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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 163 records · Page 9

A State-Space Model of an Inverter-Based Microgrid for Multivariable Feedback Control Analysis and Design

In this work, a synchronous model for grid-connected and islanded microgrids is presented. The grid-connected model is based on the premise that the reference frame is synchronized with the AC bus. The quadrature component of the AC bus voltage can be cancelled, which allows to express output power as a linear equation for nominal values in the AC bus amplitude voltage. The model for the islanded microgrid is developed by integrating all the inverter dynamics using a state-space model for the load currents. This model is presented in a comprehensive way such that it could be scalable to any number of inverter-based generators using inductor–capacitor–inductor (LCL) output filters. The use of these models allows designers to assess microgrid stability and robustness using modern control methods such as eigenvalue analysis and singular value diagrams. Both models were tested and validated in an experimental setup to demonstrate their accuracy in describing microgrid dynamics. In addition, three scenarios are presented: non-controlled model, Linear-Quadratic Integrator (LQI) power control, and Power-Voltage (PQ/Vdq) droop–boost controller. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategies and the accuracy of the models to describe microgrid dynamics.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Integration of optimal operational dispatch and controller determined dynamics for microgrid survivability

We present that the reliability and resilience of the electrical power grids are essential to industry, economy and society. Microgrids that are able to island from the bulk electrical grid are one technology that may vastly improve electrical power service to customer loads. To achieve these improvements, an islanded microgrid should be able to operate through the loss of one of its generators without shedding electrical load. The loss of one generator will typically result in significant additional loads, including transient overloads, being placed on the remaining generators. There is also the possibility of additional generator tripping during these processes (i.e. cascading failures), which would likely result in the collapse of the microgrid. The novelty of our work consists in incorporating dynamic models of generator controllers into a microgrid optimal dispatch formulation with the ultimate goal to avoid operational failures and ensure the “survivability” of all-inverter microgrids to generator loss and transient overloads. The integration of generator and controller dynamics into the optimal dispatch formulation significantly increases the computational complexity. As we develop algorithms to restore speed of the optimization, our method can be readily implemented into a new operational strategy capable of an unprecedented level of reliability against generator contingencies. In addition, we quantitatively illustrate the effect of the survivability constraints on the microgrid operating costs and how the related trade-off between capital and operating costs should be taken into account at the design stage. Finally, the methods developed here also apply to the dispatch of off-grid microgrids.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A review of microgrid development in the United States – A decade of progress on policies, demonstrations, controls, and software tools

Microgrids have become increasingly popular in the United States. Supported by favorable federal and local policies, microgrid projects can provide greater energy stability and resilience within a project site or community. Here, we review major federal, state, and utility-level policies driving microgrid development in the United States. Representative U.S. demonstration projects are selected and their technical characteristics and non-technical features are introduced. The paper discusses trends in the technology development of microgrid systems as well as microgrid control methods and interactions within the electricity market. Software tools for microgrid design, planning, and performance analysis are illustrated with each tool's core capability. Finally, the paper summarizes the successes and lessons learned during the recent expansion of the U.S. microgrid industry that may serve as a reference for other countries developing their own microgrid industries.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Inverter Controls for Smooth Transition Operation and Voltage Balancing of Networked Microgrids

With increasing penetrations of distributed energy resources (DERs), researchers have extensively studied the formation and networking of microgrids to improve reliability during distribution system outages. However, these operations might require DERs in the microgrids to switch between grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) modes of operation. A smooth transition between the operation modes should be ensured to have a stable system operation and to avoid nuisance tripping. Additionally, as we network microgrids, inverter control schemes with voltage-balancing controls are needed for unbalanced distribution networks. This paper presents the design of a GFM and GFL capable inverter control scheme for reliable operation in networked microgrids with mechanisms for 1) smooth transition between the GFL and GFM modes, and 2) negative sequence voltage control for voltage balancing. Using electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations, the control scheme is first tested on a simple two-source power system using a digital real-time simulator. Next, a real-world distribution feeder with unbalanced loading and multiple DERs is used to demonstrate stable operation during the networking of microgrids with voltage balance support.

