Abstract: A major technical obstacle for rooftop photovoltaics (PV) integration into existing distribution systems is the voltage rise due to the reverse power flow from the distributed PV sources. This paper describes the implementation of a voltage control loop within PV inverters that maintains the voltage within acceptable bounds by absorbing or supplying reactive power. In principle, this can be considered to be a form of distributed Volt/VAr control, which is conventionally performed by coordinated control of capacitor banks and transformer tap changers. Comprehensive simulation studies on detailed feeder models are used to demonstrate that the proposed control scheme will mitigate voltage rises.

Abstract: This work discusses the technical and economical benefits of different active and reactive power control strategies for grid-connected photovoltaic systems in Germany. The aim of these control strategies is to limit the voltage rise, caused by a high local photovoltaic power feed-in and hence allow additional photovoltaic capacity to be connected to the mains. Autonomous inverter control strategies, which do not require any kind of data communication between the inverter and its environment, as well as an on-load tap changer for distribution transformers, is investigated. The technical and economical assessment of these strategies is derived from 12-month root mean square (rms) simulations, which are based on a real low voltage grid and measured dc power generation values. The results show that the provision of reactive power is an especially effective way to increase the hosting capacity of a low voltage grid for photovoltaic systems.

Abstract: Recently, there has been an increasing interest in using distributed generators (DGs) not only to inject power into the grid but also to enhance the power quality. In this paper, a stationary-frame control method for voltage unbalance compensation in an islanded microgrid is proposed. This method is based on the proper control of DGs interface converters. The DGs are properly controlled to autonomously compensate for voltage unbalance while sharing the compensation effort and also active and reactive powers. The control system of the DGs mainly consists of active and reactive power droop controllers, a virtual impedance loop, voltage and current controllers, and an unbalance compensator. The design approach of the control system is discussed in detail, and simulation and experimental results are presented. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in the compensation of voltage unbalance.

Abstract: Ancillary services for distributed generation (DG) systems become a challenging issue to smartly integrate renewable-energy sources into the grid. Voltage control is one of these ancillary services which can ride through and support the voltage under grid faults. Grid codes from the transmission system operators describe the behavior of the energy source, regulating voltage limits and reactive power injection to remain connected and support the grid under fault. On the basis that different kinds of voltage sags require different voltage support strategies, a flexible control scheme for three-phase grid-connected inverters is proposed. In three-phase balanced voltage sags, the inverter should inject reactive power in order to raise the voltage in all phases. In one- or two-phase faults, the main concern of the DG inverter is to equalize voltages by reducing the negative symmetric sequence and clear the phase jump. Due to system limitations, a balance between these two extreme policies is mandatory. Thus, over- and undervoltage can be avoided, and the proposed control scheme prevents disconnection while achieving the desired voltage support service. The main contribution of this work is the introduction of a control algorithm for reference current generation that provides flexible voltage support under grid faults. Two different voltage sags have been experimentally tested to illustrate the behavior of the proposed voltage support control scheme.

Abstract: In this paper, we propose an architecture for voltage regulation in distribution networks that relies on controlling reactive power injections provided by distributed energy resources (DERs). A local controller on each bus of the network monitors the bus voltage and, whenever there is a voltage violation, it uses locally available information to estimate the amount of reactive power that needs to be injected into the bus in order to correct the violation. If the DERs connected to the bus can collectively provide the reactive power estimated by the local controller, they are instructed to do so. Otherwise, the local controller initiates a request for additional reactive power support from other controllers at neighboring buses through a distributed algorithm that relies on a local exchange of information among neighboring controllers. We show that the proposed architecture helps prevent voltage violations and shapes the voltage profile in radial distribution networks, even in the presence of considerable penetration of variable generation and loads. We present several case studies involving 8-, 13-, and 123-bus distribution systems to illustrate the operation of the architecture.

