Control of Multi-Wound Electrical Generators Within Intelligent Next-Generation Electrical Power Systems Sourcing Continuous and Transiently Operated Loads
Abstract
This proposal requests funds to procure and install a fully controllable 30 kW electric motor Ð generator set with two output voltages wound on the same rotor, one producing a 9 Ð phase 711 VAC and the other a 3 Ð phase 480 VAC. The NavyÕs, and other DoD agencies, demand for electric power will grow considerably in next generation stationary and mobile platforms. Traditionally, diesel or gas-turbine Ð generator sets have been used to produce 3-phase power that is conditioned as needed using transformers or power electronic converters. Power electronics and energy storage enable the power system to be heavily controlled and optimized autonomously for any number of unique operational scenarios. There is a need for a more diverse range of voltages, both AC and DC ranging from low to medium voltage, so it is advantageous to have multiple voltages produced from the same generator. Doing so reduces the need for heavy transformers, costly power electronics to some extent, and may reduce the complexity of the power system controller while achieving the same level of optimization. The UTA Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL) has installed a unique distributed generation testbed that is being used to support the ONR and NSWC-PD. The proposed dual-wound generator will be installed to improve the testbedÕs capability. The 711 VAC winding will be rectified using an integrated actively controlled thyristor-based rectifier set to produce 1 kVDC enabling that source to be actively buffered by an existing 1000 VDC lithium-ion battery. The 480 VAC bus will be tied in with an existing 480 VAC bus to study generator synchronization and load sharing. Uneven loading of the two windings, especially transient loading, needs to be researched and this capability enables this unique area of study. Graduate students in EE and ME will perform thesis and dissertation research supporting the ONR and other DoD agencies to understand the challenges facing next generation power systems. UTA is a leading Hispanic Serving Institution (HIS), with a highly ranked engineering program, located in the heart of the Dallas - Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex. DFW is the 4th largest pop. in the US and home to over 7.5M people. UTA is repeatedly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as 6th among national universities for UG ethnic diversity with 23.7% reporting as Hispanic/Latino, 14.2% as Black/African American, 9.91% as Asian, and 3.21% as two or more races. The facilities in the PPEL are used as platforms for our students in our EE departmentÕs sophomore, junior, and senior design courses to complete academic projects that introduce them to the field of power systems, power distribution, power system controls, microgrids, energy storage, rotating machines, and smart-grids. At the senior design level, collaborative projects are performed with our ME department to afford students multi-disciplinary opportunities. The PI is an instructor of the EE deptÕs sophomore and senior design courses and has a track record of sponsoring multi-disciplinary research and academic projects. The power grid affects everyone, and minority students are often most affected with frequent power outages. The recent winter storm in Texas, especially the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has opened studentÕs eyes to the challenges facing the electrical grid. The time is right to get students excited about the power grid and to engage them in how they can have an impact in its future resilience and security.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210188
Entities
People
- David A. Wetz
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Texas at Arlington