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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Interactions of Wind Energy Project Siting, Wind Resource Potential, and the Evolution of the U.S. Power System

The interactions of wind energy project siting, resource potential, and power system evolution are critical to understand given interest in high renewable energy systems, particularly as wind costs have fallen and grid operators implement solutions to manage variable generation. This study applies an integrative approach that combines spatially-explicit resource potential analysis with high spatial resolution U.S. electricity system modeling. Multiple wind supply curves, representing variations in siting regimes that account for interactions with built infrastructure, regulatory, physical, and social land use factors, are evaluated to determine how siting could influence prospective wind development. Different siting regimes lead to variations in future wind capacity, with the greatest impacts observed under scenarios with high demand for clean energy. With the tightest emissions limit modeled, 2050 onshore wind capacity varied by +7% (49 GW) in the least-restrictive siting regime to a decrease of 37% (270 GW) under the most-constrained case. More-stringent siting restrictions lead to higher electricity prices and emissions that should be weighed with local impacts. Under restrictive siting regimes, wind deployment is also sensitive to transmission availability and wind plant design. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of local land use considerations in regional and national power system planning.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

A taxonomy of systems that combine utility-scale renewable energy and energy storage technologies

Interest in renewable energy-based hybrid systems—which combine multiple renewable energy and/or energy storage technologies—is apparent and growing. Such systems could play an important role in the grid of the future, but our ability to quantify their potential impacts is hindered by (a) the inconsistent treatment of hybrid systems and (b) an incomplete understanding of which aspects of hybridization will have the greatest influence. In this article, we review the literature and propose an organization scheme for utility-scale hybrid systems in which electricity is generated from commercially available, renewable energy technologies, and electricity is the only output. Based on this literature review, we propose three categories for delineating systems that link multiple renewable energy and/or energy storage technologies: co-located resources (locational linkage only), virtual power plants (operational linkage only), and full hybrids (location and operational linkages). Proposing a categorization based on whether the systems involve locational and/or operational linkages reflects the fact that technology combinations do not represent a meaningful delineation. In addition, the categories are ideal for informing model development efforts, by identifying the unique characteristics that must be captured in adequate representations of systems that fall under each category. Our categories can also help inform policy considerations, as they delineate system characteristics that would introduce distinct permitting, siting, interconnection, and policy challenges. Therefore, we believe that our proposed taxonomy will help organize thinking and research efforts in a way that will enable consistent evaluation of the costs, values, and potential of renewable energy-based hybrids.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Enhanced Long-Duration Energy Storage Modeling [Slides]

As our power grid evolves toward a more renewable future, energy storage is poised to take a larger role in meeting growing energy needs. Energy storage could help keep the power system reliable even through potential outages, periods of extreme weather, and when generation from variable renewable technologies like wind and solar is low. Given the different durations of these stressors, grid analysts at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are working to better understand the role and benefits of long-duration energy storage - or storage technologies with 8-24 hours of storage capacity - in high variable renewable energy systems.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Building partnerships for development of sustainable energy systems with atmospheric measurements

Atmospheric dynamics often play a critical role in the sustainability and reliability of diverse forms of energy production. This is especially true for the growing number of renewable energy deployments that harness aspects of the environment for power production. While the University of Memphis has a strong research background in energy systems, we have little experience working with the Earth and Environmental Systems Science Division (EESSD) and their associated User Facilities. Of particular interest to us is the Atmospheric Science Research and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility to address surface-boundary layer interactions and physical phenomena. One of the major challenges for understanding and developing energy systems and management platforms is accurate modeling/forecasting of atmospheric conditions across disparate spatial and temporal scales. These conditions are often required to understand the lowest levels of the atmospheric boundary layer, but are also important to understand higher atmospheric conditions where aerosols affect cloud development. The objective of this work was to develop partnerships with national laboratories for collaboration on environmental science and its intersection with sustainable energy systems, as well as to leverage the ARM user facility data repositories to enhance our research capabilities in energy systems and their inter-dependence on environmental systems for future engagement with EESSD. Specifically, we accomplished these objectives by (1) developing collaborations with Oakridge National Laboratory ARM Data Science and Integration Group which resulted in student internships, (2) employed ARM data to develope modeling of the atmospheric boundary layer optical turbulence, and (3) optimally-sized large-scale renewable energy systems and their associated energy storage systems with ARM repository data.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Analysis of AC-DC Converters for Grid-tied High Temperature Steam Electrolysis Systems

