its remote, off-grid location. This report summarizes preliminary technical assistance to design a microgrid for six modular homes using solar PV, wind, and battery storage. Findings show hybrid PV and battery systems, supplemented by small wind turbines, offer cost-effective, resilient solutions. This work supports enhanced energy independence and disaster preparedness for the community.

Quiroz, Jimmy Edward [Sandia National Laboratories↗
DOE OSTI2021

Clear Sky Tampa Bay: Pre-Release Webinar

This deck discusses the development of the Clean Sky Toolkit during the second round of Solar Energy Innovation Network, tips and best practices to apply the Clear Sky Toolkit, and opportunities for involvement in energy resilience webinar and actives.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Power System Resilience Evaluation Framework and Metric Review

Power system resilience has been an emerging hot topic in recent years to investigate the increasing threats of extreme events, such as natural disasters, severe weather, and cyberattacks. Although much research has been done to define, model, and quantify resilience from different aspects, the lack of universally accepted evaluation methods and resilience metrics makes it difficult to assess and compare resilience across different power systems, such as what is typically done in power system reliability studies. In this paper, first, we review the definitions of resilience, and we summarize two core concepts shared by most of the literature. Then, we develop a new framework to assess power system resilience from two perspectives - i.e., pre-event estimation and post-event evaluation - to capture system resilience performance in both general and specific fashions. We conduct a thorough review of existing resilience metrics and categorize them using the proposed framework, where recommendations are also proposed to capture core concepts of resilience.

power system resilience↗
DOE OSTI2022

Power System Resilience Evaluation Framework and Metric Review: Preprint

Power system resilience is an emerging hot topic in recent years to study the increasing threats of extreme events such as natural disasters, severe weather, and cyberattacks. Although many research works have been done to define, model, and quantify resilience from different aspects, the lack of universally accepted resilience metrics and evaluation methods makes it difficult to assess and compare resilience across different power systems like what is typically done in power system reliability studies. In this paper, we first review the definitions of resilience and summarized two core concepts shared by most literature. On top of that, we conduct a thorough review of resilience metrics and develop a new framework to assess power system resilience from two perspectives, i.e., pre-event estimation and post-event evaluation, to capture system resilience performance in both general and specific fashions. Existing resilience metrics are summarized and categorized using the proposed framework, where recommendations are also proposed to capture core concepts of resilience.

power system resilience↗
DOE OSTI2023

Shedding light on the economic costs of long-duration power outages: A review of resilience assessment methods and strategies

Here this paper provides a literature review of methods and modeling techniques to estimate the cost of power system outages, along with the value of outage mitigation or system resilience. Regulators, policymakers, and infrastructure owners have a growing need to understand the methods for estimating the benefits of resilience improvements of electric infrastructure against natural and man-made disasters. There is a broad literature that estimates the cost of short-duration outages and a small but developing literature on estimating the cost of long-duration outages. This article reviews the models used to estimate the cost of outages and discusses their relative strengths. Additionally, this paper identifies key questions from stakeholders regarding resilience investment and maps them to the relevant models that would help answer them. We include recommendations for future work to include recent advances in regional economic modeling that can estimate region and demographic-specific costs and the distributional consequences of potential resilience projects.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Resilience of electric utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in the framework of the CIGRE definition of Power System Resilience

Resilience is a vital concept in engineering, business, and natural sciences, and is a measure of the ability of an entity to withstand High Impact Low Probability (HILP) events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in late 2019/early 2020, power system utilities around the globe have responded in effective and efficient ways to enhance the resilience of their organisations, both in terms of real-time operations and prudent management of its infrastructure, in order to continue their mandate in providing reliable supply to meet customer demands. Here, this paper presents the CIGRE definition for power system resilience, established by the C4.47 Working Group in 2018, and demonstrates the application of resilience-oriented thinking within the electrical sector. The response and recovery efforts are described, with respect to the key actionable measures integral to the power system resilience definition, taken before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A practical conceptual framework is also presented for thinking about resilience in terms of three key components of resilience strategies: organisational, infrastructure and operational resilience. The paper also discusses the different strategies adopted in response to COVID-19, based on the C4.47 members’ experiences during the pandemic. Finally, a case study is presented, which proves the effectiveness of a set of response measures, using graph theory and the characteristics of the staff-asset interactions.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Deep Reinforcement Learning for Resilient Power and Energy Systems: Progress, Prospects, and Future Avenues

