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At least 127 records · Page 7

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2022

Charge-Based Droop Control Addressing Control Saturation for Low-Inertia Converters

With bulky dc-link capacitors/inductors, traditional voltage-source converters (VSCs) and current-source converters (CSCs) feature a large inertia to facilitate the converter control under large transients. To achieve high power density with reduced cost, low-inertia converters (LICs) featuring significantly reduced dc-link capacitors/inductors have attracted growing attention. However, without bulky dc-link energy buffer, LICs are prone to control saturation under large transients, resulting in undesired oscillation and instability. This issue cannot be managed by traditional proportional-integral based control due to the low inertia. And it will deteriorate when several LICs are connected in series. To address this challenge in LICs, a model-predictive control (MPC) with a computation-inexpensive feed-forward compensation method has been proposed to provide fast dynamic responses. But it would suffer control saturation under larger transients that degrades the control performance. In this article, a charge-based droop control (CDC) is proposed to address this remaining challenge. This paper firstly analyzes the control saturation challenge in LICs by using a tri-port soft-switching solid-state transformer as an example. Next, the operating principle of the proposed CDC are introduced. Two different implementation approaches are discussed in detail. Lastly, the proposed scheme is validated in simulation with a high-fidelity model of hardware prototype. As a result, the proposed CDC eliminated the 2 kHz oscillation and reduced the dc-link ripple and overshoot due to control saturation by 75% and 50%, respectively.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

DOE OSTI2023

Oscillatory Power Control and Consensus in Unbalanced Networks Using Grid Forming Inverters

In this paper, a state-space nonlinear control previously designed for balanced operation of grid-forming (GFM) inverters is extended to unbalanced operations. Unbalanced voltages and currents are analyzed, and their time-varying direct, quadrature, and zero components are parameterized in terms of six constant parameters. These parameters provide primary control design choices for not only an inverter’s terminal voltage but also its injections of both real and oscillatory power. It is shown that the proposed GFM control can precisely achieve a desired balanced terminal voltage under unbalanced loads. It is also shown that, by allowing the terminal voltage to be slightly unbalanced, oscillatory power can be adaptively minimized. Lastly, it is illustrated that oscillatory power can also be shared among multiple GFM inverters. Case studies and their simulations demonstrate that the proposed GFM control is effective in meeting the aforementioned objectives.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2022

WAMS-Based HVDC Damping Control for Cyber Attack Defense

Owing to the fast and large power regulating the capacity of the HVDC system, the wide-area measurement system (WAMS) based high voltage direct current (HVDC) system has been regarded as a prospective solution to deal with the low-frequency oscillation issue. However, due to the vulnerability of the WAMS communication, WAMS based HVDC system control can be a prime target of malicious penetrations that could lead to disastrous events. To remediate this adverse effect, an improved WAMS based HVDC damping control framework is proposed in this paper. First, a lightweight network named Attack Shuffle convolutional neural Networks (ASNet) is proposed to learn the characteristics of cyber attacks. Then, a model-free-based cyber attack defense framework is introduced to quickly identify the attack types based on the continuous wavelet transform and ASNet. Additionally, an improved control framework of the WAMS and HVDC-based wide-area power oscillation damping control (WH-PODC) is developed to provide different response control for mitigation of the impact of cyber attacks. Finally, the performance of the proposed WH-PODC control framework is evaluated with real PMU data in multiple scenarios in RTDS, where the results indicate that the response intensity can be kept under multiple types of cyber attacks while providing similar effectiveness in oscillation suppression to conventional controls.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2023

An Ultra-Fast Inrush-Current-Free Startup Method for Grid-tie Inverter without Voltage Sensors

This paper proposes an ultra-fast inrush-currentfree startup method for grid-tie inverters without voltage sensors and phase-locked loop (PLL). Traditionally, the grid-tie inverter needs the voltage measured from points of common couplings (PCC) to generate the phase angle via PLL for inverter pulsewidth- modulation (PWM) signals. The startup procedure is slow and inrush current occurs if the initial PWM does not match the unknown grid voltage well. This paper proposes a startup method that only uses measured inverter ac currents to generate the initial PWM by controlling the current to zero. The generated PWM pattern can be used to reproduce the real grid voltage regardless of the grid impedance. The zero-crossing points of the grid voltage are detected and then used for grid synchronization. The proposed startup procedure only needs a few cycles (16.67 ms/cycle) to reliably synchronize the inverter to the grid without any inrush current. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of this control strategy.

