Development of a dynamic control communication system for hybrid power systems

Abstract

Hybrid power systems are the most attractive option for the electrification of remote locations. There are problems however that keep them from being widely implemented. These include high cost because of system complexity, site-specific design requirements and the lack of available control system flexibility. The solution to these problems is the creation of an appropriate and adaptable supervisory controller. Such a concept includes open standards, automatic component identification and an adaptable control algorithm. It assumes (1) hybrid power system components with communication ports allowing communication with a supervisory controller, (2) a central supervisory controller and (3) a communication network between each component in the system. A Universal Plug and Play specification is used to carry out the necessary functions of automatic component identification and inter-component communication. An experimental system (hardware and software) was constructed to prove the concept and to prepare a foundation for further development in the intelligent adaptable supervisory controller. The hardware involved two personal computers at its core: one containing the supervisory control and identification software and the other containing models of various system components. Tests were conducted that confirm the capability of this concept to use in hybrid power system.