Abstract: Compact dynamic Phase Angle Regulators (CD-PARs) are provided. A Compact Dynamic Phase Angle Regulator (CD-PAR) is a stand-alone device that regulates phase angle through a single transformer. A CD-PAR has no external energy source, uses low-rating devices, and can be isolated from a fault in the grid. A CD-PAR may be implemented in a single-phase or in a three-phase configuration, but the operation of a CD-PAR cross-couples all three phases. A CD-PAR controls both the real and the reactive power flow between two AC sources having the same frequency by inserting a voltage with controllable magnitude and phase. A CD-PAR may be implemented in either a buck configuration or a boost configuration.

Abstract: Multi-level rectifiers are provided. A multi-level rectifier may convert a medium AC voltage to a medium DC voltage. A multi-level rectifier may comprise an input inductor, a set of diodes, a set of switches, and a DC link comprising a set of capacitors. One end of the input inductor is coupled to the input AC voltage and the other end of the input inductor is coupled to a pair of diodes that are series connected. The set of switches may be regulated such that the inductor may be coupled to a DC voltage point of the DC link. A multi-level rectifier may operate under a set of operation modes. Each operation mode may be determined from the input voltage and the inductor current. Accordingly, a sinusoidal voltage at the fundamental frequency of the input voltage may be synthesized by selectively switching between adjacent operation modes of the set of operation modes.

Abstract: A plurality of edge of network grid volt ampere reactive (VAR) sources are provided in a power system in order to effectuate control at a customer level, which in turn effectuates control at a feeder level, which in turn effectuates control of an entire power system or wide area electric grid network. By optimally selecting voltage setpoints and applying such voltage setpoints to the plurality of edge of network grid VAR sources, the power system can be configured to self-balance, power factor compensation can be determined without the need for measuring load power factor. Moreover, traditionally volatile voltages at the feeder can be flattened, and VAR control can be realized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for harmonic resonance control are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a first switch-controlled VAR source and a harmonic management block which may each be configured to be coupled to a distribution power network. The first switch-controlled VAR source may comprise a first processor, a voltage compensation component, and a switch. The first processor may be configured to enable the voltage compensation component after a delay by controlling the switch based on first proximate voltage after a duration associated with the delay to adjust voltage volt-ampere reactive. The harmonic management block may be configured to compare a second proximate voltage to at least one resonant threshold to detect potential resonance caused by enablement of the voltage compensation component and to engage based on the comparison the resonance compensation component to manage the potential resonance.

Abstract: Methods and systems of field upgradeable transformers are provided. Voltage transformation, intelligence, communications, and control are integrated in a flexible and cost effective manner. A field upgradeable transformer may comprise a transformer module and a cold plate. The transformer module provides voltage transformation. The transformer module is enclosed in a housing containing coolant with dielectric properties, such as mineral oil. The cold plate may be mounted to the housing and thermally coupled to the coolant. Interfaces to the primary side and/or secondary side of transformer module may be configured to be disposed on the surface of the housing. A field upgradable transformer may comprise various electronic modules that are configured to be mounted to the cold plate. An electronic module may be thermally coupled to the coolant, and may be configured to be coupled to the transformer module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an edge of network voltage control of a power grid are described. A system includes a distribution power network, a plurality of loads (at or near an edge of the distribution power network), and a plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled volt ampere reactive (VAR) sources also located at the edge or near the edge of the distribution power network where they may each detect a proximate voltage. The VAR source can determine whether to enable a VAR compensation component therein based on the proximate voltage and adjust network VAR by controlling a switch to enable the VAR compensation component. Further still, each of the VAR sources may be integrated within a customer-located asset, such as a smart meter, and a multitude of such VAR sources can be used to effectuate a distributed controllable VAR source (DCVS) cloud network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an edge of network voltage control of a power grid are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a distribution power network, a plurality of loads, and a plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources. The loads may be at or near an edge of the distribution power network. Each of the loads may receive power from the distribution power network. The plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may be located at the edge or near the edge of the distribution power network where they may each detect a proximate voltage. Further, each of the VAR sources may comprise a processor and a VAR compensation component. The processor may be configured to enable the VAR source to determine whether to enable the VAR compensation component based on the proximate voltage and to adjust network volt-ampere reactive by controlling a switch to enable the VAR compensation component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for switch-controlled VAR sources coupled to a power grid are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a distribution power network coupled to a first switch-controlled VAR source. The first switch-controlled VAR source may comprise a processor, a voltage compensation component, and a switch. The first switch-controlled VAR source may be configured to obtain a first delay value, monitor a first proximate voltage, initiate a first delay duration based on the comparison of the first proximate voltage to at least one set point, the first delay duration being based on the first delay value, determine, with the processor, after the first delay duration, whether to connect the voltage compensation component based on the monitored voltage, and control, based on the determination, the switch to connect the voltage compensation component to adjust a network voltage or a network voltage component.

