SOPs annd PECs in distribution networks - control interactions and operational logic

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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.