A multi-objective control strategy for grid connection of DG (distributed generation) resources

This paper presents a flexible control technique for connection of DG (distributed generation) resources to distribution networks, especially during ride-through on faulty grid. This strategy is derived from the abc/αβ and αβ/dq transformations of the ac system variables. The active and reactive currents injected by the DG source are controlled in the synchronously rotating orthogonal dq reference frame. The transformed variables are used to control the VSI (voltage source inverter) which connects the DG to the distribution network. Using a P.L.L. (phase locked loop) in circuit of proposed control technique, the angle of positive sequence has been detected, in order to synchronize the currents to the distribution network. The proposed control technique has the capability of providing active and reactive powers and harmonic currents to nonlinear loads with a fast dynamic response. Simulation results and mathematical analysis have been completed in order to achieve a reduced THD (total harmonic distortion), increased power factor and compensated load’s active and reactive powers. The analyses show the high performance of this control strategy in DG applications in comparison with other existing strategies.     

Coordinated voltage control of renewable energy power plants in weak sending-end power grid

The utilization of renewable energy in sending-end power grids is increasing rapidly, which brings difficulties to voltage control. This paper proposes a coordinated voltage control strategy based on model predictive control (MPC) for the renewable energy power plants of wind and solar power connected to a weak sending-end power grid (WSPG). Wind turbine generators (WTGs), photovoltaic arrays (PVAs), and a static synchronous compensator are coordinated to maintain voltage within a feasible range during operation. This results in the full use of the reactive power capability of WTGs and PVAs. In addition, the impact of the active power outputs of WTGs and PVAs on voltage control are considered because of the high R/X ratio of a collector system. An analytical method is used for calculating sensitivity coefficients to improve computation efficiency. A renewable energy power plant with 80 WTGs and 20 PVAs connected to a WSPG is used to verify the proposed voltage control strategy. Case studies show that the coordinated voltage control strategy can achieve good voltage control performance, which improves the voltage quality of the entire power plant.     

A simple digital control algorithm for three phase shunt active filter: simulation and experimentation

A novel and simple i _freal control algorithm using digital signal processor (DSP) has been proposed and realized for a three phase shunt active filter (SAF). The simulation and prototype construction of SAF is conducted to compensate the reactive power and harmonics in a distribution system. The major feature of the proposed i _freal algorithm is that it does not require unit vector templates and any transformations for the reference current generation of SAF. This reduces the computational complexity and makes the control flexible and faster. The simulation is conducted in MATLAB/SIMULINK while DSP TMS320LF2407 is employed in the digital implementation of hysteresis current control (HCC) for experimentation. The hardware results correlate with the simulation results in reducing the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the source current and achieving unity power factor.     

Analysis and control of wind-driven self-excited induction generators connected to the grid through power converters

The analysis of the wind-driven self-excited induction generators (SEIGs) connected to the grid through power converters has been developed in this paper. For this analysis, a method of representing the grid power as equivalent load resistance in the steady-state equivalent circuit of SEIG has been formulated. The technique of genetic algorithm (GA) has been adopted for making the analysis of the proposed system simple and straightforward. The control of SEIG is attempted by connecting an uncontrolled diode bridge rectifier (DBR) and a line commutated inverter (LCI) between the generator terminals and three-phase utility grid. A simple control technique for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in wind energy conversion systems (WECS), in which the firing angle of the LCI alone needs to be controlled by sensing the rotor speed of the generator has been proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed method of MPPT and method of analysis of this wind-driven SEIG-converter system connected to the grid through power converters has been demonstrated by experiments and simulation. These experimental and simulated results confirm the usefulness and successful working of the proposed system and its analysis.     

