Michael Rinker
GridPACK
This is a follow-on disclosure to 30437. GridPACK is a software framework consisting of a set of modules designed to simplify the development of programs that model the power grid and run on parallel, high performance computing platforms. It also contains several fully developed applications, including powerflow, dynamic simulation, state estimation, Kalman filter analysis (dynamic state estimation), contingency analysis and real time path rating. These applications can be used either standalone or as components in more complicated workflows that combine several different types of application together. The framework modules are available as a combination of libraries and software templates and consist of components for setting up and distributing power grid networks, support for modeling the behavior of individual buses and branches in the network, converting the network models to the corresponding algebraic equations, and parallel routines for manipulating and solving large algebraic systems. The framework also contains a module for distributing tasks evenly amongst computing resources, even if individual tasks vary widely in their execution times. Additional modules support input and output, basic statistical analysis of contingency based calculations, distributed data structures, as well as basic profiling and error management.
Hybrid Energy Storage System Utilizing Redox Active Organic Compounds
Redox flow batteries (RFB) have attracted considerable interest due to their ability to store large amounts of power and energy. Non-aqueous energy storage systems that utilize at least some aspects of RFB systems are attractive because they can offer an expansion of the operating potential window, which can improve on the system energy and power densities. One example of such systems has a separator separating first and second electrodes. The first electrode includes a first current collector and volume containing a first active material. The second electrode includes a second current collector and volume containing a second active material. During operation, the first source provides a flow of first active material to the first volume. The first active material includes a redox active organic compound dissolved in a non-aqueous, liquid electrolyte and the second active material includes a redox active metal.
(VELOCYS) Devices with Extended Area Structures for Mass Transfer Processing of Fluids (Incorp. 14328-E PROV 1, 2, 3 and IR 14180-E)
This invention represents a new class of microreactors. Microchannel reactors have been proven very effective in providing rapid heat transfer to support highly exothermic and endothermic reactions, such as steam reforming. Typically, these reactors use an interleaved architecture where they are for heat transfer between the reaction channels and heat exchange channels is comparable to the area for mass transfer from the reaction flow channel to the adjacent catalyst structure. This invention is useful for classes of reactions that are either mildly exothermic or endothermic, utilize a catalyst with low or moderate activity, or require carefully controlled heat transfer, such as when establishing a temperature profiles down the length of the reactor. In these cases, the normal interleaved approach can lead to an excessive area for heat transfer relative to the are for mass transfer, resulting in an oversized reactor, an unnecessary small temperature driving force, and/or quenching of the ration. This invention allows for much higher mass transfer area relative to heat transfer area to overcome these limitations. A prototype water-gas-shift reactor has been designed utilizing this concept, including detailed heat transfer calculations. A finite element simulation of this reactor is anticipated in the next several weeks. A prototype reactor will be built and tested over the next several months. The reactor will include a section that will be operated with a temperature profile down the length between 410 degrees C and 275 degrees C to implement the differential temperature concept. Implementing this invention for the WGS reactor of a steam reforming fuel processor for automotive fuel cell power system dramatically reduces the size and weight of this component enabling the system to approach power density and specific power targets for the Freedom Car. In addition, this invention provides improved catalyst productivity, reducing the catalyst cost
HIERARCHAL FRAMEWORK FOR INTEGRATING DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES INTO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
This paper focuses on developing a novel multi-layer market-based framework for effective coordination and control of a large number of distributed energy resources in distribution systems in order to more reliably manage the future U.S. electric power grid under the high penetration of renewable generation. The proposed framework provides a systematic view of the overall structure of the future distribution systems along with the underlying information flow, functional organization, and operational procedures. It is characterized by the features of being open, flexible and interoperable with the potential to support dynamic system configuration. Under the proposed framework, the energy consumption of various DERs is coordinated and controlled using market-based approaches in a hierarchical way. The real-time Volt/VAR control is simultaneously considered to complement the real power control in order to keep nodal voltages stable within acceptable ranges during real time. In addition, computational challenges associated with the proposed framework are also discussed with recommended practices.