Panagis N. Vovos

Centralized and Distributed Voltage Control: Impact on Distributed Generation Penetration

With the rapid increase in distributed generation (DG), the issue of voltage regulation in the distribution network becomes more significant, and centralized voltage control (or active network management) is one of the proposed methods. Alternative work on intelligent distributed voltage and reactive power control of DG has also demonstrated benefits in terms of the minimization of voltage variation and violations as well as the ability to connect larger generators to the distribution network. This paper uses optimal power flow to compare the two methods and shows that intelligent distributed voltage and reactive power control of the DG gives similar results to those obtained by centralized management in terms of the potential for connecting increased capacities within existing networks

Optimal power flow as a tool for fault level-constrained network capacity analysis

The aim of this paper is to present a new method for the allocation of new generation capacity, which takes into account fault level constraints imposed by protection equipment such as switchgear. It simulates new generation capacities and connections to other networks using generators with quadratic cost functions. The coefficients of the cost functions express allocation preferences over connection points. The relation between capacity and subtransient reactance of generators is used during the estimation of fault currents. An iterative process allocates new capacity using optimal power flow mechanisms and readjusts capacity to bring fault currents within the specifications of switchgear. The method was tested on a 12-bus LV meshed network with three connection points for new capacity and one connection to an HV network. It resulted in significantly higher new generation capacity than existing first-come-first-served policies.

Direct incorporation of fault level constraints in optimal power flow as a tool for network capacity analysis

The aim of this paper is to present a method for the direct incorporation of fault level constraints (FLCs) in the optimal power flow (OPF) as a tool for network capacity analysis, i.e., optimal generation expansion planning within an existing network. A mathematical methodology to convert constraints imposed by fault levels to simple nonlinear inequality constraints is developed. No new variables are introduced in the OPF formulation to describe the additional constraints. Most common OPF-solving engines already have the computational capacity to handle numerous nonlinear constraints, such as the ones described by the power balance equations on buses. Therefore, once FLCs are converted to nonlinear constraints described by OPF variables, they can be directly introduced to any optimization process performing the OPF. A 12-bus/15-line test case demonstrates the advantages of the new method in comparison with a previously proposed iterative method that converted them to restrictions on new capacity. It also proves that when FLCs are ignored, the capacity of the network to absorb new generation is overestimated.

Impact of Fault Level Constraints on the Economic Operation of Power Systems

The aim of this paper is to prove that fault levels may have a significant impact on the economic operation of modern power systems. First, we present a simple method for the incorporation of fault level constraints (FLCs) in the optimal power flow (OPF), the main optimization tool for the economic operation of power systems. The constraints imposed by fault levels are converted to simple nonlinear (inequality) constraints, described by variables of the conventional OPF. Most common OPF-solving engines already have the computational capacity to handle numerous nonlinear constraints, such as the ones described by the power balance equations on buses. Therefore, once FLCs are converted to nonlinear constraints described by OPF variables, they can be directly introduced to any optimization process performing the OPF. We applied this enhanced OPF on a simple 12-bus network. The results verified the significant impact fault levels have on the optimum operating point of the power system

Optimal Placement of Reactive Power Compensation Banks for the Maximization of New Generation Capacity

The aim of this paper is to present a novel method for the optimal placement of capacitor and reactor banks, with the objective of maximizing network capacity to absorb new generation. The method is an extension of the Optimal Power Flow used as a tool for network capacity analysis. It can be used to a) plot graphs of the bank investment cost with respect to the increase in network capacity and b) find the optimum investment for the network operator in order to maximize his revenue. A 12-bus low voltage network was used as a test case. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the method to allocate new banks. At a small investment cost, network capacity could nearly double.

Multipurpose Power Converter for Non-Grid-Connected Microsystems

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present a multipurpose converter, appropriate for non-grid-connected microsystems, which are prone to harmonic distortion. The converter suppresses harmonics by injecting mirror harmonics in the modulation stage. An important property is that it continuously monitors and significantly reduces the harmonic content without the use of active or passive low-frequency filters. This is under constant switching frequency, no matter if the harmonics are mainly created by the source, the loads or even its own operation. The converter is regulating output voltage using typical fuzzy control. The two types of control (harmonic and voltage) do not seem to affect each other during operation. Furthermore, it can supply either dc or ac loads from a dc source. The versatility of the converter is a useful property for remote or mobile micropower systems, where neither sources nor loads are of a single type. The converter has been tested successfully for a combination of harmonic-injecting electric appliances and various load step changes.

Impact of fault level constraints on the economic operation of power systems

The aim of this paper is to prove that fault levels may have a significant impact on the economic operation of modern power systems. First, we present a simple method for the incorporation of fault level constraints (FLCs) in the optimal power flow (OPF), the main optimization tool for the economic operation of power systems. The constraints imposed by fault levels are converted to simple nonlinear (inequality) constraints, described by variables of the conventional OPF. Most common OPF-solving engines already have the computational capacity to handle numerous nonlinear constraints, such as the ones described by the power balance equations on buses. Therefore, once FLCs are converted to nonlinear constraints described by OPF variables, they can be directly introduced to any optimization process performing the OPF. We applied this enhanced OPF on a simple 12-bus network. The results verified the significant impact fault levels have on the optimum operating point of the power system