Design of innovative power conditioning system for the grid integration of thermoelectric generators

Recently, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have emerged as a potential alternative for clean energy generation, due mainly to the technology innovation and the marked cost reduction of modules, as well as their distinctive advantages. In a TEG system, the electronic power conditioning system (PCS) plays a vital role in ensuring the effective power grid integration, since it is subject to requirements related not only to the variable thermal source itself but also to its effects on the grid operation. This paper proposes an enhanced structure of PCS for the grid integration of TEG arrays to maximize the energy capture from a variable heat source. The innovative topology employed consists of a Z-source inverter that allows the flexible, efficient and reliable generation of high quality electric power from the TEG array. A full detailed model is described and its control scheme is designed. The dynamic performance of the proposed systems is fully validated by computer simulation and experimental studies.     

A comprehensive review on choice of hybrid vehicles and power converters,control strategies for hybrid electric vehicles

A worldwide shift headed for a greener and low emissions will necessitate remarkable advancement in the way in which the energy is being produced and used. The factors such as climate changes induced by pollution, progressively more strict emissions norms for vehicles, depletion of petrol/diesel along with instability in their prices for transportation systems, play a vital role in the improvisation of technology involved in conventional vehicles. The hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are on the peak of the list of choices available for clean vehicle technologies. The various architectures of HEV, different methodologies of hybrid vehicle, are focused in this paper. The design criteria and optimization techniques with reference to the driving cycle is also elucidated. The various electric drives used for HEV are discussed in this paper. Also, the different electric propulsion systems are explained. To improve the fuel economy and emission of hybrid power system, control strategies are very significant. Researchers concentrate in optimizing the performance of HEV.     

Sizing methodology for hybrid systems based on multiple renewable power sources integrated to the energy management strategy

This work presents a design methodology for a hybrid energy system based on multiple renewable power sources and bioethanol. The new concept of generation consists on having multiple power sources such as a PEM fuel cell system fed by the hydrogen produced by a bioethanol reformer and wind-solar sources working all together supervised by the energy management system. The necessary heating for the bioethanol reforming reaction can be provided by the renewable sources to enhance the efficiency of the hydrogen production. It is worth noting that, from the power balance as well as backup point of views, the hybrid system is equipped with energy storage devices. An optimal sizing methodology integrated with the energy management strategy is proposed here for designing the overall hybrid system. The suggested approach is based on genetic algorithms, using historical climate data and load demands over a period of one year. Several simulation results are given to show the methodology performance in terms of loss of power supply probability (LPSP), costs and bioethanol consumption.     

Comparison of oscillation damping capability in three power control strategies for PMSG‐based WECS

With the aid of small signal analysis and digital simulations, this paper compares the mechanical and power oscillation damping performances of three power control strategies for the multi‐pole permanent magnetic synchronous generator (PMSG)‐based direct driven wind energy conversion system (WECS). Maximal power point tracking (MPPT) control implemented in the generator side has inherent abilities on the oscillation damping. For the smoothed or constant power requirements, power oscillations are hard to damp, and additional active damping controller is required. Active damping can be achieved with power control on the generator or grid side and DC link voltage control on the generator side. With additional compensator in the power or DC link voltage control loop, a damping torque is produced to suppress the oscillations. An improved control structure, which has inherent oscillation damping capability, is proposed for the power control of WECS. Combined with different power control strategies, this structure can be applied to achieve different power outputs. The validation of the proposed control structure is verified by the simulations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Unified power quality conditioner based on a three-level NPC inverter using fuzzy control techniques for all voltage disturbances compensation

This paper presents a novel and efficient control scheme for unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) based on three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter using fuzzy logic techniques. The proposed UPQC is capable of mitigating source current harmonics and compensate all voltage disturbances such as voltage sags, swells, unbalances and harmonics. It is designed by the integration of series and shunt active filters (AFs) sharing a common DC bus capacitor. The DC voltage is maintained constant using proportional integral voltage controller. The synchronous reference frame (SRF) theory is used to get the reference signals for shunt active power filters (APFs) and the power reactive theory (p-q theory) for series APFs. The shunt and series APF reference signals derived from the control algorithm and sensed signals are injected in two controllers to generate switching signals. To improve the UPQC capability, fuzzy logic techniques are introduced to control the series APF. The performances of the proposed UPQC system are evaluated in terms of power factor correction, mitigation of voltage or current harmonics and all other voltage disturbances compensation using Matlab-Simulink software and SimPowerSystem toolbox. The simulation results illustrate the performance of the proposed UPQC at the common connection point of the nonlinear load to improve the power energy quality.     

