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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Multi-Segment Decentralized Control Strategies for Renewables-Rich Microgrids in Extreme Conditions

Microgrids provide a promising approach to accommodating various distributed energy resources (DERs), while requiring significant communication infrastructures that may be affected by extreme conditions such as natural disasters and cyber-attacks. In this paper, a fully decentralized control strategy without the need for communication is proposed for islanded microgrids with high renewables penetration. First, special multi-segment power/frequency characteristic curves are designed, so that different DERs can be automatically coordinated in a prioritized manner such as renewables first to maintain power balance while DER frequencies are regulated at their reference values. Second, piecewise linear served load versus frequency models are designed to prioritize loads according to their significance, so that only noncritical loads will be curtailed as needed while critical loads are supplied without any interruptions during power deficiency. The proposed strategy can effectively deal with various normal and extreme system conditions including 100% renewables penetration, loads and renewables variations, power deficiencies requiring load curtailments, disconnection of existing DERs, connection of new DERs as well as network sectionalization and reconfiguration. As a result, the proposed control strategy is validated in the real-time digital simulator (RTDS) model of the IIT Campus Microgrid to demonstrate its effectiveness in enhancing the resiliency of renewables-rich microgrids in extreme conditions.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1971

Very-high-frequency dc-to-dc conversion and regulation in the low-megahertz range.

Anticipated new mission requirements have motivated research on very-high-frequency (VHF) regulated dc-to-dc converters to operate at conversion frequencies in the low-megahertz range. State-of-the-art electronic components for VHF operation are discussed. Two different converter configurations, one using proportional control and having a conversion frequency of 0.1 MHz and the other using bistable control and having a conversion frequency of 3.8 MHz, are presented to indicate converter performance in this VHF region. Converter losses, which are of prime importance at these frequencies, are discussed and possible means of reducing these losses are suggested.

Feng, S. Y. M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Two-Stage Series-Resonant Inverter

Two-stage inverter includes variable-frequency, voltage-regulating first stage and fixed-frequency second stage. Lightweight circuit provides regulated power and is invulnerable to output short circuits. Does not require large capacitor across ac bus, like parallel resonant designs. Particularly suitable for use in ac-power-distribution system of aircraft.

Stuart, Thomas A.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Power-Sharing between Grid-Forming and Grid-Following Inverters

Power-sharing between the grid-forming and the grid-following inverter in a small microgrid is a challenging task. Specifically, the decentralized droop-based power-sharing is difficult to achieve when the grid-forming inverter regulates the voltage and the frequency. This article proposes controllers for the grid-forming and the grid-following inverters, which ensure proportional power-sharing as well as regulate the voltage and the frequency. Both controllers use active power-frequency and reactive power-voltage droops. Additional secondary loops and secondary forward paths are added to the controller of the grid-forming inverter and the grid-following inverter, respectively, to ensure simultaneous voltage and frequency regulation and power-sharing. The efficacy of the proposed controllers for power-sharing is verified through experiment results in a multi-inverter testbed.

Sadeque, Fahmid↗
DOE OSTI2026

DOE CESER 6 GHz Interference Study

DOE CESER has sponsored Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to conduct an objective and independent study of potential 6 GHz interference from outdoor operation of unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band on fixed service (FS) microwave communication links operated by electrical sector incumbents in that band. INL is collaborating with University of Notre Dame (UND), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Lockard & White, Southern Company, and AT&T, to gather data with real-world 6 GHz interference experiments and identify (1) the potential for interference from unlicensed devices and (2) the interference necessary to cause harm to the incumbents. In addition to the functional assessment, a security assessment of the FCC mandated Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) System to regulate use of unlicensed 6 GHz standard power devices is also being conducted. A major objective is to create a science-based and defensible methodology used to produce the necessary data and to derive objective conclusions. This proven methodology can then be used to produce objective data and conclusions for other spectrum bands with similar incumbent uses including 4.4 – 4.9 GHz and 7.125 – 7.4 GHz, identified in the reconciliation bill that was adopted on July 4, 2025, as well as the National Spectrum Strategy discussions that are ongoing. This report contains 6 GHz field experiments and findings in the following real-world scenarios with commercial unlicensed standard power (SP) 6 GHz devices regulated by Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC): • University of Notre Dame (UND) Stadium with a capacity of 80,000 spectators, where Wi-Fi operating in 6 GHz has been deployed recently • Southern Company 6 GHz FS microwave link between Columbus and Fortson, Georgia Following are the following key findings from this study. 1. The AFC is under-protective of FS when line-of-sight exists along the path centerline. Data collected at Southern’s 6 GHz fixed link site shows significant erosion of as much as 21.4-24.4 dB of under-protection that can lead to potential service degradation under typical operating conditions. This first key finding is most likely the result of erroneous use of the RF propagation model. INL will collaborate with EPRI and the AFC Functional Requirements Working Group to submit a change request to the WinnForum TS-1014 standard towards correct use of the propagation model by the AFC. 2. There is additive interference effect of about 3 dB from nearly equal power interferers measured from simultaneous operation of two SP AP's operating co-channel with the FS receive from different locations along the path. This second key finding should be used to add the impact of additive interference of operation of multiple APs in the same geographical area, to the next generation of AFCs. INL will collaborate with FCC on the need for the AFC to consider additive interference. We also recommend that additional experiments are conducted on 6 GHz spectrum interference to further improve the AFC operation as the number of outdoor Wi-Fi devices continues to increase. These proposed steps and recommendations will make the co-existence of the incumbents and the 6 GHz outdoor Wi-Fi providers possible without any impact on the incumbents with a win-win outcome for all.

