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Results for “renewable energy stability”

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

Co-Benefits of Mitigating Aerosol Pollution to Future Solar and Wind Energy in China Toward Carbon Neutrality

The climate commitment to achieving carbon neutrality before 2060 in China has been announced recently. In the context of pursuing carbon neutrality, sharing similar sources as greenhouse gases, aerosol particle and precursor emissions are projected to substantially decrease in China, which can potentially have a great impact on climate. Here, we investigate the effects of future aerosol reductions, because of achieving carbon neutrality, on solar and wind energy in China by using an earth system model. We show that significant reductions in aerosol emissions, particularly in eastern China, lead to increases in the surface downwelling shortwave radiation, surface air temperature and wind speed, which can further enhance the potential of solar and wind energy production. The findings underline that the pursuit of carbon neutrality can yield co-benefits of not only mitigating climate change and air pollution but also fortifying the stability of renewable energy sources.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
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↗
DOE OSTI2022

Grid-Supportive Loads - A New Approach to Increasing Renewable Energy in Power Systems

This paper demonstrates the potential of inverter-based loads to support grid reliability during power system transients thereby enabling reliable integration of renewable energy in power systems. Such loads are referred to in this paper as grid-supportive loads (GSLs). A new GSL model is developed that simulates the transient response capabilities that can be programmed in electronic loads. The model’s design enables it to be easily integrated in widely used commercial power system transient analysis software. Theoretical expressions are derived that explain the workings of the GSL model. The performance, numerical stability, and impact of the GSL model is validated on 9-bus and 2000-bus synthetic power system models using generator tripping and bus fault disturbances. Results on the 2000 bus system show that in the absence of frequency support from wind/solar generation resources, just 20% of loads with grid-supportive capabilities can improve frequency response by up to 2000 MW/0.1 Hz and reduce deviation in frequency at nadir by up to 60% compared to the situation when GSLs are absent. Power system reliability also improves under fault events. Here, it is further shown that GSLs can aid in integrating more renewable generation without degrading the overall transient response of the power system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Optimal Power Flow in DC Networks with Robust Feasibility and Stability Guarantees

With high penetrations of renewable generation and variable loads, there is significant uncertainty associated with power flows in DC networks such that stability and operational constraint satisfaction are of concern. Most existing DC network optimal power flow (DN-OPF) formulations assume exact knowledge of loading conditions and do not provide stability guarantees. Here, in contrast, this paper studies a DN-OPF formulation which considers both stability and operational constraint satisfaction under uncertainty. The need to account for a range of uncertainty realizations in this paper's robust optimization formulation results in a challenging semi-infinite program (SIP). The proposed solution algorithm reformulates this SIP into a computationally tractable problem by constructing a tight convex inner approximation of the stability set using sufficient conditions for the existence of a feasible and stable power flow solution. Optimal generator set-points are obtained by optimizing over the proposed convex stability set. The validity and effectiveness of the propose algorithm is demonstrated through various DC networks adapted from IEEE test cases.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Power System Recovery from Momentary Cessation with Transient Stability Improvement

Power system dynamics will be significantly changed by integrating wind farms and solar photovoltaic plants into power systems. This study investigates the effect of momentary cessation of inverter-based resources (IBRs) on transient stability and provides a recovery strategy for bulk IBRs in power systems. The theoretical analysis was initially carried out on a one-machine infinite-bus system, demonstrating the IBR impact in a critical group. The analysis was then expanded to a multimachine power system with IBRs using the single-machine equivalent method. The study found that IBRs in critical and noncritical groups exert contrasting effects on transient stability. Finally, a strategy for enhancing transient stability is proposed by controlling IBRs during power system recovery. The proposed strategy was verified by simulation on IEEE 9-bus and IEEE 39-bus power systems with the addition of IBRs. A 39-bus power system simulation demonstrates the scalability of the proposed method. Here, the proposed strategy provides effective and executable measures for improving system security in the presence of IBRs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Frequency Stability Enhancement in a Fully Solar Power Grid: A Case Study on the Saudi Model

