Description:
Technology Summary
Distributed generators, including solar power, in the microgrid, must be able to work in both grid-connected mode and islanded mode (the condition in which a distributed generator continues to power a location even though electrical grid power is no longer present), with good transient performances during mode changes. This technology is a way for photovoltaic (PV) systems to achieve seamless mode changes between the grid-connected mode and islanded mode. This technology overcomes limitations in current systems, which struggle to change modes efficiently and effectively under certain conditions.
Reference Number
D-1488
Market Applications
-Solar energy power conversion
-DC-AC and MPPT integration for PV system
-Microgrid with the requirement of mode changes between grid-connected mode and islanded mode
Features, Benefits and Advantages
-A unified, rather than separate control framework for seamless mode changes between the grid-connected mode and islanded mode.
-Less vulnerable to tampering/hacking
Intellectual Property
A U.S. Provisional patent application was filed on 5/29/18, serial number 62/677,437.
Development Stage
A prototype has been build for a small-scale grid model test-bed.
Researchers
Dr. Beibei Ren, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University
Keywords
PV system; seamless mode change; grid-connect mode; islanded mode; DC-AC inverter; DC-DC converter