Transient Voltage Research Articles

Seamless Switching Control Strategy for a Power Conversion System in a Microgrid Based on Extended State Observer and Super-Twisting Algorithm

Microgrids can operate stably in both islanded and grid-connected modes, and the transition between these modes enhances system reliability and flexibility, enabling microgrids to adapt to diverse operational requirements and environmental conditions. The switching process, however, may introduce transient voltage and frequency fluctuations, causing voltage and current shocks to the grid and potentially damaging devices and systems connected to the microgrid. To address this issue, this study introduces a novel approach based on the Extended State Observer (ESO) and the Super-Twisting Algorithm (STA). Power conversion systems use Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) control and Power-Quality (PQ) control when they are connected to the grid or when the microgrid is not connected to the grid. VSG and PQ share a current loop. Transitioning the reference current generated by the outer loop achieves the switching of control strategies. A real-time observer is designed to estimate and compensate for current fluctuations, disturbances, and variations in id, iq, and system parameters during the switching process to facilitate a smooth transition of control strategies. Furthermore, to enhance the dynamic response and robustness of the system, the Proportional–Integral (PI) controller in the ESO is replaced with a novel super-twisting sliding mode controller based on a boundary layer. The Lyapunov stability principle is applied to ensure asymptotic stability under disturbances. The proposed control strategy is validated through simulation using a seamless switching model of the power conversion system developed on the Matlab/Simulink (R2021b) platform. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimized control strategy enables smooth microgrid transitions, thereby improving the overall reliability of grid operations.

Boundary Protection Based on S-Transform Considering Fault Factors

Boundary protection is a protection that takes advantage of the characteristic that signals will be attenuated when passing through the “line boundary”. The location of the traps and current transformers in the structure of extra-high voltage (EHV) transmission lines makes it difficult to apply current-based travelling wave protection in engineering practice. If the protection is put into use, it is necessary to carry out a large number of engineering modifications to the existing transmission lines, which greatly increases the economic cost. And after simulation, the protection will be misjudged under weak fault conditions, and it has low reliability. After analyzing the influence of fault factors, a boundary protection method using high-frequency voltage component energy is proposed. The fault signal is processed by S-transform, and the transient voltage energy is normalized with the initial fault phase and transition resistance. The reduced characteristic quantity is used to construct a criterion to judge the fault condition of the protection line. This protection eliminates the influence of fault factors on transient protection. The ATP-Draw 6.0 simulation results based on the proposed protection scheme show that the protection scheme can distinguish internal and external faults, and can work normally under weak faults with high reliability.

Rapid optical switching of latched electrical resistance in a high-T c superconducting tape

We report microsecond timescale switching between the superconducting and normal states of commercially manufactured high-Tc superconducting wires using optical radiation to heat the conductor above Tc. The achieved voltages and switching times have significant implications for a new class of thermal switches. The report contains experimental data for photo-induced microsecond scale voltage transients as well as numerical analysis of heat propagation through the material in response to optical radiation. The microbridges are etched into commercially manufactured coated conductors and submerged in liquid nitrogen. By varying the magnitude of the transport current, two different optical responses are identified. At low transport currents, short-lived voltage transients occur, transitioning to persistent latching once the current is increased above a threshold value. The microbridge, therefore, behaves as a fast opening and closing switch when carrying low currents or an optically latched thyristor at high currents. This is understood to occur due to critical current suppression as a result of heating from the optical pulse. Optically induced heating reduces the superconducting volume fraction, and Joule heating due to the transport current interaction with the high temperature superconducting occurs, which either causes short-lived or stable self-heating normal regions dependent on the magnitude of the transport current. This study is concluded with an estimate of the energy necessary to drive the microbridge into the resistive state. The observed behavior can potentially be utilized as a switching element in superconducting transformer rectifiers where high frequency switch operation is required.

