Project DC-ARCHITECT
Excerpt
Design the distribution networks of the future and their static converters
Dr. Vincent DEBUSSCHERE, Grenoble INP UGA
The main objective of the DC-Architect project is to design distribution networks capable of transporting energy in the form of direct current.
The distribution grid lies between microgrids and trans-national grids, which are generally DC.
With the integration of renewable energies, for example in storage facilities or electric vehicles, an increasing proportion of sources, connected to the distribution network via power electronic converters (PECs), are DC-based.
Why not design part of the distribution networks to transport energy directly in direct current? Of course, it would still be necessary to support existing AC electrical infrastructures, and possibly other DC infrastructures at different voltage levels. Nevertheless, direct current is seen as a credible alternative to alternating current in the years to come, since it will simplify the conversion chain, potentially reducing losses and costs, bearing in mind that the distribution network represents the largest energy system in terms of line length.
Research will focus on the design of such distribution network architectures, including the choice of voltage levels, as well as the design of the main power electronic converters. These are to be designed for DC/AC conversion, as well as for hybrid AC-DC system operation (connection points). The ambition and main novelty of this project is to simultaneously address the design issues of the PEC modules and the operational needs of the distribution network (evolving due to the integration of the PEC modules).
Keywords: Distribution grids; power electronics converters (PEC); convertisseurs électroniques de puissance (CEP); MVDC; architectures; control
Tasks
Our researches
Definition of network architectures and operating principles
Joint definition by power electronics and network specialists of the architectures, operating principles and operational constraints of hybrid AC and DC power networks. The focus will be on MVDC (medium voltage direct current) networks. These MVDC networks should prove to be the most suitable for the massive integration of renewable energies, demonstrating the necessary qualities of resilience, economic and environmental efficiency.
Power electronics converter (PEC) design
The implementation of ancillary services will affect the sizing and control of power electronics converters. These must be designed to support networks in their high-penetration paradigm.
Based on the specifications defined above, four modules with various support functions for MVDC networks will be designed (MVDC/LVDC connection, storage integration, MVDC network coupling/interconnection, and MVDC/MVAC interface). Module reliability will be addressed through diagnostic and prognostic research. Their lifetime will also be assessed and taken into account in their design and grid services.
Study of the system as a whole
System-wide studies will assess the ability of the selected architectures, at both component and network level, to operate stably, reliably, safely and sustainably.
Consortium
It includes 10 institutional partners involving 17 research laboratories, providing expertise in network architecture, network operation and control, design and close control of POCs, diagnostic and prognostic methods, stability assessment studies, fault detection and location, and reliability studies.
From a grid point of view: candidate architectures, grid codes and protection plans will be proposed to accelerate the deployment of medium-voltage DC grids, facilitating the massive integration of renewable energy sources.rnrnFrom a power electronics converter point of view: candidate architectures, functionalities, control strategies and reliability of power electronics components will be studied to enable the deployment of a hybrid AC/DC electrical system.
The integration of more renewable energies and the improvement of the resilience of energy systems will be carried out with a view to sustainable development.rnrnThe design of new infrastructures (whether from a network or device point of view) will be carried out taking into account environmental criteria (and not just the carbon footprint) as part of eco-design studies. This essentially theoretical research should not have a significant impact on the current environmental footprint of the power system, but at least contribute to understanding and minimizing its future direction through its design.rnrnWhile participating in the energy system’s decarbonization dynamic, the architecture of these future hybrid AC/DC distribution networks should prove the most suitable for massively integrating renewable energies, demonstrating the necessary qualities of resilience, economic and environmental efficiency.
Training 18 doctoral students
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