Grid-tied HTSE systems have the prospects to produce clean hydrogen enabling power and broad energy systems decarbonization. Most commercially available power electronic converter systems (PECS) are designed for batteries, solar PVs, wind, and other well-established renewable energy resources. Standards (such as IEEE 1547, UL 1741, CA Rule-21, HI Rule-14) exist for PECS used for renewable energy systems such as battery storage and solar PVs. However, those that consider the dynamic behavior of HTSEs and that can be used for large-scale H2 systems are yet to be developed. This paper investigates the performance of these PECS for the HTSE application that are set up at the Idaho National Laboratory for hydrogen production testing, research and development. In particular, the performance analysis of two grid-tied PECS (A and B) is conducted for a 100 kW solid oxide HTSE system. System A consists of 6 units of 30kW MOSFET-switched bidirectional AC-DC rectifier while system B has a single unit of 150kW thyristor-switched ACDC rectifier. Both systems are connected to the HTSE stacks via a DC-DC converter. Different operational conditions of the HTSE system are tested to analyze the dynamic response of the HTSE’s PECS. The experimental results show the need to develop advanced control strategies for PECS that incorporates the dynamics of HTSE systems for improved performance.

08 - HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Analysis of AC-DC Converters for Grid-tied High Temperature Steam Electrolysis Systems

Grid-tied HTSE systems have the prospects to produce clean hydrogen enabling power and broad energy systems decarbonization. Most commercially available power electronic converter systems (PECS) are designed for batteries, solar PVs, wind, and other well-established renewable energy resources. Standards (such as IEEE 1547, UL 1741, CA Rule-21, HI Rule14) exist for PECS used for renewable energy systems such as battery storage and solar PVs. However, those that consider the dynamic behavior of HTSEs and that can be used for large-scale H2 systems are yet to be developed. This paper investigates the performance of these PECS for the HTSE application that are set up at the Idaho National Laboratory for hydrogen production testing, research and development. In particular, the performance analysis of two grid-tied PECS (A and B) is conducted for a 100 kW solid oxide HTSE system. System A consists of 6 units of 30kW MOSFET-switched bidirectional AC-DC rectifier while system B has a single unit of 150kW thyristor-switched AC-DC rectifier. Both systems are connected to the HTSE stacks via a DC-DC converter. Different operational conditions of the HTSE system are tested to analyze the dynamic response of the HTSE’s PECS. The experimental results show the need to develop advanced control strategies for PECS that incorporates the dynamics of HTSE systems for improved performance.

High temperature steam electrolysis↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-resolution climate model datasets for energy infrastructure planning in a renewable-dependent future

Electrification and renewables deployment efforts are amplifying the interdependence of the climate and energy systems. Increases in climate model resolution, which is now approaching that of reanalysis datasets and operational weather forecast models, present a unique opportunity to use future climate projections for energy infrastructure planning. In this Perspective, we review recent developments in high-resolution climate modeling, which have been driven by increased computing power and advanced software tools. We then look ahead to discuss how high-resolution climate data can be used to plan for a renewable-dependent future, and envision a unified climate-energy model framework that captures the two-way feedbacks between these interdependent systems.

climate change↗
DOE OSTI2020

Dynamic Optimal Dispatch of Energy Systems with Intermittent Renewables and Damage Model

With the increasing penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid, there is a growing need for process systems-based strategies that integrate dispatchable and variable energy systems for supplying the demand while maintaining grid reliability. The proposed framework corresponds to a dynamic mixed-integer linear programming optimization approach that integrates coal-fired and natural gas-fired power plants, NaS batteries for energy storage, and solar/wind energy to supply the demand. This optimization approach considers an economic goal and constraints to provide power balance while maintaining the overall damage of the natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant drum under a maximum stress as well as avoiding the overheating of the NGCC superheater and reheater. Renewable curtailment levels are also retained at minimum levels. Case studies are analyzed considering different loads and renewable penetration levels. The results show that the demand was met for all cases. Grid flexibility was mostly provided by the NGCC, while the batteries were used sparingly. In addition, considering a CO 2 equivalent analysis, the environmental performance was intrinsically connected to grid flexibility and the level of renewable penetration. Stress analysis results reinforced the necessity for an equipment health-related constraint.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dynamic Modeling and Analysis for Large-Scale Renewable Energy Integration

