Abstract
The University of Central Florida invention is a novel software-based controller that enhances the safety, security, and reliability of electric microgrids (MGs) where intermittent renewable energy is integrated. The United States government has set goals of 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. Renewable energy, such as wind and photovoltaic energy, is one of the most important ways to achieve this goal. These renewable energy resources require power electronic converters such as voltage source converters (VSCs) to connect these resources to the electric power grid. Yet, renewable energy generation is highly intermittent, and the need for effective control methods becomes a bottleneck for using the resources effectively.
To resolve this issue, the UCF technology enables an amalgamation of conventional IP and PI controllers for voltage and current control through a single parameter, which, when optimized, can deliver superior transient response.
As the use of renewable energy increases, the UCF invention enables wider operating ranges for the VSCs compared to conventional standalone PI controllers. Consequently, organizations can delay high capital investments for major system reinforcements to meet the increasing energy needs in the power system. This invention holds immense promise for integrating renewable energy resources into the power system, marking a pivotal leap forward in reducing carbon emissions in the country. It could be a key player in integrating clean, renewable energy resources through VSCs in electric power systems and contribute toward the zero-carbon goals of the U.S. government.
Technical Details: A novel blended integral-proportional/proportional-integral (IPPI) controller for voltage source converter-based microgrids (VSC-MGs). It also improves stability margins and enables wider operating ranges for VSCs compared to conventional standalone PI controllers.
The technology is software-driven and embedded into a fabricated device with input and output terminals responding to input commands and system disturbances in the VSC-MG.
Partnering Opportunity: The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.
Stage of Development: Prototype available.
Benefit
Innovatively combines the desirable attributes of proportional-integral (PI)-based and integral-proportional (IP)-based controllersExhibits better transient responses and improved stability marginsProvides wider operating ranges for MGs than conventional PI-based controllers for hosting renewable energyTakes advantage of IP controllers' two degrees of freedom, enabling independent optimization of responses to input commands and system disturbancesMarket Application
Manufacturers of grid-interfaced VSCs and distributed energy resources such as wind turbines, photovoltaic arrays, and battery energy storage systemsPower utility companies
Brochure
