Reactive Power Research Articles

Virtual voltage control to redistribute reactive power of generators in a microgrid

The paper examines a strategy for managing voltage control in a microgrid by redistributing reactive power among its distributed generators. Unlike traditional droop control, the new control approach can provide a more accurate reactive power response based on a virtual impedance that helps calculate a virtual voltage. In addition, this virtual impedance is employed for the current controller inverter to improve the results. The adaptive virtual voltage control works well to provide active and reactive power. The proposed control works effectively by balancing the active and reactive power of the grid and maintains the fundamental frequency. The control technique assists the new microgrid (MG) in adapting the operation effectively and redistributing the active and reactive power.

Enactment of HBMMC five-level inverter based D-STATCOM using robust controllers

This paper provides the results of a concerted investigation into developing a robust voltage controller for the modular multilevel converter (MMC) used in the D-STATCOM. The simplicity of the half bridge (HB) sub-module, along with the fact that it has minimal conduction losses, led to its adoption in the MMC. For the purpose of controlling the HB MMC switches, an enhanced modulation strategy based on the phase disposition (PD) scheme has been implemented. In the presence of nonlinear load conditions, the converters are experiencing difficulties with the DC voltage balancing. The sliding mode controller (SMC) is utilized so that the DC voltage can be maintained in a balanced state. Performance characteristics including active power, reactive power, dc voltage control and THD are shown and compared. For the purpose of simulating the indicated methodology, MATLAB/Simulink is the tool of choice.

Enhancing of single-stage grid-connected photovoltaic system using fuzzy logic controller

The power generated by photovoltaic (PV) systems is influenced by environmental factors. This variability hampers the control and utilization of solar cells' peak output. In this study, a single-stage grid-connected PV system is designed to enhance power quality. Our approach employs fuzzy logic in the direct power control (DPC) of a three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI), enabling seamless integration of the PV connected to the grid. Additionally, a fuzzy logic-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller is adopted, which outperforms traditional methods like incremental conductance (INC) in enhancing solar cell efficiency and minimizing the response time. Moreover, the inverter's real-time active and reactive power is directly managed to achieve a unity power factor (UPF). The system's performance is assessed through MATLAB/Simulink implementation, showing marked improvement over conventional methods, particularly in steady-state and varying weather conditions. For solar irradiances of 500 and 1,000 W/m<sup>2</sup>, the results show that the proposed method reduces the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the injected current to the grid by approximately 46% and 38% compared to conventional methods, respectively. Furthermore, we compare the simulation results with IEEE standards to evaluate the system's grid compatibility.

Fractional order sliding mode control for power quality improvement in the distribution system

This paper presents fractional order sliding mode control (FOSMC) based distribution system compensator (DSTATCOM) for power quality improvement in the distribution system. The three-phase two-level inverter-based voltage source converter (VSI) with DC-link capacitor is used as DSTACOM. In this paper, the FOSMC-based DSTATCOM improves supply current harmonics, load balancing, and reactive power and reduces THD. The sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) is generating gating pulses for VSI. The performance of the presented system is verified in MATLAB/Simulink software. The simulations are verified source voltage, current and load current as well as compensating current. The FOSMC has maintained a constant supply current when connecting non-linear load. The hardware results are also presented in the manuscript. The hardware results are supply current, voltage, compensating current, and load current.

Optimizing Network Reconfiguration to Reduce Power Loss and Improve the Voltage Profile in the Distribution System: A practical Case Study

The electricity provider incurs a high costs and investments to transfer the electrical power to customers in the distribution network. Hence, the reliability of the distribution network (DN) is particularly important in the lives of customers. A distribution system faces many issues due to its direct impact of the voltage profile (VP) and power losses (PL) problems. The aim of this study is to provide an effective scheme to address the of VP and PL problems. In this research, a Selective Particle Swarm Optimization (SPSO) algorithm was used to find combination of switches to enhance VP and reduce PL. The proposed method has been tested in the distribution network system, 125-buses Sigeri-Makassar Indonesia. There are three kinds of considered load scenarios, namely: nominal load; active power load increase; active and reactive power load increase. The research results indicated that the VP of the system can increased from 0.918 pu to be 0.922 pu and decreased PL from 0.6482 MW to be 0.6052 MW; the VP can increased from 0.895 pu to be 0.901 pu and reduced PL from 1.0469 MW to be 0.97532 MW, the VP can increased from 0.895 pu to be 0.900 pu and reduced PL from 1.1929 MW to be 1.0758 MW, for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The simulation results showed that the proposed method provides optimal solution, which can enhance the VP and reduce PL. This is indicated that the proposed method is an effective strategy for enhancing voltage stability and solve PL problem.

