Transforming Hybrid Micro-Grids from Theory into Reality through Innovative Power Electronics Technology

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Globally, the energy industry is shifting away from using fossil-fuel based energies due to their finite supply and rising concerns about climate change. This shift can be observed in Canada, where wind and solar energy are the fastest growing energy sources. As a result, there is a great interest in developing the technology necessary to bring renewable energy to the forefront. Micro-grids allow renewable energy systems to be integrated into the power system, making them the main building blocks of future power systems. There are three types of micro-grids: AC, DC, and hybrid micro-grids. AC micro-grids have been an active research topic, as the current grid infrastructure is based on AC power delivery. Thus, AC micro-grids can be used to integrate renewable energy sources into the current infrastructure. However, the exponential growth of DC sources/loads (e.g., solar power, LEDs, batteries, smartphones, chargers, computers, servers) make the development of a DC micro-grid desirable. Thus far, the use of DC micro-grids has been limited to a few applications such as telecom. Hybrid micro-grids can effectively combine DC sources/loads with the AC grid infrastructure. Thus, they take advantage of the efficiency of a DC system, while also being able to use the current AC grid infrastructure. Power converters are key components used in hybrid micro-grids, because they control the power flow within micro-grids and to the utility grid. The structure of hybrid micro-grids introduces a new set of challenges that must be addressed by power converters. Power converters should be able to smoothly operate hybrid micro-grids and manage the interactions between their AC and DC sides. Thus, hybrid micro-grids require power converters with more advanced control systems to perform their desired functions. My long-term vision for this proposed research program is to develop new power converters that utilize advanced nonlinear control techniques tailored for hybrid micro-grids, which allow them to seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources into the current AC grid infrastructure. Currently, a centralized control paradigm is used to harmonize different components through communication systems. Unfortunately, this approach is unreliable and highly limits the performance of each component within the hybrid micro-grid. In this research program, a decentralized control paradigm will be developed based on the use of a multi-agent hybrid control system that can maximize the performance of power converters and enable hybrid micro-grids to operate robustly. The proposed hybrid micro-grids will provide reliable and efficient electricity in both populated and remote areas, making it well-suited towards the vast geography of Canada. This research program will train HQP (2 PhD, and 5 MSc) for high-quality jobs in the fast-growing energy sector and bring Canada to the forefront of hybrid micro-grid technology.