Using capacitive electric field sensors to measure transient overvoltages: a case study

Using capacitive electric field sensors to measure transient overvoltages: a case study

Positive Rail Voltage Rise Behavior and Inhibition Analysis of Regenerative Braking of Medium–Low-Speed Maglev Train

When a medium–low-speed (MLS) maglev train is braking, part of its regenerative braking (RB) power consumption may cause a significant rise in the positive rail (PR) voltage. For RB energy re-utilization, an RB energy feedback system (RBEFS) is a promising application, but there is still no specific research in the field of MLS maglev trains. From this perspective, this article focuses on identifying the PR voltage rise behavior and investigating the application of an RBEFS on the over-voltage inhibition. Some development trends of the MLS maglev train, including the DC 3 kV traction grid system and the speed being raised to 160~200 km/h, are also considered in the analyzed scenarios. At first, a modeling scheme of a detailed vehicle–grid electrical power model with the RBEFS is established. On this basis, the PR voltage rise characteristics are analyzed with consideration of three pivotal influencing factors: RB power, PR impedance and supply voltage level. Subsequently, to stabilize the PR voltage fluctuations, the influence rules of the RBEFS on the voltage rise and the mutual transient voltage influences under the operating status switching for multiple vehicles running on the same power supply section are analyzed.

Hybrid Power System Design and Dynamic Modeling for Enhanced Reliability in Remote Natural Gas Pipeline Control Stations

The most rapid and efficient method to transport natural gas from its source to its destination is through a pipeline network. The optimal functioning of control stations for natural gas pipelines depends on the use of electrical devices, including data loggers, communication devices, control systems, surveillance equipment, and more. Ensuring a reliable and consistent power supply proves to be challenging due to the remote locations of these control stations. This research article presents a case study detailing the design and dynamic modeling of a hybrid power system (HPS) to address the specific energy needs of a particular natural gas pipeline control station. The HOMER Pro 3.17.1 software is used to design an optimal HPS for the specified location. The designed system combines a photovoltaic (PV) system with natural gas generators as a backup to ensure a reliable and consistent power supply for the control station. Furthermore, it provides significant cost savings, reducing the cost of energy (COE) by USD 0.148 and the annual operating costs by USD 87,321, all while integrating a renewable energy fraction of 79.2%. Dynamic modeling of the designed system is performed in MATLAB/Simulink R2022a to analyze the system’s response, including its power quality, harmonics, voltage transients, load impact, etc. The experimental results are validated using hardware in the loop (HIL) and OPAL-RT Technologies’ real-time OP5707XG simulator.

Diagnosis of Li-ion battery degradation based on resistive and diffusion-related transient voltage changes at early stage of discharge

Lithium-ion batteries degradation can be classified into capacity reduction and increase of the internal resistance. Accurate estimation of the degradation is important to determine the economic value and the remaining useful life of the battery. This paper proposes a method which analyzes the transient voltage response at the early stage of discharge, starting from the fully charged state. An equivalent circuit composed by a series resistance and a Warburg element is adopted to fit the transient voltage. The Warburg element is modeled as a transmission line composed by a ladder of resistances and capacitances. The method is validated with data obtained before and after aging cycles performed at 1.4 C charge and 2.0 C discharge rates, at 25 °C, 10 °C and −5 °C. The loss of cyclable lithium is deemed to be the main reason behind the battery degradation at all the tested temperatures. The dependency of the Warburg parameter to the remaining cell capacity is the same regardless of the aging temperature, suggesting that estimation of the Warburg parameter provides information about the state of health of the cell. On the other hand, the relationship between the capacity reduction and the increase of resistance has a temperature-dependent slope with low increase at lower temperatures where lithium plating is likely to occur. Accordingly, a relatively low resistance increase is deemed to be the sign of lithium plating.

Revealing the critical role of low voltage excursions in enhancing PEM fuel cell catalyst degradation by automotive hydrogen/air potential cycling experiments

The durability of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells under dynamic operation still needs to be improved. To understand the automotive voltage cycling-induced catalyst degradation, the loss of the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) is investigated through an experimental campaign on Membrane Electrode Assemblies. Ad-hoc hydrogen/air accelerated protocols were designed to evaluate the voltage profile impact in a range relevant for both automotive and heavy duty transport application (<0.90 V). Besides the well-known aging dependence on the upper potential limit, this work evidences the critical role of the short-stops, characterized by low voltage transients. Effort was spent in studying this procedure parameters (voltage level, duration, scan rate, humidification). The accelerated ECSA loss is due to Pt nanoparticles coarsening as proved by transmission electron microscopy and is suspected dominated by Pt cathodic dissolution, incentivized during excursions towards very low potentials (<0.4 V). These findings help the development of system mitigation strategies.

