Voltage Regulation Research Articles

A comprehensive analysis and closed-loop control of a non-isolated boost three-port converter for stand-alone PV system

This study critically investigates analysis and control of non-isolated boost three-port DC to DC converter (TPC) forstandalone PV system. The converter is controlled such that regulates flow of power from PV array to load and batteries as storage devices.According to PV power, there are four operating modes of operation of converter. Simple reduced-order dynamic models of the converter in various modes of operation are obtained using state-space averaging and small-signal techniques. In this work, the controllers of the closed-loop scheme are designed and only two controllers are used to achieve output voltage regulation, and to extract maximum power from PV array under different operating conditions. Closed-loop system simulation is studied to verify the operation of converter with the designed controllers in different modes. Transition between modes is presented with solar radiation variation and change of connected loads. Experimental verification of control systems at different modes of operation is investigated. The experimental results show that the controllers can regulate the power flow between TPC three ports and regulate output voltage under PV irradiance variation and load changing. The controller shows good performance measures such as maximum settling time of 0.06 s, maximum steady-state ripples of ±0.8 %, and 99.3 % power efficiency.

Improve conservation voltage regulation effects by integrating more distributed renewable generations

AbstractDue to intermittent renewable energy and fluctuating load demand, distribution networks with renewable distributed generation (DG) installations are more likely to suffer voltage issues and significant power losses. The performance of conservation voltage regulation (CVR) schemes may be adversely affected by the undesirable voltage profile at specific nodes. This paper aims to reduce power losses in CVR‐implemented networks by optimally planning new renewable DGs without changing the existing ones. A scenario‐based optimal renewable DG planning model is proposed with a novel scenario formation method. The uncertainties of load demand and renewables are captured jointly and formed into a finite number of scenarios based on a multivariate Gaussian mixture model (MultiGMM). The locations and capacities of different types of new renewable DGs are optimally planned for CVR performance improvements on power loss saving by aggregating the operation status and probabilities of the scenarios using mixed‐integer non‐linear programming (MINLP). A time‐series simulation is formulated for accuracy verification. The results of case studies show that the proposed model can significantly reduce power losses, active load demand, and reactive load demand. The accuracy of the planning results can be guaranteed with fewer scenarios compared to a widely used classical scenario‐based planning method.

A comprehensive analysis of the optimal GWO based FOPID MPPT controller for grid-tied photovoltaics system under atmospheric uncertainty

Recent years have seen an increase in the deployment of renewable energy sources on power system networks as a result of the gradual development of renewable energy sources. In order to utilize these intermittent sources, grid integration is crucial, since weather conditions are hard to predict accurately and do not match the pattern of generation. As a result, controlling energy becomes an unavoidable challenge when the alternative energy source is connected to the grid in a distributed manner. A number of factors contribute to the problem, including sporadic sources, daytime expenses, and limitations concerning the specifications of solar panels. Therefore, a more robust control system is needed to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the renewable energy integrated power network. Thus, this manuscript presents the design, implementation, and performance of an improved fractional order PID (FOPID) controller for proposed grid-connected photovoltaic systems. To maximize the power from the photovoltaic source, the controller is designed to extract as much energy as possible. In addition to having the adaptive nature of a PID controller, the proposed FOPID controller is capable of optimizing its gain parameter according to the generator and grid side parameters being considered. The proposed study utilized grey wolf optimization (GWO) to tune the FOPID controller for tracking the quadrature axis model, DC link voltage and current regulation, and maximizing the maximum power point. Further, FOPID is used to perform the system's current control functions, and each time the error is measured, the regulating parameters are updated accordingly. This paper contrasts fuzzy logic controllers (FLC), flying squirrel search optimization (FSSO), and PSO-tuned FOPID controllers with the proposed work. The simulation's results are displayed and examined in the section on results and outcomes. The obtained results demonstrate maximum solar power output under erratic weather conditions, validating the effectiveness of the proposed controller.