6 GHz↗
NASA NTRS1989

Cascaded resonant bridge converters

A converter for converting a low voltage direct current power source to a higher voltage, high frequency alternating current output for use in an electrical system where it is desired to use low weight cables and other circuit elements. The converter has a first stage series resonant (Schwarz) converter which converts the direct current power source to an alternating current by means of switching elements that are operated by a variable frequency voltage regulator, a transformer to step up the voltage of the alternating current, and a rectifier bridge to convert the alternating current to a direct current first stage output. The converter further has a second stage series resonant (Schwarz) converter which is connected in series to the first stage converter to receive its direct current output and convert it to a second stage high frequency alternating current output by means of switching elements that are operated by a fixed frequency oscillator. The voltage of the second stage output is controlled at a relatively constant value by controlling the first stage output voltage, which is accomplished by controlling the frequency of the first stage variable frequency voltage controller in response to second stage voltage. Fault tolerance in the event of a load short circuit is provided by making the operation of the first stage variable frequency voltage controller responsive to first and second stage current limiting devices. The second stage output is connected to a rectifier bridge whose output is connected to the input of the second stage to provide good regulation of output voltage wave form at low system loads.

Stuart, Thomas A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Development of high reliability, high frequency power conditioning models of converter regulators

High efficiency conversion, regulation, and filtering techniques are discussed for power using high conversion frequencies; i.e., in the order of 1 to 5 MHz for converters having total output power capability in the order of 20 watts and 200 to 500 KHz for converters having total output powers in excess of 200 watts. Work centered on areas of component selection, material selection, optimization of the various types of circuits required, and the selection of materials for and design of magnetic components. These techniques were then applied to the design of two sample converters, one a medium power instrument type converter and the second a high power converter representative of a primary spacecraft converter regulator. The configuration and performance of the two converters is reported and discussed.

Rochussen, A. W.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Adaptive PID Gain Scheduling Control for Hydropower Turbine Using Neural CDE and Stochastic Distribution Shaping

This paper introduces a gain-scheduling PID controller design strategy for hydroturbine frequency control mode. This scheme first uses real data to learn the nonlinear dynamics of the hydroturbine using neural controlled differential equations and then perturbs the obtained nonlinear system at different equilibrium points, based on which a static output feedback adaptive dynamic programming algorithm is then used to optimize the PID gains for each equilibrium point. Moreover, a continuous-time version of stochastic distribution control is proposed to further fine-tune the optimized PID gains. Finally, the controller is obtained by implementing linear interpolation between the optimized PID control gains. The simulation results show that the proposed gain-scheduling PID controller can control a larger range of operation points compared with the given fixed PID controller and the baseline method. Compared with the given fixed PID controller, the proposed gain-scheduling PID controller can regulate hydroturbine frequency against disturbances induced by power-load variation with over 50% less overshoot for some operation points.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Decentralized Distribution System Restoration with Grid-Forming/Following Inverter-Based Resources