Safety hysteresis comparator design for transient overvoltage detection

This research introduces a safety hysteresis comparator that detects transient overvoltage in the track circuit relay interlocking of railway signaling system. This overvoltage is caused by voltage faults transmitted through the electric conductor on the track feed unit to the receiver equipped with the track relay, which acts as the occupied track circuit controller. The circuit was designed using safety system design principles and concepts. Findings illustrated that the transient overvoltage detection of the safety hysteresis comparator in the track circuit activated when the input voltage (Vin) was higher than the high hysteresis signal level (Vhyst_H). When Vin was less than low hysteresis signal level (VVhyst_L), the output voltage (Vo) state was low. Otherwise, it was high. The hysteresis voltage was 4.4 V. The installation of the transient overvoltage detector in the track circuit was to monitor the transient overvoltage fault in the track circuit and to confirm that the hysteresis comparator was in the safety failure mode, which was the safety function for the track circuit to be compliant with the IEC 61800-5-2 standard to ensure the system stability and reliability. It would maximize the performance of the controlling function and commanding of train arrangement of State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

An on-chip soft-start pseudo-current hysteresis-controlled buck converter for automotive applications

This paper introduces a novel direct current to direct current (DC-DC) buck converter that uses a pseudo-current hysteresis controller and an on-chip soft start circuit for improved transient performance in automotive applications. The proposed converter, implemented with Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing company (TSMC) 0.18 µm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) one-poly-six-metal (1P6M) technology, includes a rail-to-rail current detection circuit and an on-chip soft start circuit to handle transient responses and improve efficiency. Transient response analysis shows fast settling times of 28 µs for both load current changes from 100 mA to 1 A and reversals with consistent transient voltages of approximately 190 mV and peak power efficiency of 99.32% at 5 V output voltage and 100 mA load current. Additionally, the converter maintains a constant output voltage of approximately 5 V across the entire load current range with an average accuracy of 90.41%. A comparative analysis with previous work shows superior performance in terms of figure of merit (FOM). Overall, the proposed pseudo-current hysteresis controlled buck converter exhibits remarkable transient response, load regulation and power efficiency, positioning it as a promising solution for demanding applications, particularly in automotive systems where precise voltage regulation is crucial.

Drivers of membrane fouling in the vanadium acetylacetonate flow battery

Vanadium acetylacetonate (V(acac)3) disproportionation electrochemistry promises a crossover-tolerant, high-voltage flow battery, but exhibits low efficiency and short cycle life. We show that membrane fouling, rather than a parasitic side reaction, dominates early performance fade. Crossover rates through porous membranes were estimated from voltage transients with an adaptive observer while cycling flow-through reactors. For 0.1M V(acac)3 and 0.3M TEABF4 in acetonitrile flowed countercurrently at 5.0cms−1 parallel to the separator, fresh Daramic 175 and Celgard 4650 afforded active-species mass-transfer coefficients of 3.8μms−1 and 7.5μms−1, respectively, which decreased and became non-Fickian as cycling progressed. At ±10mAcm−2 from 0%–20% state of charge, voltage efficiency with Celgard fell from 96% to 60% over 27 cycles. Separator replacement restored the coulombic and voltage efficiencies, which repeated their first progression. Impedance spectra from series-connected canary cells reveal that separator resistances remain stable during open-circuit exposure to charged single electrolytes, but increase under applied current or open-circuit contact with differently charged electrolytes.

