Next Generation Electric Power Distribution Networks: Architecture, Power Electronics, and Integration with the Legacy Electric Power System

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The legacy electric power system is rapidly undergoing drastic changes towards modernization and enhanced sustainability. Thus, information and communications technologies (ICT) are being employed to enable various energy conservation and demand-response initiatives, fossil-fueled power plants are being replaced with large farms of renewable energy resources, such scattered energy resources as rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems are being integrated in large numbers with electric power distribution networks, and new types of load such as plug-in electric vehicles are emerging. Concurrently, energy storage is being considered and researched as an effective tool for enhancing the consistency and predictability of the generation-demand portfolios of the future. The aforementioned changes have sparked research and development (R&D) activities towards smooth adoption of the new technologies and practices, and to enable a smooth transition from the legacy power system into the power system of future. However, R&D activities have thus far focused, almost exclusively, on the high-voltage (i.e., generation/transmission) level of the power system, while parallel developments are also required for the medium- and low-voltage (i.e., distribution) levels of the power system.******This proposed research program aims to address the gap by contributing to the R&D of the next generation electric power distribution networks, namely architectures, power-electronic energy conversion systems, and algorithms for operation and protection. This program will investigate and propose solutions for 1) enhanced employment of power electronics to improve reliability and quality of power delivery, fault current management, power-flow control, and more efficient integration of small- and medium-sized generators and energy storage systems, 2) next generation power-electronic converters for higher efficiency, power density, and reliability, and 3) employment of direct-current (DC) electricity for distribution and consumption of electric power. The proposed research program will train at least 13 HQP, consisting of 3 PhD, 2 MSc, and 8 undergraduate students, thus serving as a vital and timely contributor of highly-skilled engineers and future innovators for the Canadian power engineering industry and academia. Further, the advancement of knowledge through this research program and the quality publications that it will produce will enhance the profile of the Canadian academia at the global stage.***