distributed energy resources↗

Trust-Based Detection and Mitigation of Cyber Attacks in Distributed Cooperative Control of Islanded AC Microgrids

In this study, we address the challenge of detecting and mitigating cyber attacks in the distributed cooperative control of islanded AC microgrids, with a particular focus on detecting False Data Injection Attacks (FDIAs), a significant threat to the Smart Grid (SG). The SG integrates traditional power systems with communication networks, creating a complex system with numerous vulnerable links, making it a prime target for cyber attacks. These attacks can lead to the disclosure of private data, control network failures, and even blackouts. Unlike machine learning-based approaches that require extensive datasets and mathematical models dependent on accurate system modeling, our method is free from such dependencies. To enhance the microgrid’s resilience against these threats, we propose a resilient control algorithm by introducing a novel trustworthiness parameter into the traditional cooperative control algorithm. Our method evaluates the trustworthiness of distributed energy resources (DERs) based on their voltage measurements and exchanged information, using Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence to dynamically adjust control actions. We validated our approach through simulations on both the IEEE-34 bus feeder system with eight DERs and a larger microgrid with twenty-two DERs. The results demonstrated a detection accuracy of around 100%, with millisecond range mitigation time, ensuring rapid system recovery. Additionally, our method improved system stability by up to almost 100% under attack scenarios, showcasing its effectiveness in promptly detecting attacks and maintaining system resilience. These findings highlight the potential of our approach to enhance the security and stability of microgrid systems in the face of cyber threats.

Computer Science↗

Advanced Distributed Wind Turbine Controls Series: Part 3-Wind Energy in Grid-Connected Deployments – Microgrids, Infrastructure Resilience, and Advanced Controls Launchpad (MIRACL)

In recent years the technical ability and requirement for distributed wind turbines to provide grid support services beyond maximum energy production has increased. Ancillary services leveraged through advance controls of a wind turbine support grid reliability and resilience. One ancillary service that is significant to a grid-connected wind turbine deployment is fault ride through (FRT) in response to the voltage and frequency events in the power system. As part of the Microgrids, Infrastructure Resilience, and Advanced Controls Launchpad (MIRACL) this paper demonstrates, through desktop simulations, the wind turbine's FRT capabilities to support stable grid operation. We establish that the wind turbine models exceed FRT performance requirements stipulated in IEEE 1547-2018, regarding interconnection and interoperability of distributed energy resources. Utilizing a standalone CART2 (600 kW) wind turbine connected to the NREL's Flatirons Campus grid, we study voltage and frequency FRT utilizing various test cases. One of the test cases under study is a Category III voltage fault defined in IEEE 1547-2018 and derived from CA Rule 21. Some distributed wind turbines were unable to connect to the grid following the Rule 21 enforcement in California. Even if this is not a general requirement elsewhere, the grid codes might evolve in this direction. This study illustrates how a distributed wind turbine can provide some of these FRT services and enable a pathway toward a higher contribution of renewable energy in a distribution grid.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Distributed energy management for community microgrids considering network operational constraints and building thermal dynamics

A distributed energy management system for community microgrids is developed here. Unlike a centralized optimization-based energy management system, it schedules distributed energy resources and energy storage systems, as well as residential appliances, indirectly through iterative interaction between the microgrid central controller and home energy management systems, based on price signals. In each iteration, the microgrid central controller adjusts the scheduling of distributed energy resources and energy storage systems at the microgrid level. Meanwhile, the home energy management system of each house adjusts the scheduling of residential appliances. Then, the energy price at each bus is updated according to the unbalanced power between generation and demand. The optimization converges when the unbalanced power of all buses is close to zero, i.e., the microgrid central controller and home energy management systems reach an agreement on the energy price and generation/consumption. In particular, a detailed thermal dynamic model of the house is integrated into the HEMS scheduling for intelligent control of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system by customers. Lastly, the distribution network is also considered to make the energy price signal locational. Results of case studies validate the efficacy of the proposed distributed energy management system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Application of Autonomous Spacecraft Power Control Technology to Terrestrial Microgrids

This paper describes the potential of the power campus located at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio for microgrid development. First, the benefits provided by microgrids to the terrestrial power grid are described, and an overview of Technology Needs for microgrid development is presented. Next, GRC's work on development of autonomous control for manned deep space vehicles, which are essentially islanded microgrids, is covered, and contribution of each of these developments to the microgrid Technology Needs is detailed. Finally, a description is provided of GRC's existing physical assets which can be applied to microgrid technology development, and a phased plan for development of a microgrid test facility is presented.