Recently, renewable energy sources (RES) such as solar photovoltaic (PV) have been recognized for their significant potential. Several studies have explored the issue of frequency stability with high RES penetration. A significant observation related to this issue is the decline in the weighted short circuit ratio (WSCR), which has the potential to adversely affect system stability. This research uniquely focuses on the gradual transition of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) system to a fully integrated solar PV grid, offering insight and methodology that can be adapted for other power systems. While a variety of mitigation methods are available, synchronous condensers (SC) were used in this study to stabilize grid frequency, and their implementation has been shown to improve the overall performance of the system. In response to the observed decline in WSCR, a comprehensive short circuit analysis was applied across all regions in the Saudi power grid model to evaluate the reduction in short circuit power and highlight areas requiring enhancement. Finally, scenarios illustrating frequency response with a gradual increase in SCR were analyzed, with the objective of establishing a stable, fully solar PV power system that is resilient to sudden power grid disturbances.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Pricing Strategy of Electric Vehicle Aggregators Based on Locational Marginal Price to Minimize Photovoltaic (PV) Curtailment

The global climate crisis demands urgent action to mitigate global warming. Using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, for electricity generation is crucial. This shift from centralized to distributed power systems, however, brings challenges, including voltage fluctuations and renewable energy curtailment. The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry adds complexity, increasing overall electricity demand and straining the power supply during peak charging times. This paper proposes a scheduling strategy for EV aggregators to reduce renewable energy curtailment and stabilize grid operation by strategically scheduling EV charging. Using Multi -Agent Transport Simulation (MATSim), a traffic simulation tool, EV driving data in Denver, Colorado, USA, were modeled. The EV aggregator adjusts charging fees based on locational marginal prices, encouraging EVs to charge at different stations according to pricing. Simulations on an IEEE 33-bus system with distributed energy resources and EV charging stations validate the proposed algorithm, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing curtailment by 12.55% and stabilizing grid operation.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Deep Sigma Point Processes-Assisted Chance-Constrained Power System Transient Stability Preventive Control

Here this paper proposes a deep sigma point processes (DSPP)-assisted chance-constrained power system transient stability preventive control method to deal with uncertain renewable energy and loads-induced stability risk. The traditional transient stability-constrained preventive control is reformulated as a chance-constrained optimization problem. To deal with the computational bottleneck of the time-domain simulation-based probabilistic transient stability assessment, the DSPP is developed. DSPP is a parametric Bayesian approach that allows us to predict system transient stability with high computational efficiency while accurately quantifying the confidence intervals of the predictions that can be used to inform system instability risk. To this end, with a given preset confidence probability, we embed DSPP into the primal dual interior point method to help solve the chance-constrained preventive control problem, where the corresponding Jacobian and Hessian matrices are derived. Comparison results with other existing methods show that the proposed method can significantly speed up preventive control while maintaining high accuracy and convergence

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

DER Inverter Control Fault Ride Through Model in Accordance with IEEE 1547-2018 Std

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) with smart inverters are becoming more prevalent as the need for renewable energy and grid stability increases. An important challenge arises when considering that inverterbased generation methods contribute less current during faults, rendering traditional overcurrent protection unsatisfactory. DERs have fault ride-through requirements when operating in high or low voltage, outlined by IEEE Std. 1547-2018. Faults cause the voltage to reach abnormal steady state magnitudes, depending on the fault resistance and fault type. There are several high voltage and low voltage ride-through zones defined by IEEE Std. 1547-2018. Each zone’s ride through duration decreases as the applicable voltage measurement, i.e., the phase RMS voltage, deviates from its nominal value. This presentation demonstrates the implementation of IEEE Std. 1547-2018 high and low voltage ridethrough grid support functions using a preexisting RSCAD model, discussing the challenges presented during this process. The implemented controls monitor the filtered phase voltages to have a more accurate reading of the applicable voltages. The controls sense the duration that the applicable voltage remains in a specific zone. The breaker trips and ceases energization to the grid when the duration is exceeded. The standard allows the operator to adjust the ride-through times and voltage zones from the default settings. These ranges are implemented into the runtime, which acts as the operator’s SCADA. The results show the accuracy of the voltage measurements, which remain within the IEEE Std. 1547-2018 for all cases.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Generic characterization of electrical test benches for AC- and HVDC-connected wind power plants