The high penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in active distribution systems has posed challenges to the centralized distribution system restoration (DSR) strategies in current practice. On the other hand, the advancement in smart inverter technologies enables the bottom-up restoration capability. This paper is motivated to develop a 3-layered hierarchical framework for decentralized DSR, based on the grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) grid-edge inverters. The first layer presents the tertiary control, which determines the load pickup schedule and generation dispatch of DERs, using the alternating direction method of the multipliers algorithm. The second layer consists of two control functions: GFM control, which regulates voltage and frequency, establishing a stable grid for GFL inverters to follow; and GFL control, which regulates the real and reactive power. In the third layer, the primary control is proposed to regulate the inverter voltage and current, which is developed based on the virtual oscillator control (VOC). Furthermore, the developed framework is tested in the modified IEEE 13-node test feeder. Two scenarios of grid-connected and islanded operating modes are designed, and simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of decentralized DSR strategies for controlling grid-edge inverters to enhance the distribution system resilience.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Coordinated Ramping Product and Regulation Reserve Procurements in CAISO and MISO using Multi-Scale Probabilistic Solar Power Forecasts (Pro2R)

How can probabilistic solar forecasts lower costs and improve reliability for independent system operator (ISO) markets? We tackle this question in three steps. First, we enhance an existing solar forecasting system to provide well-calibrated hours-ahead probabilistic forecasts. We then relate the degree of uncertainty in those forecasts to error distributions for net load ramps for the California ISO (CAISO) using statistical and machine learning methods. Projected net load errors conditioned on solar uncertainty are translated into flexible ramp requirements that therefore reflect real-time meteorological and solar conditions, improving on typical ISO procedures. Finally, a multi-period look-ahead production cost model quantifies how conditional ramp requirements can a) decrease operating costs by lowering requirements compared to often conservative unconditional methods, and b) reduce generation scarcity events and consequently improve reliability by increasing flexibility requirements at times when unconditional forecast-based requirements understate actual ramp uncertainty. In addition to the products just described (quantification of solar uncertainty, its translation into requirements for ramp capability product, and quantification of the benefits of more accurate ramp requirements), this project also developed a visualization system that alerts system operators of ramp and uncertainty conditions within the network based on solar forecasts. The system is called Resource Forecast and Ramp Visualization for Situational Awareness (RaVIS). These four products represent significant advances in the state-of-the-art of probabilistic solar forecasting, development of weather-informed reserve requirements, production costing methods for estimating the benefits of more accurate reserve requirements, and visualization of system status, respectively. Yet the products are also practical and can be immediately implemented, potentially enabling system operators to save millions of dollars in ramp product procurement costs per year.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Framework for Supporting Adaptive Droop Based Power Electronic Systems

The electric grid is evolving into an electrical network composed of power electronic converters interconnected with renewable and energy storage technologies. This requires the adoption of more advanced control such as volt/var regulation, fast frequency control, and active power frequency response. This work presents a communication and control framework to support dynamically changing droop control segments that can be used for different optimization schemes. Results are presented to work in a controller hardware in the loop testbed.

Starke, Michael↗
DOE OSTI2024

Simulation-Based Analysis of Feeder Operation with Different PV Smart Inverter Functions on an Actual Distribution System: Preprint

High penetration of photovoltaics (PV) in distribution feeders can cause problems, such as overvoltage, reverse power flow, and large net load changes. Traditional voltage regulation devices, such as capacitors and voltage regulators, can solve some of these problems but might have some delays. Today, smart inverters are gradually being used to provide voltage regulation and frequency support in distribution systems. Different smart inverter settings have been recommended in various rules and standards; however, the potential benefits and their impacts on distribution system operation are not well compared and studied. This paper presents a comparison of different smart inverter settings as applied to a distribution system. An actual feeder model from San Diego Gas & Electric Company is used to conduct the simulation. Additionally, a load disaggregation method is proposed to disaggregate the load and PV profile for each load location using advanced metering infrastructure net load measurements. Then, different smart inverter settings are applied to the PV systems in the feeder, and the simulation results are compared. The results show that the implementation of specific functions of smart inverters can reduce voltage exceedances, and the utility can determine the specific inverter setting based on its operational requirements.

distribution system↗
DOE OSTI2026

Asynchronous Grid Connections Providing Fast-Frequency Response: System Integration Study

