M.R. Iravani

Micro-grid autonomous operation during and subsequent to islanding process

This paper investigates (i) preplanned switching events and (ii) fault events that lead to islanding of a distribution subsystem and formation of a micro-grid. The micro-grid includes two distributed generation (DG) units. One unit is a conventional rotating synchronous machine and the other is interfaced through a power electronic converter. The interface converter of the latter unit is equipped with independent real and reactive power control to minimize islanding transients and maintain both angle stability and voltage quality within the micro-grid. The studies are performed based on a digital computer simulation approach using the PSCAD/EMTDC software package. The studies show that an appropriate control strategy for the power electronically interfaced DG unit can ensure stability of the micro-grid and maintain voltage quality at designated buses, even during islanding transients. This paper concludes that presence of an electronically-interfaced DG unit makes the concept of micro-grid a technically viable option for further investigations.

Microgrid autonomous operation during and subsequent to islanding process

Summary form only given. This paper investigates (i) preplanned switching events and (ii) fault events that lead to islanding of a distribution subsystem and formation of a microgrid. The microgrid includes two distributed generation (DG) units. One unit is a conventional rotating synchronous machine and the other is interfaced through a power electronic converter. The interface converter of the latter unit is equipped with independent real and reactive power control to minimize islanding transients and maintain both angle stability and voltage quality within the microgrid. The studies are performed based on a digital computer simulation approach using the PSCAD/EMTDC software package. The studies show that an appropriate control strategy for the power electronically interfaced DG unit can ensure stability of the micro-grid and maintain voltage quality at designated buses, even during islanding transients. This paper concludes that presence of an electronically-interfaced DG unit makes the concept of micro-grid a technically viable option for further investigations.

A Control Strategy for a Distributed Generation Unit in Grid-Connected and Autonomous Modes of Operation

This paper presents a new voltage control strategy for an electronically-interfaced distribution generation (DG) unit that utilizes a voltage-sourced converter (VSC) as the interface medium. The control strategy is based on the concept of voltage-controlled VSC (VC-VSC) rather than the conventional current-controlled VSC (CC-VSC). The proposed VC-VSC 1. enables operation of a DG unit in both grid-connected and islanded (autonomous) modes, 2. provides current-limit capability for the VSC during faults, 3. inherently provides an islanding detection method without non-detection zone, 4. provides smooth transition capability between grid-connected and autonomous modes, and 5. can accommodate ride-through capability requirements under a grid-connected mode. This paper also investigates performance of the proposed VC-VSC strategy based on an eigenanalysis in MATLAB, and time-domain simulations in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment.

Measurement of harmonics/inter-harmonics of time-varying frequencies

A novel method of extraction and measurement of individual harmonics of a signal with time-varying frequency is presented. The proposed method is based on a nonlinear, adaptive mechanism. Compared with the well-established techniques such as DFT, the proposed method offers (i) higher degree of accuracy, (ii) structural/performance robustness, and (iii) frequency-adaptivity. The structural simplicity of the algorithm renders it suitable for both software and hardware implementations. The limitation of the proposed method as compared with DFT-based methods is its slower transient response. Based on simulation studies, performance of the method is presented and its accuracy and response time are compared with a DFT-based method.

A magnitude/phase-locked loop system based on estimation of frequency and in-phase/quadrature-phase amplitudes

This paper introduces a new phase-locked loop (PLL) system. The proposed system provides the dominant frequency component of the input signal and estimates its frequency. The mechanism of the proposed PLL is based on estimating in-phase and quadrature-phase amplitudes of the desired signal and, hence, has application advantages for communication systems which employ quadrature modulation techniques. The studies demonstrate that the proposed PLL also provides a superior performance for power system applications. Derivation of the mathematical model and theoretical stability analysis of the proposed PLL are carried out using dynamical systems theory. Advantages of the proposed PLL over the conventional PLLs are its capability of providing the fundamental component of the input signal which is not only locked in phase but also in amplitude to the actual signal while providing an estimate of its frequency. Computer simulation is used to evaluate its performance. Evaluations confirm structural robustness of the proposed PLL with respect to noise and distortions.

