CAREER: Intelligent Based Performance Enhancement Control of Micropower Energy Systems

Colorado School Of Mines, Golden CO

Investigators

Abstract

An advanced renewable based distributed power generation system is required for the next age of the alternative energy market. Improved and dependable systems for energy conversion, energy storage requires power quality demands and compatibility with distributed energy systems, also called by microgrid or micropower energy systems. An intelligent-based control methodology must be developed to optimize the microgrid system requirements, aiming convergence of adaptive, parameter insensitive and on-line learning capabilities. This research project is concerned with three main issues (1) small distributed generation prototype development of a high frequency ac link (HFAC) microgrid system, (2) analysis and modeling of behavior interactions and architecture management and (3) intelligent control applications. Power electronic systems will be designed to connect distributed sources to the HFAC. Intelligent control techniques will be developed to implement capabilities of learning by sensing the environment in order to reach its objective of optimum power operation, automatic functioning, self-monitoring and self-checking of failures and detection/recovery for efficient user interface. A behavior based hierarchic control capable to generate set-points for optimal neural network controllers based on Adaptive Critic Design will be developed. An educational plan is focused to leverage the interdisciplinary mission of the Engineering Division at Colorado School of Mines. It is proposed the development of educational material will be developed to allow students to have experience in studying theoretical foundations of intelligent control systems, understanding their functional operation through the use of computer for simulation in promising research directions. The five-year, integrated development plan encompasses research, education and outreach activities in order to incorporate intelligent control techniques for performance improvement of distributed energy systems used in residential and small business applications.