Abstract: We formulate the control of reactive power generation by photovoltaic inverters in a power distribution circuit as a constrained optimization that aims to minimize reactive power losses subject to finite inverter capacity and upper and lower voltage limits at all nodes in the circuit. When voltage variations along the circuit are small and losses of both real and reactive powers are small compared to the respective flows, the resulting optimization problem is convex. Moreover, the cost function is separable enabling a distributed, on-line implementation with node-local computations using only local measurements augmented with limited information from the neighboring nodes communicated over cyber channels. Such an approach lies between the fully centralized and local policy approaches previously considered. We explore protocols based on the dual ascent method and on the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) and find that the ADMM protocol performs significantly better.

Abstract: The paper presents a new control strategy to enhance the ability of reactive power support of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind turbine during serious voltage dips. The proposed strategy is an advanced low voltage ride through (LVRT) control scheme, with which a part of the captured wind energy during grid faults is stored temporarily in the rotor's inertia energy and the remaining energy is available to the grid while the DC-link voltage and rotor current are kept below the dangerous levels. After grid fault clearance, the control strategy ensures smooth release of the rotor's excessive inertia energy into the grid. Based on these designs, the DFIG's reactive power capacity on the stator and the grid side converter is handled carefully to satisfy the new grid code requirements strictly. Simulation studies are presented and discussed.

Abstract: The increasing installed wind power capacity has caused wind power generation to become a significant percentage of the entire electric power generation. As a consequence, the power system operators have included wind power plants regulation to improve the control of the overall power system, both in steady-state and transient operation. Therefore, wind power systems are required to verify the grid connection requirements stated by the power system operators. In presence of grid voltage dips, the low voltage ride-through (LVRT) requirement compliance produces a mismatch between the generated active power and the active power delivered to the grid. The conventional solution assumes that the active power surplus is dissipated in a dc-link resistor. In this paper, a control scheme for the back-to-back neutral-point-clamped converter is proposed. Under grid voltage dip, the controllers for generator-side and grid-side converters work concurrently to meet the LVRT requirement by storing the active power surplus in the turbine-generator mechanical system inertia while keeping constant the dc-link voltage. Simulation and experimental results verify the proposed control scheme.

Abstract: This paper analyzes the influence of the converter droop settings and the dc grid network topology on the power sharing in a dc grid based on voltage source converter high voltage direct current technology. The paper presents an analytical tool to study the effect of the droop control settings on the steady-state voltage deviations and power sharing after a converter outage, thereby accounting for dc grid behavior. Furthermore, an optimization algorithm is developed, taking into account two conflicting optimization criteria. The simulation results show that, when selecting appropriate values for the converter gains, a tradeoff has to be made between the power sharing and the maximum allowable dc voltage deviation after an outage.

Abstract: The widespread installation of distributed generation systems is crucial for making optimal use of renewable energy. However, local distribution networks face voltage fluctuation problems if numerous photovoltaic (PV) systems are connected. Recently, energy storage systems that can be installed at commercial customers have been developed. This paper proposes a concept that solves the voltage fluctuation problem in distribution networks with high penetration of PV systems by using customer-side energy storage systems. The distribution network operator (DNO) is allowed to control the output of the energy storage systems of customers during a specific time period in exchange for a subsidy covering a portion of the initial cost of the storage system. The cost effectiveness of the cooperative operation for both customer and DNO is discussed by numerical simulations based on minute-by-minute solar irradiation data. Our results have clarified the possibilities of making voltage management more economical in distribution networks.

Abstract: The widespread use of distributed generation (DG), which is installed in medium-voltage distribution networks, impacts the future development of modern electrical systems that must evolve towards smart grids. A fundamental topic for smart grids is automatic distributed voltage control (ADVC). The voltage is now regulated at the MV busbar acting on the on-load tap changer of the HV/MV transformer. This method does not guarantee the correct voltage value in the network nodes when the distributed generators deliver their power. In contrast, the ADVC allows control of the voltage acting on a single generator; therefore, a better voltage profile can be obtained. In this paper, an approach based on sensitivity theory is shown to control the node voltages regulating the reactive power injected by the generators. After the theoretical analysis, a numerical example is presented to validate the theory. The proposed voltage regulation method has been developed in collaboration with Enel Distribuzione S.p.A. (the major Italian DSO), and it will be applied in the Smart Grids POI-P3 pilot project, which is financed by the Italian Economic Development Ministry. Before the real field application in the pilot project, a real-time digital simulation has been used to validate the algorithm presented. Moving in this direction, Enel Distribuzione S.p.A. built a new test center in Milan equipped with a real-time digital simulator (from RTDS Technologies).

