Wind Energy Integration
Networked Monitoring and Control of Small Interconnected Wind Energy Systems
Project Team:
- Dr. Ward Jewell, Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Wichita State University
- Dr. Coskun Cetinkaya, Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Wichita State University
Networked control of dispersed wind and solar generators over a hybrid wireless/wired network is envisioned. The long-term goal is to develop optimal methods for monitoring and controlling distributed wind and solar generation constrained by the distribution network of a utility. The major technical challenges will be specifically addressed through fundamental research that spans across the areas of power systems, electronics, control theory, and hybrid network design. The one-year goal is to develop a scale model laboratory distribution system for research into the questions that arise from networked control and monitoring of small wind energy systems connected to the AC distribution system. This project is significant because distributed generation in a concept called microgrids is considered a key component of future power systems. Common microgrid concepts use minimal or no communications to achieve their desired objectives. A key element of the proposed system is the utilization of a resilient, high-performance, hybrid communications network to allow optimal control and dispatch in both normal operating and island modes of the microgrid. The outcome will be a scale model distribution system with communication infrastructure.
The approach is to use commercially available power systems, educational laboratory equipment, and networking components to construct the model. The task will begin with a design phase, in which the needed components will be identified and specified. The model will include rotating machines that can be configured as various types of generation used in small wind turbines, including doubly-fed induction generators. The machines will be driven by PC-controlled variable-speed motors whose speed profiles will be generated from historical wind data. The model will also include the following: battery energy storage, which could be expanded later to include actual small wind turbines; other renewable resources, including photovoltaic, either actual or simulated; and other types of distributed generation. The system will also include various loads, including motor, lighting, rectifier, and resistive. Each device in the network will be a candidate for networked control, so control functions must be available for each of the devices. Preference will be given to commercial devices that already have such functionality, and for those that do not, appropriate interfaces will be designed and built. The model system will be paralleled with the AC distribution system, allowing testing in both parallel and stand-alone modes. Methods of transferring between the two modes will also be tested.
A multilevel architecture will be used for the communications and control network. The network must be highly reliable, provide resilience to changes in the power distribution and transmission topology, weather conditions that degrade wireless links, and provide support for different traffic types. The network architecture, protocol suite, and control mechanisms that provide the necessary functionality, quality of service, and resilience for the overall system will be designed and developed. The network will then be constructed in the lab and interfaced with the various power system components.
The milestones and deliverables for this one-year project are as follows:
- Design model power system.
- Develop network algorithm.
- Test model power system.
- Implement network.
- Interface power system and network.
Contact Information:
Ward T. Jewell, Ph.D.
Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
College of Engineering
Wichita State University
ward.jewell@wichita.edu
Supported by the Department of Energy
DOE DE-FG36-08GO88149
