Power electronics intelligence at the network edge (PINE)

This paper puts forth a vision for scalable distribution grid integration of energy resources such as rooftop photovoltaics (PVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). The output of these resources vary temporally in an unpredicted manner. Therefore, they bring substantial challenges to utilities vis-a-vis massive deployment of such resources. By leveraging the fact that most of the distributed energy resources are interfaced with power electronics converters, we propose a fully decentralized architecture for achieving the main objectives of utility companies, namely, (1) end user voltage regulation; and (2) delivery system loss minimization. The proposed framework provides a bottom-up approach to integrating many such distributed resources without substantial capital investment. This framework, termed as Power Electronics Intelligence at the Network Edge (PINE), provides a possible pathway toward supporting a very high level of PV and EV penetration in future distribution systems. The operational benefits to end users as well as the utilities are elaborated with the IEEE 123-node Test Feeder.