A non-isolated PFC bridgeless SEPIC-Cuk converter with adaptive PI controller for induction motor

In general, the induction motor (IM) is extremely nonlinear in nature and frequency dependent. In most cases, the power generated by the IM has a low power factor (PF), which exhibits detrimental effect on the extent to which the whole transmission and distribution system functions. Since there exists more current harmonics as an outcome of minimized PF, the efficiency of the power system suffers due to transmission line heating and voltage distortion characteristics. Therefore, this paper proposes a power factor correction (PFC) method to overcome the aforementioned issues. Here, by the utilization of AC-DC bridgeless SEPIC-Cuk converter, the power quality is improved by reducing reactive power consumption and enabling better control of voltage and current outputs. To maintain the stable DC link voltage with reduced ripples, the adaptive proportional-integral (PI) controller is used in this work. The three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI) transitioning function is controlled by cascaded fuzzy logic (CFL) controller, which is also utilized for regulating the speed of the three-phase IM. Implementing the proposed control strategy improves power quality significantly by reducing total harmonic distortion (THD). The proposed system is simulated in the MATLAB platform and the attained outcomes, it is clear that the proposed system is highly effective.

Voltage and frequency control of microgrid in presence of micro-turbine interfaced to matrix converter

The active and reactive load changes have a significant impact on voltage and frequency. In this paper, in order to stabilize the microgrid (MG) against load variations in islanding mode, the active and reactive power of all distributed generators (DGs), including energy storage (battery), diesel generator, and micro-turbine, are controlled. The micro-turbine generator is connected to MG through a three-phase to three-phase matrix converter, and the droop control method is applied for controlling the voltage and frequency of MG. In addition, a method is introduced for voltage and frequency control of micro-turbines in the transition state from grid-connected mode to islanding mode. A novel switching strategy of the matrix converter is used for converting the high-frequency output voltage of the micro-turbine to the grid-side frequency of the utility system. Moreover, using the switching strategy, the low-order harmonics in the output current and voltage are not produced, and consequently, the size of the output filter would be reduced. In fact, the suggested control strategy is load-independent and has no frequency conversion restrictions. The proposed approach for voltage and frequency regulation demonstrates exceptional performance and favorable response across various load alteration scenarios. The suggested strategy is examined in several scenarios in the MG test systems, and the simulation results are addressed.

CHBMLI based DSTATCOM for power quality improvemt in a three-phase three-wire distribution system with PI controller

This paper presents a cascaded h-bridge (CHB) multilevel inverter (MLI) based MLI based distribution static synchronous compensator (DSTATCOM). The main objective of this paper is to reduce source current harmonics in the distribution system by using a cascade H-bridge multilevel inverter (CHBMLI) as DSTATCOM with a proportional-integral (PI) controller. The PI controller compensates reactive power, reduces source current harmonics, and maintains the unity power factor in the distribution system. The conventional two-level inverter-based DSTATCOM has many disadvantages such as high total harmonic distortion (THD), and high switching stress power semi-conductor devices, suitable for only low-power applications. This paper to overcome these drawbacks by using MLI-based DSTATCOM. The proposed system simulations are verified in MATLAB/Simulink software. The verified results are source current, load current, and compensating current.