In recent years, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has garnered substantial attention in the context of enhancing resilience in power and energy systems. Resilience, characterized by the ability to withstand, absorb, and quickly recover from natural disasters and human-induced disruptions, has become paramount in ensuring the stability and dependability of critical infrastructure. This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements and applications of DRL in enhancing the resilience of power and energy systems, highlighting significant contributions and key insights. The exploration commences with a concise elucidation of the fundamental principles of DRL, highlighting the intricate interplay among reinforcement learning (RL), deep learning, and the emergence of DRL. Furthermore, it categorizes and describes various DRL algorithms, laying a robust foundation for comprehending the applicability of DRL. The linkage between DRL and power system resilience is forged through a systematic classification of DRL applications into five pivotal dimensions: dynamic response, recovery and restoration, energy management and control, communications and cybersecurity, and resilience planning and metrics development. This structured categorization facilitates a methodical exploration of how DRL methodologies can effectively tackle critical challenges within the domain of power and energy system resilience. The review meticulously examines the inherent challenges and limitations entailed in integrating DRL into power and energy system resilience, shedding light on practical challenges and potential pitfalls. Additionally, it offers insights into promising avenues for future research, with the aim of inspiring innovative solutions and further progress in this vital domain.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Battery Storage for Resilience

As the capital costs of battery storage systems are decreasing, new opportunities to cost-effectively deploy the technology, often paired with renewable energy technologies, are emerging. At the same time, the duration and frequency of natural disasters is increasing. As a result, a growing number of institutions are deploying battery storage systems as a resilient energy solution because traditional back-up power solutions, like diesel generators, are not always sufficient, especially during longer-duration and larger-scale disasters. This fact sheet describes how battery storage, along with additional generation sources, can be used both to provide cost savings while grid-connected and to provide backup power when the grid goes down.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Probabilistic Resilience-Oriented Assessment Approach for Transmission Networks Under Wildfires

The rising threat of wildfires poses significant challenges to power transmission networks, particularly in areas prone to such disasters. Traditional approaches for wildfire risk assessment neglect some potential wildfire scenarios. Here, this paper introduces a probabilistic resilience-oriented assessment approach for power transmission networks to address this gap. Initially, a probabilistic wildfire model is developed to capture uncertainties in ignition, intensity, and fire spread. Next, a spatiotemporal fragility model is constructed to assess the impact of wildfires on transmission corridors, incorporating Thermal Aging (TA) and Dynamic Thermal Rate (DTR) change. Finally, a comprehensive resilience metric is defined to evaluate system performance, leveraging the fragility model to determine component and system-level resilience. The approach employs a combinatorial enumeration method to generate potential wildfire scenarios, enhanced by an impact-increment-based state enumeration (IISE) method for computational efficiency. The proposed method provides critical insights for identifying system vulnerabilities and developing robust strategies to protect transmission networks from wildfires. The efficacy of this approach is validated through extensive scenarios of the RTS-GMLC system across Southern California, Nevada and Arizona.

Vahedi, Soroush [Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs, CT ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluating the role of green infrastructure features in post-disaster recovery – Case Study of Beaumont, Texas after tropical storm imelda

While green infrastructure (GI) can provide multiple environmental benefits, its role in post-disaster economic and social recovery remains relatively underexplored. This article investigates whether different characteristics of GI, such as size, shape, connectivity, and amenities, affect the resilience of local businesses following Tropical Storm Imelda in Beaumont, Texas. The study utilizes SafeGraph mobility data to analyze foot traffic patterns to local businesses before, during, and after the disaster. FRAGSTATS indices measure GI characteristics (e.g., area, shape index, fractal dimension, proximity) while park features such as sports facilities, playgrounds, water features, and accessibility are cataloged through manual observation. Ordinary Least Squares regression models assess the relationship between park characteristics and post-recovery business performance, controlling for demographic variables including income, race, and poverty levels. Results indicate that certain GI attributes significantly enhance business recovery. Points of interest within walking distance (0.5 miles) of parks demonstrated better post-recovery status compared to those beyond this range. Specifically, parks with larger areas (p < 0.01) and more complex shapes measured by fractal dimension index (p < 0.01) had the strongest positive impact on surrounding businesses' recovery. Interestingly, playgrounds showed a negative correlation with recovery (p < 0.05), likely due to flood damage rendering them unusable during the immediate recovery period. Social vulnerability factors, including higher poverty rates and minority populations, negatively affected recovery outcomes despite park proximity.