He, Yuchen↗

DOE OSTI2025

Transient Stability-Enhancing Method for Grid-Forming Inverters Under Current Limiting

The primary controller of a grid-forming (GFM) inverter governs the internal reference voltage and angle, which enables the inverter to naturally synchronize and share power with the connected grid; however, during disturbances on the grid caused by, e.g., line faults, overloading, or frequency and phase shifts, a GFM inverter can be pushed into a current-limited operation to protect the device against thermal damage. This can lead to a windup of the internal reference frequency generated by the primary controller and cause a total loss of synchronism with the grid. Here, to make the primary controller of GFM inverters more robust against transient instability, this paper proposes a method that manipulates the reference signals governed by the primary controller by introducing the concept of fictitious power. The fictitious power counteracts the integrator windup in the primary controller, which enables the current-limited inverter to conceive a stable operating point. This method is benchmarked against five state-of-the-art GFM inverter stabilization methods to evaluate its stability-enhancing performance. Full-order electromagnetic-transient simulations and experimental results of a hardware inverter test setup validate the benefits of the method to improve the transient stability of GFM inverters in the face of grid disturbances.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2023

Black Start of Unbalanced Microgrids Harmonizing Single- and Three-Phase Grid-Forming Inverters

As power systems are transforming with increasing penetrations of inverter-based resources (IBRs), system restoration using IBRs has drawn attention. Using distributed grid-forming (GFM) assets located near critical loads, either three-phase or single-phase, to establish microgrid voltages in the absence of a bulk grid, a distribution system could obtain high system survivability. For swift and secure recovery of a critical load in a single-phase lateral, local single-phase GFM inverters can form a microgrid, and then it can be combined with a neighbouring grid with the inverters remaining in GFM mode for voltage and frequency regulation until the bulk grid comes online. It leads to dynamic interoperation of single-phase GFM inverters with three-phase ones in the black start process. This paper studies the novel approach with electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations. To evaluate the potential and the technical challenges of the heterogeneous IBR-driven black start, three-phase and single-phase GFM inverter models are developed, including negative-sequence control for voltage balance and a phase-by-phase current limiter (three-phase) and current magnitude limiter (single-phase). To examine dynamic aspects of the black-start process, the EMT simulation also models transformer and motor dynamics emulating their inrush and startup behavior as well as network dynamics. Involvement of grid-following assets to facilitate the black-start process is also modeled. By allowing multiple GFM inverters to collectively black start without leader-follower coordination, regardless of phases, a system can achieve extreme resilience. An inverter-driven black start of a heavily unbalanced 2-MVA distribution feeder using 1 three-phase and 3 single-phase GFM inverters is demonstrated. The simulation shows the heterogeneous system can maintain stability with the single-phase GFM dynamics coupled with the three-phase one.

grid-forming inverter↗

DOE OSTI2023

Black Start of Unbalanced Microgrids Harmonizing Single- and Three-Phase Grid-Forming Inverters: Preprint

grid-forming inverter↗

DOE OSTI2023

Resilient Inverter-Driven Black Start with Collective Parallel Grid-Forming Operation

As modern power systems are experiencing exceptional changes with increasing penetrations of inverter-based resources (IBRs), system restoration using IBRs has received attention. Using local grid-forming (GFM) assets near consumers, engineered to establish grid voltages in the absence of a stiff grid, i.e., bottom-up restoration, a distribution system could obtain high system resilience by not relying on the bulk power system restoration, which requires significant human intervention and procedure. This paper studies the technical feasibility of the novel approach with detailed electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations. To thoroughly evaluate the potential of GFM inverters and the technical challenges in IBR-driven black start, a detailed three-phase inverter model is developed, including negative-sequence control for voltage balance and a phase-by- phase current limiter to sustain momentary overloading during the black start. To examine dynamic aspects of the black-start process, the EMT simulation also models transformer and motor dynamics to emulate their inrush and startup behaviors as well as network dynamics. In addition, active involvement of grid- following distributed energy resources is also studied to facilitate the black-start process. By allowing multiple GFM inverters to collectively black start without leader-follower coordination, we demonstrate that a system can achieve high resilience even with a fraction of assets lost. Two test cases of inverter-driven black start, using two and one GFM inverters, respectively, for a heavily unbalanced 2-MVA distribution feeder are demonstrated. Takeaways for further study and field deployment are provided.