Abstract: Isolated Dynamic-Current (“Dyna-C”) converters are converters that convert incoming 3-phase AC or DC power to a mix of DC and AC power via an isolation link. In various embodiments, the isolation link is a high-frequency isolation transformer. Isolated Dyna-C converters may provide a high-frequency galvanic isolation and are able to convert three-phase AC power to three-phase AC power, or three-phase AC power to DC and vice versa. The topology is minimal and the costs are low. Isolated Dyna-C converters provide fast current responses and keep the losses low by using a simplified two-stage conversion and providing a magnetizing current that is dynamically controllable and tailored to the load. An isolated Dyna-C converter may synthesize currents at its input or output ports with an arbitrary phase that is relative to the grid or load voltages, thereby enabling a full independent control over the active and reactive power at its ports.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an edge of network voltage control of a power grid are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a distribution power network, a plurality of loads, and a plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources. The loads may be at or near an edge of the distribution power network. Each of the loads may receive power from the distribution power network. The plurality of shunt-connected, switch-controlled VAR sources may be located at the edge or near the edge of the distribution power network where they may each detect a proximate voltage. Further, each of the VAR sources may comprise a processor and a VAR compensation component. The processor may be configured to enable the VAR source to determine whether to enable the VAR compensation component based on the proximate voltage and to adjust network volt-ampere reactive by controlling a switch to enable the VAR compensation component.

Abstract: Dynamic power flow controllers are provided. A dynamic power flow controller may comprise a transformer and a power converter. The power converter is subject to low voltage stresses and not floated at line voltage. In addition, the power converter is rated at a fraction of the total power controlled. A dynamic power flow controller controls both the real and the reactive power flow between two AC sources having the same frequency. A dynamic power flow controller inserts a voltage with controllable magnitude and phase between two AC sources; thereby effecting control of active and reactive power flows between two AC sources.

Abstract: Multi-level rectifiers are provided. A multi-level rectifier may convert a medium AC voltage to a medium DC voltage. A multi-level rectifier may comprise an input inductor, a set of diodes, a set of switches, and a DC link comprising a set of capacitors. One end of the input inductor is coupled to the input AC voltage and the other end of the input inductor is coupled to a pair of diodes that are series connected. The set of switches may be regulated such that the inductor may be coupled to a DC voltage point of the DC link. A multi-level rectifier may operate under a set of operation modes. Each operation mode may be determined from the input voltage and the inductor current. Accordingly, a sinusoidal voltage at the fundamental frequency of the input voltage may be synthesized by selectively switching between adjacent operation modes of the set of operation modes.

Abstract: Methods and systems of network voltage regulating transformers are provided. A network voltage regulating transformer (NVRT) may provide voltage transformation, isolation, and regulation. A NVRT may further provide power factor corrections. Multiple NVRTs may operate autonomously and collectively thereby achieving an edge of network voltage control when installed to a power system. A NVRT comprises a transformer, a VAR source, and a control module. The input current (i.e., the current through the primary side of the transformer), the output current (i.e., the current through the secondary side of the transformer), and/or the output voltage (i.e., the voltage across the secondary side of the transformer) may be monitored.

Abstract: Dynamic source balancing methods and systems are provided. Power may be provided to a user from one or multiple energy sources. At any time point, the multiple energy sources may have different LMPs and power flow among the energy sources may be controlled such that a user's energy costs are reduced or minimized. Energy arbitrage may be realized for a user by taking into account of various factors related to the energy sources, the power grid, the power market, and/or the user.

Abstract: A power flow controller with a fractionally rated back-to-back (BTB) converter is provided. The power flow controller provide dynamic control of both active and reactive power of a power system. The power flow controller inserts a voltage with controllable magnitude and phase between two AC sources at the same frequency; thereby effecting control of active and reactive power flows between the two AC sources. A transformer may be augmented with a fractionally rated bi-directional Back to Back (BTB) converter. The fractionally rated BTB converter comprises a transformer side converter (TSC), a direct-current (DC) link, and a line side converter (LSC). By controlling the switches of the BTB converter, the effective phase angle between the two AC source voltages may be regulated, and the amplitude of the voltage inserted by the power flow controller may be adjusted with respect to the AC source voltages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic AC line voltage regulation are provided. A simple and cost-effective method for achieving AC line voltage regulation in AC systems including split-phase systems, of which the voltage for each voltage line may be regulated over a specified range, is provided. Buck and boost regulation is achieved for lowering or increasing the line voltage, respectively, with reference to the incoming grid voltage. Systems for dynamic AC line voltage regulation may comprise an AC/AC converter which uses fractionally rated switches and magnetics that handle only a fraction of the load current, resulting in lower costs. The use of an AC snubber further provides safe and robust switching of the main switching devices by eliminating failure prone switching sequences that are dependent on accurate assessment of voltage and/or current polarity for AC or bi-directional switches.

Abstract: Systems and methods for harmonic resonance control are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a first switch-controlled VAR source and a harmonic management block which may each be configured to be coupled to a distribution power network. The first switch-controlled VAR source may comprise a first processor, a voltage compensation component, and a switch. The first processor may be configured to enable the voltage compensation component after a delay by controlling the switch based on first proximate voltage after a duration associated with the delay to adjust voltage volt-ampere reactive. The harmonic management block may be configured to compare a second proximate voltage to at least one resonant threshold to detect potential resonance caused by enablement of the voltage compensation component and to engage based on the comparison the resonance compensation component to manage the potential resonance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for switch-controlled VAR sources coupled to a power grid are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a distribution power network coupled to a first switch-controlled VAR source. The first switch-controlled VAR source may comprise a processor, a voltage compensation component, and a switch. The first switch-controlled VAR source may be configured to obtain a first delay value, monitor a first proximate voltage, initiate a first delay duration based on the comparison of the first proximate voltage to at least one set point, the first delay duration being based on the first delay value, determine, with the processor, after the first delay duration, whether to connect the voltage compensation component based on the monitored voltage, and control, based on the determination, the switch to connect the voltage compensation component to adjust a network voltage or a network voltage component.