Dr. Laura A Ward
Texas Tech university
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Academic Career Length
3Years (2024-Present)
(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)
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Journal Article
Laura A WardASAnitha Sarah Subburaj
Anitha Sarah SubburajADAyda Demir
Ayda DemirMCManohar Chamana
Manohar ChamanaSBStephen Benjamin Bayne
Stephen Benjamin BayneAutonomous grid-forming (GFM) inverter testbeds with scalable platforms have attracted interest recently. In this study, a self-synchronized universal droop controller (SUDC) was adopted, tested, and scaled in a small network and a test feeder using a real-time simulation tool to operate microgrids without synchronous generators. We presented a novel GFM inverter control adoption to better understand the dynamic behavior of the inverters and their scalability, which can impact the distribution system (DS). This paper provides a steady-state and transient analysis of the GFM power inverter controller via simulation to better understand voltage and frequency stabilization and ensure that the critical electric loads are not affected during a prolonged power outage. The controllers of the GFM inverter are simulated in HYPERSIM to examine voltage and frequency fluctuations. This analysis includes assessing the black start capability for photovoltaic microgrids, both grid-connected and islanded, during transient fault conditions. The high photovoltaic PV penetration levels open exciting opportunities and challenges for the DS. The GFM inverter control demonstrated appropriate response times for synchronization, connection, and disconnection to the grid. The DS has become more resilient and independent of fossil fuels by increasing the penetration of inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs).
About Me
Laura Ward (S’11–M’19) received her B.Eng. degree in electronics engineering summa cum laude from the University of Valle in Cali, Colombia, and her Master of Science in electrical engineering from Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock, Texas, USA, in 2020. In 2023, she completed her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Texas Tech University. She has been actively involved in various DOE projects, including the Solar Energy Technology Office (SETO FY2019) project, from 2020 to 2023. Her research focus encompasses renewable energy, including environmental aspects, microgrid forming, integration, grid modernization, grid-forming inverters, and resilience and reliability studies for the United States national grid. Additionally, she specializes in the electrical design for onshore and offshore wind energy systems in the United States, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea, including countries in Central and South America. Laura has extensive experience in electrical engineering design, particularly in the field of offshore wind energy and solar energy systems, including energy storage systems such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). She was a researcher at the TTU GLEAMM microgrid research facility and served as the vice chair in the IEEE PES Student Branch at TTU. Laura also worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Puerto Rico and as a research assistant at Arizona State University. Additionally, she was a Ph.D. intern supporting the Distributed Systems Group