Static power converters for the integration of distributed energy resources

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Electric distribution grids are increasingly incorporating new and more diverse energy resources, including renewable energy and electricity storage, and new active loads, such as electric vehicles. These new systems have embedded intelligence, and sensing information and communications capabilities. Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, provide clean energy locally, and controllable loads allow power control and curtailment as required. They are interfaced to the grid using power electronic interfaces. These allow the implementation of flexible power dispatch, voltage and frequency control and the provision of ancillary services for frequency and voltage support. A new paradigm in electric distribution is to create self-managed entities with well-defined physical boundaries and incorporating the new energy resources and loads. These entities, called microgrids, can then be integrated into and operated either as an integral part of the larger distribution grid, or as autonomous grids. This approach offers better local energy management and power quality, and support of the main grid under normal and emergency conditions. The contributions of the proposed research program are in the design, control and operation of active distribution systems, including microgrids. It proposes the use static microgrid interface devices, allowing asynchronous connection between the distribution grid and the microgrid. If required, they can implement a controlled separation from the grid and independent operation from the grid. The specific contributions of the research program will be to develop fast and coordinated controllers for distributed energy resources and microgrids. Intelligent functions are embedded in the power electronic interfaces of the distributed energy resources and active loads to meet the power demand and operational constraints. The research will facilitate the implementation of intelligent distribution systems, the integration of a large amount of distributed energy resources and the deployment of microgrids. This will help build a more reliable and resilient electric distribution grid, an essential infrastructure of a secure digital economy. The anticipated investments in the renewal of the electricity infrastructure will allow the deployment of the proposed technologies and create significant opportunities for technology transfer and for the employment of highly qualified personnel, within electric utilities, equipment manufacturers, and energy consultants in Canada.