Experimental investigation of time-dependent electrical load effects through multipoints in-situ measurement of temperature and relative humidity of PEMFC bipolar plate under transient operation

In this study, multiple micro-relative humidity and temperature (RH/T) sensors were installed in the anode and cathode channels of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plate to simultaneously observe and analyze the variation in RH/T behaviors during transient operation. In order to simulate the acceleration and deceleration process, the electrical load was ramped from 10 to 40 A and then back to 10 A, with time intervals of 0, 2, and 5 s. The data corresponding to different acceleration/deceleration time intervals were compared and analyzed to assess the time-dependent effects of load changes. The analyzed data provide visual information, including the transient voltage response, transient behavior of temperature and water distribution, and evolution of RH/T within PEMFC. The results indicate that the acceleration and deceleration interval times significantly influence the temperature and water distribution within PEMFC during transient operation. Shorter acceleration times lead to more rapid changes in temperature and humidity within the PEMFC active area, resulting in higher transient temperature and water concentration. This finding explains why the output voltage decreases more when the load changes with a short time interval. This research enhances our understanding of transient temperature and water behavior, providing a foundation for further research and development of effective operational strategies and vehicle PEMFC designs.

Overvoltage Suppression Strategy of LCC-HVDC Delivery System Based on Hydropower Phase Control Participation

In a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system, commutation failure at the receiving end may lead to transient overvoltage at the sending end converter bus of the weak alterative current (AC) system. Firstly, the principle calculation method of overvoltage generation at the sending end after commutation failure is analyzed. Combined with the output characteristics of the hydroelectric excitation system, a coordinated control strategy for hydroelectric and DC systems is proposed. Since the voltage and current values at the DC outlet of the rectifier side change first after a fault occurs at the receiving end, the relationship equation between DC voltage and AC bus voltage is derived and it is used as an input signal to construct additional excitation control for hydropower stations. The proposed strategy is verified by establishing a simulation hydrogen–wind–solar model bundled via a DC sending system in PSCAD/EMTDC. The simulation results illustrate that the transient overvoltage suppression rates are all more than 35%, and the maximum is 38.53%. The proposed strategy can reduce the overvoltage by 0.126 p.u. compared with the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) standard control strategy.

Extended Pantograph–Catenary Arc Modeling and an Analysis of the Vehicular-Grounding Electromagnetic Transients of Electric Multiple Units

As the operating speed of electric multiple units (EMUs) in high-speed railways increases, pantograph–catenary (PC) detachment arcing occurs frequently. The resulting vehicular-grounding electromagnetic transients are related to the dynamic characteristics of the arc length. During large detachment, the processes of arc extinction and arc reignition may occur, resulting in more severe train body (TB) over-voltages and adverse effects on some vehicular electronic devices. As an extension of the previous works, this paper aims to establish a suitable PC arc model to examine the TB transient voltages. To begin with, the arc length dynamic characteristics are reasonably analyzed to deduce the relationship between the detachment distance and the arc length via the chain arc model. Then, the dynamic characteristics of the arc length are introduced, and an arc modeling scheme is proposed to elaborate the vehicle-grid electric power model for EMUs encountering various arcing scenarios. Based on this, the transient over-voltages are analyzed, accounting for both the arc extinction and arc reignition, as well as the mutual influences of multiple detachments in a short time. The influential factors, including arc length characteristics, phase angle, excitation inductance, and grounding parameters, are also involved in the performed analyses.

Structural Deformation and Displacement of a Disc Winding Due to Standard Switching Impulse Voltage via Finite Element Method

Switching operations in a power system network can lead to transient overvoltage in the high voltage (HV) winding of distribution transformers that causes high-stress build-up. This paper presents the relationship between electromagnetic force due to a standard switching impulse (SSI) and mechanical deformation/displacement behaviours for a disc-type transformer. The analysis was carried out based on a three-dimensional (3D) modelling of a continuous HV disc winding configuration whereby it is subjected to the switching transient voltage and force excitations through the finite element method (FEM). The electric transient solver analysed the static and dynamic aspects of the electromagnetic forces associated with the variation of forces versus time. The transient structural solver evaluated the structural behaviours of the disc winding related to the axial height and radial width of the winding under electromagnetic forces. It is found that the positively dominant axial force generated in the winding with a magnitude of 8.7 N causes the top and bottom layers of disc winding to tilt and displace. In addition, the positive average radial force of 1.4 N causes the circumference of the winding to experience hoop tension and outwardly stretch.