This paper presents an integration study for the recent power electronic-based fast-frequency response technology, "asynchronous grid connection" which operates as an aggregator for behind-the-meter resources and distributed generators. Both technical feasibility and techno-economic viability studies are presented. The fast-frequency response characteristics, validated against Power Hardware-in-the-Loop experiments, are integrated into an IEEE 9- bus system in DigSilent PowerFactory for system-level dynamic analysis. It demonstrates that droop-based control enhancements to local distributed generators allow their aggregation to provide grid-supporting functionalities and participate in the ancillary service markets. To this end, a long-term simulation embedding the system within the ancillary service market framework of PJM has been performed. The fast-frequency response regulation is subsequently used to calculate the potential revenue and project the results on a 15-year investment horizon. Finally, the techno-economic analysis provides recommendations for enhancements to access the full potential of distributed generators on a technical and regulatory level.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Employing Interacting Qubits for Distributed Microgrid Control

To empower flexible and scalable operations, distributed control of multi-inverter microgrids, based on classical communication networks among distributed energy resources, has attracted considerable attention as it can guarantee synchronization and provide suitable remedies to the problem of improper power sharing. Notwithstanding this, resilience of the current schemes on classical communication makes microgrids vulnerable to cyber attacks. Inspired by recent revolutionary breakthroughs in quantum communication, in this paper, we devise a novel synchronization mechanism. We extend the synchronization framework utilized in distributed control algorithms to networks of quantum systems by generating pinning terms and coupling mechanism for the new synchronization rule via exploiting proper quantum jump operators and observables, and show that the quantum system will converge to a time-variant target state. Our devised quantum distributed controller (QDC) gives rise to a novel quantum communication scheme for distributed control of microgrids and enables microgrids to exploit the state-of-the-art quantum communication frameworks as communication infrastructure. Finally, test results on two representative AC and DC networked microgrids validate the efficacy and universality of the quantum distributed control.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Distribution System Behind-the-Meter DERs: Estimation, Uncertainty Quantification, and Control

This paper summarizes the three-year technical activities of the IEEE Task Force (TF) on behind-the-meter (BTM) distributed energy resources (DERs): estimation, uncertainty quantification, and control. The potential grid services from BTM DERs are discussed in detail. The paper also reviews the state-of-the-art for BTM DERs visibility, uncertainty quantification, and, optimization and control. Furthermore, different aspects of the market structures associated with BTM DERs are covered, including emerging market and business models. Finally, needs and recommendations are provided for additional areas such as system protection, computing capabilities, algorithm development, market structure design, cyberinfrastructure and security, and hardware and software developments.

behind-the-meter↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Hardware-in-the-Loop Experimental Testbed Using Air Conditioners for Grid Balancing

Driven by the need to offset the variability of renewable generation on the grid, development of load control is a highly active field of research. However, practical use of residential loads for grid balancing remains rare, in part due to the cost of communicating with large numbers of small loads and also the limited experimentation done so far to demonstrate reliable operation. To establish a basis for the safe and reliable use of fleets of compressor loads as distributed energy resources, we constructed an experimental testbed in a laboratory, so that load coordination schemes could be tested at extreme conditions. Here, this experimental testbed was used to tune a simulation testbed to which it was then linked, thereby augmenting the effective size of the fleet. Modeling of the system was done both to demonstrate the experimental testbed's behavior and also to understand how to tune the behavior of each load. Implementing this testbed has enabled rapid turnaround of experiments on various load control algorithms, and year-round testing without the constraints and limitations arising in seasonal field tests with real houses. Experimental results show the practical feasibility of an ensemble of small loads contributing to grid balancing.

Air Conditioners↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grid Forming Fast Frequency Response for PMSG-Based Wind Turbines

Electric power systems are undergoing a rapid transition from fuel-based generation using synchronous generators to renewable generation interfaced by power electronics. In this context, a key challenge is using renewable generation with limited controllability to contribute to power system stability. In this work, we investigate grid-forming control of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) wind turbines. The proposed control and curtailment strategy supports the entire spectrum of standard functions of grid-following (e.g. maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and grid-forming control (e.g., primary frequency control) without explicit mode switching. A detailed case study is used to compare the performance of the proposed control at operating points corresponding to MPPT and frequency control with standard grid-forming and grid-following controls. Further, the results demonstrate that (i) the proposed energy balancing grid forming control is self-synchronizing in MPPT mode, (ii) the (limited) energy storage and controllability of wind turbines can be adequately utilized to provide grid support, and (ii) the proposed control exhibits good performance under variable wind speeds and does not result in a significant increase of wind turbine fatigue loads.

17 WIND ENERGY↗