Design and verification of q-axis perturbation based active islanding detection schemes for DG systems

The penetration of grid integrated distributed generation (DG) in the present decade, has benefited rural communities, the environment, and the power sector. These renewable power sources based DGs could eliminate the need of extensive transmission networks, especially in remote areas, reduce emissions and improve power supply reliability. A significant drawback of grid integrated DG systems is the islanding of DG units, which puts workers' safety at risk and raises the possibility of damaging electrical infrastructure. Therefore, islanding detection techniques are used to reduce the danger associated with islanded functioning of DG units. Fast detection, small non detection area and less power quality disturbance are the major requirements of any islanding detection method. To address this issue of islanding, researchers have proposed various islanding detection strategies. This paper compares various q-axis controller-based islanding identification approaches: sub-harmonic perturbation (SHP), complementary reactive power perturbation (CRPP), and even harmonic perturbation (EHP). In all three proposed methodologies, the perturbations introduced result in frequency deviations surpassing the predefined threshold values. But the time of islanding detection is least in the CRPP approach. CRPP can also drift the total harmonic distortion (THD) beyond the corresponding threshold in an appreciable way. The performance of these (Islanding detection methods) IDMs is evaluated through simulations using MATLAB-Simulink on a PV fed DG. The efficacy of the comparative analysis is ensured with necessary waveforms.

An Efficient Shunt Modulated AC Green Plug–Switched Filter Compensation Scheme for Nonlinear Loads

Nonlinear loads, crucial components of power system grids, pose a challenge due to harmonics injection. This work tackles this issue with a novel modified green plug–switched filter compensation scheme using fuzzy logic controllers. This innovative scheme presented in this paper utilizes dual action pulse width modulation to ensure switching functions from harmonics reduction and capacitive compensation for inrush nonlinear-type AC loads. The scheme’s multi-loop regulations and online switching effectively handle dynamic-type slow-acting inrush, motorized- and other rectifier-type nonlinear loads, enhancing the power factor, power quality at source and load buses, and reducing the total harmonics distortion at the key source and sensitive nonlinear load buses. A simulation model in the MATLAB/SIMULINK-2023b software environment demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed FACTS technique. The modulated dual mode switched filter-capacitive compensation scheme controlled by a fuzzy logic controller ensures less harmonics distortion and improved voltage stabilization. The results show that voltage, current, active power, reactive power, power factor regulation, and effective energy utilization are achievable with the designed Flexible AC Transmission System-Modulated Filter Capacitor Compensation–Switched Filter Compensator (FACTS-MFCC-SFC). The switched modulated AC green plug filter significantly improves power quality and enhances power factor in cases of inrush and nonlinear loads.

An Enhanced Power Allocation Strategy for Microgrids Considering Frequency and Voltage Restoration

In a microgrid, load power should be properly shared among multiple distributed generation (DG) units, not only for fundamental power but also for negative sequence and harmonic power. In this paper, the operation of a microgrid under imbalance and nonlinear load conditions is studied, and a consensus algorithm-based distributed control strategy is proposed for the microgrid power allocation, frequency, and voltage restoration. First of all, the output current of DG unit is decomposed by second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) modules to obtain the fundamental power and harmonic power through the power calculation formula. Then, state values of DG units, such as local power, frequency, and voltage, are transmitted on a sparse communication network. Under the action of a consensus algorithm, the real power of DG units is allocated following the equal increment principle; the reactive power, imbalance, and harmonic power are allocated according to the capacities of DG units; and the frequency of the microgrid and the voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) are rated. In the consensus-based strategy, DG units only communicate with their neighbor units; thus, the “plug and play” function is reserved. Compared with the centralized control strategy, the proposed strategy with a distributed consensus protocol can simplify the maintenance and possible expansions of the system, making the microgrid more flexible. Moreover, as the structure of the detailed network is not required, it is easy to apply in practice. Simulation and experiment results are presented to verify the proposed method.

Volt-VAR Control in Active Distribution Networks Using Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

With the advancement of power systems, the integration of a substantial portion of renewable energy often leads to frequent voltage surges and increased fluctuations in distribution networks (DNs), significantly affecting the safety of DNs. Active distribution networks (ADNs) can address voltage issues arising from a high proportion of renewable energy by regulating distributed controllable resources. However, the conventional mathematical optimization-based approach to voltage reactive power control has certain limitations. It heavily depends on precise DN parameters, and its online implementation requires iterative solutions, resulting in prolonged computation time. In this study, we propose a Volt-VAR control (VVC) framework in ADNs based on multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL). To simplify the control of photovoltaic (PV) inverters, the ADNs are initially divided into several distributed autonomous sub-networks based on the electrical distance of reactive voltage sensitivity. Subsequently, the Multi-Agent Soft Actor-Critic (MASAC) algorithm is employed to address the partitioned cooperative voltage control problem. During online deployment, the agents execute distributed cooperative control based on local observations. Comparative tests involving various methods are conducted on IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 141-bus medium-voltage DNs. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of this method in managing voltage fluctuations and mitigating reactive power loss.

