Autonomous and intelligent distributed energy systems

Abstract

Aiming to the autonomous and intelligent operation of different grid-tied equipment, this project proposes the study of monitoring and controlling techniques applied to distributed generation systems, as well as to other grid-tied power electronic converters, such as electronic power compensators. The main focus is directed to the micro grids, configuring the so-called smart micro grids scenario.A micro grid considers the existence of a low-power distributed energy system connected to the main grid by means of an automatic electronic system. Such system is constituted by switching power converters, protection and measuring devices, data processing devices, which are responsible for: making possible the power feeding of AC loads; taking decisions based on the energy demand data; monitoring and controlling the power quality at the point of common coupling; detecting adverse conditions, etc.Initially in this project, the voltage and currents will be monitored and controlled by means of the Conservative Power Theory (CPT), a recent approach proposed to the analysis and control of electrical circuits under generalized operational conditions. The main goal is to evaluate the viability of using the CPT current and power components in order to manage the micro grid information and to control the distributed generation and power conditioning systems.Besides, considering the variability of the power flow in a micro grid (based on load or source intermittence) it will be evaluated or proposed a dynamic grid mapping approach, which should be able to identify load and line parameters in real time. Such approach should provide equivalent load and source circuits with respective impedances and other Thèvenin and Norton equivalent parameters. These information will be used in the electronic converter's control or also, in order to propose novel approaches for revenue metering and accountability in micro grids.Thus, the main goal of this project is to evaluate and propose possible intelligent techniques for controlling and monitoring distributed energy systems. Such techniques might allow autonomous operation of grid-tied devices in the smart micro grids. (AU)