Advanced nonlinear control of WEC system in AC microgrid connected to the main grid with electric vehicle integration

This research investigates an AC microgrid interconnected with the utility grid, comprising a 5.2 kW wind power system using a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG), a 6.1 kW photovoltaic system (PVS), and integrated electric vehicles (EVs) with 600 V, 10Ah batteries operating in V2G and G2V modes. Bidirectional back-to-back converters, controlled via a voltage-oriented control (VOC) strategy, facilitate the interconnections. The PMSG system is controlled using vector control methodology, while the PVS employs a double-stage configuration with a perturb and observe algorithm for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Advanced controllers based on Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) regulate generator speed and the DC link voltage of the grid-connected converters. The backstepping technique is utilized for internal loop control of PMSG currents and coupling filter currents for the grid-connected converters. A comparative study between the ADRC-Backstepping controller and the PI controller was conducted, demonstrating the superior efficacy of the ADRC-Backstepping approach. Simulation results show accurate regulation of DC link voltage at reference levels, operation with unit power factor, with a current THD below 4 %, demonstrating the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategies under varying conditions.

Voltage Hierarchical Control Strategy for Distribution Networks Based on Regional Autonomy and Photovoltaic-Storage Coordination

High-penetration photovoltaic (PV) integration into a distribution network can cause serious voltage overruns. This study proposes a voltage hierarchical control method based on active and reactive power coordination to enhance the regional voltage autonomy of an active distribution network and improve the sustainability of new energy consumption. First, considering the reactive power margin and spatiotemporal characteristics of distributed photovoltaics, a reactive voltage modularity function is proposed to divide a distribution grid into voltage regions. Voltage region types and their weak points are then defined, and the voltage characteristics and governance needs of different regions are obtained through photovoltaic voltage regulation. Subsequently, a dual-layer optimal configuration model of energy storage that accounts for regional voltage regulation is established. The upper-layer model focuses on planned configurations to minimize the annual comprehensive operating cost of the energy storage system (ESS), while the lower-layer model focuses on optimal dispatch to achieve the best regional voltage quality. KKT conditions and the Big-M method are employed to convert the dual-layer model into a single-layer linear model for optimization and solution. Finally, an IEEE 33-node system with high-penetration photovoltaics is modeled using MATLAB (2022a). A comparative analysis of four scenarios shows that the comprehensive cost of an ESS decreased by 8.49%, total revenue increased by 19.36%, and the overall voltage deviation in the distribution network was reduced to 0.217%.

Flexible Common-Mode Voltage Modulation Strategy for Differential Boost Inverters

Photovoltaic power generation and energy storage technology are current hotspots in the clean energy industry. As a core piece of equipment, an inverter is subjected to higher demands for its voltage regulation range and output performance. A differential boost inverter features a boosting function not found in traditional inverters, effectively widening the input voltage range, with characteristics of a single-stage structure and simple modulation. However, the differential boost inverter faces the issue of high common-mode voltage. Considering that the magnitude of the common-mode voltage changes with different modulation methods, a novel modulation strategy with a flexible common-mode voltage is proposed, which can effectively suppress the common-mode voltage under the same gain without affecting the output power quality. This article first introduces the topology, working principle, and traditional modulation methods of the differential boost inverter. Then, the new modulation strategy is defined, and the gain equation is derived. The new modulation method’s applicable scenarios are discussed and compared to other modulation methods based on the gain curve, concluding that the new method has advantages in terms of common-mode voltage amplitude and power quality under low boost gain. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through simulation and experiments.

Study of a Self-Excited Three-Phase Induction Generator Operating as a Single-Phase Induction Generator for Use in Rotating Excitation Systems for Synchronous Generators

This article proposes the use of a three-phase induction generator (IG), connected through a single-phase connection (Fukami configuration), to be used as a rotating exciter for synchronous generators. This proposal aims at presenting an alternative to replace the permanent magnet generators (PMGs) used in the rotating exciters for synchronous generators (SGs). In order to obtain the results, a six-pole IG and a four-pole SG were used, a DC motor (DCM) was employed as the primary machine, and the speed control for the aforementioned primary machine is presented and described in this work. To carry out performance tests of the rotating exciter with the IG and the terminal voltage control of the SG, a voltage controller was proposed. The performance of the voltage regulator was tested when the SG supplied a dynamic load, as established by the NEMA MG-1 standard. This article validates its proposal by comparing the results obtained through computational simulation and experimental testing of the SG terminal voltage waveform when faced with a sudden load change.

