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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Study of the Protection Improvements for a Weak Grid Area With High Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs)

This project designs enhanced protection scheme for the real-world weak grid area with a high penetration of IBRs. As the existing protection schemes are originally designed for traditional synchronous machines, we first evaluate if the protection scheme will continue to operate reliably in systems with high levels of IBRs. Hardware relays are tested using a controller-hardware-in-the-loop setup. PSCAD electromagnetic transient simulation with IBR original equipment manufacturer black-box models is used to perform fault studies and generate COMTRADE data, which are replayed by a real-time digital simulator (RTDS) to feed input to the hardware relays. Three scenarios are analyzed: normal operation, an N-1 contingency, and an IBR-only scenario. The evaluation results reveal the following: 1) the protection scheme remains reliable under normal conditions and N-1 contingencies and 2) in IBR-only scenarios, differential protection (87L) continues to operate reliably, whereas local protection elements, such as distance and directional elements, fail because of the lack of regulated negative sequence current contributed by IBRs. Enhanced protection is designed to address the challenge of lack of negative sequence current from IBRs, including increased restraining factors a2 and k2 to block 32Q or using V instead QV ORDER for ground faults, enhanced mho distance element with voltage and phase angle supervision for L-L faults. The efficacy of enhanced protection logic is validated and proven to work reliably. Additionally, IEEE Std. 2800-2022 negative sequence current compliant GFL and GFM IBRs from another vendor are tested and proven to work reliably without need for enhanced logic. Therefore, this work provides valuable decision-making for utilities facing protection system challenges due to IBRs, either designing enhanced protection scheme or requesting their IBRs being IEEE Std. 2800-2022 compliant to produce regulated negative sequence current for protection relay to make correct decision.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1976

Compact reconditioner for Ni/Cd cells

Extension of life of multiple-cell nickel-cadium battery packs is accomplished by reconditioning method requiring discharge of each battery cell. Compact and lightweight dc-to-dc converter replaces relay-sensor system, protecting against voltage-reversal damage, and monitors overall cell condition.

Kapustka, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Prediciting Solar Activity: Today, Tomorrow, Next Year

Fleets of satellites circle the Earth collecting science data, protecting astronauts, and relaying information. All of these satellites are sensitive at some level to space weather effects. Predictions of drag on LEO spacecraft are one of the most important. Launching a satellite with less fuel can mean a higher orbit, but unanticipated solar activity and increased drag can make that a Pyrrhic victory. Energetic events at the Sun can produce crippling radiation storms. Predicting those events that will affect our assets in space includes a solar prediction and how the radiation will propagate through the solar system. I will talk our need for solar activity predictions and anticipate how those predictions could be made more accurate in the future.

Pesnell, William Dean↗
NASA NTRS2011

Solar Cycle Prediction

Solar cycle predictions are needed to plan long-term space missions; just like weather predictions are needed to plan your next vacation. Fleets of satellites circle the Earth collecting many types of science data, protecting astronauts, and relaying information. All of these satellites are sensitive at some level to solar cycle effects. Predictions of drag on LEO spacecraft are one of the most important. Launching a satellite with less propellant can mean a higher orbit, but unanticipated solar activity and increased drag can make that a Pyrrhic victory. Energetic events at the Sun can produce crippling radiation storms that endanger all assets in space. Testing solar dynamo theories by quantitative predictions of what will happen in 5-20 years is the next arena for solar cycle predictions. I will describe the current state of solar cycle predictions and anticipate how those predictions could be made more accurate in the future.

Pesnell, William Dean↗
NASA NTRS2012

Solar Cycle Predictions

Solar cycle predictions are needed to plan long-term space missions; just like weather predictions are needed to plan the launch. Fleets of satellites circle the Earth collecting many types of science data, protecting astronauts, and relaying information. All of these satellites are sensitive at some level to solar cycle effects. Predictions of drag on LEO spacecraft are one of the most important. Launching a satellite with less propellant can mean a higher orbit, but unanticipated solar activity and increased drag can make that a Pyrrhic victory as you consume the reduced propellant load more rapidly. Energetic events at the Sun can produce crippling radiation storms that endanger all assets in space. Solar cycle predictions also anticipate the shortwave emissions that cause degradation of solar panels. Testing solar dynamo theories by quantitative predictions of what will happen in 5-20 years is the next arena for solar cycle predictions. A summary and analysis of 75 predictions of the amplitude of the upcoming Solar Cycle 24 is presented. The current state of solar cycle predictions and some anticipations how those predictions could be made more accurate in the future will be discussed.