Abstract: form only given. This work discusses the technical and economical benefits of different active and reactive power control strategies for grid-connected photovoltaic systems in Germany. The aim of these control strategies is to limit the voltage rise, caused by a high local photovoltaic power feed-in and hence allow additional photovoltaic capacity to be connected to the mains. Autonomous inverter control strategies, which do not require any kind of data communication between the inverter and its environment, as well as an on-load tap changer for distribution transformers is investigated. The technical and economical assessment of these strategies is derived from 12 month RMS simulations, which are based on a real low voltage grid and measured DC power generation values. The results show that the provision of reactive power is an especially effective way to increase the hosting capacity of a low voltage grid for photovoltaic systems.

Abstract: The protection of the sensitive unbalanced nonlinear loads from sag/swell, distortion, and unbalance in supply voltage is achieved economically using the dynamic voltage restorer (DVR). A simple generalized algorithm based on basic synchronous-reference-frame theory has been developed for the generation of instantaneous reference compensating voltages for controlling a DVR. This novel algorithm makes use of the fundamental positive-sequence phase voltages extracted by sensing only two unbalanced and/or distorted line voltages. The algorithm is general enough to handle linear as well as nonlinear loads. The compensating voltages when injected in series with a distribution feeder by three single-phase H-bridge voltage-source converters with a constant switching frequency hysteresis band voltage controller tightly regulate the voltage at the load terminals against any power quality problems on the source side. A capacitor-supported DVR does not need any active power during steady-state operation because the injected voltage is in quadrature with the feeder current. The proposed control strategy is validated through extensive simulation and real-time experimental studies.

Abstract: Voltage sags are one of the main problems in transmission and distribution grids with high penetration of distributed generation. This paper proposes a voltage support control scheme for grid-connected power sources under voltage sags. The control is based on the injection of reactive current with a variable ratio between positive and negative sequences. The controller determines, also, the amount of reactive power needed to restore the dropped voltage magnitudes to new reference values confined within the continuous operation limits required in grid codes. These reference values are chosen in order to guarantee low current injection when fulfilling the voltage support objective. Selected experimental results are reported in order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control.

Abstract: In this paper, the load and/or grid connected to an inverter is modeled as the combination of voltage sources and current sources at harmonic frequencies. As a result, the system can be analyzed at each individual frequency, which avoids the difficulty in defining the reactive power for a system with different frequencies because it is now defined at each individual frequency. Moreover, a droop control strategy is developed for systems delivering power to a constant current source, instead of a constant voltage source. This is then applied to develop a harmonic droop controller so that the right amount of harmonic voltage is added to the inverter reference voltage to compensate the harmonic voltage dropped on the output impedance due to the harmonic current. This forces the output voltage at the individual harmonic frequency to be close to zero and improves the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage considerably. Both simulation and experimental results are provided to demonstrate that the proposed strategy can significantly improve the voltage THD.

Abstract: In this paper, the details of practical circuit and control implementation of an electric spring for reactive power compensation and voltage regulation of the ac mains are presented. With Hooke's law published three centuries ago, power electronics-based reactive power controllers are turned into electric springs (ESs) for regulating the ac mains of a power grid. The proposed ES has inherent advantages of: 1) ensuring dynamic load demand to follow intermittent power generation; and 2) being able to regulate the voltage in the distribution network of the power grid where numerous small-scale intermittent renewable power sources are connected. Therefore, it offers a solution to solve the voltage fluctuation problems for future power grids with substantial penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources without relying on information and communication technology. The proof-of-concept hardware is successfully built and demonstrated in a 10-kVA power system fed by wind energy for improving power system stability. The ES is found to be effective in supporting the mains voltage, despite the fluctuations caused by the intermittent nature of wind power.