Economic resilience↗
DOE OSTI2022

Generative Design for Resilience of Interdependent Network Systems

Abstract Interconnected complex systems usually undergo disruptions due to internal uncertainties and external negative impacts such as those caused by harsh operating environments or regional natural disaster events. To maintain the operation of interconnected network systems under both internal and external challenges, design for resilience research has been conducted from both enhancing the reliability of the system through better designs and improving the failure recovery capabilities. As for enhancing the designs, challenges have arisen for designing a robust system due to the increasing scale of modern systems and the complicated underlying physical constraints. To tackle these challenges and design a resilient system efficiently, this study presents a generative design method that utilizes graph learning algorithms. The generative design framework contains a performance estimator and a candidate design generator. The generator can intelligently mine good properties from existing systems and output new designs that meet predefined performance criteria while the estimator can efficiently predict the performance of the generated design for a fast iterative learning process. Case studies results based on synthetic supply chain networks and power systems from the IEEE dataset have illustrated the applicability of the developed method for designing resilient interdependent network systems.

Engineering↗
DOE OSTI2025

Scalable Unit Commitment with Security Constrained AC Power Flow via ADMM and Hybrid Modeling Strategies

This research introduces a more efficient way to optimize power grid operations, breaking the problem into manageable steps and using advanced mathematical techniques to speed up calculations. By incorporating smart heuristics, improved preprocessing, and contingency analysis, the approach allows operators to make better decisions faster. These innovations enhance our understanding of how to optimize energy generation, making it possible to anticipate failures before they happen, reduce system costs, and improve overall grid performance. Ultimately, this research helps bridge the gap between theoretical models and real-world applications, paving the way for a smarter, more resilient power grid. This research directly benefits the public by making electricity more affordable, reliable, and sustainable. By improving how power grids schedule and distribute electricity, the project helps energy providers reduce operational costs, which can lead to lower electricity prices for consumers. Additionally, the ability to predict and prevent power system failures enhances grid reliability, reducing the likelihood of blackouts that can disrupt homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure such as hospitals. From an environmental perspective, optimizing power generation reduces energy waste and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable energy system. Furthermore, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent, these advancements make the power grid more resilient, ensuring communities are better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. By strengthening the nation's energy infrastructure, this research plays a crucial role in improving economic stability, public safety, and environmental sustainability.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

3D Printing of Cement-Based Materials Using Seawater for Simulated Marine Environments

Global demand for adaptable and rapidly deployable construction solutions in offshore, coastal, and fluvial environments continues to rise, driven by pressing needs to develop energy platforms, improve coastal resilience, and support emergency response in the face of natural disasters. Increased investment in human-made coastal infrastructure, such as piers, support structures for power lines, offshore wind farms, and seawall protection systems, further underscores this trend. This study investigates the development of printable concrete mixtures for underwater environments using seawater as a replacement for freshwater, using a 3D printing syringe-based extrusion system. The effect of seawater addition and the printing medium (in air vs. underwater) was assessed via rheological and mechanical performance characterization. The results indicate rheological properties are favorable for seawater adoption by producing mixtures with higher yield stress and viscosity with the same levels of admixtures used for freshwater. Seawater-based mixtures demonstrated superior dimensional stability compared to freshwater counterparts, maintaining cross-sectional geometry, while compressive strength results showed no statistical differences between in-air and underwater samples. However, flexural strength was significantly influenced by geometry and printing medium. These findings establish critical rheological parameters for printable underwater mixtures and highlight the need for optimized curing strategies and layer bonding techniques to improve interfacial strength in underwater 3D printing applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Navy Ratchets Up Resilience Through Agency/Utility Collaboration

The Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Mississippi Power Company (MPC) have integrated a 15-acre solar photovoltaic (PV) array, battery storage, and backup generation with an innovative microgrid. The Navy and utility teams are helping ensure mission readiness at NCBC while increasing renewable energy generation on the grid in MPC's service area. The NCBC/MPC resilience effort will allow the base to more effectively deploy disaster recovery activities in the event of a grid outage.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Navy Ratchets Up Resilience Through Agency/Utility Collaboration

Fact sheet describes how the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Mississippi Power Company (MPC) have integrated a 15-acre solar photovoltaic (PV) array, battery storage, and backup generation with an innovative microgrid to ensure mission readiness at NCBC while increasing renewable energy generation on the grid in MPC's service area. The NCBC/MPC resilience effort will allow the base to more effectively deploy disaster recovery activities in the event of a grid outage.

battery storage↗
DOE OSTI2024

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Developing a Resilient Power System

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a chain of 14 islands located in the western Pacifc ocean, roughly 6,000 miles west of the U.S. mainland and 2,000 miles east of China. The economy in CNMI is highly dependent on tourism. CNMI relies on imported petroleum products for both electricity generation and transportation and is consequently sensitive to fluctuations in market prices for fuel. CNMI's aging electricity infrastructure and vulnerability to natural disasters present major challenges and emphasize the territory's need for a more resilient power system.

CNMI↗