Power, Controls and Adaptive Networks  (PCAN)

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

A revised version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), NSF 09-1, was issued on October 1, 2008 and is effective for proposals submitted on or after January 5, 2009. Please be advised that the guidelines contained in NSF 09-1 apply to proposals submitted in response to this funding opportunity.  Proposers who opt to submit prior to January 5^th, 2009, must also follow the guidelines contained in NSF 09-1.

One of the most significant changes to the PAPPG is implementation of the mentoring provisions of the America COMPETES Act.  Each proposal that requests funding to support postdoctoral researchers must include, as a separate section within the 15-page project description, a description of the mentoring activities that will be provided for such individuals.  Proposals that do not include a separate section on mentoring activities within the Project Description will be returned without review (see the PAPP Guide Part I: Grant Proposal Guide Chapter II.C.2.d for further information).

Apply to PD 05-1518 as follows:

For full proposals submitted via FastLane: standard Grant Proposal Guidelines apply.
For full proposals submitted via Grants.gov: NSF Grants.gov Application Guide; A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications via Grants.gov Guidelines apply (Note: The NSF Grants.gov Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov website and on the NSF website at: http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/docs/grantsgovguide.pdf)

DUE DATES

SYNOPSIS

The Power, Controls and Adaptive Networks (PCAN) program invests in the design and analysis of intelligent and adaptive engineering networks, including sensing, imaging, controls, and computational technologies for a variety of application domains. The program supports distributed control of multi-agent systems with embedded computation for sensor and adaptive networks. PCAN invests in adaptive dynamic programming, brain-like networked architectures performing real-time learning, neuromorphic engineering, telerobotics, and systems theory. PCAN places emphasis on electric power networks and grids, including generation, transmission and integration of renewable, sustainable and distributed energy systems, such as fuel cells and micro-turbines in large power networks; high power electronics and drives; and understanding of associated regulatory and economic structures. The program also places emphasis on energy scavenging and alternative energy technologies, including solar cells, ocean waves, wind, geothermal, low-head hydro, and the hydrogen economy. In addition, the program supports innovative test beds, and laboratory and curriculum development to integrate research and education. PCAN provides additional emphasis on emerging areas, such as quantum and molecular modeling and simulation of devices and systems, alternate energy sources: generation and integration in the National Grid (InterGrid), and interdependencies of critical infrastructure in power and communications.

Areas of interest include:

• Adaptive Dynamic Programming
• Alternate Energy Sources
• Embedded, Distributed and Adaptive Control
• Neuromorphic Engineering
• Power and Energy Systems and Networks
• Sensing and Imaging Networks
• Telerobotics

PCAN will provide additional emphasis on emerging areas such as:

• Quantum and Molecular Modeling and Simulation of Devices and Systems
• Interdependencies of Critical Infrastructure in Power and Communications
• Integration of Alternate Energy Sources in the National Grid (InterGrid)
• The Brain-Computer Interface

Proposals for the PCAN program may involve collaborative research to capture the breadth of expertise needed for such multidisciplinary integrative activities. ECCS will consider supporting a limited number of small team proposals of three or more Investigators from different disciplines and/or universities.

Abstracts of Recent Awards Made Through This Program