Optimized and Modular Architectures for Grid Integration of a Cluster of Hydrokinetic Energy Resources

研究目标和方法：这项研究的目的是通过开发方法来提高功率密度并最大限度地减少发电机、电力调节系统以及与公用电网的接口的安装和维护成本，从而促进水动力发电。该方法是：(I)建立几种替代水力发电系统的成本和提供的电力之间的基本权衡；(Ii)探索替代的机器/变流器架构，以降低安装和维护成本/提供的电力；以及(Iii)开发模块化、可扩展和高效的高功率质量的电力调节和接口系统。它还建立了几种相互竞争的技术之间的设计权衡的严格推导，使社区能够就最适合特定环境的架构做出明智的决定。广泛影响：开发的技术将有助于增加动能转换系统的大规模安装，并将有助于可再生能源部门的增长。拟议研究的结果和成果将为降低水动能资源并网成本提供有益的设计指导。该教育计划将帮助教育和装备下一代电力工程师所需的知识和技能，以应对未来的S能源挑战。这将有助于地方和国家的绿色企业和产业。

Research Objectives and Approaches:The objective of this research is to advance hydrokinetic energy generation by developing methods to increase the power density and minimize the installation and maintenance costs of the generator, power conditioning system, and interface to the utility grid. The approach is to (i) establish the fundamental tradeoff between cost and power delivered of several alternative hydro-generation systems, (ii) explore alternative machine/converter architectures that reduce the installation and maintenance cost/power delivered, and (iii) develop modular, scalable, and efficient power conditioning and interface systems with high power quality.Intellectual Merits: This project develops a generalized modular and scalable power conversion structure for further expansion and grid integration of hydrokinetic energy resources. It also establishes a rigorous derivation of the design tradeoffs between several competing technologies that will allow the community to make informed decisions on the architecture that is best suited for a given environment.Broader Impact: The developed technology will help to increase the large-scale installation of hydrokinetic energy conversion systems and will contribute to the growth of the renewable energy sector. The results and outcomes of the proposed research will provide useful design guidance to reduce the cost of grid integration of hydrokinetic energy resources. The educational program will help to educate and equip the next generation of power engineers with the knowledge and skills required to address tomorrow?s energy challenges. This will contribute to local and national green businesses and industries.