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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 19 records
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DOE OSTI2024

Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study

The Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study (AOSWTS) is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) efforts to understand and facilitate the transmission of electricity from wind in the Atlantic Ocean. It was informed by the Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Literature Review and Gaps Analysis (Bothwell et al. 2021) and the convening workshops hosted in 2022-2023 by DOE and the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The study results help to inform An Action Plan for Offshore Wind Transmission Development in the U.S. Atlantic Region (Baker et al. 2023). DOE's Wind Energy Technologies Office funded AOSWTS. The AOSWTS identifies and evaluates pathways to enable offshore wind energy deployment in the Atlantic Ocean through coordinated offshore transmission solutions in the near term (by 2030) and long term (by 2050). The study fills gaps in prior analyses by providing a multiregional planning perspective that evaluates offshore wind generation development with transmission planning. It incorporates environmental, ocean co-use, and other siting considerations into defining potential offshore transmission routes. The study also compares different multiregional offshore transmission topologies and their associated costs (using potential cable routes) and benefits (in terms of production cost savings and enhanced resource adequacy). In addition, the AOSWTS analyzes reliability impacts from a multiregional perspective. The study provides guidance for policymakers and transmission stakeholders on possible outcomes resulting from a proactive, coordinated, and interregional approach to transmission planning for offshore wind energy development in the Atlantic. While this study presents possibilities, additional work following system operator methods and procedures can help build on this analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study: Executive Summary

The Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study (AOSWTS) is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) efforts to understand and facilitate the transmission of electricity from wind in the Atlantic Ocean. It was informed by the Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Literature Review and Gaps Analysis (Bothwell et al. 2021) and the convening workshops hosted in 2022-2023 by DOE and the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The study results help to inform An Action Plan for Offshore Wind Transmission Development in the U.S. Atlantic Region (Baker et al. 2023). DOE's Wind Energy Technologies Office funded AOSWTS. The AOSWTS identifies and evaluates pathways to enable offshore wind energy deployment in the Atlantic Ocean through coordinated offshore transmission solutions in the near term (by 2030) and long term (by 2050). The study fills gaps in prior analyses by providing a multiregional planning perspective that evaluates offshore wind generation development with transmission planning. It incorporates environmental, ocean co-use, and other siting considerations into defining potential offshore transmission routes. The study also compares different multiregional offshore transmission topologies and their associated costs (using potential cable routes) and benefits (in terms of production cost savings and enhanced resource adequacy). In addition, the AOSWTS analyzes reliability impacts from a multiregional perspective. The study provides guidance for policymakers and transmission stakeholders on possible outcomes resulting from a proactive, coordinated, and interregional approach to transmission planning for offshore wind energy development in the Atlantic. While this study presents possibilities, additional work following system operator methods and procedures can help build on this analysis.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

West Coast Offshore Wind Transmission Study

As a primary federal investigation of the utility of transmission to support offshore wind emergence in the Western Interconnect, the West Coast Offshore Wind Transmission study evaluates five distinct West Coast-wide transmission scenarios and trades the economic benefits and costs of six development pathways from 2035 to 2050. In this time, 33 GW of OSW generation and supporting transmission are explored within the context of 350 additional GW of generation to support 100% clean electricity. Geospatial analysis informed plausible transmission topologies and cost estimates. All pathways to intraregional or interregional coordination transmission builds showed more than $\$$14 billion in present value cost savings, with a maximum of $\$$25 billion of savings in the interregional case. These savings are primarily driven by fuel costs and increased availability of power flows enabled by new transmission networks. Key considerations of clean, dispatchable generation options, geographic disaggregation of costs, system reliability reinforcements, resilience, and community values are also presented and discussed.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Literature Review and Gaps Analysis

In support of the national goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030, DOE’s Wind Energy Technologies Office has published an Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Literature Review and Gaps Analysis. Transmission constraints— including both land-based transmission interconnections and offshore transmission—are expected to be one of the central challenges to meeting offshore wind deployment goals. Given current trends in offshore wind development, available technology, and state-level procurement goals, most of the first 30 GW of offshore wind are anticipated to be developed along the East Coast. This report summarizes current publicly available transmission analyses along the Atlantic Coast, as well as gaps in existing analyses. Improving understanding of offshore wind transmission options, establishing coordination and aligning processes among states and regions, and quantifying the long-term impacts of offshore wind transmission options will catalyze offshore wind energy’s growth and ensure adequate transmission and a reliable grid.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Gulf of Mexico Offshore Wind Transmission - Literature Review and Gaps Analysis: Environmental Considerations, Community Readiness, and Infrastructure

