Edris Pouresmaeil

Control Scheme of Three-Level NPC Inverter for Integration of Renewable Energy Resources Into AC Grid

This paper presents a multiobjective control scheme based on the dynamic model of three-level, neutral-point-clamped voltage source inverter for integration of distributed generation (DG) resources based on renewable energy resources to the distribution grid. The proposed model has been derived from the abc/αβ and αβ/dq transformation of the AC system variables. The proposed control technique generates the compensation current references and by setting appropriate references of DG control loop, the DG link not only provides active and reactive currents in fundamental frequency, but also it can supply nonlinear load harmonic currents with a fast dynamic response. Simulation results and mathematical analysis have achieved a reduced total harmonic distortion, increased power factor, inject maximum power of renewable energy resources via a multilevel converter as an interface to the AC grid. It also compensated the active and reactive powers of linear and nonlinear loads. The analyses and simulation results show the high performance of proposed control scheme in the integration of renewable energy resources to the AC grid.

A Control Technique for Integration of DG Units to the Electrical Networks

This paper deals with a multiobjective control technique for integration of distributed generation (DG) resources to the electrical power network. The proposed strategy provides compensation for active, reactive, and harmonic load current components during connection of DG link to the grid. The dynamic model of the proposed system is first elaborated in the stationary reference frame and then transformed into the synchronous orthogonal reference frame. The transformed variables are used in control of the voltage source converter as the heart of the interfacing system between DG resources and utility grid. By setting an appropriate compensation current references from the sensed load currents in control circuit loop of DG, the active, reactive, and harmonic load current components will be compensated with fast dynamic response, thereby achieving sinusoidal grid currents in phase with load voltages, while required power of the load is more than the maximum injected power of the DG to the grid. In addition, the proposed control method of this paper does not need a phase-locked loop in control circuit and has fast dynamic response in providing active and reactive power components of the grid-connected loads. The effectiveness of the proposed control technique in DG application is demonstrated with injection of maximum available power from the DG to the grid, increased power factor of the utility grid, and reduced total harmonic distortion of grid current through simulation and experimental results under steady-state and dynamic operating conditions.

A Multifunction Control Strategy for the Stable Operation of DG Units in Smart Grids

This paper describes the development of a multifunction control strategy for the stable operation of distributed generation (DG) units during the integration with the power grid. The proposed control model is based on direct Lyapunov control (DLC) theory and provides a stable region for the proper operation of DG units during the integration with the power grid. The compensation of instantaneous variations in the reference current components in ac-side and dc-voltage variations in the dc-side of the interfacing system are adequately considered in this control plan, which is the main contribution and novelty of this paper in comparison with previous control strategies. Utilization of the DLC technique in DG technology can confirm the continuous injection of maximum active power in fundamental frequency from the DG source to the power grid, compensating all the reactive power and harmonic current components of grid-connected loads through the integration of DG link into the grid. Application of this concept in smart grids system can guarantee to reduce the stress on the utility grid during the peak of energy demand. Simulation and experimental test results are presented to demonstrate the proficiency and performance of the proposed DLC technique in DG technology.

Direct Lyapunov Control Technique for the Stable Operation of Multilevel Converter-Based Distributed Generation in Power Grid

This paper deals with a control strategy of multilevel converter topologies for integration of distributed generation (DG) resources into the power grid. The proposed control plan is based on the direct Lyapunov control (DLC) technique, which is an appropriate tool for the analysis and definition of a stable operating condition for DG link in the power grid. The compensation of instantaneous variations in the reference current components in ac side and dc voltage variations of cascaded capacitors in dc side of the interfacing system is considered properly, which is the main contribution and novelty of this paper in comparison with other control methods. By utilization of the proposed control technique, DG can provide continuous injection of active power in fundamental frequency from the dispersed energy sources to the grid. In addition, reactive power and harmonic current components of nonlinear loads can be provided with fast dynamic response, by setting a multiobjective reference current component in the current loop of DLC-based model. Therefore, achieving sinusoidal grid currents in phase with load voltages are possible, while the required power from the load side is more than the maximum capacity of interfaced multilevel converter. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy in DG technology during dynamic and steady-state operating conditions.

Novel Control Strategy for Modular Multilevel Converters Based on Differential Flatness Theory

This paper aims to present a novel control strategy for modular multilevel converters (MMC) based on differential flatness theory, in which instantaneous active and reactive power values are considered as the flat outputs. To this purpose, a mathematical model of the MMC taking into account dynamics of the ac-side current and the dc-side voltage of the converter is derived in a d-q reference frame. Using this model, the flat outputs-based dynamic model of MMC is obtained to reach the initial value of the proposed controller inputs. In order to mitigate the negative effects of the input disturbance, model errors, and system uncertainties on the operating performance of the MMC, the integral-proportional terms of the flat output errors are added to the initial inputs. This can be achieved through defining a control Lyapunov function which can ensure the stability of the MMC under various operating points. Moreover, the small-signal linearization method is applied to the proposed flat output-based model to separately evaluate the variation effects of controller inputs on flat outputs. The proficiency of the proposed method is researched via MATLAB simulation. Simulation results highlight the capability of the proposed controller in both steady-state and transient conditions in maintaining MMC currents and voltages, through managing active and reactive power.

