SOPs annd PECs in distribution networks - control interactions and operational logic
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Abstract
Description of Technical and Research Challenge:
Different concepts of power electronic converters (PEC) for distribution networks have been proposed and tested in demonstration projects in the UK. Notably, the soft open point (SOP) converter and different forms of fault current limiter devices have been shown to help mitigating network constraints arising from the growth of distributed generation and EV chargers. Still, trials have also shown that the controllers in these devices are not ready for a large scale deployment: spurious tripping due to myriad of circumstances and faulty communication links forces technicians to visit the installation frequently to identify the problem and rearm the device. Further, it is unclear how neighbouring devices with voltage regulation or line-balancing roles would play together (e.g. would some form of recirculation occur if two devices applied opposing corrective actions?).
Novelty and Objectives of PhD Project:
Rather than demonstrating the benefits of these converters, which has been the focus of prior research in this area, this project would focus on the operational logic of power electronic converters acting as SOPs and other types of power electronic converters for distribution networks. The project will look at the mechanisms that can be put in place for the SOP to identify faults (ie both network faults and hardware faults) and act accordingly; it will also consider the effect of these converters in the protection settings of the network to identify potential incompatibilities and come up with a proposal for what these converters should do when short-circuits happen.
Different concepts of power electronic converters (PEC) for distribution networks have been proposed and tested in demonstration projects in the UK. Notably, the soft open point (SOP) converter and different forms of fault current limiter devices have been shown to help mitigating network constraints arising from the growth of distributed generation and EV chargers. Still, trials have also shown that the controllers in these devices are not ready for a large scale deployment: spurious tripping due to myriad of circumstances and faulty communication links forces technicians to visit the installation frequently to identify the problem and rearm the device. Further, it is unclear how neighbouring devices with voltage regulation or line-balancing roles would play together (e.g. would some form of recirculation occur if two devices applied opposing corrective actions?).
Novelty and Objectives of PhD Project:
Rather than demonstrating the benefits of these converters, which has been the focus of prior research in this area, this project would focus on the operational logic of power electronic converters acting as SOPs and other types of power electronic converters for distribution networks. The project will look at the mechanisms that can be put in place for the SOP to identify faults (ie both network faults and hardware faults) and act accordingly; it will also consider the effect of these converters in the protection settings of the network to identify potential incompatibilities and come up with a proposal for what these converters should do when short-circuits happen.
Planned Impact
This Centre will train students in the blend of traditional and emerging power network concepts and advances in information and communication technologies, consumer and demand side technologies, and integrated energy systems required to deliver future power networks. This targets the skills challenge in the electrical power networks industry, and the lack of high quality graduates able to deliver the smart grid. The training will deliver doctoral level engineers that are prepared for key technical tasks within the power networks and utility industry, and this is a positive impact for society.
A number of industrial partners have agreed to provide placements in which projects are undertaken with the company and on their premises. This will provide an immediate industrial impact where research concepts, systems and approaches can be delivered as knowledge exchange impact, leading to enhanced performance of the UK power networks industry. Direct engagement with the industrial partners, and their funding of the research programme and strong engagement, will lead to new intellectual property that can be capitalised upon by UK manufacturers (new products), consultancies and service providers (new offerings, analyses, services) and network operators (increased efficiencies and reduced capital and operational expenditure). Overall, this will lead to the impact of reduced energy costs for the UK consumer.
Academic impact will be achieved through the internationally leading and novel research activities planned for the Centre. Extensive links and engagement with leading international academics are being put in place to underpin this.
Society will benefit directly by the CDT helping to elevate the standing of the engineering profession and producing more engineers aware of the implications of their technical work for policy and their wider responsibilities to the public, with a particular emphasis on energy. The CDT's impact on policy will be accentuated by the key roles played by our senior staff in government-industry steering groups such as ETI Strategic Advisory Groups, Ofgem Innovation Working Group, IET Power Networks Joint Vision Group, Scottish Grid and Economics Group, and the Scottish Smart Grid Sector Strategy Group to name a few. Our international links through CIGRE, CIRED, and the IEEE will ensure that our outcomes influence a global community.
Our CDT cohorts, alongside our early career research communities, are central to our ambitions to inspire a generation through impact and engagement. Strategic engagement initiatives, such as Strathclyde's Technology and Innovation Centre, are intended to transform the way in which universities work with industry and communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including the public. The CDT cohort will benefit from interactions within this environment, leading to further uptake of the research among stakeholders.
A number of industrial partners have agreed to provide placements in which projects are undertaken with the company and on their premises. This will provide an immediate industrial impact where research concepts, systems and approaches can be delivered as knowledge exchange impact, leading to enhanced performance of the UK power networks industry. Direct engagement with the industrial partners, and their funding of the research programme and strong engagement, will lead to new intellectual property that can be capitalised upon by UK manufacturers (new products), consultancies and service providers (new offerings, analyses, services) and network operators (increased efficiencies and reduced capital and operational expenditure). Overall, this will lead to the impact of reduced energy costs for the UK consumer.
Academic impact will be achieved through the internationally leading and novel research activities planned for the Centre. Extensive links and engagement with leading international academics are being put in place to underpin this.
Society will benefit directly by the CDT helping to elevate the standing of the engineering profession and producing more engineers aware of the implications of their technical work for policy and their wider responsibilities to the public, with a particular emphasis on energy. The CDT's impact on policy will be accentuated by the key roles played by our senior staff in government-industry steering groups such as ETI Strategic Advisory Groups, Ofgem Innovation Working Group, IET Power Networks Joint Vision Group, Scottish Grid and Economics Group, and the Scottish Smart Grid Sector Strategy Group to name a few. Our international links through CIGRE, CIRED, and the IEEE will ensure that our outcomes influence a global community.
Our CDT cohorts, alongside our early career research communities, are central to our ambitions to inspire a generation through impact and engagement. Strategic engagement initiatives, such as Strathclyde's Technology and Innovation Centre, are intended to transform the way in which universities work with industry and communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including the public. The CDT cohort will benefit from interactions within this environment, leading to further uptake of the research among stakeholders.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Goran Strbac (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Mohamed Aldarmon (Student) |