Abstract: This paper presents a field-validated load model for the calculation of the energy conservation gains due to conservation voltage reduction (CVR) in highly meshed secondary networks. Several networks in New York City are modeled in detail. A time resolution of one hour is used to compute the energy savings in a year. A total of 8760 power flow runs per year for voltage reductions of 0%, 2.25%, 4%, 6%, and 8% from the normal schedule are computed. An equivalent ZIP model is obtained for the network for active and reactive powers. The most important finding is that voltage reductions of up to 4% can be safely implemented in the majority of the New York City networks, without the need of investments in infrastructure. The networks under analysis show CVR factors between 0.5 and 1 for active power and between 1.2 and 2 for reactive power, leading to the conclusion that the implementation of CVR will provide energy and economic savings for the utility and the customer.

Abstract: The stability of fixed-speed induction generator (FSIG)-based wind turbines can be improved by a StatCom, which is well known and documented in the literature for balanced grid voltage dips. Under unbalanced grid voltage dips, the negative-sequence voltage causes heavy generator torque oscillations that reduce the lifetime of the drive train. In this paper, investigations on an FSIG-based wind farm in combination with a StatCom under unbalanced grid voltage fault are carried out by means of theory, simulations, and measurements. A StatCom control structure with the capability to coordinate the control between the positive and the negative sequence of the grid voltage is proposed. The results clarify the effect of the positive- and the negative-sequence voltage compensation by a StatCom on the operation of the FSIG-based wind farm. With first priority, the StatCom ensures the maximum fault-ride-through enhancement of the wind farm by compensating the positive-sequence voltage. The remaining StatCom current capability of the StatCom is controlled to compensate the negative-sequence voltage, in order to reduce the torque oscillations. The theoretical analyses are verified by simulations and measurement results on a 22-kW laboratory setup.

Abstract: Micro-dc grid is a novel power system focused on the development of renewable resources. However, two-wire transmitting power mode is generally accepted in a micro-dc grid, which is usually not suitable for the requirements of the input voltage levels of different power converters and loads. In order to meet the requirements, a half-bridge voltage balancer was introduced in a micro-dc grid, which can convert a two-wire mode into a three-wire mode in a micro-dc grid via a neutral line. However, the shoot-through problem existing in bridge-type converters degrades the reliability of the voltage balancer. In this paper, a dual-buck half-bridge voltage balancer and a control strategy are proposed, which can avoid the shoot-through problem. The small-signal model of the voltage balancer is derived for designing the control parameters and the current relationships of the inductors; the capacitors and the unbalanced loads are analyzed particularly. Finally, a prototype, which can deal with 2-kW unbalance ability, is built to verify that the proposed voltage balancer may have a good ability of balancing the voltage by building a neutral line.

Abstract: This paper presents a new control method, in which a distributed generator (DG) actively participates in steady-state voltage control, together with an under-load tap changer (ULTC) and shunt capacitors (Sh.Cs). In the conventional DG control method, the integration of DGs into a distribution power system increases the number of switching operations of the ULTC and the Sh.Cs. To solve this problem, this paper proposes that the DG output voltage be dispatched cooperatively with the operation of the ULTC and the Sh.Cs, based on load forecasts for one day in advance. The objective of the proposed method is to decrease the number of switching device operations, as well as to reduce the power loss in the distribution lines, while maintaining the grid voltage within the allowed range. The proposed method is designed and implemented with Matlab, using two different dynamic programming algorithms for a dispatchable and a nondispatchable DG, respectively. Simulation studies demonstrate that the objective can be achieved under various grid conditions, determined by factors such as the DG output power characteristics, the location of the DG-connected bus on the feeder, and the load profile of the feeder containing the DG.