Pesnell, William Dean↗
NASA NTRS2015

Applying a Space-Based Security Recovery Scheme for Critical Homeland Security Cyberinfrastructure Utilizing the NASA Tracking and Data Relay (TDRS) Based Space Network

Protection of the national infrastructure is a high priority for cybersecurity of the homeland. Critical infrastructure such as the national power grid, commercial financial networks, and communications networks have been successfully invaded and re-invaded from foreign and domestic attackers. The ability to re-establish authentication and confidentiality of the network participants via secure channels that have not been compromised would be an important countermeasure to compromise of our critical network infrastructure. This paper describes a concept of operations by which the NASA Tracking and Data Relay (TDRS) constellation of spacecraft in conjunction with the White Sands Complex (WSC) Ground Station host a security recovery system for re-establishing secure network communications in the event of a national or regional cyberattack. Users would perform security and network restoral functions via a Broadcast Satellite Service (BSS) from the TDRS constellation. The BSS enrollment only requires that each network location have a receive antenna and satellite receiver. This would be no more complex than setting up a DIRECTTV-like receiver at each network location with separate network connectivity. A GEO BSS would allow a mass re-enrollment of network nodes (up to nationwide) simultaneously depending upon downlink characteristics. This paper details the spectrum requirements, link budget, notional assets and communications requirements for the scheme. It describes the architecture of such a system and the manner in which it leverages off of the existing secure infrastructure which is already in place and managed by the NASAGSFC Space Network Project.

Cybersecurity↗
DOE OSTI2025

Comparison of Sequence Component-Based Fault Detection and Relay Coordination Algorithms in Inverter-Based Networks

Protection of inverter-based microgrids using sequence component-based relaying schemes is a promising solution. These methods offer several advantages, including lower computational requirements, compatibility with commercial relay systems, and cost-effectiveness compared to communication-based approaches. This article investigate the performance of various sequence component based schemes with the objective of identifying the algorithms that provide the best fault detection and relay coordination, solely relying on local voltages and current at relay terminals. Positive, negative and zero sequence impedance, admittance and power detection algorithms were tested on modified IEEE 13 bus test network for various shunt faults (LG, LL, LLG, LLL). Hardware-in-the-loop validation was achieved using the Typhoon real-time simulator, interfacing with a SEL 751 relay. This research demonstrates that while several algorithms are capable of detecting faults with sufficient accuracy, only a few are effective in achieving proper coordination. Validation results indicate that the negative sequence power approach provides the best performance in both fault detection and coordination.

Patel, Deepika [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000341099994)↗
DOE OSTI2022

Protection settings optimizer

SAND2023-06672O The Protection Settings Optimizer (PSO) uses system and fault data as inputs to formulate the problem of calculating relay settings as a mixed integer, nonlinear optimization problem (MINLP). The MINLP is solved using a genetic algorithm-based optimizer that attempts to find settings to reduce the relay operating times. The PSO protects the power system by using the steady-state fault voltages and currents, which then calculates the optimal device setting to protect the power system. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Patel, Trupal↗
DOE OSTI2024

Challenges, Industry Practice, and Research Opportunities for Protection of IBR-Rich Systems

The objective of this technical report is to outline the challenges of protection design for power systems rich in inverter-based resources (IBRs), synthesize current industrial practices, review new approaches from recent literature, and explore future opportunities in protection. IBRs are experiencing widespread adoption across both transmission and distribution systems. When present in significant quantities, IBRs challenge the performance of many traditional protection functions. To address these issues, the industry has developed sophisticated protection schemes that involve advanced relaying techniques in highly engineered pilot projects. However, these schemes are expensive and time-consuming to develop, build, and test. Researchers have proposed a number of new approaches for protection in IBR-rich distribution systems. Despite their potential, these new approaches do not address some major shortcomings of industry approaches stemming from complexity, practical requirements, and reliability.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Understanding Impacts of Frequency Calculations on Underfrequency Load Shedding

Power system fundamental frequency-dependent protection decisions and control decisions are increasingly common in the distribution system space. Understanding the algorithms used in frequency measurements is critical to understanding the decisions made by the many intelligent electronic devices in the power system. These decisions are critically important for reliability analysis for interconnected power systems as they bear directly on resource planning to mitigate under-frequency conditions that would result in under-frequency load shedding (UFLS). This work aims to improve the understanding of frequency measurement algorithms, evaluate the intelligent electronic devices that use frequency measurements for decision making, and understand the algorithms' direct impact on frequency related decision making. First, this work presents background information on the use of frequency measurements in protection logic, specifically UFLS. Second, the paper presents a relay hardware evaluation test bed used to detect and protect systems from under-frequency events. Finally, the paper presents the dynamic events used to evaluate commercially available, off-the-shelf relay equipment and the results from the relay evaluation.

