Grants and Contracts Details
Description
The objective of the proposed research effort is to lay the foundation for successful
research collaboration in the area of electric power distribution system optimization in the
presence of renewable distributed generation. A pressing issue in power distribution systems is
the integration of renewable sources such as photovoltaic (PV) sources. A significant factor that
limits the feasible penetration of PV sources is the need to maintain voltage regulation within the
distribution system. Depending on weather conditions, outputs of intermittent power sources can
fluctuate rapidly, causing frequent voltage fluctuation. Without proper control, utility-owned
equipment, such as voltage regulators and switchable capacitor banks, may adjust its settings
frequently to maintain the voltage level with respect to the reference voltage, and such frequent
operations can cause excessive mechanical wear and eventual failure. Due to mechanical
switching parts, traditional regulating devices are inefficient in removing fast fluctuations, and
serious voltage problems may arise in a grid with high penetration of PV systems. A solution to
this difficulty has been proposed by the PI and his collaborators that relies on the reactive power
capability of PV inverters. Such an approach allows customer-owned equipment (i.e., the PV
inverter) to participate in the utility’s integrated control scheme, fulfilling part of the vision for
smart grids and increasing the potential penetration of PV systems.
The PI has worked in collaboration with other researchers to propose a technique that can
be used to improve the performance of electric distribution systems in the presence of distributed
generation. This conceptual seed can develop into a fruitful collaboration, but significant
research investment is required to develop the theoretical basis for the technique and to
demonstrate it in simulation and experimentally. In order to attract investment from federal and
utility sponsors, it is necessary to obtain preliminary results that show the feasibility of the
proposed method and the potential benefits that it offers. Specifically, the proposed effort is
directed towards the development and demonstration of the control system required for the PV
inverter in order to allow it to participate in the utility’s control scheme. Furthermore, the loose
collaboration that currently exists in this area needs to be developed more formally. In particular,
while the current collaboration has involved researchers throughout the state, there is a
significant potential for regional collaboration. This is particularly important in today’s funding
environment in which collaborative, multidisciplinary and multi-institutional proposals are
preferred by research sponsors.
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 7/1/14 → 12/31/15 |
Funding
- Southeastern Center for Electrical Engineering Ed: $15,999.00
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