A Self-Organizing Nano Grid (SONG) for Energy Access Clusters

Kartavya Agarwal, Vikram Roy Chowdhury, Joseph Benzaquen, Prasad Kandula, Deepak Divan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper, a bottom-up dc Self-Organizing Nano Grid (SONG) for rural electrification at ultra-low-cost through a flexible and scalable topology is presented. The proposed nano grid requires no communication and uses dc-bus signaling to convey excess energy in the system through the bus voltage, allowing independent agents to conduct energy transactions based on their needs in a decentralized manner. Moreover, this article proposes a concept that uses a novel multi-source, multi-segment droop control strategy with demand coordination, allowing for dynamic self-balancing of the system under fluctuating operating conditions. The unique use of a surplus photovoltaic (PV) power droop mode precisely estimates energy availability to minimize load chattering that helps in stabilizing the dc-bus. In addition, this architecture uses standard dc/dc converters for a low-cost, modular, Plug and Play (PnP) solution with highly automated operation, enabling local assembly, operation, and maintenance by non-technical personnel. The proposed SONG concept was validated in simulation and with a 700W, laboratory-scale, custom made nano grid system. The simulation and experimental test cases show the feasibility of the SONG system by demonstrating the proposed multi-source, multi-segment droop control strategy without load chattering under varying operating conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2022 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2022
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781728193878
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event2022 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2022 - Detroit, United States
Duration: Oct 9 2022Oct 13 2022

Publication series

Name2022 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2022

Conference

Conference2022 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDetroit
Period10/9/2210/13/22

Funding

This work is supported by the Center for Distributed Energy (CDE), Georgia Institute of Technology. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The authors are grateful for the support provided by the Center for Distributed Energy (CDE) at Georgia Tech.

Keywords

  • Decentralized Control
  • Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
  • Droop Control
  • Energy Access
  • Nano grid
  • dc-dc Converter

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