Capacitor Bank Panel Design to Improve Industrial Power System Efficiency and Safety

Industrial loads generally use control equipment and power electronics that use semiconductor materials that are very sensitive to voltage fluctuations. As reactive power compensation, industries usually use capacitor banks to increase power factor, reduce losses and increase line capacity. But it turns out that the use of capacitor banks also causes problems related to capacitor bank switching during the energizing process. During the energizing process, transient voltages and currents will be generated which can potentially damage control equipment, power electronic equipment, switching equipment and the capacitor bank itself. The Capacitor Bank panel assembly process involves the preparation of components such as MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker), MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker), Capacitor Bank, and other components. After that, these components are carefully assembled according to the pre-prepared design. Next, the installation of the Capacitor Bank panel involves mounting the panel to the location according to the plan and connecting it to the building's main power system. Accurate wiring and meticulous testing are required to ensure that the panels function properly. Therefore, a good understanding of the assembly and installation process of Capacitor Bank panels is essential to ensure efficient, and safety.

Feature statistics and analysis of transient overvoltage waveform measured from 220 kV substation

The electromagnetic transient overvoltage in the substation is an important factor that affects the life of insulation equipment. For evaluate the economy and reliability of the insulation design of substation equipment, it is necessary to study and analyze the actual measured overvoltage waveforms in the substation. In this paper, firstly, the 3018 pieces of overvoltage data monitored in the 220 kV substation from 2018 to 2019 are preprocessed to obtain the required overvoltage waveform. Next, by analyzing and classifying the overvoltage data, four typical overvoltage waveforms suffered by the insulation equipment in the substation are extracted. Combined with the IEC60060 standard, the time parameters of the overvoltage waveform are selected and defined: wave-front time (Tf), half-value time (Thalf), main oscillation frequency (f), and attenuation constant (α). Further, statistical analysis is performed on the parameters of each waveform. The distribution law, distribution characteristics and distribution range of the parameters are obtained. Finally, the parameters of four typical overvoltage waveforms are summarized and compared, the cumulative distribution functions are obtained. This results can guide and optimize the insulation design of the insulation equipment in the substation, reduce design errors. It provide data support for the economy and reliability of insulation design.

External Multi-Gap Lightning Arrester Modeling Using the Integration Method

Electric power distribution networks are exposed to both internal and external disturbances. Lightning strikes are among the latter and are responsible for a significant percentage of damage in distribution transformers, especially in rural areas. Electric utilities must pay special attention to prevent damage and service interruption due to these unforeseeable events. In this context, Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) combined with a series of external air gaps are designed to safeguard electric equipment and systems from transient over-voltages. There are several well-known models of SPDs in the specialized literature; nonetheless, few studies have been carried out with external gaps and multi-gaps. The main contribution of this paper is a methodology to model the disruptive effect in an external air gap by determining the parameters of Kind’s and Chowdhuri’s models using the integration method. The adjustment of the model parameters is carried out by a genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed model was tested and validated using experimental measurements, and its capability to predict the time-to-breakdown under different impulse voltages was verified.

Dynamic Reactive Power Allocation Method of Power Grid with High-Permeability PV Considering Transient Voltage Stability

Dynamic Reactive Power Allocation Method of Power Grid with High-Permeability PV Considering Transient Voltage Stability

OPTIMISED DAMPING CONTROL OF ISLANDED DC POWER SYSTEMS USING STATE FEEDBACK

DC microgrid contains a large number of tightly regulated closed-loop converters, which performance for the constant power loads and may cause stability problem of bus voltage when used as a load since they trend to draw constant power. In order to improve the stability of DC microgrid, this paper proposes a method for stabilization the DC microgrid based on the state feedback. e. In this study, the small disturbance linearised state equation of a DC-power grid with constant power load is derived to estimate the damping characteristics of DC voltage. To enhance the transient voltage stability, a novel DC- voltage damping control method is proposed, where both DC voltage and DC current are used as state feedback variables. Index Terms – DC microgrid; stabilization; islanded mode; constant-power load; PID controller