Packet-Based Energy Routing for Power Distribution Systems
Abstract
This project proposes to build upon recent developments in Discretized Energy Control (DEC) to enable packet-based energy flow for an overall shipboard power distribution system. The DEC framework employs precisely shaped trajectories of voltage and/or current within each control cycle to enable the specification of an #Energy Packet# within each control time interval. Thus, within each interval of time an energy change is specified by the packet to move energy into or out of an electrical element with storage such as a converter capacitor or battery. DEC enables application functions within clusters of power electronic building blocks (PEBBs) by moving energy controlled in discrete units between PEBBs. Because movement of energy is commanded in intervals correlated to the controland communication timing all applications exist exclusively as data flows on the PEBB communication network.The highly deterministic movement of energy coupled to control data network timing is enabled by model predictive control methods utilizing a distributed model of the PEBB cluster. Therefore, limitations of the distributed model determine the maximum PEBB cluster size. Investigation into modeling options can help to increase the number of PEBBs in a cluster. Moreover, additional developments are needed to expand the DEC concept beyond the PEBB cluster to encompass an entire shipboard microgrid comprised of several zones. To expand the concept of DEC for packet-based energy flow over an entire shipboard distribution system the research proposed here will further development in the following areas:Tools to extend the size of PEBB packet clustersExchange of energy between PEBB clusters to include the entire ship distribution system Adjustment of energy packets due to unexpected transient events and faultsMethods of fast predictive coordination will be explored in order to direct energy along desired pathways by moving it into and out of specified PEBBs and groupings of PEBBs. This type of networked power electronics-based distribution system is capable of energy flow control in a much faster and more dynamic manner than possible when system control is performed at higher control layers, as it has been to date. Dynamic adjustment of energy flows via network traffic within physical constraints will yield an amorphous power distribution system.Approved forPublic Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312493
Entities
People
- Herbert L. Ginn
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of South Carolina