Modular Smart Micro/Nano-Grid Power Management System

A micro-grid consists of power sources, local energy storage, and loads, connected to the utility grid. A micro-grid can operate with power from the grid, or by itself (islanded) when isolated from the utility. Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) will develop the active power control elements of such a system in this SBIR. A key element in this system is a grid-tied inverter at medium voltage. DTI proposes to use lower-voltage devices connected in series, a technique we have fielded for over 20 years in radar and high energy physics applications. The system will provide full control over the grid interface (both receiving and returning power), of renewable energy use, energy storage (e.g., battery charging and power use), sag correction, VAR compensation, fault protection, and local facility power sharingall at sub-cycle speed. This will allow optimization of NAVFAC and commercial renewables and storage resources, and allow power cost minimization by avoiding peak charges and taking advantage of peak rates to sell energy to the grid, as well as providing control over power management during grid outages or disruptions.