The ability to effectively and efficiently connect offshore wind energy resources to end users in the Gulf of Mexico, requires coordinated transmission planning to ensure that electric transmission facilities can adequately support future offshore development. The Gulf of Mexico has substantial wind resources in both shallow shelf waters and deeper waters off the shelf where fixed bottom and floating wind technologies would be most appropriate. Most interest in offshore wind development to date has been in the central and western portions of the Gulf of Mexico (Louisiana and Texas) in federal and state waters. As a companion study to other federal activities in the offshore wind transmission space, including the Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Literature Review and Gaps Analysis, the Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study, the West Coast Offshore Wind Transmission Literature Review and Gaps Analysis, the West Coast Offshore Wind Transmission Study, and the Advancing Offshore Wind Energy in the United States: U. S. Department of Energy Strategic Contributions Toward 30 Gigawatts and Beyond Report, this literature review and gaps analysis for offshore wind transmission in the Gulf of Mexico builds off previous literature reviews and supports the role of federal leadership to facilitate offshore wind energy. The overarching goal of this document is to identify gaps and lay the groundwork to inform coordinated transmission planning, ocean co-use, existing energy infrastructure, and siting associated with offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Mexico. There are unique regional considerations for offshore wind transmission, which are summarized herein based on a review and assessment of publicly available information.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Northern California and Southern Oregon Offshore Wind Transmission Study: Volume 1 (Revised)

Offshore wind (OSW) power based on floating technology in the coastal waters of the U.S. Pacific Ocean has great potential to contribute to climate mitigation and renewable energy goals in California, Oregon, and other parts of the western U.S. To achieve development of OSW at scale, investments in transmission infrastructure are needed to deliver this power to major metropolitan areas because these are the primary electricity load centers. Currently the transmission infrastructure serving coastal regions where OSW is most likely to be developed has limited capacity and is designed to bring power from the east to serve modest coastal loads. The development of OSW generation and the interconnection of this resource to the bulk power grid will require major investments in new transmission infrastructure and upgrades to existing infrastructure. This study investigated the development of up to 25.8 GW of OSW energy on the northern coast of California and the southern coast of Oregon. The focus of the study was to assess various transmission alternatives that could deliver OSW power to distant load centers while also providing energy benefits to rural coastal communities near to where OSW power may be developed.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electro-Thermo-Mechanical (ETM) Study on Submarine Dynamic Power Cables (SDPC) for Offshore Wind Transmission

Understanding the failure mechanisms of submarine dynamic power cables (SDPC) is critical for innovative design to meet the 2035 cost reduction target of U.S. DOE Floating Offshore Wind Shot. This is important because the current design suffers a significant failure rate in the field. This project conducted a systematic electro-thermo-mechanical (ETM) experimental study on the power cores extracted from a 15kV power cable with three cores of copper conductor, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) insulation, and continuously corrugated welded aluminum armor (CCWA). An ETM testing system was developed by integrating a high voltage (HV) amplifier, two ceramic heaters, and a rod-plate transverse compression setup into a mechanical testing machine. Increasing temperature from room temperature (RT, 22 degree C) to 90 degree C resulted in the 67% decrease in the failure mechanical load as defined by the dielectric breakdown. Under creep mechanical loading, the dielectric breakdown time was decreased by 70% for a given mechanical load when the specimen temperature increased from RT to 90oC. The failure strain in both monotonic and creep mechanical loading modes was related to the maximum mechanical load applied. Although the dielectric breakdown occurred in the ETM test, the post-test measurement revealed an impressive recovery of electric resistance. The failure analysis on cross section of tested specimens indicated a sizable gap across insulation layer near the area between copper conductor and loading rod, which apparently resulted from online dielectric failure and offline elastic recovery of components including conductor and insulation layer.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

West Coast Offshore Wind Transmission Literature Review and Gaps Analysis

This review of the state of west coast OSW transmission research organizes the body of literature to date and describes the most impactful grid integration analysis and convening opportunities. It is intended as a scan of the landscape to ground impactful investments, which will guide state and federal entities and private developers to maximize net value of west coast OSW to the Nation.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Grid Integration of Offshore Wind Power: Standards, Control, Power Quality and Transmission