Lina He will present dynamic modeling techniques for the integration of large-scale renewable energy systems. The presentation will address the challenges associated with high renewable penetration and provide frameworks for ensuring smooth and reliable grid operations.

Dynamic modeling, large-scale renewable integratio↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evaluating the effectiveness of a camera-based detection system to support informed curtailment and minimize eagle fatalities at wind energy facilities

The American Wind Wildlife Institute (AWWI – now Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute, REWI) – was appointed prime awardee of DOE award number DE-EE0007880 to lead a team of scientists, wind developers, and technology manufacturers in a collaborative evaluation of the effectiveness of a technology intended to help reduce eagle collisions with wind turbines. IdentiFlight, developed by Renewable Energy Systems (RES) in collaboration with Boulder Imaging, is an autonomous aerial monitoring and detection system. REWI partnered with ecological consultants, Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), to independently evaluate the performance of IdentiFlight reducing eagle collision risk under a suite of environmental conditions relative to the performance of a Biomonitor (human observer-based) Program. The project objectives were to 1) evaluate how IdentiFlight compared to biomonitors in detecting and identifying eagles under a suite of environmental conditions and 2) use the observation data to model how IdentiFlight and biomonitors reduced the eagle fatality prediction through informed curtailment. Field testing was to take place at two geographically distinct wind farms over two field seasons at each wind farm with a study design appropriate for meta-analyses across sites and years.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Final Report for ARPA-E NODES "Real-Time Optimization and Control of Next-Generation Distribution Infrastructure" Project

The project examined next-generation power distribution systems with high levels of power- electronics-interfaced distributed energy resources (DERs) that include: renewable energy systems (RESs), energy-storage devices, electric vehicles, fuel cells, small-scale diesel generators, and controllable loads. The project developed a comprehensive distribution- network management framework that unifies real-time voltage and frequency control with network-wide energy management under an integrated framework. The aim of the project was to: i) systematically optimize network-wide operation and congruently regulate voltages and frequency in the face of high volatility induced by rapidly varying RES and uncontrolled loads; ii) facilitate high renewable integration beyond 50% on an energy basis; iii) meet power-quality requirements and operational constraints; and, iv) respect response, ramp- time, and hold-time requirements for synthetic frequency and regulating reserves via fast- and longer-term dynamic energy management.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

HybridBOSSE (Hybrid Balance-of-System (BOS) Systems Engineering Model)

Hybrid Power Plants (HPPs) have the potential to increase the value of renewable energy systems and decrease their costs through shared development (e.g., permitting) and infrastructure (e.g., collection system). Prior work has identified potential cost savings and technical and economic performance improvements for solar plus storage plants. However, additional research is needed to understand cost drivers that are specific to hybrid wind plants. Here we analyze the potential for shared infrastructure cost savings at one type of hybrid plant: wind plus solar photovoltaic (PV). To perform this analysis, we developed a new open-source, Python-based cost modeling tool: the Hybrid Balance-of-System (BOS) Systems Engineering model (HybridBOSSE). HybridBOSSE is an extension of NREL's LandBOSSE tool.