Hierarchical Control of AC/DC Hybrid Microgrid Based on Primary Model Predictive Optimization and Secondary Switching Control

The fluctuating characteristics of renewable energy generation in hybrid AC/DC microgrids, combined with timevarying loads, can result in high total harmonic distortion (THD) and distorted output voltage and current waveforms. To address these issues, a faster and more comprehensive primary and secondary hierarchical control method is required. In this paper, a faster model predictive optimization algorithm is introduced as a primary control method to predict operational states in advance, maintain a low THD state, and reduce the impact on power quality. Then, a secondary switching control is added to correct frequency and power allocation errors caused by primary control, recover microgrid voltage and frequency to their rated values, and ensure stable reactive power. Finally, simulation and comparison results prove the proposed method's effectiveness and applicability.

Development of Grid-Forming and Grid-Following Inverter Control in Microgrid Network Ensuring Grid Stability and Frequency Response

This paper proposes a control strategy for grid-following inverter control and grid-forming inverter control developed for a Solar Photovoltaic (PV)–battery-integrated microgrid network. A grid-following (GFL) inverter with real and reactive power control in a solar PV-fed system is developed; it uses a Phase Lock Loop (PLL) to track the phase angle of the voltages at the PCC and adopts a vector control strategy to adjust the active and reactive currents that are injected into the power grid. The drawback of a GFL inverter is that it lacks the capability to operate independently when the utility grid is down due to outages or disturbances. The proposed grid-forming (GFM) inverter control with a virtual synchronous machine provides inertia to the grid, generates a stable grid-like voltage and frequency and enables the integration of the grid. The proposed system incorporates a battery energy storage system (BESS) which has inherent energy storage capability and is independent of geographical areas. The GFM control includes voltage and frequency control, enhanced islanding and black start capability and the maintenance of the stability of the grid-integrated system. The proposed model is validated under varying irradiance conditions, load switching, grid outages and temporary faults with fault ride-through (FRT) capability, and fast frequency response and stability are achieved. The proposed model is validated under varying irradiance conditions, load switching, grid outages and line faults incorporating fault ride-through capability in GFM-based control. The proposed controller was simulated in a 100 MW solar PV system and 60 MW BESS using the MATLAB/Simulink 2023 tool, and the experimental setup was validated in a 1 kW grid-connected system. The percentage improvement of the system frequency and voltage with FRT-capable GFM control is 69.3% and 70%, respectively, and the percentage improvement is only 3% for system frequency and 52% for grid voltage in the case of an FRT-capable GFL controller. The simulation and experimental results prove that GFM-based inverter control achieves fast frequency response, and grid stability is also ensured.

Coordinated reactive power control for hybrid cascaded high‐voltage direct‐current links in weak AC grids

AbstractThe hybrid cascaded high‐voltage direct‐current (HC‐HVDC) links are recently introduced for ultra‐high voltage bulky power transmissions. However, as wind power becomes more prevalent, the grid is gradually weakened and will face voltage stability issues. This paper proposes a coordinated reactive power control strategy for HC‐HVDC links to enhance the voltage stability of AC bus. Firstly, the impact of HC‐HVDC on the static voltage stability of the AC bus is studied by the voltage sensitivity coefficient. Then, the limitation of reactive power capability of modular multilevel converter in the HC structure is identified. Based on the analysis results, a coordinated reactive power control strategy based on adaptive voltage droop is proposed. In the strategy, the DC voltage ratio is regulated according to the fluctuation degree of the AC bus voltage to adjust the reactive power of HC‐HVDC, which realized the dynamic voltage support for the AC bus. Finally, electromagnetic simulations in power systems computer aided design (PSCAD)/electromagnetic transients including DC (EMTDC) are performed, and the results validate the theoretical findings and the effectiveness of the control strategy.