grid-forming inverter↗

DOE OSTI2022

Resilient Inverter-Driven Black Start with Collective Parallel Grid-Forming Operation: Preprint

As the modern power systems are experiencing exceptional changes with increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs), system restoration using IBRs has received attention. Using local grid-forming (GFM) assets near consumers, engineered to establish grid voltages in the absence of a stiff grid, i.e., bottom-up restoration, a distribution system would obtain high system resilience, by not relying on the bulk power system restoration requiring significant human intervention and procedure to restore. This paper studies the technical feasibility of the novel approach with detailed electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations. To thoroughly evaluate the potential of GFM inverters and technical challenges in IBR-driven black start, a detailed three-phase inverter model is developed, including negative-sequence control for voltage balance and a phase-by-phase current limiter to sustain momentary overloading during the black start. To examine dynamic aspects of the black start process, the EMT simulation also models transformer and motor dynamics to emulate their inrush and start-up behaviors as well as network dynamics. In addition, active involvement of grid-following distributed energy resources (DER) is also studied to facilitate the black start process. It is shown that, by allowing multiple GFM inverters to collectively black start without master-slave coordination, a system can achieve high resilience even with a fraction of assets lost. Two test cases of inverter-driven black start using two and one GFM inverters, respectively, for a heavily unbalanced 2-MVA distribution feeder are demonstrated. Takeaways for further study and field deployment are provided.

grid-forming inverter↗

DOE OSTI2022

Multiport Control with Partial Power Processing in Solid-State Transformer for PV, Storage, and Fast-Charging Electric Vehicle Integration

This article proposes a multiport control method to enable partial power processing (PPP) in a medium-voltage (MV) multiport solid-state transformer (SST). MV multiport SSTs are promising in integrating low-voltage DC sources or loads such as solar photovoltaic, energy storage, and electric vehicles into smart grids without bulky line-frequency transformers. Compared to voltage-source SST, current-source (CS) SST features single-stage isolated bidirectional AC/AC, AC/DC, or DC/DC conversion using an inductive DC link. For a multiport CS SST, it is revealed in this article that the PPP capability can be enabled through the proposed control without extra hardware, different from the case of voltage-source converters where special hardware architecture is required for the PPP. With the PPP, most power exchange between LV ports is processed by only a fraction of the entire conversion stage, leading to reduced DC-link current, volume, loss, and improved efficiency. The proposed multiport PPP control scheme is analyzed to verify the advantages across a wide voltage and power range against conventional full power processing (FPP) multiport control, using the soft-switching solid-state transformer (S4T) with reduced conduction loss as an example. Comparative experimental results based on a SiC three-port S4T prototype verify the effectiveness of the proposed PPP scheme against the FPP scheme under both steady state and dynamic conditions. Here, the DC-link current reduction is measured to be more than 36%. Significantly, the proposed multiport PPP control scheme is generic and applicable to any hard-switching or soft-switching CS SSTs without extra hardware.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Analysis and Control of a Three-Port Converter with High-Frequency AC Link for Hybrid Unmanned/Autonomous Aerial Vehicles

In this study, a three-port resonant converter with a high-frequency isolation link for hybrid unmanned/autonomous aerial vehicle (UAV/AAV) applications is analyzed. The rectified engine-generator set output supplies the first input ports while the other is connected to a battery energy storage system. Input ports consist of half-bridge high-frequency inverters, whereas output port utilizes a semi-bridgeless active rectifier. This rectifier is formed by replacing rectifier low-side diodes with active switching devices. A phase-shift duty-cycle control is implemented for switching signals to regulate the power share and flow between ports. The proposed control system implemented achieves zero voltage switching (ZVS), reduces switching losses, and minimum current flow optimization ensures regulation in a wide range of output power. Compared to the existing bidirectional pulse width modulation (PWM) converters, the proposed system decreases the number of power conversion stages and provides centralized control without needing communications between the ports. The proposed control technique operating in closed-loop control achieves the power flow between ports under various load conditions. Finally, theoretical analysis demonstrates the proposed converter’s viability and laboratory experimental validations at 500 W full power.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

