The Bridge - Issue 1, 2023 - 32

Graduate Research SP
Aobo Zhou
Mu Kappa
The University of Queensland, Ph.D. Graduate in Electrical Engineering
RESEARCH TOPIC
Renewable Integration into Isolated Microgrids
The power networks in most remote communities are self-sustained
small-scale power systems, also referred to as isolated microgrids.
These networks are usually equipped with multiple distributed energy
resources (DERs) to supply the local load demands. However, with
large-scale renewable deployment into the local microgrids, the system's
operational stability and reliability are seriously challenged due to the
uncertain and intermittent characteristics of the renewable sources.
Aobo's research mainly focuses on planning, control, and energy
management in the isolated microgrids with large-scale renewable
integration. He has proposed a series of solutions in terms of renewable
components planning, comprehensive energy management, and
dispatch algorithm, as well as dynamic software-based platform
modeling for security and reliability validation. Aobo's work has been
supported by the School of ITEE (Information Technology and Electrical
Engineering) at the University of Queensland.
LEARN MORE
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/author/37087059224
Sabrina Helbig
Beta Delta
University of Pittsburgh, M.S. Student in Electrical Engineering
RESEARCH TOPIC
Power-Dense Design and Radiation Testing of Power Electronics for Aerospace
A huge trend in electronics is making circuits smaller and more power-dense while
maintaining or improving efficiency. This trend is relevant across the realm of electronics
applications, but it is especially pertinent in power electronics for space missions, where
power conversion can occupy a significant footprint. Space electronics may encounter
harsh temperature and radiation environments, which consequently means that, for
protection, radiation-hardened components tend to be bulky and costly. Yet, space
missions are striving for greater functionality in the same or smaller packaging, heralding
a push for higher power density.
In partnership with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL) by way of
the SHREC IUCRC, Sabrina's research focuses on miniaturizing DC/DC point-of-load
buck converters, particularly at the output specifications of 1.8 V, max. 15 A, and > 80%
efficiency. By integrating transistors made with the wide bandgap material gallium nitride
(GaN) rather than traditional silicon, implementing a multiphase topology to reduce
current and ohmic losses in each phase, and using commercial controllers, diodes,
and passives instead of radiation-hardened components, this research strives to shrink
converter dimensions and assess the total ionizing dose (TID) irradiated performance of
the converters, which subsequently determines what space missions could incorporate
these commercial parts. As of August 2022, test results are being analyzed.
LEARN MORE
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qe_DB-sAAAAJ&hl=en
TLIGHT
The figure shows a typical hybrid energy configuration of an
isolated microgrid. In the future, with high renewable penetration
into the local power networks, the energy management will be
significant to keep the system operating efficiently and reliably.
Left to Right: Sabrina testing converters after a dose in the
high dose rate (HDR) radiation chamber; Voltage waveforms
measured at one converter's switch nodes.
One of the
designed
converter
boards with
added legs
for mounting.
CONTACT
www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-helbig-41b478160/
THE BRIDGE

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/author/37087059224 https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qe_DB-sAAAAJ&hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-helbig-41b478160/

The Bridge - Issue 1, 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Bridge - Issue 1, 2023