The electrical test and assessment of wind turbines go hand in hand with standards and network connection requirements. In this paper, the generic structure of advanced electrical test benches, including grid emulator or controllable grid interface, wind torque emulator, and device under test, is proposed to harmonize state-of-the-art test sites. On the other hand, modern wind turbines are under development towards new features, concerning grid-forming, black-start, and frequency support capabilities as well as harmonic stability and control interaction considerations, to secure the robustness and stability of renewable-energy-based power systems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new and revised test standards and methodologies to address the new features of wind turbines. This paper proposes a generic test structure within two main groups, including open-loop and closed-loop tests. The open-loop tests include the IEC 61400-21-1 standard tests as well as the additional proposed test options for the new capabilities of wind turbines, which replicate grid connection compliance tests using open-loop references for the grid emulator. In addition, the closed-loop tests evaluate the device under test as part of a virtual wind power plant and perform real-time simulations considering the grid dynamics. The closed-loop tests concern grid connection topologies consisting of AC and HVDC, as well as different electrical characteristics, including impedance, short-circuit ratio, inertia, and background harmonics. The proposed tests can be implemented using available advanced test benches by adjusting their control systems. The characteristics of a real power system can be emulated by a grid emulator coupled with real-time digital simulator systems through a high-bandwidth power-hardware-in-the-loop interface.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Comprehensive Review on the Development of Solid–State Metal–Air Batteries Operated on Oxide–Ion Chemistry

The recently developed solid oxide metal–air redox battery (SOMARB) operating on oxide-ion chemistry represents an emerging and promising energy storage technology, which is well suited for managing grid stability and efficiently harvesting renewable energy. Compared to widely reported metal–air batteries operating on liquid-phase alkali-ion or alkaline chemistries, the SOMARB uniquely features a direct reduction of the high concentration of O 2 molecules in the gas phase without invoking the detrimental formation of a diffusion-blocking oxide phase on the surface of the oxygen electrode. A typical SOMARB is composed of a reversible solid oxide cell (RSOC) and an energy storage unit (ESU), which is capable of storing a high capacity of energy at high power without safety concerns. In this article, the SOMARB concept birth and development are reviewed and discussed with the fundamental differences separating it from other types of metal–air batteries, along with the challenges and opportunities around commercialization. Particular focus is placed on the functional materials tailored for ESU and RSOC applications, including recent experimental and computational efforts to boost the redox activity of Fe-based ESU materials and the performance of intermediate temperature RSOCs. Lastly, candid opinions are offered on the challenges and opportunities facing the future development of SOMARBs toward large-scale energy storage applications.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Intelligent industrial demand response to increase grid flexibility and reliability: A review

The rapid transition toward renewable energy has introduced challenges in grid stability due to the intermittency of non-dispatchable sources like solar and wind. Industrial Demand Response (IDR) offers a promising, cost-effective solution that adjusts energy consumption patterns to align with supply, increases renewable utilization, and reduces costs. This review provides an updated analysis of IDR, sorting technologies into five categories: energy storage, scheduled energy usage, operational flexibility, on-site generation, and intelligent operations. Energy storage solutions, while requiring little flexibility, often have the longest payback periods. While slightly better, on-site generation also has longer payback periods, ranging from 5 to 20 years or more. Scheduled energy usage, operational flexibility, and intelligent operations allow significant peak reduction at lower capital costs but require greater flexibility. While 15–20 % peak reduction is within the range of all five categories, scheduled energy use and on-site energy generation are shown to have reductions of up to 70–80 % in select scenarios. Combining multiple IDR strategies from these five categories maximizes both financial and operational benefits. Synergistic approaches are shown to enhance grid stability while reducing costs. As the grid evolves, IDR will enable a more flexible, renewable-powered future that will benefit industrial facilities and the broader energy system.

Demand flexibility↗