DOE OSTI2022

A Lyapunov-Based Generalized Dc-Side Controller Design for PV-Connected Systems

The objective of this paper is to realize a universal dc-side controller for photovoltaic (PV) systems where the control is agnostic to the downstream converter configuration. To achieve this, the downstream power converter and its controls are manipulated into an effective power control loop that is then cast into a generalized multi-loop design framework. On the dc side, a nonlinear small-signal model of the PV input is realized exclusively in terms of PV datasheet parameters (i.e., open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and maximum power point). Finally, a linear controller is used to modulate the dc-side PV system with the generic downstream power controller. A Lyapunov candidate is proposed to analyze the stability of the interconnected system and provide a streamlined approach for the controller design. The proposed design is validated on a 1k VA experimental setup that interfaces a PV module to the grid.

generalized PV controller↗

DOE OSTI2022

A Lyapunov-Based Generalized Dc-Side Controller Design for PV-Connected Systems: Preprint

The objective of this paper is to realize a universal dc-side controller for photovoltaic (PV) systems where the control is agnostic to the downstream converter configuration. To achieve this, the downstream power converter and its controls are manipulated into an effective power control loop that is then cast into a generalized multi-loop design framework. On the dc side, a nonlinear small-signal model of the PV input is realized exclusively in terms of PV datasheet parameters (i.e., open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and maximum power point). Finally, a linear controller is used to modulate the dc-side PV system with the generic downstream power controller. A Lyapunov candidate is proposed to analyze the stability of the interconnected system and provide a streamlined approach for the controller design. The proposed design is validated on a 1-kVA experimental setup that interfaces a PV module to the grid.

dc-dc control↗

DOE OSTI2024

Adaptive Fault Current-Limiting Control of MMC for Protection of Multiterminal HVDC Systems: Preprint

For the development of multi-terminal high voltage DC (MTDC) transmission, it is critical to design the protection system that can selectively isolate the faulty area from the healthy part of the dc grid using DC circuit breakers (DCCBs) while ensuring continuous operation of converter stations in the healthy part. However, because of the lack of fault current blocking capability in half-bridge (HB) modular multilevel converters (MMCs), when a dc fault occurs, the rising fault currents can quickly reach the blocking threshold within a few milliseconds and disrupt the operation of MMCs in the healthy part. Large DC reactors are often considered in series with DCCBs to reduce the rate of rise of fault currents and prevent blocking of MMCs in the healthy part of the grid. However, large DC reactors can prohibitively increase the cost of the system, particularly when they are considered in an offshore environment, for instance in offshore wind projects. Large dc reactors can also introduce stability issues and create post-fault oscillations. This paper presents an adaptive fault current limiting control method for MMCs to avoid their blocking and enable continuous operation of MTDC systems. It contains two parts: The first part is based on circulating current feedforward control that emulates virtual reactors in each arm of an MMC, which is immediately activated when the fault current starts to increase, to reduce the rate of rise of the fault current; the second part is triggered when the fault current exceeds a preset threshold by temporarily bypassing the SMs, serving as a complement to the fault current limiting effect of the first part. Both parts do not require fault detection signal and they are activated automatically during faults. Simulation case studies of a four-terminal bipolar MMC-HVDC system are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control methods.

active fault current limiting↗

DOE OSTI2024

DOE 10658 Project Sensitivity-Driven Wide Area Protection (SWAP) Coordination Tools for IBRs

Utilities have seen a rapid increase in solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems that interconnect to their electric system through inverters. Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) have fault current characteristics that are unlike the fault current response of traditional rotating-machine-based generators, which is well-known and repeatable. IBR’s non-traditional fault current behavior is due to the IBR control scheme, which is configured to provide a clean AC output but also protects the inverter’s sensitive power electronics devices from damage from conditions such as overcurrent. This results in a low fault current magnitude, low or no negative sequence current injection, the variability of sequence component currents, the variability of voltage with respect to current angles, and the lack of inertia. The control scheme also results in a fault current response that can vary between manufacturers and between models of the same manufacturer. High penetration of IBRs can adversely affect the protection schemes applied in areas with high penetration of IBRs. With the proliferation of IBRs, utilities are finding out that conventional protection schemes are not adequately equipped to protect the electric systems. This is mainly because the existing protection elements and practices have been designed based on the fault current response of conventional rotating machines. In several cases, the available literature does not provide any clear solution for the issues when the protection scheme does not operate properly near IBRs. This report identifies various protection challenges due to IBRs that industry is facing, from the utility perspective. Instead of focusing on one issue, this report looks broadly at all the challenges that system protection has experienced with high penetration of IBRs. Based on the IBR response from various utilities during real fault events and gathering perspectives from different utility SMEs via questionnaire, the report summarizes the gathered data and internal experiences.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Utilities Perspective on Protection Challenges with High IBR Penetration