Controls↗

Application of Autonomous Spacecraft Power Control Technology to Terrestrial Microgrids

This paper describes the potential of the power campus located at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio for microgrid development. First, the benefits provided by microgrids to the terrestrial power grid are described, and an overview of Technology Needs for microgrid development is presented. Next, GRC's work on development of autonomous control for manned deep space vehicles, which are essentially islanded microgrids, is covered, and contribution of each of these developments to the microgrid Technology Needs is detailed. Finally, a description is provided of GRC's existing physical assets which can be applied to microgrid technology development, and a phased plan for development of a microgrid test facility is presented.

Space Flight↗

Networked Microgrid Energy Management Considering Ownership and Control Structures: A Comparison

With the growing deployment of microgrids, networked microgrids have emerged for their additional advantages of economy, reliability and resilience by coordinating the operation of multiple microgrids. As microgrids are operated with different ownership, objectives and functionalities, the formed networked microgrids show characteristics of mixed ownership, inconsistent objectives and various functionalities. To enable the coordinated operation of networked microgrids, three control structures, i.e., centralized, distributed and decentralized, have been constructed in the literature. However, the data sharing enabling these different paradigms and the resulted value propositions are not well defined, leading to poor resource management and resilience, etc. To solve this issue, a complete comparison of networked microgrid energy management under centralized, distributed and decentralized structures are performed. As a novel contribution, the required minimum data exchange of networked microgrid energy management under three control structures are identified, respectively. The value propositions are calculated and compared against each other by the results of case studies.

control structures↗

Microgrids, Infrastructure Resilience, and Advanced Controls Launchpad (MIRACL) Research: Controls

Advanced Turbine Control for Distributed Wind Deployments: The Microgrids, Infrastructure Resilience, and Advanced Controls Launchpad (MIRACL) research initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office and led by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia). The initiative’s controls research seeks to expand the benefits from distributed wind energy assets beyond solely providing low-cost power directly to consumers. To make these turbines operate more effectively, there is a need for more advanced ways to control them—allowing power companies, businesses, and energy consumers to take advantage of some of the unique technical characteristics of wind energy.

wind, Microgrids, Infrastructure, Resilience, Adva↗

Supervisory On-line Optimal Control of an Electric Power Microgrid Design for Lunar Habitation

The following article describes an optimal control algorithm for the operation and study of an electric microgrid designed to power a lunar habitat. A photovoltaic (PV) generator powers the habitat and the presence of predictable lunar eclipses necessitates a system to prioritize and control loads within the microgrid. The algorithm consists of a reduced order model (ROM) that describes the microgrid, a discretization of the equations that result from the ROM, and an optimization formulation that controls the microgrid’s behavior. In order to validate this approach, the paper presents results from simulation based on lunar eclipse information and a schedule of intended loads.

Joseph Young↗

Distributed Transient Safety Verification via Robust Control Invariant Sets: A Microgrid Application

Modern safety-critical energy infrastructures are increasingly operated in a hierarchical and modular control framework which allows for limited data exchange between the modules. In this context, it is important for each module to synthesize and communicate constraints on the values of exchanged information in order to assure system-wide safety. To ensure transient safety in inverter-based microgrids, we develop a set invariance-based distributed safety verification algorithm for each inverter module. Applying Nagumo's invariance condition, we construct a robust polynomial optimization problem to jointly search for safety-admissible set of control set-points and design parameters, under allowable disturbances from neighbors. We use sum-of-squares (SOS) programming to solve the verification problem and we perform numerical simulations using grid-forming inverters to illustrate the algorithm.

Bouvier, Jean-Baptiste H.↗