Smart EV Charger With Reactive Power Compensation and Surge Protection

The paper proposes integrating compensating functions into fast EV charging stations to enhance grid reliability and reduce reliance on costly devices like STATCOMs and Capacitor Banks used to solve voltage drop issues caused by EV adoption. The developed smart fast EV charger functions as a boost rectifier while simultaneously providing surge protection and compensating reactive power in the grid during charging. Using a cross-coupling strategy, a PID controller manages the leading current to supply reactive power to regulate voltage at the connection node. An ILPS with SPD safeguards the charger from lightning or other induced surges. The charger can operate in three modes: charging the battery at unity power factor, acting as a STATCOM without connecting the battery, or charging the battery while supplying reactive power to the grid in a bidirectional manner.

Collaborative scheduling method of active-reactive power for rural distribution systems with a high proportion of renewable energy

Large-scale distributed renewable energy connected to the rural distribution network has given birth to a new rural distribution system with a high proportion of new energy typical characteristics, and the optimal scheduling of the new rural distribution system has become an important issue to ensure the safe and stable operation of the power grid. This paper proposes a method of active-reactive power collaborative optimization scheduling for rural power distribution system with a high proportion of renewable energy. Firstly, the active support capability evaluation model is established, and the active power support capability and reactive power support capability of rural power distribution system are quantitatively evaluated, which provides data basis and boundary conditions for the scheduling part. Then, considering power-loss cost, distribution network operation cost, and penalty cost, a method of active-reactive power collaborative optimization scheduling for rural power distribution systems with a high proportion of renewable energy is proposed. Finally, the active support capability evaluation and regulation platform of the rural power distribution system is built to provide technical support services for the safe and stable operation of the rural power distribution system. Given the problems of overload and overvoltage faced by rural power distribution systems with a high proportion of renewable energy, this paper aims to solve the key technical challenges of optimization and regulation of new rural power distribution systems. The results show that the optimized control method proposed in this paper has better security and economy, and is conducive to promoting the construction and operation of the new rural power distribution system.

Optimal distribution grid allocation of reactive power with a focus on the particle swarm optimization technique and voltage stability

A structured approach to managing reactive power is imperative within the context of power systems. Among the restructuring initiatives in the electrical sector, power systems have undergone delineation into three principal categories: generation, transmission, and distribution entities, each of which is overseen by an independent system operator. Notably, active power emerges as the predominant commodity transacted within the electrical market, with the autonomous grid operator assuming the responsibility of ensuring conducive conditions for the execution of energy contracts across the transmission infrastructure. Ancillary services, comprising essential frameworks for energy generation and delivery to end-users, encompass reactive power services pivotal in the regulation of bus voltage. Of particular significance among the array of ancillary services requisite in a competitive market milieu is the provision of adequate reactive power to uphold grid safety and voltage stability. A salient impediment to the realization of energy contracts lies in the inadequacy of reactive power within the grid, which poses potential risks to its operational safety and voltage equilibrium. The optimal allocation of the reactive power load is predicated upon presumptions of consistent outcomes within the active power market. Under this conceptual framework, generators are afforded continual compensation for the provision of reactive power indispensable for sustaining their active energy production endeavors.

Modeling of energy recovery processes in railway traction power supply systems

Regenerative braking of trains can provide significant energy saving and a sizeable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The efficiency of energy recovery can be defined using an efficiency indicator equal to the product of the free-fall acceleration and the fraction of potential energy used in the recovery. Its slope dependence is well approximated by a polynomial of the third degree. The operating conditions of the traction power supply system of the mountain pass section of the main railway were modeled. The results obtained allowed the following conclusions to arrive at: regenerative braking is accompanied by circulating currents in adjacent inter-substation areas and leads to an absolute and relative increase in electrical energy losses in the traction network; the share of active energy losses rises by several times; the energy recovery causes a change in the direction of active energy flows at traction substations with a steep increase in reactive power consumption by trains; the energy recovery produces a significant decrease in voltage on the current collectors of electric locomotives; the voltage on the section under consideration, with three trains weighing tons decreased to 23 kV due to the large reactive energy consumption. © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A grid connection photovoltaic inverter with volt‐VAR control and reactive power support for voltage regulation

A grid connection photovoltaic inverter with volt‐VAR control and reactive power support for voltage regulation