Computational Systems Engineering and Cybernetics

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Computational Systems Engineering and Cybernetics Group develops advanced computational methods and systems to enhance the resilience, security, and efficiency of critical infrastructure, with a particular focus on modernizing and securing the electric grid.

The group’s research spans three interconnected areas—grid modernization and resilience, advanced control systems, and infrastructure security—and combines cutting-edge modeling and simulation, high-performance computing, and data analytics to create innovative tools to ensure that infrastructure systems can adapt to disruptions, optimize performance, and maintain reliable operations during adverse events.

In grid modernization, the group is tackling pressing challenges posed by the integration of renewable energy sources and the declining system inertia (i.e., fewer generators with rotational mass) in power grids. Their research has documented significant changes in grid inertia across US interconnections over the past decade, with declines of up to 15% in some regions. To address this challenge, the group is developing sophisticated control techniques that can maintain reliable operations even when real-time data becomes unavailable (e.g., during extreme weather events).

The group’s work in control systems showcases their practical approach to energy efficiency. Their experimental studies combine conventional controls with advanced AI-based methods and have demonstrated remarkable energy savings—up to a 66% reduction in HVAC energy consumption by using control algorithms developed with reinforcement learning techniques. The group is also pioneering new methods for power system restoration during outages, including work with networked microgrids in Puerto Rico.

The societal impact of this work is significant—from helping utilities better respond to extreme weather events to reducing energy consumption in buildings and ensuring grid reliability as parts of the grid transition to renewable energy. Looking ahead, the group is positioned to lead the transformation toward a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure by developing solutions that will help communities better withstand disruptions while supporting the transition to clean energy sources. Their integrated approach to combining advanced computation with practical engineering solutions suggests a promising pathway for addressing future infrastructure challenges.