Mostafa I. Marei

A novel control algorithm for the DG interface to mitigate power quality problems

Distributed Generation (DG) exists in distribution systems and is installed by either the utility or the customers. This paper proposes a novel utilization of the existing DG nonlinear interface not only to control the active power flow, but also to mitigate unbalance and harmonics, and to manage the reactive power of the system. The proposed Flexible Distributed Generation (FDG) is similar in functionality to FACTS, but works at the distribution level. Moreover, a novel ADAptive LINEar neuron (ADALINE) structure is presented. The new structure is applied to multi output (MO) systems for parameter tracking/estimation, and is called MO-ADALINE. It is dedicated to symmetrical components estimation. The control loop combines a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) for voltage regulation, and a processing unit-based ADALINE to deal with unbalance, harmonics and reactive power compensation. One advantage of the proposed control system is its insensitivity to parameter variation, a necessity for distribution system applications. Simulations of the suggested FDG based control algorithm are conducted to evaluate the performance of the novel system.

Flexible distributed generation: (FDG)

Power electronics is the key technology for enabling renewable power generation and dispatching distributed generation (DG) with improved load-side efficiency. This paper proposes a novel control scheme for the nonlinear link connecting DG to the distribution network using a current controlled voltage source inverter (VSI). This link has multi function besides conditioning the power fed from DG system. The proposed system is similar to the FACTS devices, but at the distribution level. It replaces the distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) and active power filters (APF), as it is capable of compensating power quality problems. Reactive power compensation at the point of common coupling PCC is investigated under transmitting the given active power from DG. The effectiveness of the proposed flexible distributed generation (FDG) has been verified by simulation.

A processing unit for symmetrical components and harmonics estimation based on a new adaptive linear combiner structure

Symmetrical components as well as harmonic tracking are of great importance in many applications in power systems such as power quality and protection. This paper introduces a novel Adaptive linear combiner (ADALINE) structure for symmetrical components estimation. This structure is capable of dealing with multi-output systems for parameter tracking/estimation rather than the existing ADALINE, which deals only with single output systems. As the new topology deals with Multi-Output systems, it is called MO-ADALINE. Moreover, the paper presents a new processing unit, which can estimate symmetrical and harmonic components from the measured current signals. The advantages of this proposed unit are its independence of the voltage waveform and its ability to give information about the reactive component of the resolved current. Simulation results are given to validate the proposed algorithms.

Envelope tracking techniques for FlickerMitigation and Voltage regulation

Envelope tracking has many important applications in electrical distribution systems for either flicker meters or flicker compensators. This paper presents a novel control technique for flicker mitigation. This technique is based on the instantaneous tracking of the measured voltage envelope. The ADAptive LINEar neuron (ADALINE) algorithm, and the Recursive Least Square (RLS) algorithm are introduced for the flicker envelope tracking. The ADALINE algorithm is characterized by a light computational demand, unlike that of existing techniques; the RLS algorithm outperforms the ADALINE algorithm by its fast convergence and robust tracking performance. Both the ADALINE and the RLS algorithms give accurate results even under rapid dynamic changes. The paper investigates the effects of different parameters on the performance of the ADALINE algorithm and that of the RLS algorithm. Extensive simulations of the proposed flicker tracking algorithms are conducted to evaluate their performance for the tracking and mitigation of voltage flicker. The ADALINE and the RLS algorithms are examined by tracking and mitigating the flicker produced by a resistance welder and an arc furnace in a simple distribution system simulated in the PSCAD/EMTDC package.

A New Approach to Control DVR Based on Symmetrical Components Estimation

The dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is an effective solution for power quality problems related to voltage. One of the most common control algorithms that are used for the DVR is the symmetrical components method. This paper introduces a new approach for the estimation of the symmetrical components. A modified delta rule structure is proposed and developed which is capable of dealing with multioutput systems for the parameters estimation. An innovative feedforward control, based on the new delta rule structure, is proposed for the series compensator not only to compensate for the zero and negative sequence components, but also to regulate the positive sequence component at the nominal load voltage. One advantage of the proposed control scheme is its insensitivity to parameter variation, a necessity for the series compensator. Experimental verification of the new delta rule algorithm, by using a DSP, is provided. Numerical simulations of the proposed control strategy are conducted to show the robustness, high accuracy, and fast dynamic performance of this novel control algorithm.