Barker, Aaron↗
DOE OSTI2025

Immersive Digital Twin Laboratory for Engineering Education (CRADA Final Report)

This project aimed to create an immersive digital twin laboratory that incorporates advanced tracking and visualization capabilities. In collaboration with Fort Lewis College, NREL designed a state-of-the-art physical visualization laboratory, developed a software platform to enable interaction with tracked physical objects in the laboratory, and provided proof-of-concept curricula that included manipulating these tracked objects. The project was initiated to address the growing need for innovative educational tools in engineering education. As renewable energy systems, particularly solar installations, become more complex, there is a pressing need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Traditional methods of teaching solar engineering concepts often fall short of providing students with a comprehensive, hands-on understanding. This immersive digital twin laboratory was conceived to fill that gap by creating a safe, non-energized setting where students can interact with augmented solar installation objects, gaining valuable insights into system performance, design, and maintenance. The project utilized extended reality (XR) technologies, including head-mounted displays (HMDs) and a whole-room optical motion tracking system, to connect physical objects with their digital twins in real time. The laboratory was equipped with MagicLeap 2 HMDs, supported by a Vicon Vero 2.2 Optical Tracking System, which provided precise 6-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) tracking. We developed a software platform to manage the interaction between the tracked physical objects and their virtual counterparts, enabling real-time data synchronization, object recognition, and virtual overlays. We designed the system to be flexible and extendable, allowing for future integration of additional objects and curriculum. This research advances the field of engineering education by demonstrating the potential of immersive digital twin environments. The laboratory provides a dynamic learning space where students can experiment, collaborate, and learn without the risks associated with live experimentation. The ability to simulate and manipulate solar installation objects under various conditions has broad implications for workforce development, particularly in renewable energy. The project also highlights the economic feasibility of using XR technologies in educational settings, offering a cost-effective solution for institutions looking to enhance their curriculum. By fostering a deeper understanding of solar energy systems, this work contributes to the broader goal of supporting the global energy transition and preparing the next generation of engineers and technicians.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

2024 OES-Environmental 2024 State of the Science Report, Chapter 1: Marine Renewable Energy and Ocean Energy Systems-Environmental

For many countries, marine renewable energy (MRE) is the most recent entry into their renewable energy portfolio. MRE involves the generation of energy from the movement of seawater including tides, waves, and persistent ocean currents, as well as from the gradients of temperature and salinity in the oceans. Some countries also include energy generation from the open waters of large rivers as part of MRE. Each MRE resource requires a different type of device to harvest that energy, placed in the appropriate portion and depth of the ocean or large river and secured to the seabed either by weight or by anchors. At full scale, these devices are large; Figure 1.1 puts the size of these devices in the context of other technologies and well-known landmarks for scale. The MRE devices generally represent the largest devices available.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2024

A new HVdc Substation Architecture with Higher Power Transfer Capability

The power transferred through high voltage direct current transmission (HVdc) systems is increasing with increased resilience and reliability needs as well as large scale deployment of renewable energy systems. In this paper, a new HVdc substation (SS) architecture with higher power transfer capability is proposed. The HVdc converters or valve groups (VG) are connected in series and parallel fashion such that the total power rating of the SS is increased. The control challenges associated with such SS architecture are identified and appropriate control modifications are proposed. The same is verified through PSCAD based simulations.

Jaldanki, Sreenivasa↗
DOE OSTI2023

Solar Energy Development on the FSST Reservation

FSST undertook this project to install PV solar with the goal of reducing retail power consumption at 11 Tribal buildings. A combined total of 318kW has been installed over these sites and power savings are being recorded on a regular basis. The Tribe entered into the project with several specific objectives that made this a unique effort. First of all, all of the systems were installed by Tribal maintenance personnel with some technical support. This model had been developed with previous projects that Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems (NRES) had completed and had shown great success. This approach helped to ensure we met the DOE goal of ‘building capacity’ within the Tribe. There was some skepticism about this model in Flandreau at the onset of discussions, but the excellent final results spoke for themselves! A second objective was to overcome the sore lessons that were learned after FSST invested in early deployment of pole mounted solar systems that were not sturdy enough for SD winds. It was a very courageous decision to move forward again with solar pole mounts (and other types) in this very high wind area. We shall report that the Tribe was fully successful in achieving what they set out to do there. The final major objective was to deploy the PV Solar systems in such a way as to integrate them into their surroundings wherever possible. In some cases the mounting choice was clear, but in several locations, the system was designed to be a functional and aesthetically enhancing part of their surroundings. These elevated systems allowed the PV system to act as a shade structure and create useful space under them as well as making power. FSST had these elevated ground mount systems specially designed for our application by Ironridge and were rated for the tough winds of South Dakota (120MPH+).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