Simulation Environment for Power Management and Distribution Development

The overall objective of this research project is to investigate an autonomous and online control structure for finite-inertia power systems (dc and ac) with a real-time system simulation embedded within the control. The dual use aspect of this research will be demonstrated by focusing simultaneously on model development for both spacecraft power systems and terrestrial micro-grids. Both of these applications require advanced controls to react to unpredictable circumstances when human intervention is not possible or practical. The Phase I effort will focus on model development, model verification and validation, and applying model reduction and/or averaging and advanced simulation techniques to achieve a real-time system simulation. This will set the stage for the development of advanced power management and distribution controls. In particular, the possibility of embedding a real-time simulation into a control infrastructure, providing contingency analysis and look-ahead prediction of the results of control actions, could be investigated.