Abstract: This paper presents a three-phase three-wire shunt active power filtering system based on two level voltage source inverter which is intended to compensate both current harmonic distortion and reactive power under nonideal voltage conditions. The concepts of the p-q theory are used to calculate the reference compensating current according to the compensation strategy. An improvement in an existing phase-locked loop circuit is proposed to handle the shape of the small amount of additional current needed to cover the power system losses. In the dc-voltage loop, an optimal set point value which minimizes the harmonic distortion of the supply current and depends on power to be compensated is also proposed. Digital signal processor based implementation of the whole control system is described with details on the developed experimental platform dSPACE DS1103 for rapid prototyping. Experimental results obtained from a 15 kVA laboratory setup verify the effectiveness of the active filtering system.

Abstract: This paper investigates different dc-link voltage control strategies in a three-phase four-wire LC coupling hybrid active power filter (LC -HAPF) for reactive power compensation By using direct current (current reference) pulsewidth modulation (PWM) control method, to achieve dc-link voltage self-charging function during LC -HAPF start-up process, the dc-link voltage control signal feedback as reactive current component is more effective than the traditional method as an active current component However, when the LC-HAPF is performing dynamic reactive power compensation, this dc-link voltage control scheme will influence the reactive power compensation, and thus, makes the LC-HAPF lack of success to carry out dynamic reactive power compensation In this paper, a novel dc-link voltage control scheme for LC-HAPF is proposed so that the dc-link voltage control with start-up self-charging process can be obtained as well as providing dynamic reactive power compensation Representative simulation and experimental results of the three-phase four-wire center-spilt LC-HAPF are presented to verify all deductions, and also show the effectiveness of the proposed dc-link voltage control scheme in dynamic reactive power compensation

Abstract: The 4H-SiC n-IGBT is a promising power semiconductor device for medium voltage power conversion. Currently, Cree has successfully built 15 kV n-IGBTs. These IGBTs are pivotal for the smart grid power conversion systems and medium voltage drives. The need for complex multi-level topologies or series connected devices can be eliminated, while achieving reduced power loss, by using the SiC IGBT. In this paper, characteristics of the 15 kV n-IGBT have been reported for the first time. The turn-on and turn-off transitions of the 15 kV, 20 A IGBT have been experimentally evaluated up to 11 kV. This is highest switching characterization voltage ever reported on a single power semiconductor device. The paper includes static characteristics up to 25 A (forward) and 12 kV (blocking). The dependency of the power loss with voltage, current and temperature are provided. In addition, the basic converter design considerations using this ultrahigh voltage IGBT for high power conversion applications are presented. Also, a comparative evaluation is reported with an IGBT with thicker field-stop buffer layer as a means to show flexibility in choosing the IGBT design parameters based on the power converter frequency and power rating specification. Finally, power loss comparison of the IGBTs and MOSFET is provided to consummate the results for a complete reference.

Abstract: The power industry in China has grown significantly over the past decade, spurring the adoption of system-wide automatic voltage control (AVC) technology to meet stricter requirements for security and economical power system operation. To cope with the rapidly developing and frequently changing Chinese power grid, an AVC scheme based on adaptive zone division is introduced in this paper. Logically, this type of system has a three-level hierarchical structure, but, here, both secondary voltage control (SVC) and tertiary voltage control (TVC) are implemented via software at the same control center. The control zones are no longer fixed but are reconfigured online and updated in accordance with variations in the grid structure. The technical details of these procedures are presented here. The implementation of TVC (which is based on an online reactive optimal power flow) and SVC are also discussed, together with some technical details on improvements to their reliability and robustness. Some results obtained from field-site applications based on similar-days testing rather than simulations are employed to evaluate the performance and improvements of the AVC system. This system has been installed at over 20 control centers in China.

