MicroGrid Power Electronics:

Power Source and Energy Storage

Power Conditioning,
Sub-cycle Switching and Grid Gateway

Janos Rajda and Dr. Leo Casey

25.08.2009

© 2009 Satcon Technology Corporation Proprietary & Confidential

 MicroGrid Outline/Requirements

• MicroGrid assumes an aggregation of on-site or

distributed generators and energy storage
resources to operate as single, micro power
system to provide power and heat to facility loads

• The majority of the on-site generators and energy

storages must be power electronics based to
provide for operation mode flexibility and
controlled operation as a single aggregated
power system
 MicroGrid Generic Configuration
Utility Grid,
10-69kV, 50/60Hz
Distribution Feeder

Low Voltage (LV) : 208V to 690V Medium Voltage (MV)

Local EPS Area EPS

Onsite PV Array
Distributed
PV Inverter
Generators LV:MV Sub-cycle

(DG) Fuel Cell

Transformer
Static Disconnect
Switch (SDS)
FC PCS

Energy Battery
Storage
Resources ES PCS
(ESR) Critical
Flywheel
Facility
ES PCS
Fueled Standby Loads
Generators
(FSG)
Diesel
G Breaker

Disconnect
 Satcon

• Founded in 1985
• Public in 1992
• NASDAC (SATC)
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 Our Solutions

• Innovative power electronics equipment solutions and

power system design services for large-scale clean energy
plants
• PowerGate Plus Solar PV inverters
• PowerGate Fuel Cell Power Conditioning Units (FC PCU)
• PowerGate Energy Storage Power Conditioning Units (ES PCU)
• Spectrum MicroGrid Power System Components

• Chosen by the world‟s leading businesses and utility

companies to efficiently convert clean energy sources into
grid compatible electrical power
 PowerGate Plus Solar PV Inverters

• Broad range of power ratings

– 11 power ratings
– 30 kW to 1 MW (UL & CE certified)
• Advanced, rugged, & reliable
– Outdoor-rated enclosure, NEMA 3R
– Advanced monitoring & control capabilities
• Testing & certification
– UL1741
– CSA 107.1-01
– IEEE 1547
– IEEE C62.41.2

© 2009 Satcon Technology Corporation Proprietary & Confidential

 PowerGate Plus 1 MW

© 2009 Satcon Technology Corporation Proprietary & Confidential

PowerGate Plus 500 kW
Over 160 megawatts shipped
since 2006
Selected sites:
• General Motors -12 MW
• Zaragoza Spain
• Southern California Edison - 2 MW
• Fontana California
• First Light - 9 MW
• Ontario Canada
• Energy 21 - 20 MW
• Czech Republic
• Atlantic City Convention Center - 2.36 MW
• Atlantic City New Jersey
• Fosters Wine Estates –3 MW
• Napa Valley California
 PV ViewTM Plus,
Remote Monitoring and Energy Management
 PV ViewTM Plus Remote Monitoring System:
Home Page

Energy Reporting

2.36 MW • Atlantic City, NJ
• One of largest single rooftop solar
arrays in U.S.
• 13,321 rooftop-mounted panels
• $4.4M in energy savings over 20
years
Installation References
10 MW • Zaragoza, Spain
• Largest single rooftop solar array
in the world
• 85,000 thin-film solar panels
• 20 PowerGate Plus 500kW
inverters
• 15.1 Million kilowatt hours of
power annually
20 MW • ENERGY 21,
Czech Republic
• One of Europe‟s largest private
utilities
• Large-scale solar plants in
Czech Republic & Slovakia
 Installation References

GM Rancho Cucamonga

• 12 MW of power at peak output

• 85,000 thin film solar panels
• 20 Satcon PowerGate® Plus Inverters
• 15.1 million kWh of power annually
GM Fontana
 Installation References

• 1.2 MW rooftop installation

• 9,212 photovoltaic modules
• 10 Satcon PowerGate™ Plus Inverters
 PowerGate FC PCU
• Sub-megawatt and multi-megawatt power conditioning solutions for:

– Stationary fuel cell power generating plants or for their electrical

balance of plant (EBoP) equipment Scope of Equipment Supply
(SoES)
– Fuel cell plant included advanced battery energy storage power
conditioning option for island grid operation capability

• Wide range of FC PCU units power ratings to meet the specific

need of fuel cell power plant developer‟s power throughput
requirement
• Field proven, robust and reliable advanced power electronic,
customizable PCU product solutions
The PowerGate FC PCU Lineup

