Power systems are going through a paradigm change. The centralized large facilities are being replaced by millions of widely dispersed non-synchronous relatively small renewable or alternative power plants, plug-in EVs, and energy storage units. Moreover, the majority of loads are expected to actively take part in the grid regulation in the same way as suppliers do. The theoretical framework of synchronized and democratized (SYNDEM) smart grid proposed by the course instructor has been widely recognized as a potential way forward. It has been included in the IEEE PES Task Force report on Primary Frequency Response as the Path to the Future. It has also been featured by IEEE Power Electronics Magazine as a cover story, by Midwest Energy News as “expected to be game changer for grid,” and by IEEE Spectrum reported as the vision for a harmonious grid. Dr. Zhong has delivered over 100 plenary talks, distinguished lectures, invited talks and workshops on this in over 20 countries in recent years.
This course will train our own students with the theoretical framework and latest developments, including the grid architecture, enabling technologies and technical routes, to facilitate the paradigm change of power systems worldwide into next-generation smart grids.
This course is based on the latest research of Dr. Zhong over the years. It is a continuation of ECE 550, which focuses on the control of power electronic converters, while this course focuses on systems.
Course content:
- Paradigm change of power systems;
- Challenges faced during the paradigm change;
- Concept of synchronized and democratized (SYNDEM) smart grids;
- SYNDEM architecture for next-generation smart grids;
- Technical routes to implement SYNDEM smart grids;
- Enabling technologies – Three generations of virtual synchronous machines (VSM);
- Integration of renewables/EV/storage systems through VSM;
- Integration of flexible loads through VSM;
- Illinois Tech SYNDEM prototype smart grid.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the paradigm change of power systems and the challenges faced
- Master the Concept of synchronized and democratized (SYNDEM) smart grids
- Master the SYNDEM architecture for next-generation smart grids
- Understand the technical routes to implement SYNDEM smart grids
- Master at least one generation of virtual synchronous machines (VSM) with good understanding
about the others - Understand the integration of renewables/storage systems through VSM
- Understand the integration of flexible loads through VSM
- Get familiar withthe Illinois Tech SYNDEM prototype smart grid
- Get familiar with computational simulations tools for power electronic systems
- Enhance the awareness on industrial developments and standards