Estimation of frequency and its rate of change for applications in power systems

A new method for estimation of power frequency and its rate of change is presented. Unlike conventional methods which are based on the concept of linearization, the proposed scheme accommodates the inherent nonlinearity of the frequency estimation problem. This makes the method capable of providing a fast and accurate estimate of the frequency when its deviation from the nominal value is incremental or large. The estimator is based on a newly developed quadrature phase-locked loop concept. The method is highly immune to noise and distortions. The estimator performance is robust with respect to the parameters of its structure. Structural simplicity and performance robustness are other salient features of the method.

Experimental evaluation of STATCOM closed loop dynamics

This paper presents a new approach for the dynamic control of FACTS apparatus, such as the STATCOM and UPFC, which utilize voltage source inverters (VSI) as their main building block. The control concept is based on a linearization of the dq inverter model. Feedforward techniques which are traditionally used for the approximate decoupling of d and q-axis control are discarded, in favour of a high gain full state feedback approach which assigns both closed loop system poles and, more importantly, their associated eigenvectors. Experimental validation of the approach is carried out on a laboratory STATCOM setup. Due to the nonlinear nature of the VSI equations and the uncertainty of AC system parameters, actual closed loop system dynamics can stray quite dramatically from those desired. Root locus analysis is therefore performed to investigate the small signal system dynamic behaviour. The loci demonstrate that the effect of system nonlinearity on the closed loop poles is virtually eliminated by the proposed control. The effect of AC system parameter variations is also shown to be minimal.

A matrix converter based micro-turbine distributed generation system

This paper investigates the use of an AC-AC matrix converter, as an alternative to AC-DC-AC converter system, to interface a high-speed micro-turbine generator (MTG) to a utility grid as a distributed generation unit. A new switching strategy and a control mechanism for the converter are presented. Based on time-domain simulations in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment, the dynamic behavior of a micro-turbine generation system, including the dynamic models of the micro-turbine (thermodynamics), generator, matrix converter, converter control and micro-turbine control, is studied. The studies conclude that a matrix converter is technically a viable option to interface a MTG to a utility grid.

Applications of static phase shifters in power systems

This paper examines various functions that can be assigned to a static phase shifter (SPS) to enhance the performance of a power system during steady-state conditions, small-signal dynamics, and large-signal dynamics. The investigations are conducted on four test systems which exhibit typical power system operational problems, e.g. torsional oscillations, inter-area oscillations, transient instability, transient mechanical torques and loop-flow phenomenon. An AC-DC power flow program, an eigenvalue analysis program, an AC-DC transient stability program, and the EMTP are used as the study tools. The investigations show that depending upon the type and the location of an SPS, it may be utilized for mitigation of small-signal oscillations and/or enhancement of transient stability, in addition to steady-state power flow regulation. The studies also reveal that most dynamic characteristics of an SPS can be achieved by augmenting an existing conventional (mechanical) phase-angle regulator with a relatively small size static power converter. >

Robust and frequency-adaptive measurement of peak value

A new approach for measuring the peak value of the fundamental component of a distorted sinusoidal signal for power system applications is presented. The method is applicable to single-phase as well as three-phase systems. While maintaining structural simplicity, the proposed approach is highly robust with respect to noise and distortion due to disturbances and unbalanced conditions of the system. The method is also highly tolerant of uncertainties in the setting of its internal parameters. The salient feature of the proposed approach is its capability of adapting to the variations in the center frequency of the input signal. The method is suitable for environments that frequency excursions are experienced and conventional discrete Fourier transform (DFT)-based methods do not provide satisfactory results. Speed and accuracy of the response can also be controlled. Structural simplicity and robustness of the proposed scheme make it well suited for digital implementation on software and hardware platforms. Performance of the proposed method is presented based on simulation studies in the MATLAB environment and an experimental setup.