Design of a robust and efficient power electronic interface for the grid integration of solar photovoltaic generation systems

Nowadays, the penetration of photovoltaic (PV) solar power generation in distributed generation (DG) systems is growing rapidly. This condition imposes new requirements to the operation and management of the distribution grid, especially when high integration levels are achieved. Under this scenario, the power electronics technology plays a vital role in ensuring an effective grid integration of the PV system, since it is subject to requirements related not only to the variable source itself but also to its effects on the stability and operation of the electric grid. This paper proposes an enhanced interface for the grid connection of solar PV generation systems. The topology employed consists of a three-level cascaded Z-source inverter that allows the flexible, efficient and reliable generation of high quality electric power from the PV plant. A full detailed model is described and its control scheme is designed. The dynamic performance of the designed architecture is verified by computer simulations.     

Performance of PI controller for control of active and reactive power in DFIG operating in a grid-connected variable speed wind energy conversion system

Due to several factors, wind energy becomes an essential type of electricity generation. The share of this type of energy in the network is becoming increasingly important. The objective of this work is to present the modeling and control strategy of a grid connected wind power generation scheme using a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) driven by the rotor. This paper is to present the complete modeling and simulation of a wind turbine driven DFIG in the second mode of operating (the wind turbine pitch control is deactivated). It will introduce the vector control, which makes it possible to control independently the active and reactive power exchanged between the stator of the generator and the grid, based on vector control concept (with stator flux or voltage orientation) with classical PI controllers. Various simulation tests are conducted to observe the system behavior and evaluate the performance of the control for some optimization criteria (energy efficiency and the robustness of the control). It is also interesting to play on the quality of electric power by controlling the reactive power exchanged with the grid, which will facilitate making a local correction of power factor.     

Setting a fostered energy network by decarbonizing the grid: Hybridization,control, and future solutions upon storage

According to recent energy scenario, the abundancy of noncarbonaceous resources (NCRs) is capable of satisfying the energy demand of residential, commercial, and domestic in near future. This paper portrays hybridization of these sources, along with its control and hence presenting a novel framework for finding the operational hours of the storage device. This in turn will help in developing a fostered energy network (FEN) across the globe. Instead of connecting the NCRs concurrently, the proposed system is integrated in a segment fashion that yields three subsystems like solar PV‐wind, wind‐fuel cell, and solar PV‐fuel cell. The controller thus designed for the voltage source converter (VSC) has its own uniqueness in operating at any system combination under healthy as well as various fault conditions. The electrolyzer is used for storing the surplus energy generated by the system and supplying energy during energy crisis and operates on a bidirectional controller. The reliability of the controller is tested by examining its operation for healthy as well as faulty conditions such as single line to ground (SLG) and three phase fault. Finally, the useful lifespan of the electrolyzer is estimated by using the probability approximation method. It relies upon obtaining the number of electrolyzers that will work for stipulated time period and how many of them will be discarded among all the installed. The system under study is modeled, simulated, and validated in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment.     

Fault tolerant control strategy for modular PWM current source inverter

In this paper, a fault-tolerant control method for an input-series output-parallel modular grid-tied pulse-width modulation (PWM) current source inverter is proposed to address the most commonly seen single symmetrical gate-commutated thyristor (SGCT) open-circuit fault problems. This method actively offsets the neutral point of the current space vector to ensure a sinusoidal output of the grid current, and it can achieve the upper limit power of the inverter under the condition of a single SGCT open-circuit fault. In addition, an active damping control method based on grid harmonic current feedback is proposed after analyzing the influence of the transformer ferromagnetic resonance caused by the neutral point offset on the power quality of the grid current. It has been demonstrated that the proposed method effectively suppresses the resonance caused by the transformer and the modified modulation, improving the grid current’s power quality.