Fault-Tolerant Optimal Neurocontrol for a Static Synchronous Series Compensator Connected to a Power Network

This paper proposes a novel fault-tolerant optimal neurocontrol scheme (FTONC) for a static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) connected to a multimachine benchmark power system. The dual heuristic programming technique and radial basis function neural networks are used to design a nonlinear optimal neurocontroller (NONC) for the external control of the SSSC. Compared to the conventional external linear controller, the NONC improves the damping performance of the SSSC. The internal control of the SSSC is achieved by a conventional linear controller. A sensor evaluation and (missing sensor) restoration scheme (SERS) is designed by using the autoassociative neural networks and particle swarm optimization. This SERS provides a set of fault-tolerant measurements to the SSSC controllers, and therefore, guarantees a fault-tolerant control for the SSSC. The proposed FTONC is verified by simulation studies in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment

NSF CAREER: Scalable Learning and Adaptation with Intelligent Techniques and Neural Networks for Reconfiguration and Survivability of Complex Systems

The NSF CAREER program is a premier program that emphasizes the importance the foundation places on the early development of academic careers solely dedicated to stimulating the discovery process in which the excitement of research enriched by inspired teaching and enthusiastic learning. This paper describes the research and education experiences gained by the principal investigator and his research collaborators and students as a result of a NSF CAREER proposal been awarded by the power, control and adaptive networks (PCAN) program of the electrical, communications and cyber systems division, effective June 1, 2004. In addition, suggestions on writing a winning NSF CAREER proposal are presented

A fast-acting protection scheme for series compensators in a medium-voltage network

In recent 20 years medium voltage networks have been becoming one of the important interfaces between the power plants and loads due to the increasing load demand as well as number of distributed generators connected to the network. This is the reason, managing the power flow, and voltage profile of the network at the lowest possible power losses and also price are of the utmost importance. The series compensators such as a static synchronous series compensator are of the most cost effective power compensators that also have the high efficiency in controlling the power flow and voltage profile. However, their drawback is their vulnerability against the short circuit. This thesis presents a new protection scheme for an SSSC in an MV network by using a varistor and thyristors to eliminate this weakness. The DC offset phenomenon is one of the main uncertainties that has been studied in the thesis. This phenomenon could cause a delay in the circuit breakers’ performance. In this thesis, the parameters of the machines that have most influence on the time when the fault current will pass the zero point have been analysed. Besides, the impact of the DC offset in the medium voltage network has been studied. Furthermore, the thermal issues have always been one of the most challenging problems for the power electronics devices. This thesis investigates a new packaging style by using the phase change material to improve the thermal managing of a press-pack thyristor during a short circuit. This packaging style is able to absorb the heat as much as required and also could decrease the thermal resistance