Utilities have seen rapid increase in Solar, Wind, and Battery Energy Storage Resources that interconnect to their electric system through Inverters. Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) have fault current characteristics that are unlike the fault current response of traditional rotating-machine-based generators, which is well known and repeatable. IBR’s non-traditional fault current behavior is due to the IBR control scheme, which is configured to provide a clean AC output but also protect the inverter’s sensitive power electronics devices from damage, one source of which is overcurrent. This results in low fault current magnitude, low or no negative sequence current injection, the variability of sequence component currents, the variability of voltage with respect to current angles, and the lack of inertia. The control scheme also results in a fault current response that can vary between manufactures and between models of the same manufacturer. High penetration of IBRs can adversely affect the protection schemes applied in areas with high penetration of IBRs. With the proliferation of IBRs, utilities are finding out that conventional protection schemes are not adequately equipped to protect the electric systems. This is mainly because the existing protection elements and practices have been designed based on the fault current response of conventional rotating machines. In several cases, the available literature does not provide any clear solution for the issues when the protection scheme does not operate properly near IBRs. This presentation identifies various protection challenges due to IBRs that industry is facing, from the utility perspective. Instead of facing on one issue, we are looking broadly on all the challenges that system protection has experienced with high penetration of IBRs. Based on the IBR response from various utilities during real fault events and gathering perspective from different utility SMEs via questionnaire, the presentation summarizes on gathered data and internal experiences.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Utility Perspective on Protection Challenges with High Penetration of IBRs

Utilities have seen rapid increase in Solar, Wind, and Battery Energy Storage Resources that interconnect to their electric system through Inverters. Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) have fault current characteristics that are unlike the fault current response of traditional rotating-machine-based generators, which is well known and repeatable. IBR’s non-traditional fault current behavior is due to the IBR control scheme, which is configured to provide a clean AC output but also protect the inverter’s sensitive power electronics devices from damage, one source of which is overcurrent. This results in low fault current magnitude, low or no negative sequence current injection, the variability of sequence component currents, the variability of voltage with respect to current angles, and the lack of inertia. The control scheme also results in a fault current response that can vary between manufactures and between models of the same manufacturer. High penetration of IBRs can adversely affect the protection schemes applied in areas with high penetration of IBRs. With the proliferation of IBRs, utilities are finding out that conventional protection schemes are not adequately equipped to protect the electric systems. This is mainly because the existing protection elements and practices have been designed based on the fault current response of conventional rotating machines. In several cases, the available literature does not provide any clear solution for the issues when the protection scheme does not operate properly near IBRs. This report / presentation identifies various protection challenges due to IBRs that industry is facing, from the utility perspective. Instead of facing on one issue, this report looks broadly on all the challenges that system protection has experienced with high penetration of IBRs. Based on the IBR response from various utilities during real fault events and gathering perspective from different utility SMEs via questionnaire, the report summarizes on gathered data and internal experiences.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Utility Perspective on Protection Challenges with High IBR Penetration [Slides]

Utilities have seen rapid increase in Solar, Wind, and Battery Energy Storage Resources that interconnect to their electric system through Inverters. Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) have fault current characteristics that are unlike the fault current response of traditional rotating-machine-based generators, which is well known and repeatable. IBR’s non-traditional fault current behavior is due to the IBR control scheme, which is configured to provide a clean AC output but also protect the inverter’s sensitive power electronics devices from damage, one source of which is overcurrent. This results in low fault current magnitude, low or no negative sequence current injection, the variability of sequence component currents, the variability of voltage with respect to current angles, and the lack of inertia. The control scheme also results in a fault current response that can vary between manufactures and between models of the same manufacturer. High penetration of IBRs can adversely affect the protection schemes applied in areas with high penetration of IBRs. With the proliferation of IBRs, utilities are finding out that conventional protection schemes are not adequately equipped to protect the electric systems. This is mainly because the existing protection elements and practices have been designed based on the fault current response of conventional rotating machines. In several cases, the available literature does not provide any clear solution for the issues when the protection scheme does not operate properly near IBRs. This report identifies various protection challenges due to IBRs that industry is facing, from the utility perspective. Instead of facing on one issue, this report looks broadly on all the challenges that system protection has experienced with high penetration of IBRs. Based on the IBR response from various utilities during real fault events and gathering perspective from different utility SMEs via questionnaire, the report summarizes on gathered data and internal experiences.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