Experimental and Hardware-in-the-loop Verification of Optimal and Reliable Control Methods for a Hybrid AC/DC Power Distribution Network
Abstract
The research effort proposed here is the nexus of ongoing activities in test-bed prototyping, formal model validation, and scalable optimization of hybrid AC/DC shipboard power systems by three prominent research groups at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). With previous and ongoing support from the US Office of Naval Research (ONR), PI Wetz???s Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL) is developing two experimental test-beds at different scales, that intendto emulate nodes within future shipboard power systems, to intelligently monitor and control distributed AC and DC electrical generation sources/loads. Previous research on the small-scale test-bed has shown that electrical power quality is ensured when energy storage is utilized to buffer AC sources when high power, transiently-operated electrical loads are deployed. Given the wide range of operational voltages, ~480V AC to ~13.8kV AC or ~1kV DC to ~12kV DC, a substantial number of power electronic converters will be needed to regulate power throughout the power system architecture. Their proper monitoring and control is indispensable to the stable and reliable operation of the shipboard power system. Once the power quality and load-source balance is established, the next logical step is to develop and optimize the controls strategies that governoperation of each respective source, power converter, and load. In this effort, PI Wetz will lead the hardware and software integration effort and conduct all of the experiments proposed. Co-PI Davoudi is presently developing analytical modal validation methods that are aimed at maintaining power converter stability and operational resiliency despite variable operational characteristics.Leveraging these analytical methods to be developed through another existing ONR grant, he will use a portion of the funds requested here to work with PI Wetz and deploy those analytical methods on certain components within each respective hardware test-bed. Co-PI Madani aims to develop high-performance computing tools and optimization techniques, and move to eventual deploymenton high-performance computing platforms, to study optimal operation or configuration of power electronics-intensive hybrid AC/DC power distribution systems. Operational scenarios, including those in which unexpected events occur, can be studied and optimal control methods developed to ensure proper operation of power system. Leveraging these analytical optimization methods to be developed through his existing ONR grant, he will utilize a portion of the funds requested here to work with PI Wetz to adapt those optimal methods for deployment on certain components within each respective test-beds. Even if the mentioned analytical tools are properly designed, their integration and transfer into an actual hardware test-bed is a very challenging and complex task, and it is unclear how they can be deployed on existing commercial of the shelf (COTS) electronics that often must be treated as black boxes due to their own inherent controls that can???t be modified. It is immediately recognized that the test-bed being stood up by PI Wetz does not contain all of the elements needed to fully emulate a future shipboard platform, and virtual extension using simulation in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments is envisioned. At the end of the proposed three-year period, it is hoped that ONR will have a better understanding of the potential controls challenges facing integration of multiple AC and DC sources/loads within future intelligently controlled power distribution systems. Some control and optimization approaches could be immediately applicable under certain assumptions, some will be found to not be applicable in these scenarios, and, of course some will be found to have promise but need additional development. It is expected that these research outcomes reduce ONR???s risk as they stand up their own test-beds and lay out their roadmap for future shipboard power system develop
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812714
Entities
People
- David A. Wetz
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Texas at Arlington