COMTRADE↗
DOE OSTI2021

pnnl/DPVPROT

Distributed photovoltaics protection software toolkit The code package includes several important functions for design and analysis of new grid protection schemes, for scenarios of distributed photovoltaic (DPV) generation approaching 100% of the peak feeder load, i.e., high-penetration DPV. Convert distribution feeder models, used by planning engineers, to electromagnetic transient (EMT) models that produce waveforms for advanced relay algorithms. Visualize the results of protection scheme operation. Tools to determine distance relay settings on distribution systems. Tools to predict the performance of time-domain, incremental distance relay algorithms

McDermott, Tom↗
DOE OSTI2020

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Current Magnitude and Frequency Response of SIPROTEC Relays

This project examined the current magnitude and frequency response of 7SJ61 and 7SJ62 SIPROTEC relays. The measured sample frequencies for the 7SJ61 and 7SJS62 relays were 800 and 960 Hz, respectively. The relays were tested at frequencies of up to 1 and 20.16 kHz. Two experiments were run in a lab environment. The first experiment was run at frequencies of up to 1 kHz every 10 Hz. The second one was run at frequencies of up to 20.16 kHz every 200 and 240 Hz (common factors of sample rate frequency) for the 7SJ61 and 7SJ62 SIPROTEC relays, respectively. Both experiments were set at a current magnitude of 0.1 and 0.5 Arms. A testbed with a Relay Test Equipment (RTE) was set to run the experiment at frequencies of up to 1 kHz, while a testbed with a RTE and High Frequency Power Source/ Amplifier (HFPS/A) was set to run at frequencies of up to 20.16 kHz. Currents of 0.1 and 0.5 Arms at different frequencies were connected at Phase A of the relays, and a current of 1 Arms (60 Hz) was connected at Phase B of relays. The 1 Arms current allowed the relays to trip and saved their record events by setting both relays at a definite-time overcurrent protection function. The record events were collected after the 7SJ61 and 7SJ62 relays tripped, and the current magnitude and frequency were plotted. The record events from the relays were collected using the DIGSI® 4 software. The SYNCHROWAVE® Event and MATLAB® software were then used to plot the current magnitude and frequency, respectively, from the relay record events. The current magnitude and frequency were plotted at time and frequency domain, respectively.The 7SJ61 and 7SJ62 relays measured source frequencies of up to 400 and 480 Hz, respectively. The percentage error of frequency for the relays increased after 400 and 480 Hz, respectively. The 7SJ62 relay with 0.1 and 0.5 Arms measured the alias frequency up to 1440 Hz. The 7SJ61 relay with 0.1 and 0.5 Arms measured the alias frequency up to 1000 and 1200 Hz, respectively. At frequencies higher than the alias frequency, the relays measured a DC amplitude current instead of an AC amplitude current. In the DC amplitude current zone, non-desired frequencies were measured by both relays. The current magnitude intensity (dB) for the 7SJ61 and 7SJ62 relays from 1 to 20.16 kHz were plotted. The current magnitude intensity for the 7SJ61 relay decreased up to 2600 and 1200 Hz for 0.5 and 0.1 Arms tests, respectively. However, the current magnitude intensity for the 7SJ62 relay decreased up to 4800 and 2640 Hz for 0.5 and 0.1 Arms tests, respectively. The current magnitude and frequency response study for the 7SJ61 and 7SJ62 relays was performed satisfactorily, observing the source, alias, and non-desired measured frequency zones for both relays.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Protection schemes used in North American microgrids

This study reviewed existing conventional and nonconventional protection schemes for grid-connected and islanded mode operations in North American microgrid projects. The microgrid projects investigated in this study used different types of distributed energy resources (DERs) and integrated hydropower/diesel generators, gas/steam/wind turbines, and photovoltaic systems with energy storage. In this work, conventional protection schemes were defined as those within the IEEE Standard C37.2-2008, whereas nonconventional schemes were those not defined within this standard. The pros and cons of conventional and nonconventional protection schemes were discussed in detail. The overvoltage, undervoltage, and frequency elements were the most common conventional protection schemes applied in microgrid projects in North America. These protection elements were used to detect the islanded conditions and faults that could not be sensed by overcurrent relays because of small fault currents contributed by low-inertia DERs and power-electronic sources. Directional overcurrent elements were used to distinguish between external (grid) and internal (microgrid) faults. Adaptive protection was the most popular nonconventional protection scheme applied to the microgrid projects. In conclusion, different types of DERs and operational modes must be considered in order to address the protection and control challenges of each microgrid and to obtain the best technical and economical solution.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Total Power Factor Smart Contract with Cyber Grid Guard Using Distributed Ledger Technology for Electrical Utility Grid with Customer-Owned Wind Farm

