MicroGrids, SmartGrids and SuperGrids

ABSTRACT

The course explains different concepts of the grids architecture used to solve the main task of power system operation to deliver the power in reliable way at minimum cost.

The goal of the course is to learn what Micro, Smart and Super Grids are and the main trends and key drivers of their development.

The objectives of the course are to learn how to design different types of the grids, integrate, set up, test and analyze performance of their various components. Since the complex structure and behavior of modern grids require application of comprehensive simulation tools, integrating analytical and optimization functions, the course also targets mastering student’s skills in application of globally renowned power system simulators to achieve the stated objectives.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • to value different grid concepts and emerging technologies;
  • to analyze grids configuration, reveal pros and cons;
  • to design appropriate system configuration based on the stakeholder goals;
  • to develop a simulation experiment for analyzing performance of a MicroGrid, SmartGrid, SuperGrid
  • to set up, design tests and analyze performance of different smart grid controllers

TEACHING TECHNIQUES

  • Problem-based learning
  • Inquiry-based learning
  • Simulation-based learning
  • Design thinking approach
  • Flipped classrooms/learning
  • Gamification

COURSE OUTLINE
Part I. Introduction

  • Classification of power system components according to voltage level and capacity will be provided (students learn what is called distributed generation and microgrid, what are the maximum voltage levels to transmit electrical power)
  • The main differences between conventional and new types of electrical grids will be explained, the goals of and key drivers for micro grids, smart grids and super grids will be explained
  • Legislation, government policies to promote micro, smart and super grids implementation
  • Pros and cons of autonomous and parallel operation will be formulated
  • Different AC and DC interconnection technologies will be explained
  • Grids structure (radial and meshed systems) will be discussed
  • It will be explained how to ensure the power balance: reserves, time shifting and etc.
  • Power system states: normal, alert, emergency and operational limits will be studied

Part II. MicroGrids

  • Micro grid concepts will be explained with examples
  • DC bus and AC bus based micro grid concepts will be explained (power electronics interfaces: multiple and single input dc-dc converters, ac-dc and dc-ac)
  • micro grid (sources) sizing problems, hosting capacity for renewables and storage application will be discussed

Lab 1. Optimal placement and sizing of DG

Lab 2. Distribution network reconfiguration

  • load variation impact, primary energy variation impact, islanding, self-balancing and synchronization with system will be studied

Lab 3. Self-balancing of microgrid

  • fault tolerance (FRT) and transient stability of micro grids

Lab 4. Fault Ride-Through capability requirements

Part III. SmartGrids

  • Smart grid concepts will be explained with examples
  • the needs of fault location and system reconfiguration will be explained
  • system restoration (resiliency, self-healing, power electronic circuit breakers) processes and concepts will be provided
  • advanced metering infrastructure concept

Part IV. SuperGrids

  • Super grid concepts will be explained with examples
  • HVDC and HVAC technologies will be compared from technical and economical point of view
  • interactions between DC and AC grids will be explained

Lab 1. Analysis of PWM operation, harmonic analysis, VSC operation in real/reactive power control mode

  • wide area phenomena will be studied (like frequency wave, characteristic impedance) to understand the need in WAMS
  • impedance compensation and reactive power control of long transmission lines will be explained

Lab 2. Shunt and series compensation of HVAC transmission

Lab 3. FACTS based centralized volt/var control

  • fault tolerance of large interconnections

LIST OF REQUIRED LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
1. Matlab Simulink or PSCAD for the labs to simulate different controllers performance
2. PSS/SYNCAL or MATPOWER (Matlab Simulink) or similar software for dynamics and transients, short circuit analysis

The request form for teaching materials (TM)