Integration of pulsed loads into a Microgrid architecture

Summary form only given. Many pulsed power systems (PPSs) are fielded in civilian applications however the vast majorities are developed for use in areas of defense. The PPSs are almost always high power/energy in nature and are often required to operate in a fast repetitive mode of operation. This load profile is extremely taxing on the fossil fuel based generators from which the prime power originates when used in forward operating bases (FOBs) or aboard movable platforms. Conventional electrical grid architectures, which are used both on land and aboard movable vehicles, are being transitioned into MicroGrids, which integrate as many different types of distributed electrical generation sources (DEGSs) as possible. As this conversion process unfolds, it is critical to understand what generation sources are needed to ensure that both conventional AC loads and high repetitive pulsed power loads can be sourced simultaneously without impacting the power quality of either. Many of the DEGSs being installed are renewable technologies which are often either power or energy dense but not both. Since pulsed power loads are vastly different than conventional loads, evaluation of how to integrate them into these new grid architectures is needed. Hybrid energy storage modules (HESMs) that integrate various energy storage technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion capacitors, and electric double layer capacitors, will play a key role in leveling the simultaneous operation of these types of loads. Further, novel bi-directional power electronic converters are needed to intelligently control and optimize the flow of energy from all of the vastly different generation sources. While much research is being performed in the area of MicroGrids, few are evaluating the integration of pulsed power loads. Research, sponsored by the US Office of Naval Research, is being performed at UT Arlington to evaluate how the power quality is impacted when high power conventional and pulsed power loads are sourced simultaneously. A MicroGrid testbed has been developed which is capable of simulating the operation of pulsed power loads simultaneously with high power AC loads. The rational for the research, the grid architecture, and the results collected thus far will be discussed.