375 kVA 1750 kVA 3500 kVA

 Features & Core Specs
• Codes & Standards Compliance
– ANSI C84.1: Voltage Regulation
– ANSI Z535.1-6 & CSA FC1: Product Safety
– IEEE 1547: Interconnecting with Utility Grid
– IEEE 519-1992: Requirements for Harmonics
– IEC 60664-1: Insulation Coordination
– NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, NEC 2005
– Other related IEEE, UL, ANSI, CSA, NEMA, IBC, OSHA,
ASTM, ASME, FCC Standards and Recommendations

• Certified, Listed & Labeled

– UL 1741, per Nov 2005 Edition
– California Rule 21
 Features & Core Specs
• Environmental Conditions
1. Ambient Temperature: -20 to 104ºF (40 ºC)
• Optional Max Temperature: 120ºF (50 ºC)
• Optional Min Temperature: -40ºC
2. Elevation above Sea level: 0-6000ft (0-2000m)
3. Relative Humidity: 0-100% non-condensing
4. Direct Solar Radiation: 310Btu/h.ft2
5. Wind/Snow Loading: 41/33 PSF
6. Seismic IBC 2003: Occupancy Cat. III, Site D

• Mechanical Structure
– NEMA 3R or IP44 or better Enclosure, non-walk-in
– Air ventilation system designed to prevent intrusion of snow, water
and ambient dust into enclosure interior
 Features & Core Specs
• Design Highlights
– Design Life: 20 Years Minimum
– PCU Inverter Power Circuit: IGBT based, PWM switching
– PCU Inverter Controls: DSP and FPGA based
– PCU Protection: CB w/feeder relay, GE F60
– Controls Power: UPS, external to PCS
– Printed Circuit Boards: Per IPC-A-610 class 3 Std.
– Remote Monitoring & Control: Modbus TCP
– DC Current, IDC Set Point: To each inverter section
– DC Input Circuit Protection: Fuses and DC Disconnect
– AC Short Circuit Current: Limited to 110% of nominal
– AC Current Distortion: Meets IEEE 1547 THD Limit
– Audio Noise Level: 72dBA max at 10ft (3m)
 Features & Core Specs
• FC PCU Operation Modes
A: Grid Connected or Grid Parallel Mode
– Unit Normally operated in this Grid Connected mode
– Automatic synchronization to grid voltage
– Operated in DC Current control mode, set point follow
– Operated at preset Power Factor or kVAR demand
– DC Current and Power Factor set points via Modbus TCP
B: Grid Independent or Island Mode
– In the event of grid power outage Unit on Emergency basis operated in
this Grid Independent mode
– Operated in load follow or AC Voltage control Mode
– Seamless transitions in and out of Grid independent mode
– AC voltage and frequency regulated within ANSI C84.1 limits
 PCU Power Circuit Topologies
Single Stage
+

DC Energy DC DC/AC AC Filter Transformer

Source Filter Inverter

Dual Stage

DC Energy DC DC DC/AC AC Filter Transformer

Source Control Filter Inverter (Optional)
 Topology Features

• Single Stage PCU

– Inherently more reliable due to lower IGBT component count
– More efficient for higher input DC voltages, 600 to 800 VDC
– Lower current rated DC switchgear, fuses & disconnects
– More suitable for multi-megawatt unit sizes

• Dual Stage PCU

– Easier accommodates legacy, lower voltage, 300 to 600VDC
fuel cell stack configurations
– More suitable for sub-megawatt unit sizes with wider DC
voltage range of 2:1 ratio
PowerGate 1750 kVA FC PCS
PowerGate 1750 kVA FC PCU
Specifications
Input Parameters
DC Input Voltage Range 600–800V DC
Output Parameters
AC Inverter Output with Transformer 480V AC, 60Hz
Number of Phases 3
Circuit Topology Single Stage
Power Factor 0.9 lead to 0.9 lag
Power Rating
Dual Stage Inverter 1750 kVA
Interface
Start/Stop and Control HMI
Remote Control Modbus TCP
Cabinet
Weight TBD lbs.
Dimensions (H x W x D) TBD
PowerGate 3500 kVA FC PCU
 ACCESS MicroGrid Application Case

Consider an application case of existing PV and Fuel Cell (FC) on-site

generation equipment, owned by nearby critical facility, whose
original purpose was to:
1. Provide local facility load support through on-site generation; and
2. To sell excess green / clean power to utility grid customers.

