Smart Power Load-Leveling Control for Energy Efficient, Advanced Distribution Systems

The primary goal of this project is to develop a set of design tools for the development of next generation power and load management strategies and devices to integrate distributed generation and load management into modern vehicle power systems. It is intended to facilitate design and operation of power systems with distributed resources, integrating multiple generation alternatives, accommodating all operational modes and load demands and even component failures. The proposed power management systems will enable efficient, optimal and fault tolerant operation with appropriate cost-benefit tradeoffs and provide a secure information gateway to enable flexibility and adaptability to changing operational needs. We also propose to consider new distribution system topologies and new protection/isolation strategies to enhance overall stability and reliability The proposed effort is based on a new analysis and design technology that enables inclusion of both discrete and dynamical components (allowing incorporation of widely ranging time scales in modern Shipboard Power Systems) which enables the design of controllers that respond to discrete events such as operational mode change, load level of a component/subsystem or availability of generation resource, while respecting the inherent dynamic constraints of the system. The methodology and computer tools we propose will not only enable the design of new distribution system topologies and strategies for the system operators but also controllers capable of autonomous action if the time scale of the situation requires it. These basic ideas and some of the associated computational tools have been previously developed by Techno-Sciences, Inc. under contracts and grants from ONR, DOE, NAVSEA and NASA. In the Phase I effort we have developed a concept of operation, developed an optimization scenario and demonstrated the results on a developed benchmark simulation of the DDG 51 architecture with a Hybrid Electric Drive to demonstrate how the tools will be used in a prototype form. All pertinent component models were created and implemented in the proposed framework. We have also created the operational interface and data-logging tools to achieve a first level of validation. In the Phase I option effort, we can achieve limited hardware in the loop testing and In Phase II, we expect to expand the design tools for such a class of systems. We will also transition the tools to first level of verification to low power hardware in the loop tests and begin the transition to a land based test facility for more significant testing by the end of Phase II performance period. The software will be modular and easily extensible to accommodate the requirements of supervision and reconfiguration of such power systems.