In modern electrical grids, the numbers of customer-owned distributed energy resources (DERs) have increased, and consequently, so have the numbers of points of common coupling (PCC) between the electrical grid and customer-owned DERs. The disruptive operation of and out-of-tolerance outputs from DERs, especially owned DERs, present a risk to power system operations. A common protective measure is to use relays located at the PCC to isolate poorly behaving or out-of-tolerance DERs from the grid. Ensuring the integrity of the data from these relays at the PCC is vital, and blockchain technology could enhance the security of modern electrical grids by providing an accurate means to translate operational constraints into actions/commands for relays. This study demonstrates an advanced power system application solution using distributed ledger technology (DLT) with smart contracts to manage the relay operation at the PCC. The smart contract defines the allowable total power factor (TPF) of the DER output, and the terms of the smart contract are implemented using DLT with a Cyber Grid Guard (CGG) system for a customer-owned DER (wind farm). This article presents flowcharts for the TPF smart contract implemented by the CGG using DLT. The test scenarios were implemented using a real-time simulator containing a CGG system and relay in-the-loop. The data collected from the CGG system were used to execute the TPF smart contract. The desired TPF limits on the grid-side were between +0.9 and +1.0, and the operation of the breakers in the electrical grid and DER sides was controlled by the relay consistent with the provisions of the smart contract. The events from the real-time simulator, CGG, and relay showed a successful implementation of the TPF smart contract with CGG using DLT, proving the efficacy of this approach in general for implementing electrical grid applications for utilities with connections to customer-owned DERs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Inverter Design with High Short-Circuit Fault Current Contribution to Enable Legacy Overcurrent Protection for Islanded Microgrids

The resiliency offered by a microgrid may be lost if the microgrid is not properly protected during short-circuit faults inside its boundaries. Many studies conclude that protecting microgrids in islanded mode is very challenging due to the limited short-circuit capability of distributed energy resources (DERs). The limited short-circuit capability of DERs typically inhibits the use of reliable and affordable overcurrent protective devices in microgrids. Although extensive research on microgrid protection is available in the literature, to date this research has not led to a cost-effective, commercially available relay that effectively tackles the challenges of microgrid protection. This work proposes hardware modifications to enhance the current contribution of an energy storage inverter with the objective of enabling the use of legacy overcurrent protection for islanded microgrids. This paper demonstrates through experimental results that few modifications are required in the inverter to significantly enhance its current contribution. In this study, a three-phase energy storage inverter was modified to provide three times its rated current during three-phase faults, which proved sufficient current for enough time to enable fuse-relay, and relay-to-relay coordination. The proposed modifications effectively increase the current contribution of the inverter, which is a promising advancement to allow the adoption of overcurrent protective devices for protecting microgrids.

Ferrari Maglia, Max↗
DOE OSTI2024

Grid Forming Inverter With Increased Short-Circuit Contribution to Address Inverter-Based Microgrid Protection Challenges

Substantial differences in fault levels between grid-tied and islanded modes is one of the primary challenges of microgrid protection. During grid-tied mode, the bulk grid provides significant short-circuit, while during islanded operation the short-circuit magnitude is small due to inverter-based resources limiting their current output close to nominal ratings. Consequently, conventional distribution protection strategies based on overcurrent cannot reliably protect microgrids when operating in islanded mode. Fuses and circuit breakers are particularly affected because of their inverse characteristics. Presently, the absence of affordable solutions for protecting microgrids in islanded mode leads to microgrids shutting down during electrical faults. The contribution of this article is two-fold. The first innovation proposes specific hardware modifications to grid-forming inverters to increase their short-circuit current during electrical faults. The second innovation introduces a novel control strategy designed to preserve control stability margins even when the grid-filter saturates, ensuring sinusoidal output currents under normal and fault conditions. Through experimental results, the inverter with the proposed modifications can provide more than three-times its nominal current during electrical faults. For the prototype testbed, this was sufficient to enable the use of traditional legacy overcurrent protection, achieving the fuse-to-relay and relay-to-relay minimum coordination time for the line-to-ground, line-to-line to ground, and three-phase electrical faults.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1967

Multiple meter monitoring circuits served by single alarm

Circuitry for multiple meter relay circuits provides complete isolation for each circuit served by a single alarm and permits alarm reset after an out-of-tolerance event in one relay circuit so that the remaining relay circuits continue to be alarm protected.

Bandini, U.↗