Design of Universal Control Structure for Regulation of Voltage and Frequency in Hybrid Microgrid

Hybrid microgrid (HMG) control strategies reveal several critical research gaps that must be addressed. Current approaches often fall short in efficiency and reliability due to the inherent complexities of transitioning between grid-connected mode (GCM) and islanded mode (IM), resulting in increased losses and operational difficulties. Additionally, managing overloads, especially in IM, poses significant challenges for maintaining stable voltage and frequency regulation. This paper seeks to address these issues by introducing a novel universal control structure (UCS) for HMGs, which includes a frequency compensation unit (FCU) and a three-stage bidirectional AC/DC droop. It presents a streamlined yet robust solution for handling overloads, maintaining power balance, and ensuring precise voltage and frequency regulation while promising smooth maneuver in both GCM and IM. The proposed UCS provides flexible and reliable operation, allowing for the versatile placement of DC and AC sources and loads. This will reduce power transformation stages thereby lowering cost and increasing efficiency of system. Through experimental validation, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed control in addressing these critical research gaps and advancing the field of HMG control strategies.

Real time implementation of scaled droop control in hybrid microgrid with hydrogen storage for regulation of voltage and frequency.

The incorporation of renewable energy resources (RERs) into smart city through hybrid microgrid (HMG) offers a sustainable solution for clean energy. The HMG architecture also involves linking the AC-microgrid and DC-microgrid through bidirectional interconnection converters (ICC). This HMG combines AC sources like wind-DFIG with DC sources such as solar PV and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), supported by battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hydrogen storage units (HSU). The HSU can generate and store hydrogen during RER surplus. This stored hydrogen can be further employed for production of electrical power along with numerous other applications. The HSU is emerged as a competent tool which can be utilised alone/in combination with BESS to enhance the system reliability. Harvesting power from clean and green sources requires its optimal operation and control while feeding to the existing grid. The existing strategies of controlling ICC are complex and not efficient; hence, a novel intelligent scaled droop control structure (SDCS) is proposed, utilizing frequency, DC voltage, and active power. The SDCS regulate voltage and frequency in both islanded mode (IM) and grid connected mode (GCM) of HMG. Experimental validation demonstrates its simplicity and effectiveness, making it suitable for smart city environments, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical loads with improved air quality.

Review of Compensation Topologies Power Converters Coil Structure and Architectures for Dynamic Wireless Charging System for Electric Vehicle

The increasing demand for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for electric vehicles (EVs) has necessitated advancements in charging solutions, with a particular focus on speed and efficiency. However, power transfer efficiency is the major concern in static and dynamic wireless charging (DWC) design. Design consideration and improvements in all functional units are necessary for an increase in overall efficiency of the system. Recently, different research works have been presented regarding DWC at the power converter, coil structure and compensators. This paper provides a comprehensive review of power converters incorporating high-order compensation topologies, demonstrating their benefits in enhancing the DWC of EVs. The review also delves into the coupling coil structure and magnetic material architecture, pivotal in enhancing power transfer efficiency and capability. Moreover, the high-order compensation topologies used to effectively mitigate low-frequency ripple, improve voltage regulation, and facilitate a more compact and portable design are discussed. Furthermore, optimal coupling and different techniques to achieve maximum power transfer efficiency are discussed to boost magnetic interactions, thereby reducing power loss. Finally, this paper highlights the essential role of these components in developing efficient and reliable DWC systems for EVs, emphasizing their contribution to achieving high-power transfer efficiency and stability.

