Integrated MEMS and Advanced Technologies for the Next Generation

Power Distribution SystemArizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Research Team

Esma Gel, IE

Gerald T. Heydt*, EE - Power

Norma Hubele, IE

George G. Karady, EE- Power

Bruce Kim, EE - MEMS

*PI

PSERC

Research Assistants

Daniel James, EE- Power

Neil Shah, EE- Power

Two yet unrecruited RAs

Project Objectives

PSERC

To investigate innovative power distribution switching components based on microelectro-mechanical systems technologies integrated with advanced optimization methods to improve the performance of power distribution systems

Optimization of the ratio of true cost (operation cost plus investment cost plus cost of service degradation to consumers) to benefit of distribution systems

Project Objectives

PSERC

Multi-objective optimization, accurate charact-erization of distribution system power quality and innovative concepts of applications of microelectromechanical devices for control and sensing in power distribution engineering

To use the size advantage and manufacturing advantage of MEMS

Cross-fertilization of industrial and electrical engineering, undergraduates and graduates, and practicing engineers and researchers as an environment for learning

Project Scope

The project scope relates to power distribution systems performance. The distribution systems considered include 1 to 15 kV class systems, 60 Hz AC and DC. The study of innovative distribution system sensors and controls (e.g., switches, relays) shall focus on microelectromechanical devices. The project has hardware and analysis components, and these shall be integrated.

Project ScopeThe project scope includes an educational component both in the undergraduate and graduate programs of EE and IE. Graduate researchers shall be involved in all phases of the project. Undergraduates shall be involved in a planned REU. Also, undergraduate course module development is included.

Engineering economics of distribution

investment

Undergraduate electrical engineering program

and in continuing education

Power infrastructure investment

Undergraduate industrial engineering program and in continuing education

Motivation for a MEMS Circuit Breaker

Reduced size - especially for indoor (or shipboard) applications

Reduced manufacturing cost in large numbers

Sensitive and rapid detection of anomalous operation

High speed switching at higher voltage and current

Application of zero current switching

PSERC

Motivation for a MEMS Circuit Breaker

Improved performance over conventional switches and circuit breakers

Low control power requirements

Possibility of distributed controls

Potential applications in DC distribution systems

Advanced switching capabilities

PSERC

MEMS Circuit Breaker Configuration

GRADING CAPACITORS

MEMSSWITCHES

GRADINGRESISTORS

GR

AD

ING

RE

SIS

TO

RS

System Considerations

• Zero current switching (ZCS)

• Parallel shunt paths switched with semiconductor switches

• Voltage grading

• Current grading

• Voltage switching transients are reduced

PSERC

(1) refers to MEMS switch A in an open position and (2) refers to switch B in a closed position

12

PSERC

Costs of the Projected MEMS Circuit Breaker

Developmental Costs

Development of the MEMS circuit breaker

Initial testing the MEMS circuit breaker

Installation costs as a field test

Marketing costs

Operating and Recurring

• Maintenance

• Field testing

PSERC

Deployment of distribution components,multiple feeds, and over-capacity

Cos

t

INVESTMENT COST

COST OF SERVICEINTERRUPTIONS ANDLOSS OF PRODUCTIVITY

TOTAL COST

Project TasksLiterature searchMEMS switch configurationDistribution system conceptualizationIdentification of objective functions

Develop optimization algorithms

Demonstrate optimization algorithms

Identify hardware improvement needs

Conceptual test

Prototyping

Application to test bed

Education

Reporting

PSERC

Educational Task

CROSSFERTILIZATION

GRADUATERESEARCHER

TRAINING

UNDERGRADUATEAND GRADUATE

COURSES

INTERNET BASEDMODULE ON

DISTRIBUTIONENGINEERING

WORKSHOPFOR IEs EEsSTUDENTS

ANDENGINEERS

InternetIn situ

education

ClassroomContinuingeducation

Management Plan