Power Quality Control of Micro Hydro Power Plant Based-ELC and VSI Using Fuzzy-PI Controller

Abstract

Stability of frequency and voltage of micro hydro power plant (MHPP) are influenced by sufficiency of active power and reactive power respectively in handling load power. These powers are normally controlled by Electronic Load Controller (ELC) and Voltage Source Inverter (VSI), respectively. VSI is specifically added to compensate reactive power caused by inductive load. The objective of the study is to control active power and reactive power in MHPP system against the changes in load power through the improvement of ELC and VSI output responses by applying Fuzzy-PI controller. ELC applied Fuzzy-PI controller to obtain more precise TRIAC ignition angle to meet a suitable active power to balance the load power. While VSI implemented Fuzzy-PI controller to meet a precise reactive power needed to oppose inductive load power. Capability of Fuzzy-PI controller in improving ELC and VSI performance were assessed by using Matlab in complete MHPP model. Assessments on the proposed controller indicate that it was effective in improving the performance of both ELC and VSI. By applying Fuzzy-PI controller on ELC, a precise ignition angle of TRIAC stimulated a more precise ballast load to balance active power against the load power. While the addition of Fuzzy-PI controller on VSI produced more suitable reactive power to compensate for the inductive load presence. With a more stable frequency and voltage against changes in load power, the power quality of the MHPP also improve.