Abstract: A hybrid power quality compensator (HPQC) is proposed in this paper for comprehensive compensation under minimum dc operation voltage in high-speed traction power supplies. Reduction in HPQC operation voltage can lead to a decrease in the compensation device capacity, power consumptions, and installation cost. The parameter design procedures for minimum dc voltage operation of HPQC are being explored. It is shown through simulation results that similar compensation performances can be provided by the proposed HPQC with reduced dc-link voltage level compared to the conventional railway power compensator. The system rating can thus be reduced. It is also verified that HPQC would operate at the minimum dc voltage with the proposed parameter design via simulations. A hardware prototype is constructed and the experimental results show that through the proposed design, HPQC is able to provide system unbalance, reactive power, and harmonic compensation in cophase traction power with reduced operation voltage. The cophase traction power supply with proposed HPQC is suitable for high-speed traction applications.

Abstract: This paper presents the analysis and design of a three-phase high power factor rectifier, based on the dc-dc single-ended primary-inductance converter (SEPIC) operating in discontinuous conduction mode, with output voltage regulation and high frequency isolation. The input high power factor is naturally attained through the operational mode without the use of current sensors and a current control loop. To validate the theoretical analysis, a design example and experimental results for a 4-kW, 380-V line-to-line input voltage, 400-V output voltage, 0.998 power factor, 40-kHz switching frequency, and 4% input current total harmonic distortion laboratory prototype are presented, considering two distinct modulators. In addition, experimental results for the output voltage closed-loop control are presented.

Abstract: The size of individual wind power plant is continuously increasing, while sites with good wind conditions often are located far from electrical loads This often results in wind power plants connecting to weak transmission grids The short circuit ratios at the point of common coupling of wind power plant can be lower than 3 in many cases, and even lower than 2 in extreme cases This paper analyzes the problems of connecting wind power plant with a weak AC system through detailed voltage stability analysis, small signal stability analysis and transient stability analysis, using power flow, frequency domain and time domain simulation methods Among the technical challenges, the voltage stability is identified as most critical to the stable operation of wind power plant within weak grid If the wind power plant itself cannot provide sufficiently fast and extensive compensation, the typical solution for the voltage stability problem is to install dynamic reactive power compensation with fast voltage control capability, such as STATCOM or even Synchronous Condenser Such additions heavily increase investment cost In this paper, a coordinated control method of wind power plant is proposed, to minimize the size of any additional reactive power compensation, and it is compared to de facto voltage controllers The new method enables wind power plant to be controlled as an integral generation source to fulfill grid code requirements, configuring individual WTGs to work as stiff voltage sources However, with the increase of bandwidth of voltage controller and decrease of grid short circuit ratio, the system is susceptible to a shunt resonance between voltage controller and grid impedance, and its influence on the proposed method is discussed

Abstract: This study proposes a man-in-loop control method to boost reactive power reserves (RPRs) while maintaining a minimum amount of voltage stability margin (VSM) bus voltage limits. The objective is to determine the most effective control actions in order to reestablish critical RPRs across the system. Initially, the concept of reactive power reserve sensitivity with respect to control actions is introduced. In the sequel, a control approach based on convex quadratic optimization is used to find the minimal amount of control necessary to increase RPRs above their pre-specified (offline) levels. Voltage stability margin constraints are incorporated using a linear approximation of critical RPRs.

Abstract: Distributed generation, which is installed to exploit renewable energy sources, can also be used as a reactive power resource and contribute to tackle the voltage regulation problem in smart distribution grids. Adopting a decentralized approach with off-line coordination, the paper proposes an optimal set-point design for the voltage/reactive power control scheme of distributed generation. The objective is to improve the voltage profile along the feeders of a distribution system. Using only local measurements, the actual operating conditions of the feeder are firstly estimated; then, the set-point is evaluated by solving an optimal voltage profile problem. The off-line coordination avoids any modification to the architecture of existing control systems and requires communication only in the case of significant changes of the distribution system topology. The results of numerical simulations are presented for MV feeders with wind and photovoltaic generations. A comparison with standard control schemes is reported, as well as considerations about the off-line coordination among the distributed generations and the tap-changer of the HV/MV transformer.