Thrust 1: Theory and Modeling

Thrust 1 will develop new theory, models, and methods for power and energy systems containing large numbers of systems driven by power electronics (PEL). PEL-driven systems. Component models parametrized for co-design will be developed along with characterizations of PEL controller interaction phenomena at different time scales, covering various problems like local oscillations, inter-area oscillations, and weak grid-induced controller interactions. Advancements made within this thrust in the understanding of the stability of systems with high numbers of interacting PEL-based systems will enable resilient design and operation of these systems and provide the parametric simulation models to the other thrusts, along with the control objectives. Real-life occurrences of instability will be analyzed and techniques for mitigation via multi-scale grid resilience and oscillation damping will be developed. Advanced multi-terminal direct current (MTDC) transmission systems, low-frequency transmission systems, and solid-state transformers will be among the system types considered.

Thrust 2: Multi-Scale, Multi-Objective Co-Design

Thrust 2 will apply the concept of co-design to solve the design and operation optimization problem for complex energy systems with high levels of PEL devices. Computational optimization algorithms and software tools will be developed for optimized investment and operational decisions for interconnected power and energy systems. The co-design approach will enable optimal trade-off among multiple objectives, including upfront and operational cost, energy resilience, and greenhouse gas emission while accounting for the multi-time-scale dynamics introduced by the PELs. The software prototype, consisting of a backend, computationally efficient optimization engine and a frontend user interface, will be extensible, furnished with standardized application programming interfaces, and demonstrated on select use cases. 

Thrust 3: Multi-Entity Simulation and Case Development

Thrust 3 will integrate the co-design capability and new PEL models into a broader energy system simulation platform that will enable insight into both the impact of locally optimized entities when deployed at scale and how the evolution of the energy system should inform investment and operational decision-making at the entity level. This analysis capability will provide a mechanism to evaluate how the presumed benefits of localized optimal co-design are amplified or attenuated when deployed across the broader system. This will enable us to uncover pitfalls or challenges with these approaches that we might not otherwise be able to capture. It will also unlock benefits for policymaking, market and regulatory design, and the identification of impactful incentives, allowing us to use rigorous, engineering-based analysis to inform what future grid operation should look like to advance the decarbonization agenda. Thrust 3 will also develop real-world use cases that will include defining data requirements, system objectives, and constraints, as well as the organization of existing data sets, and generation of new data from test beds.