power converters
The Challenge of Power Electronics - Power Conversion and Much More Liuchen Chang Dept. of Elec. and Comp. Eng. University of New Brunswick Nov. 23, 2010 Sustainable Power Research Group
Outlines z z z z
Introduction to power electronics (power converters) Challenges of power converter research (technical issues) Research focuses of Sustainable Power Research Group at UNB Conclusions
Sustainable Power Research Group
2
What is a Power Converter? z z
Traditionally, a power converter transforms electrical power from one form to another Now, a power converter integrates many other control, interface, optimization functions
Sustainable Power Research Group
Why is a Converter Needed? z z
To convert the output of an energy source to the needed form To provide an interface between sources and loads
Sustainable Power Research Group
Functions of a Power Converter - A Device for System Integration
Sustainable Power Research Group
5
Research in Power Conversion - in Traditional Areas of PE z z z z
Power switching devices: lower losses, faster, more reliable and cheaper (TransistorsÆ IGBTs) Topologies: new circuits with unique features (fewer devices, lower losses, higher reliability etc.) Pulse-Width-Modulation: better power quality, faster response, better utilization of voltage Efficiency improvement: lower losses
Sustainable Power Research Group
Research in Conversion System Optimization z z
Maximum power point tracking for wind, solar and marine energy systems Optimum operation of battery system to extend the battery life
Sustainable Power Research Group
Research in Interconnection z z
Compliance with interconnection requirements Anti-islanding for grid-connected distributed generators
Sustainable Power Research Group
Research in Communication and System Level Control z z z z
Moving outside of the black-box Communication with load, system or other converters Fault diagnosis and remote monitoring/control System level control and “smart grid”
Sustainable Power Research Group
9
Research Focus of UNB Group - Energy conversion and advanced control
3 RD :
Research, Development, Demonstration and Deployment
z
z
Focus on energy conversion, advanced control and system integration of distributed generation (DG) using wind, photovoltaic, small hydro, marine resources One-stop solution for DG power converters Æ technology transfer to industry through licenses – Advanced power converter controls and topologies Æ high power quality and improved efficiency – Advanced anti-islanding algorithm Æ compliant with safety requirements – Integrated maximum power point tracking Æ to maximize system energy output – Dispatchable DG networks Æ to further enhance DG values Sustainable Power Research Group
11
Demonstration and Deployment (Wind, Solar, Microturbine, Small Hydro)
More Wind Demonstration and Commercial Installations
Sustainable Power Research Group
Developed Direct-Drive Wind and Hydro Generators
z z z
10kW, 50kW, 65kW, 300kW PMSG and Syn Generators Some in volume production
Sustainable Power Research Group
Sustainable Power Research Group
Conclusion z z
z z
Power converter is an indispensible part of the modern electricity industry Power converters have evolved from traditional power conversion devices to system interface and integration devices More functions are added to power converters The Sustainable Power Research Group at UNB focuses on research, development, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy technologies – opportunities for collaboration are always welcome Sustainable Power Research Group
Thank you very much
Sustainable Power Research Group
Outlines z z z z
Introduction to power electronics (power converters) Challenges of power converter research (technical issues) Research focuses of Sustainable Power Research Group at UNB Conclusions
Sustainable Power Research Group
2
What is a Power Converter? z z
Traditionally, a power converter transforms electrical power from one form to another Now, a power converter integrates many other control, interface, optimization functions
Sustainable Power Research Group
Why is a Converter Needed? z z
To convert the output of an energy source to the needed form To provide an interface between sources and loads
Sustainable Power Research Group
Functions of a Power Converter - A Device for System Integration
Sustainable Power Research Group
5
Research in Power Conversion - in Traditional Areas of PE z z z z
Power switching devices: lower losses, faster, more reliable and cheaper (TransistorsÆ IGBTs) Topologies: new circuits with unique features (fewer devices, lower losses, higher reliability etc.) Pulse-Width-Modulation: better power quality, faster response, better utilization of voltage Efficiency improvement: lower losses
Sustainable Power Research Group
Research in Conversion System Optimization z z
Maximum power point tracking for wind, solar and marine energy systems Optimum operation of battery system to extend the battery life
Sustainable Power Research Group
Research in Interconnection z z
Compliance with interconnection requirements Anti-islanding for grid-connected distributed generators
Sustainable Power Research Group
Research in Communication and System Level Control z z z z
Moving outside of the black-box Communication with load, system or other converters Fault diagnosis and remote monitoring/control System level control and “smart grid”
Sustainable Power Research Group
9
Research Focus of UNB Group - Energy conversion and advanced control
3 RD :
Research, Development, Demonstration and Deployment
z
z
Focus on energy conversion, advanced control and system integration of distributed generation (DG) using wind, photovoltaic, small hydro, marine resources One-stop solution for DG power converters Æ technology transfer to industry through licenses – Advanced power converter controls and topologies Æ high power quality and improved efficiency – Advanced anti-islanding algorithm Æ compliant with safety requirements – Integrated maximum power point tracking Æ to maximize system energy output – Dispatchable DG networks Æ to further enhance DG values Sustainable Power Research Group
11
Demonstration and Deployment (Wind, Solar, Microturbine, Small Hydro)
More Wind Demonstration and Commercial Installations
Sustainable Power Research Group
Developed Direct-Drive Wind and Hydro Generators
z z z
10kW, 50kW, 65kW, 300kW PMSG and Syn Generators Some in volume production
Sustainable Power Research Group
Sustainable Power Research Group
Conclusion z z
z z
Power converter is an indispensible part of the modern electricity industry Power converters have evolved from traditional power conversion devices to system interface and integration devices More functions are added to power converters The Sustainable Power Research Group at UNB focuses on research, development, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy technologies – opportunities for collaboration are always welcome Sustainable Power Research Group
Thank you very much
Sustainable Power Research Group
