scholarly journals Solid State Transformers: Concepts, Classification, and Control

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Azharuddin Shamshuddin ◽  
Felix Rojas ◽  
Roberto Cardenas ◽  
Javier Pereda ◽  
Matias Diaz ◽  
...  

Increase in global energy demand and constraints from fossil fuels have encouraged a growing share of renewable energy resources in the utility grid. Accordingly, an increased penetration of direct current (DC) power sources and loads (e.g., solar photovoltaics and electric vehicles) as well as the necessity for active power flow control has been witnessed in the power distribution networks. Passive transformers are susceptible to DC offset and possess no controllability when employed in smart grids. Solid state transformers (SSTs) are identified as a potential solution to modernize and harmonize alternating current (AC) and DC electrical networks and as suitable solutions in applications such as traction, electric ships, and aerospace industry. This paper provides a complete overview on SST: concepts, topologies, classification, power converters, material selection, and key aspects for design criteria and control schemes proposed in the literature. It also proposes a simple terminology to identify and homogenize the large number of definitions and structures currently reported in the literature.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5752
Author(s):  
Reza Sabzehgar ◽  
Diba Zia Amirhosseini ◽  
Saeed D. Manshadi ◽  
Poria Fajri

This work aims to minimize the cost of installing renewable energy resources (photovoltaic systems) as well as energy storage systems (batteries), in addition to the cost of operation over a period of 20 years, which will include the cost of operating the power grid and the charging and discharging of the batteries. To this end, we propose a long-term planning optimization and expansion framework for a smart distribution network. A second order cone programming (SOCP) algorithm is utilized in this work to model the power flow equations. The minimization is computed in accordance to the years (y), seasons (s), days of the week (d), time of the day (t), and different scenarios based on the usage of energy and its production (c). An IEEE 33-bus balanced distribution test bench is utilized to evaluate the performance, effectiveness, and reliability of the proposed optimization and forecasting model. The numerical studies are conducted on two of the highest performing batteries in the current market, i.e., Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and redox flow batteries (RFBs). In addition, the pros and cons of distributed Li-ion batteries are compared with centralized RFBs. The results are presented to showcase the economic profits of utilizing these battery technologies.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2045
Author(s):  
Pierpaolo Garavaso ◽  
Fabio Bignucolo ◽  
Jacopo Vivian ◽  
Giulia Alessio ◽  
Michele De Carli

Energy communities (ECs) are becoming increasingly common entities in power distribution networks. To promote local consumption of renewable energy sources, governments are supporting members of ECs with strong incentives on shared electricity. This policy encourages investments in the residential sector for building retrofit interventions and technical equipment renovations. In this paper, a general EC is modeled as an energy hub, which is deemed as a multi-energy system where different energy carriers are converted or stored to meet the building energy needs. Following the standardized matrix modeling approach, this paper introduces a novel methodology that aims at jointly identifying both optimal investments (planning) and optimal management strategies (operation) to supply the EC’s energy demand in the most convenient way under the current economic framework and policies. Optimal planning and operating results of five refurbishment cases for a real multi-family building are found and discussed, both in terms of overall cost and environmental impact. Simulation results verify that investing in building thermal efficiency leads to progressive electrification of end uses. It is demonstrated that the combination of improvements on building envelope thermal performances, photovoltaic (PV) generation, and heat pump results to be the most convenient refurbishment investment, allowing a 28% overall cost reduction compared to the benchmark scenario. Furthermore, incentives on shared electricity prove to stimulate higher renewable energy source (RES) penetration, reaching a significant reduction of emissions due to decreased net energy import.