Can the existing grid-connected PV and FC on-site generation be

retrofitted with ES to provide for critical facility load support during
utility grid outages?

 Without any modifications to the existing grid-connected power

electronics and controls?
 Without any significant re-adjustments of facility load profile?
 ACCESS MicroGrid Application Case

The answers are positive to all questions!

Existing normally grid connected PV and FC generation can be

made to support an islanded distribution portion of the utility grid
or critical facility related micro-grid during utility grid outages by
retrofitting the island grid with following additional equipment:

 A suitably rated AC-Connected Energy Storage

System (ACCESS); and

 A fast, Sub-cycle / Static Disconnect Switch (SDS).

ACCESS for 2.2 MVA Critical Facility Load
Simulink Model

THYRISTOR SDS
 Simulated 3-Phase Fault on Utility Grid
2.2 MVA, 0.8 PF Constant Load on Island Grid
UTILITY GRID (480 V) VOLTAGES (L-N)

FAULT

GRID CURRENTS THROUGH INTER-TIE

SDS CLOSED

SDS OPENED

ISLAND GRID VOLTAGE

ISLAND
VOLTAGE
MAINTAINED

ENERGY STORAGE CONVERTER OUTPUT CURRENT

CHARGIN DISCHARGING CHARGIN

G G
FUEL CELL CONVERTER OUTPUT CURRENT

FUEL CELL
OUTPUT
MAINTAINED
 Simulated Single-Phase Fault on Utility Grid
2.2 MVA, 0.8 PF Constant Load on Island Grid
UTILITY GRID (480 V) VOLTAGES (L-N)

FAULT

GRID CURRENTS THROUGH INTER-TIE

SDS CLOSED

SDS OPENED

ISLAND GRID VOLTAGE

ISLAND
VOLTAGE
MAINTAINED

ENERGY STORAGE CONVERTER OUTPUT CURRENT

CHARGIN DISCHARGING CHARGIN

G G
FUEL CELL CONVERTER OUTPUT CURRENT

FUEL CELL
OUTPUT
MAINTAINED
 Simulation in Island Mode - Load Suddenly
Steps up from 1.1 to 2.2 MVA, 0.8 PF
UTILITY GRID (480 V) VOLTAGES (L-N)

GRID CURRENTS THROUGH INTER-TIE

ISLAND GRID VOLTAGE

ISLAND
VOLTAGE
MAINTAINED

ENERGY STORAGE CONVERTER OUTPUT CURRENT

CHARGING
DISCHARGING

LOAD SUDDENLY INCREASED

FUEL CELL CONVERTER OUTPUT CURRENT

FUEL CELL
OUTPUT
MAINTAINED
 SDS Minimizes the Impact of
Utility Grid Faults on Island Grid Voltage
SatCon MV Sub-cycle Disconnect
Switch
Medium Voltage Sub-cycle
Disconnect Switches (MV SDS)

– Sub-cycle voltage sag sense & disconnect

times, half-cycle, or 10ms max,
– Solid-state (thyristor valve based)
switching, up to 35kV system voltage and
25kA fault isolation rating,
– Static, wear & tear-free, including
switching parts,
– Equipped with conventional service
isolation and bypass disconnects.
 Energy Storage Device Options

 Energy Storage options by length of required outage support:

• Long term (minutes/hours) storage

– various battery technologies (cells have defined capacity)
– flow batteries (storage capacity depends on electrolyte
volume)
• Short term (< 1 minute)
– transitional power for brief grid outages or while fueled
generation is started
– flywheels
– ultra-capacitor bank
Flow Battery - kVA depends on Power Converter
Stored Energy Depends on Electrolyte Volume

SatCon Power Converter

System (375 kVA/250 kW)
+ VRB Flow Battery (2 MWh)
- PacifiCorp, Castle Valley, Utah
 Diesel Generator with Flywheel Energy Storage
Provides No-Break Power for an Island Grid
Diesel (normally at rest)
provides continuous SatCon Rotary UPS Installation for NIST, CO
power (through clutch)
when needed

Low-speed flywheel
provides full output for
12 seconds during
engine startup

SatCon flywheel generator with

coupled diesel engine regulates
voltage/frequency while
supplying
2.2 MVA output to an AC Grid
Ultra-Caps, Static Alternative for Transitional
Power while Fueled Generation is Started
Capacitor + DC/AC Converter can
replace Flywheel Generator

MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES
BMOD0063 P125
MODULE
63 F, 125 V
150 A CONTINUOUS
SERIES CONNECTION TO 1500 V
20 YEAR LIFE ACHIEVABLE

Number of modules for

specified power and
useable energy
depends on working
DC voltage range
selected
 SatCon‟s Turnkey Project Delivery Capability

 Scope of Equipment Supply (Major Power System

Components), to provide for Island- or Micro-Grid island
operation in retrofit applications, includes:

1. Bi-directional, ACESS type of Energy Storage Power

Conditioning Units(ES PCU);
2. Short-term or Long-term Energy Storage Device (S-ESD or L-
ESD);
3. Medium Voltage Sub-cycle Disconnect Switch (MV SDS).
SatCon‟s Turnkey Project Delivery Capability

 Scope of Equipment Supply (Major Power System

Components) to provide for to provide for Island- or
Micro-Grid island operation in new, green field
applications, includes :
1. Bi-directional, ACCESS type Energy Storage Power
Converter Units (ES PCU) combined with unidirectional
PV Inverters, FC PCUs Wind Converters for Clean-
Energy Source, PV Array, Fuel Cell or Wind Turbine
utility grid interface ;
2. Short-term or Long-term Energy Storage Device
(S-ESD or L-ESD);
3. Low Voltage or Medium Voltage Sub-cycle Disconnect
Switch (LV-SDS or MV-SDS).
 Satcon‟s Turnkey Project Delivery Capability

 Satcon – Project Management, Engineering,

Manufacturing, Installation, Commissioning and After-
Market capabilities provide for:
1. Island- Micro-Grid Power System Design Engineering;
2. Project Management and Electrical & Controls Equipment
Manufacturing;
3. Through an ES Partner: Energy Storage Device Engineering
and Manufacturing;
5. Through an Electrical Contractor: the performance of Civil
Works and Equipment Installation;
6. Satcon and ES Partner: to perform Power System
Commissioning and After-Market Services (Warranty, PM or
Extended Warranty contracted Services);
7. Satcon and ES Partner, to perform Project Performance
Reporting.
 Summary of ACCESS MicroGrid Appl. Case

• Addition of AC-Connected Energy Storage System (ACCESS)

equipment to an existing alternative energy generation equipment
installation increases the on-site DG installation value by:
– enabling existing generation to support critical, local facility
load during utility outages; and
– allowing more cost-effective energy efficiency management
when the utility grid is available.

• Addition of a fast Static Disconnect Switch (SDS) equipment allows

separation from a faulted utility grid without significant deviation
of the micro-grid AC bus voltage, enables the facility load ride-
through/operation continuity.
Satcon Microgrid Reference: Lanai
• Two 2.2MW diesel Generating
Stations
– Six 1MW diesel Locomotive „standby‟
generators
– Nominal 4MW load
– Expensive power(fuel), great solar
resource
– “diesel” grid
• 1.5MW Solar Farm
– 12 SatCon, GEN I, 135kW Inverters
– 12 independent tracking solar arrays
– 10% of Lana‟i annual power demand
– 30% Supply during peak solar hours
(4MW)
• BUT potentially destabilizing AND
limits of Lana‟I grid are extremely
wide so non-UL1741 non IEEE1547
inverter required, and under Utility
Control
 A History & A Future of Innovation
Making the Smart Grid Work

Setting the Standard for Satcon

Tomorrow
Large Scale, Utility Grade
Solar Power Production
PowerGate Plus
Today

PowerGate
Yesterday
2009+
Utility Ready
2008 PowerGate Plus 1 MW
Satcon Solstice
Commercial Ready Satcon Spectrum
PowerGate Plus Gen II • Increased Renewable Penetration
2004-2007 • Regional Renewable Supply • Advanced Utility Grade Power Asset
Market Ready • Commercial and Industrial • Highly Controllable
PowerGate Gen I • Grid Interconnected • Improved Cost Effectiveness
• Local Renewable Supply • Integrated Storage • Improved Grid Stability
• Small Commercial • Micro Grid Solutions
• Residential
• Grid Connection
 Satcon Tomorrow
Making the Smart Grid Work

Satcon Tomorrow
Delivering the Renewable Building Blocks for Tomorrow‟s Smart Grid

• Pervasive Renewable
Energy at the Utility Level

• Utility Control

• Grid Stability

• Smart Grid
 Thank you.

Contact:

Janos.Rajda@satcon.com also at (905) 631-4404

Leo.Casey@satcon.com also at (617) ) 897-2435