Optimization of virtual power plant with a distributed generation

The article is devoted to the task of optimizing the structure of virtual power plants (VPP) with distributed generation sources. The solution of the problem is based on the structural topological and probabilistic-statistical analysis of the VPP structure. An algorithm for estimating the structure of VPP has been developed. The optimization criteria for VPP are proposed and investigated. The criteria allow to evaluate VPP structural properties and to take into account the inconstancy of generation from renewable energy sources (RES) in VPP composition

New Trends and Prospects for Developing Local Power Sources Based on Fuel Cells and Power Storage Units for Critical Infrastructure Customers

A reliable and efficient power supply for critical infrastructure customers is key to ensuring energy security. Critical infrastructure requires local power sources. Currently, performance requirements for such sources have significantly increased. Apart from high energy efficiency, important requirements include quick start-up time, small size, environmental friendliness, low noise, etc. These may be provided by fuel cells, which are considered the most prospective sources of electric power. However, it is necessary to overcome a number of obstacles limiting fuel cell efficiency in power supply systems for critical infrastructure customers. This paper presents the results of design analysis in the field of fuel cell, hydrogen conversion and power storage technologies. An assessment is given of promising studies aimed at combining the abovementioned technologies to create local power sources to ensure reliable power supply to critical infrastructure objects

Economy Mode Setting Device for Wind-Diesel Power Plants

The article is devoted to the problem of reducing fuel consumption in a diesel generator set (DGS) as a part of a wind-diesel power plant (WDPP). The object of the research is a variable speed DGS. The goal is to develop the WDPP intelligent control system, providing an optimal shaft speed of an internal combustion engine (ICE). The basis of the intelligent control system is an economy mode setting device (EMSD), which controls the fuel supply to the ICE. The functional chart of EMSD has been presented. The main EMSD blocks contain a controller and an associative memory block. The associative memory block is a software model of an artificial neural network that determines the optimal shaft speed of the ICE. An algorithm for the WDPP intelligent control system has been developed and tested using the WDPP Simulink model. The EMSD prototype has been created, and its research has been conducted. Dependences of the change in specific and absolute fuel consumption on the load power have been obtained for two 4 kW DGS: with constant rotation speed and variable rotation speed DGS with EMSD. It has been established that the use of EMSD in the mode of low loads allow one to reduce fuel consumption by almost 30%. The error in determining the optimal engine speed using EMSD prototype is not more than 15%

Investigation of PEM Fuel Cell Characteristics in Steady and Dynamic Operation Modes

The article is devoted to the problem of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) integration into power supply systems. A hybrid energy complex (HEC) based on PEMFCs and lithium iron phosphate batteries can be used as a reliable energy source. It is necessary to properly determine the PEMFC characteristics in order to develop a PEMFC-based HEC prototype and its control algorithms. This paper presents a 1 kW PEMFC’s test results in steady and dynamic modes. The dependences of the average hydrogen consumption per 1 min, the volume of hydrogen for the generation of 1 kWh, the PEMFC efficiency on the load current were obtained and an analysis of these dependences for steady operation modes was performed. A range of load changes beyond which the efficiency of the PEMFC significantly decreased and it was recommended to switch to the joint operation of the PEMFCs and batteries (or only batteries) was established. Diagrams of the PEMFC output voltage during the dynamic changes in loads are presented and an analysis of transient response characteristics was carried out. The air supply fans were found to affect the performance of PEMFCs

Research and Development of Adjustable Discontinuous Pulse Width Modulation Method for Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverter

Continuous pulse width modulation (CPWM) and discontinuous pulse width modulation (DPWM) strategies are used to control voltage source inverter operation. CPWM strategies allow for the reduction of total harmonic distortion values, while DPWM strategies provide a more effective reduction in inverter switching losses. The paper is devoted to the problem of improving the three-phase voltage source inverter efficiency by a controlled transition from CPWM to DPWM. The article proposes an adjustable discontinuous pulse width modulation (ADPWM) method, which means a transition from space vector PWM (refers to CPWM strategies) to DPWM in all inverter phases when the switches’ temperatures exceed the allowable value in at least one of the inverter phases. The method flowchart is presented and an algorithm for modifying the envelope curve within one sector is given. In order to test the ADPWM method a Simulink-model of a three-phase voltage source inverter and its control system were developed. A study of the proposed ADPWM method’s efficiency in comparison with CPWM, PCDPWM and NCDPWM methods was carried out using a Simulink-model. It was established that the proposed ADPWM method provides dynamic losses reduction in the inverter switches by 2.86 times compared to CPWM and by 1.89 times compared to PCDPWM and NCDPWM methods. Power supply systems for medium and high-power AC motors provide a promising area for application of the proposed ADPWM method

Battery Dynamic Balancing Method Based on Calculation of Cell Voltage Reference Value

The article is devoted to solving the problem of charge equalization of multi-element batteries with rated voltage up to 1000 V, operating in dynamic modes with different charge and discharge depths. This article proposes a method of balancing the voltages of power battery elements. The essence of the proposed method is to form a reference signal equivalent to the reference voltage of the battery element for the current state of charge. The novelty of the method presented in this article, in comparison with relevant existing techniques, lies in active control over the balancing circuit proportional to real cell voltage deviation from the reference value. The proposed method can be used both for passive balancing techniques based on ballast resistors, and for circuits made on electromagnetic energy redistribution systems between galvanic cells. A number of Simulink models were developed to determine the electrical parameters of active and passive balancing circuits. Performance and accuracy study of balancing a multi-element battery in charge and discharge modes was conducted by Simulink models. It was established that, compared to classical methods, the proposed balancing method enhances the accuracy by 1.43 times and improves dynamic indices of the balancing process at any state of charge of batteries. The proposed balancing method is a perspective for energy storage systems based on multi-element batteries for power supply nodes of high-power loads with pulsed and repeated short-term operation modes