Author(s):  
Xin Shen ◽  
Hongchun Shu ◽  
Min Cao ◽  
Nan Pan ◽  
Junbin Qian

In distribution networks with distributed power supplies, distributed power supplies can also be used as backup power sources to support the grid. If a distribution network contains multiple distributed power sources, the distribution network becomes a complex power grid with multiple power supplies. When a short-circuit fault occurs at a certain point on the power distribution network, the size, direction and duration of the short-circuit current are no longer single due to the existence of distributed power, and will vary with the location and capacity of the distributed power supply system. The change, in turn, affects the current in the grid, resulting in the generation and propagation of additional current. This power grid of power electronics will cause problems such as excessive standard mis-operation, abnormal heating of the converter and component burnout, and communication system failure. It is of great and practical significance to study the influence of distributed power in distributed power distribution networks.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 3432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Bignucolo ◽  
Manuele Bertoluzzo

The ongoing diffusion of solid-state DC/DC converters makes possible a partial migration of electric power systems from the present AC paradigm to a future DC scenario. In addition, the power demand in the domestic environment is expected to grow considerably, for example, due to the progressive diffusion of electric vehicles, induction cooking and heat pumps. To face this evolution, the paper introduces a novel electric topology for a hybrid AC/DC smart house, based on the solid-state transformer technology. The electric scheme, voltage levels and converters types are thoroughly discussed to better integrate the spread of electric appliances, which are frequently based on internal DC buses, within the present AC distribution networks. Voltage levels are determined to guarantee high safety zones with negligible electric risk in the most exposed areas of the house. At the same time, the developed control schemes assure high power quality (voltage stability in the case of both load variations and network perturbations), manage power flows and local resources according to ancillary services requirements and increase the domestic network overall efficiency. Dynamic simulations are performed, making use of DIgSILENT PowerFactory software, to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed distribution scheme for next-generation smart houses under different operating conditions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 4317
Author(s):  
K. Prakash ◽  
F. R. Islam ◽  
K. A. Mamun ◽  
H. R. Pota

A distribution network is one of the main parts of a power system that distributes power to customers. While there are various types of power distribution networks, a recently introduced novel structure of an aromatic network could begin a new era in the distribution levels of power systems and designs of microgrids or smart grids. In order to minimize blackout periods during natural disasters and provide sustainable energy, improve energy efficiency and maintain stability of a distribution network, it is essential to configure/reconfigure the network topology based on its geographical location and power demand, and also important to realize its self-healing function. In this paper, a strategy for reconfiguring aromatic networks based on structures of natural aromatic molecules is explained. Various network structures are designed, and simulations have been conducted to justify the performance of each configuration. It is found that an aromatic network does not need to be fixed in a specific configuration (i.e., a DDT structure), which provides flexibility in designing networks and demonstrates that the successful use of such structures will be a perfect solution for both distribution networks and microgrid systems in providing sustainable energy to the end users.


Author(s):  
Reza Tajik

Nowadays, the utilization of renewable energy resources in distribution systems (DSs) has been rapidly increased. Since distribution generation (DG) use renewable resources (i.e., biomass, wind and solar) are emerging as proper solutions for electricity generation. Regarding the tremendous deployment of DG, common distribution networks are undergoing a transition to DSs, and the common planning methods have become traditional in the high penetration level. Indeed, in conformity with the voltage violation challenge of these resources, this problem must be dealt with too. So, due to the high penetration of DG resources and nonlinear nature of most industrial loads, the planning of DG installation has become an important issue in power systems. The goal of this paper is to determine the planning of DG in distribution systems through smart grid to minimize losses and control grid factors. In this regard, the present work intending to propose a suitable method for the planning of DSs, the key properties of DS planning problem are evaluated from the various aspects, such as the allocation of DGs, and planning, and high-level uncertainties. Also depending on these analyses, this universal literature review addressed the updated study associated with DS planning. In this work, an operational design has been prepared for a higher performance of the power distribution system in the presence of DG. Artificial neural network (ANN) has been used as a method for voltage monitoring and generation output optimization. The findings of the study show that the proposed method can be utilized as a technique to improve the process of the distribution system under various penetration levels and in the presence of DG. Also, the findings revealed that the optimal use of ANN method leads to more controllable and apparent DS.


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