Enhancing home appliances energy optimization with solar power integration

The theoretical potential for renewable energy resources (RES) to meet the global demands of energy is generally high and the ambitions for introducing RES into energy systems are growing worldwide, which also can contribute to global climate change mitigation if it is produced in a sustainable manner. To address these issues, more and more governments are implementing various programs and energy policies to accelerate the deployment of RES. The aforementioned two reasons lead to an urgent need to add new generating capacity or reduce consumption during peak periods, or both. The first option for power generation is to use RES which can inject electric energy to the grid while avoiding greenhouse gas emissions. However, the capacities of RES are not enough to supply all the required power from the side of the load. Facts that are leading to the proposal of original ways to reduce the use of energy in many sectors, namely in commercial, residential, and industrial sectors, in order to reduce the total energy costs of the consumer, to reduce the energy demand specially during on-peak hours and the greenhouse gas emissions while safeguarding end-user preferences. The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of model predictive control (MPC) on energy savings of residential households. Furthermore, the value and impact of generated power by local power sources, such as roof-top-solar, will be determined during off-peak, mid-peak, and on-peak, providing simulations during 24 hours in a house.

Optimal residential model predictive control energy management performance with PV microgeneration

Abstract The energy demand of the residential sector and the adjacent option for fossil fuels has negative consequences by both greenhouse gases (GHG) and other air pollutants emissions. Since home energy demand consists mainly of energy requirements for space and water heating along with the energy dedicated for appliances, different strategies that aim to stimulate an efficient use of energy need to be reinforced at all levels of human activity. In this paper, a comprehensive comparison is made between the thermostat (ON/OFF), proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and Model Predictive Control (MPC) control models of a domestic heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system controlling the temperature of a room. A power interface that adjusts the MPC dynamic range of the output command signal into a discrete two level control signal is proposed, as a new contribution to earlier studies. The model of the house with local solar microgeneration is assumed to be located in a Portuguese city. The household of the case study is subject to the local solar irradiance, temperature and 5 Time-of-Use (ToU) electricity rates applied on an entire week of August 2016. The purpose of the optimisation is to achieve the best compromise between temperature comfort levels and energy costs and also to assess which is the best electricity ToU rate option provided by the electricity retailer for the residential sector. Also, for each electrical load of the HVAC system, the energy and cost are calculated and the results are presented by varying the different MPC weight combination in order to obtain the best possible solution and increase the quality of the model. Finally, after the best tariff and controller are determined, the impact of the solar generation is assessed.

MPC weights tunning role on the energy optimization in residential appliances

Genuine concerns regarding air pollution, climate change, and dependence on unstable and expensive supplies of fossil fuels have lead policy makers and researchers to search for alternatives to conventional petroleum-fueled combustion power plants with the purpose to reduce greenhouse gas emission. This leads to an urgent need to substitute them with alternate generating capacity or reduce the consumption during peak periods, or both. One of the options for power generation is the use of renewable energy resources, which can inject power to the grid deprived of greenhouse gas emissions. But, from the load point of view, the renewable energy resources capacity is not sufficient to supply all the required power. These points to the necessity of innovative methods, able to diminish energy consumption in different sectors, but also with the aim of reducing the domestic customers total energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions and energy demand, especially during on-peak, while always considering the end user preferences. Hence, this paper analyses model predictive control (MPC) application in domestic appliances with the purpose of energy optimization. In this context, the research theme is focused on the relation between MPC weighting adjustment and the minimization of energy consumption. Three domestic loads are used for MPC tuning evaluation: water heater (WH), room temperature control by conditioner (AC) and refrigerator (RF).

Analysis and control of single-phase converters for integration of small-scaled renewable energy sources into the power grid

A comprehensive dynamic model based on Direct-Quadrature (DQ) rotating frame is proposed in this paper that is used along with a capability curve (CC) based on the active and reactive power to control a grid-connected single-phase voltage-source inverter (SPVSI). With the proposed dynamic model, a droop-passivity based controller can be designed for the grid-connected inverter in the presence of nonlinear loads. Stability analysis of the proposed control technique is also discussed in the paper as well as design principles. Moreover, an accurate performance area of SPVSI active and reactive power in dynamic transitions is achieved using the CC. Furthermore, an effective harmonic compensation scheme along with a proper active and reactive power sharing algorithm are performed by a well-designed reference waveform generation process. Performance of the grid-connected SPVSI, under the proposed controller, is thoroughly evaluated in the Matlab/Simulink environment.

Economic viability of distributed energy resources relative to substation and feeder facilities expansion

Distributed energy resources have numerous benefits, of which is transmission network upgrade deferral. This application is particularly important where there are constraints in upgrading of the existing or construction of new generation units and transmission circuits. This paper presents a cost comparison of the central plant option and DG in meeting additional load demand. The economic analysis for a twenty-year planning horizon is carried out in this study using present worth factor. The results obtained with a 30-bus test radial distribution network using MATPOWER show the economic viability of DG when compared with upgrading the existing substation and feeder facilities, especially when incremental load is considered.