Offshore wind is expected to be a major player in the global efforts toward decarbonization, leading to exceptional changes in modern power systems. Understanding the impacts and capabilities of the relatively new and uniquely positioned assets in grids with high integration levels of inverter-based resources, however, is lacking, raising concerns about grid reliability, stability, power quality, and resilience, with the absence of updated grid codes to guide the massive deployment of offshore wind. To help fill the gap, this paper presents an overview of the state-of-the-art technologies of offshore wind power grid integration. First, the paper investigates the most current grid requirements for wind power plant integration, based on a harmonized European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) framework and notable international standards, and it illuminates future directions. The paper discusses the wind turbine and wind power plant control strategies, and new control approaches, such as grid-forming control, are presented in detail. The paper reviews recent research on the ancillary services that offshore wind power plants can potentially provide, which, when harmonized, will not only comply with regulations but also improve the value of the asset. The paper explores topics of wind power plant harmonics, reviewing the latest standards in detail and outlining mitigation methods. The paper also presents stability analysis methods for wind power plants, with discussions centered on validity and computational efficiency. Finally, the paper discusses wind power plant transmission solutions, with a focus on high-voltage direct-current topologies and controls.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Offshore Wind Guide

The WINDExchange Offshore Wind Energy Guide is a foundational resource that introduces the major concepts and topics within offshore wind energy: project anatomy and component characteristics; the project development process; siting of turbines and other infrastructure; state and local involvement in offshore wind energy development; community impacts; public engagement in decision making and planning; Tribal considerations; economic impacts; supply chain, ports, and vessels, and workforce. This guide is intended to provide information and resources that can build a foundation of knowledge and understanding about offshore wind energy and create a launching point for readers to seek out additional information about the topics and issues of interest to them.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Wind Energy Accomplishments and Year-End Performance Report: Fiscal Year 2022

Four decades ago, construction was just beginning on experimental turbines at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). Today, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) facility is the centerpiece of the laboratory's Flatirons Campus, a world-class hub for renewable energy research. The nation's shift to 100% clean electricity by 2035 will require a mix of renewable energy sources and strategies - and together, wind and solar energy could account for 60% to 80% of that clean energy resource. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, NREL scientists, engineers, and analysts contributed to these visionary goals through their wind energy research. As wind innovations push into new areas, NREL continues to play a vital role in advancing technology and addressing deployment barriers in pursuit of more efficient, reliable, and predictable wind energy systems. FY 2022 wind research and development explored the potential for dramatic growth in land-based systems, the launch of the nation's first commercial-scale offshore installations, and transmission infrastructure buildout. Land-based wind energy is one of the most cost-effective electricity supply options - but utility-scale deployment will require up to 10 times the current number of turbines. An NREL plan addressed this need to accelerate U.S. wind technology rollout at distributed and utility scales. Another project conducted by NREL and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) helps position the nation's first major offshore wind corridor for success. The WETO-funded Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study is evaluating options for balancing electricity supply and demand, while supporting resilience of the grid and marine industries. WETO, NREL, and other partners are working to enable the enormous supply chain and workforce changes the U.S. wind energy industry will need to meet net-zero-carbon-emissions targets. As part of a seminal series of DOE-funded supply chain studies, NREL analysts reported on the trade-offs involved in manufacturing large volumes of wind technologies, while addressing cost, workforce, and logistics issues. All of this research is supported by NREL's outstanding research teams, tools, data, and facilities. A WETO-funded international wind energy field campaign, the American WAKE experimeNt (AWAKEN), has brought together experts from NREL, PNNL, and Sandia National Laboratories to create the world's most comprehensive set of high-resolution data on wind energy atmospheric phenomenon. This study could lead to more accurate predictions of losses from turbine-to-turbine wake interactions, eventually helping wind plants capture more energy and operators save millions of dollars. In addition, NREL researchers developed testing, modeling, and analysis tools to improve the security of power grids by identifying wind power plant dynamic stability problems. A new Stochastic Soaring Raptor Simulator (SSRS) protects golden eagles from turbine encounters by predicting flight paths. This report provides more detail on these top achievements and other accomplishments made by NREL and its partners during FY 2022 (between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022).

accomplishments↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grid Strength Analysis for Integrating 30 GW of Offshore Wind Generation by 2030 in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection

Offshore wind is a key player in the transition to a decarbonized electric gird, and the United States has set ambitious goals of integrating 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 110 GW by 2050. To facilitate this integration, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are conducting the Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study to assess transmission solutions. To achieve the 110-GW target by 2050, meticulous planning for network expansion and resource allocation is essential; however, meeting the 2030 goals requires integrating offshore wind power with minimal system upgrades, thus necessitating a careful study of grid strength and stability. The study team developed the Automated System-wide Strength Evaluation Tool (ASSET) to assess system strength under various operating conditions and contingencies, focusing on the proposed integration of 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030. In this paper, we provide a summary of key features of the ASSET software and results of the grid strength analysis for integrating 30 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030 in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection.

