Josiah McClurg with adviser R. C. N. Pilawa-Podgurski Practical and theoretical implications of series-connected voltage domains as a method of efficient power distribution for high-power digital loads, such as network switch rooms and data centers, are being investigated. Considering the environmental, social, and financial effects that the Internet has on humanity, it is crucial that […]
A Distributed Generation Control Architecture for Small-Footprint Power Systems
Stanton T. Cady with adviser A. Domínguez-García This research develops and implements a control architecture for small-footprint power systems which replicates the functionality of the centralized control utilized in bulk power systems, i.e., frequency regulation and optimal dispatch, in a distributed fashion. We assume that each generator is equipped with a local controller and a […]
Optimal Tap Settings for Voltage Regulation Transformers in Distribution Networks
Brett Robbins with adviser A. Domínguez-García Power distribution systems commonly use tap-changing under-load transformers and switched capacitors to regulate voltage. Generally, the settings of these devices are automatically adjusted via automatic voltage regulators that react to local voltage measurements. This decentralized approach to voltage regulation is effective for voltage control, but it may not be […]
Spoofing GPS Receiver Clock Offset of Phasor Measurement Units
Xichen Jiang with adviser A. Domínguez-García Reliability has been a central issue as the current power system undergoes changes to meet new Smart Grid standards. Integrating new technology increases the complexity of the existing system and adds additional sources of uncertainty. One such technology receiving considerable attention is synchronized phasor measurement units (PMUs), which are […]
Quantifying the Impacts on Reliability of Coupling Between Cyber and Physical Components
Jiangmeng Zhang with adviser A. Domínguez-García Uncertainties are the main factors that impact power system reliability and are caused by both cyber and physical components. Renewable-based generation varying from forecast values is one example of physical uncertainty. Another is unavoidable measurement noises through communication channels. These measurements are also vulnerable to malicious cyber-attacks. Therefore, it […]
Measurement-Based Estimation of Linear Sensitivity Distribution Factors and Applications
Christine Chen with adviser A. Domínguez-García Power system operators perform static security analyses in order to monitor and maintain operational reliability. These studies may include repeated computations, for each credible contingency, of power flow solutions using the full nonlinear power flow model or a linearized model. To reduce the computational burden of evaluating repeated power […]
Type-C Wind Turbine Model Order Reduction and Parameter Identification
Justin Hughes with adviser A. Domínguez-García Engineers are finding it useful to have models to investigate wind turbine performance due to the increasing penetration of wind power. Accurate modeling of aerodynamics, power electronics, electrical transients, or control systems is necessary for various applications. Using singular perturbation analysis, this research shows that under normal system operating […]
A Global Maximum Power Point Tracking Method for PV Module-Integrated Converters
Roy Bell with adviser R. C. N. Pilawa-Podgurski This work seeks to replace state-of-the-art power electronic solutions for the MPPT of PV sub-modules with an architecture that facilitates the use of inexpensive, module-integrable, and efficient power electronics. The topology of Fig. 18, known as the dc optimizer, is commonly implemented to extract maximum power from […]
Sub-module Differential Power Processing for Photovoltaic Applications
Shibin Qin with adviser R. C. N. Pilawa-Podgurski Power converters are required in solar-energy harvesting systems for maximum power extraction due to non-linear characteristics of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. Differential power processing (DPP), with a basic structure illustrated in Fig. 16, is studied. PV modules are connected in series for voltage step-up and use differential […]
Dithering Digital Ripple Correlation Control for Photovoltaic Maximum Power Point Tracking
Christopher Barth with adviser R. C. N. Pilawa-Podgurski This project is developing a new maximum power point tracking algorithm for use in switching power converters for PV applications. To maximize energy harvested from a PV panel, it is necessary to operate the panel at a particular current and voltage value, the panel maximum power point. […]