Field upgradeable transformer: A fractionally-rated voltage regulator for the distribution system

R. P. Kandula, Hao Chen, Anish Prasai, Frank Lambert, Joe Schatz, Deepak Divan

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

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The distribution system voltage volatility caused by changing load conditions and penetration of renewable resources presents an increasing challenge in the grid integration of renewables. This paper presents a novel voltage regulator, or field upgradeable transformer (FUT), for the distribution system, targeting at direct voltage regulation at the customer side with a fast dynamic response. Proposed system consists of a conventional medium voltage (MV) distribution transformer interfaced with a fractionally-rated power converter. Compared to other power electronics solutions for grid applications, the proposed device has advantages of low cost, high reliability, and high efficiency. The paper presents the FUT topology, principle of operation, control and protection scheme verified through simulation studies. Experimental results at 7.2 kV, 50 kVA, demonstrating FUT technology are also presented.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationECCE 2016 - IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781509007370
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event2016 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2016 - Milwaukee, United States
Duration: Sep 18 2016Sep 22 2016

Publication series

NameECCE 2016 - IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, Proceedings

Conference

Conference2016 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMilwaukee
Period09/18/1609/22/16

Keywords

  • controllable transformer
  • dynamic voltage regulator
  • grid-edge control

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