Automated System-wide Strength Evaluation Tool (AS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grid Strength Analysis for Integrating 30 GW of Offshore Wind Generation by 2030 in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection: Preprint

Offshore wind is a key player in the transition to a decarbonized electric gird, and the United States has set ambitious goals of integrating 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 110 GW by 2050. To facilitate this integration, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are conducting the Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study to assess transmission solutions. To achieve the 110-GW target by 2050, meticulous planning for network expansion and resource allocation is essential; however, meeting the 2030 goals requires integrating offshore wind power with minimal system upgrades, thus necessitating a careful study of grid strength and stability. The study team developed the Grid Strength Analysis Tool (GSAT) to assess system strength under various operating conditions and contingencies, focusing on the proposed integration of 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030. In this paper, we provide a summary of key features of the GSAT software and results of the grid strength analysis for integrating 30 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030 in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection.

Automated System-wide Strength Evaluation Tool (AS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Transmission Alternatives for California North Coast Offshore Wind, Volume 4: Cost-Benefit Analysis Report

The purpose of this report is to compare the costs and benefits of installing offshore wind power plants with capacities up to 500 megawatts (MW) in the Humboldt Wind Energy Area offshore California, focusing on identifying the costs related to transmission upgrades and possible alternatives such as energy storage. We identify several options that result in lower costs than upgrading transmission to provide full deliverability. Our estimates of the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) assuming full deliverability range from $80/MWh for a 144-MW plant to $73/MWh for a 480-MW plant with a 2030 commercial operation date; however, the additional cost of transmission upgrades increases these values to between $86/MWh and $98/MWh. Based on curtailment and revenue estimates developed using a production cost model, the LCOEs for plant capacities of 144 MW and 168 MW with Energy Only deliverability are lower than the combined cost of energy and transmission upgrades for full deliverability. The addition of a 4-hour, 15-MW battery energy storage system increases revenue for both plant sizes, with the 144 MW + storage scenario producing the most revenue relative to LCOE.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Offshore Wind Energy Fundamentals for Bangladesh [Slides]

Bangladesh is aiming to limit emissions, and gain access to cleaner, more efficient technologies to support economic growth as the nation strives to achieve high-income status by 2041. Bangladesh identified that it has a potential for offshore wind energy, especially at hub heights of 140 to 160 meters, which is pivotal in diversifying the country's energy mix and ensuring energy security. This one-day webinar is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through two projects: (1) Reinforcing Advanced Energy Systems (RAES) project, implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and (2) Bangladesh Advancing Development and Growth through Energy (BADGE) project, implemented by Tetra Tech.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

EMT and Phasor-Domain Co-simulation of a Low Frequency AC Transmission System for Offshore Wind Integration

This work investigates system level interactions of multi-terminal low frequency high-voltage alternating current (LF-HVac) system using back-to back converters and grid-level 60 Hz system. A co-simulation framework by integrating high- fidelity dynamic model of multi-terminal LF-HVac system in electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation platform and phasor model of IEEE 39 bus system in transient-stability (phasor) program. The co-simulation framework for multi-terminal LF- HVac system with offshore wind integrated in a bulk power system is developed successfully and its steady state and dynamic operation is demonstrated and compared with EMT simulation. The co-simulation results show accurate representation of the dynamic responses with reduced computation burden and time compared to EMT platform.

low-frequency transmission, co-simulation, electro↗
DOE OSTI2020

Statistical Steady-State Stability Analysis for Transmission System Planning for Offshore Wind Power Plant Integration

This paper presents a statistical steady-state stability analysis for transmission system planning studies in order to identify operational issues inherent in the integration of offshore wind power plants. It includes normal and contingency operation. This study considers the integration of a 1000-MW offshore wind power plant into the FirstEnergy/PJM service territory in the U.S. Great Lakes region as a case study and uses a realistic computer model of the U.S. Eastern Interconnection, a 63,000-bus test system. The results show the utility of this statistical analysis tool and its effectiveness in identification of the operational impacts as a result of the integration of offshore wind power plant.

Sajadi, Amirhossein↗