Hilbert transform based control algorithm of the DG interface for voltage flicker mitigation

Distributed Generation (DG) is used widely in the modern distribution systems. This paper proposes a novel functionality of the interface between DG and the utility network to mitigate the voltage flicker and to regulate the voltage at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) in addition to its main function of controlling the power flow. A new control algorithm for the DG interface based on the Hilbert transform (HT) is presented. The HT is employed as an effective technique for tracking the voltage flicker levels in distribution systems. The mathematical simplicity of the proposed technique, compared with the commonly used algorithms in the literature, renders them competitive candidates for the on-line tracking of voltage flicker. The accurate tracking of the HT facilitates its implementation for the control of flicker mitigation devices. Simulation results are provided to verify the tracking capabilities of the HT and to evaluate the performance of the proposed DG interface for multifunction operation.

Safe controlled islanding of inverter based distributed generation

When the power utility is subjected to a disturbance and part of the distribution system is approaching catastrophic failure, control actions need to be taken to limit the extent of the disturbance on the critical customers. An effective approach to secure power supply for the most important customers is by implementing safe controlled islands (SCI) in the distribution system during a utility outage. The ultimate goal when such a scheme is implemented is maintaining the voltage and frequency during islanded operation within the standard limits. This paper presents a novel control strategy to produce SCI with particular reference to inverter interfaced distributed generators (DGs).

A Flexible DG Interface Based on a New RLS Algorithm for Power Quality Improvement

Distributed generation (DG) exists in distribution systems and is installed by either the utility or the customers. This paper proposes a novel utilization of the existing DG interface to not only control the active power flow, but also to mitigate unbalance, harmonics and voltage flicker, and manage the reactive power of the system. The proposed flexible distributed generation (FDG) is similar in functionality to FACTS, but works at the distribution level. Moreover, a novel recursive least square (RLS) structure is presented. The new structure is applied to multi-output (MO) systems for parameter tracking/estimation, and is called MO-RLS. It is dedicated to symmetrical components estimation. An innovative processing unit-based RLS is investigated to deal with unbalance, harmonics, and reactive power compensation. In addition, this paper portrays a technique for flicker mitigation based on the RLS algorithm for instantaneous tracking of the measured voltage envelope. One advantage of the proposed control system is its insensitivity to parameter variation, a necessity for distribution system applications. Simulations of the suggested FDG based control algorithm are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed system.

A Coordinated Voltage and Frequency Control of Inverter Based Distributed Generation and Distributed Energy Storage System for Autonomous Microgrids

Abstract Distributed generation and distributed energy storage systems can be controlled to improve power system stability. This article proposes control strategies for adopting distributed generation units to autonomous microgrids. The proposed distributed generation interface is utilized not only to control the active power flow, but also to provide essential ancillary services, such as voltage regulation and frequency control, to the autonomous microgrid. A coordinated voltage and frequency control of the inverter-based distributed generation and distributed energy storage system is presented. Moreover, a frequency estimation algorithm based on orthogonal filters is adopted for the frequency control loop. One advantage of the proposed control system is its unified structure for the different operating modes. Extensive simulations of the proposed coordinated control of the inverter-based distributed generation and distributed energy storage system are conducted to evaluate the dynamic performance of the proposed microgrid.

A new contribution into performance of active power filter utilizing SVM based HCC technique

This paper proposes a control algorithm for shunt active power filters APFs, based on space vector modulation (SVM) and hysteresis current controller (HCC) techniques for current regulated voltage source converters (VSC), which allows precise compensation of harmonic currents produced by distorted loads. The approach is based on the direct current control in which the load current is measured, then filtering out the fundamental component. Two sets of hysteresis comparators determine the switching vector. The set with wider hysteresis band works as a region detector. Utilizing the proposed SVM based HCC technique leads to a significant reduction in the number of switching and hence the cost is reduced.