The Operation and Control of Solid-State Transformers for Smart Grid Applications

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Several power systems, including Canadian ones, have made significant progress toward increasing the levels of de-regulated operation. Such modes of operating power systems are being sought to reduce costs of expanding or upgrading transmission and distribution systems, improve the overall efficiency, reduce the loadability of transmission and distribution networks, advance energy saving programs, and reduce environmental impacts. The de-regulated operation of power systems has facilitated the interconnection of several types of distributed generation units, along with possible control of load power demands. The possible control of load demands has been introduced as the demand response (DR), which can be implemented as an active DR or a passive DR. The active DR implies the utilization of distributed generation units that are interconnected at load side. This DR is widely used in industrial loads and commercial loads. The passive DR implies ON-OFF actions for appliances that have energy storage capabilities (water heaters, heating systems, and HVACs). This DR is very common in residential and small commercial loads (RSCLs). Power systems have shown growing interests in implementing smart grid functions in RSCLs, as these can contribute to daily or seasonal peak-demand conditions. The nature of RSCLs leans toward the deployment of passive DR. Despite its simplicity, passive DR has shown limited capabilities in RSCLs due to its dependence on the number of participants. The limited capabilities of passive DR for RSCLs can be overcome by deploying active DR. However, the main challenge such a deployment of active DR for RSCLs is the ability to inject power to the host power system during peak-demand conditions.This research program aims to develop and test an active DR for RSCLs based on designing a new breed of distribution transformers that can allow controllable and bi-directional power flow a power system and RSCLs. Such a transformer is to be constructed from multi-level ac-dc, dc-dc, and dc-ac power electronic converters (PECs). In order to accomplish the power injection to the power system, the developed transformer will be equipped with energy storage units. The design, operation, control, and protection of the proposed transformer are to be completed over the next 5 years, as described herein. In addition, prototypes for the developed solid-state transformer will be built and tested for performance evaluation. The performance of the proposed transformer will further advance the implementation of noninvasive smart grid functions. Furthermore, the outcomes of this research project can help Canadian power industries take leading roles in providing key smart technologies. Finally, the different stages of this project will provide comprehensive opportunities to train graduate and undergraduate students in the power and energy sectors.