Advanced rapid control prototyping testbench for the development of high power converters, battery chargers, mechatronic systems, and AC-DC microgrids

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The development of sustainable energy from renewable resources such as wind, solar, tidal, and biomass energy has been identified as a key strategic area in Canada. The large-scale integration of renewable energy sources into power grids has been challenging due to the often remote locations of the renewables and high fluctuations in energy production. High power electronic converter technology is the key to enable the integration of renewables into power transmission and distribution grids due to its high conversion efficiency and excellent energy flow control capability. However, for the next-generation greener and smarter power grids to accommodate more renewables, research is critically required to develop new power converter technology to improve converter efficiency, reduce converter footprint and cost, and increase their fault resilience to power grids. To support new research endeavors in high performance power electronic converter technologies for AC/DC transmission and micro-grids, electric vehicle battery chargers, and mechatronic systems in UBC Okanagan campus, the requested equipment will be used to build the planned real-time-simulation-based rapid control prototyping platform. The requested equipment will be an indispensable tool, for the development of the applicants' research programs on new modular multilevel power converter controls and novel converter circuit topologies for AC/DC grids, new DC/DC and AC/DC power converters for battery charging systems of electric vehicles with high efficiency and compactness. Furthermore, the requested equipment will enable the development of optimization and control algorithms to minimize the amount of dispatchable reserves in microgrids interfaced with renewables and to minimize the impacts of plug-in electric vehicles on the distribution networks. Lastly, the requested IMPERIX power converter testbench is essential in the design and operation of advanced sensorless controls for high power electromagnetic actuators. The requested equipment will stimulate and support new research initiatives, and will provide the experimental facility for several existing Discovery grants, NSERC CRD grants, current undertaken by the members of electric power research group (Drs. Wang, Eberle, Abdulaziz, Seethaler). The research results enabled by the requested equipment will boost the capabilities of modern power converter systems for AC/DC grids, battery chargers, and mechatronic systems, which are the top-tier expertise and business of many Canadian companies. The research outcomes will also strengthen Canada's global leadership role in renewable energy integration, power electronics based energy systems, real-time simulation and fast control prototyping systems. The planned real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation and control platform will provide the HQP a unique opportunity to receive valuable hands-on training for their future careers in power system and renewable energy industries.