Power Flow Control and Protection of Medium Voltage DC Distribution Networks Facilitating Internet-of-Energy Structures.

Ref number: SCEBE-20-007-AG

Medium voltage DC (MVDC) distribution is considered the favourable technology for future distribution networks due to the improved power flow controllability in comparison to AC networks. The control facilities available to power electronic converters in MVDC technology makes DC systems the better fit for smart grid structures adopting Internet of Energy (IoE) principles.

The demanding nature of this advanced Smart Grid structure poses a challenge that requires the development of advanced power electronic converters to undertake the stringent power flow control and high-selectivity DC fault isolation tasks. Furthermore, the use of smart IoT devices, powerful controllers, and fast communication links results in new control capabilities as well as complexities in their interaction with the power electronic converters and power flow devices.

The aim of this research proposal is to investigate technical means of securing reliable and efficient operation of MVDC distribution networks enabling peer-to-peer transactions and relevant IoE structures (a peer being a distribution network segment, a microgrid, or even a residential roof-top solar system).This involves design, reliability, and feasibility of meshed MVDC utilizing DC circuit breaker (DCCB) topologies which incorporate power flow control (PFC) capabilities/devices within their structure. Interaction of these DCCB/PFC topologies with the rest of system components in IoE environment will be investigated.


Director of Studies
Dr Azmy Gowaid [Email Address Removed]
https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/persons/azmy-gowaid

2nd Supervisor Dr Dong Chen [Email Address Removed]
https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/persons/dong-chen

3rd Supervisor Name: Dr M Emad Farrag
Email: [Email Address Removed]
https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/persons/mohamed-emad-farrag