Multi-Timescale Voltage Regulation for Distribution Network with High Photovoltaic Penetration via Coordinated Control of Multiple Devices

The high penetration of distributed photovoltaics (PV) in distribution networks (DNs) results in voltage violations, imbalances, and flickers, leading to significant disruptions in DN stability. To address this issue, this paper proposes a multi-timescale voltage regulation approach that involves the coordinated control of a step voltage regulator (SVR), switched capacitor (SC), battery energy storage system (BESS), and electric vehicle (EV) across different timescales. During the day-ahead stage, the proposed method utilizes artificial hummingbird algorithm optimization-based least squares support vector machine (AHA-LSSVM) forecasting to predict the PV output, enabling the formulation of a day-ahead schedule for SVR and SC adjustments to maintain the voltage and voltage unbalance factor (VUF) within the limits. In the intra-day stage, a novel floating voltage threshold band (FVTB) control strategy is introduced to refine the day-ahead schedule, enhancing the voltage quality while reducing the erratic operation of SVR and SC under dead band control. For real-time operation, the African vulture optimization algorithm (AVOA) is employed to optimize the BESS output for precise voltage regulation. Additionally, a novel smoothing fluctuation threshold band (SFTB) control strategy and an initiate charging and discharging strategy (ICD) for the BESS are proposed to effectively smooth voltage fluctuations and expand the BESS capacity. To enhance user-side participation and optimize the BESS capacity curtailment, some BESSs are replaced by EVs for voltage regulation. Finally, a simulation conducted on a modified IEEE 33 system validates the efficacy of the proposed voltage regulation strategy.

Modified control approach for MPP tracking and DC bus voltage regulation in a hybrid standalone microgrid

This paper proposes modified MPPT control technique for hybrid standalone microgrid. Standalone PV based microgrid has emerged as potential solutions to electricity challenges in the region where grid is not available. The battery energy storage system (BESS) is integrated into the system to facilitate synchronized load control and power flow. Variation in solar irradiation, load demand and fluctuation in battery SOC results in DC voltage fluctuation and maximum power point tracking challenges. Hybrid PV-Battery systems therefore must require control algorithms that can both flexibly adjust power flows as well as stabilize bus voltages. Proposed control technique is successful in regulating DC bus voltage and balancing the power flow in system under various operating conditions. A bidirectional converter is employed to maintain the nominal DC voltage conditions by charging/discharging the battery due to intermittent PV generation. It regulates the voltage of the DC bus to the maximum power point of the PV array. The main goal of this research article is to implement modified MPPT technique which includes Incremental conductance algorithm with double closed loop controller to track maximum power and to regulate the DC bus voltage of the system under different type of dynamic and atmospheric conditions.

Advanced control and energy management algorithm for a multi-source microgrid incorporating renewable energy and electric vehicle integration

This paper presents a comprehensive study on advanced control and energy management in a multi-source/multi-load microgrid. The microgrid integrates solar panels, a wind turbine system, a Li-ion battery-based storage system, an electric vehicle (EV), and a DC load, all inter-connected through power electronic converters to a DC bus and linked to the AC grid via a DC/AC inverter. The study outlines the primary control objectives: DC bus voltage regulation, optimization of photovoltaic and wind energy conversion, and maintaining high-quality energy injection into the grid. Given the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy and the varying energy demands that affect battery life and performance, a novel energy management algorithm is introduced. This algorithm addresses different operating modes, such as Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV), to enhance network stability, energy quality, and optimize energy distribution between the various sources and the EV. The proposed fuzzy logic controllers, known for their robustness to uncertainties, flexibility, and ease of implementation, are employed to achieve these objectives. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to fine-tune the fuzzy logic control parameters, ensuring optimal performance. This optimization process included minimizing Integral Absolute Error (IAE), Integral Square Error (ISE), and Integral Time-weighted Square Error (ITSE) as objective functions. Extensive simulations under various operating scenarios demonstrated significant improvements in control accuracy, stability, and system performance.

Design of a perturb and observe and neural network algorithms-based maximum power point tracking for a grid-connected photovoltaic system

Integrating photovoltaic systems (PV) into the grid has garnered significant attention due to increasing interest in renewable energy sources. Maximizing the PV systems output power is crucial for improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs. This paper presents a comparative analysis of two different techniques of maximum power point tracking (MPPT): perturb and observe (P&O) and artificial neural network (ANN) MPPT, focusing on their application in grid-connected PV systems. The paper evaluates their performance under various operating conditions, including changes in irradiance and temperature, that are discussed in three cases. The comparative analysis includes metrics such as voltage regulation and powerloss. MATLAB Simulink is utilized to implement P&O and ANN MPPT methods, which include a PV cell connected to an MPPT-controlled boost converter. The simulation demonstrates the power loss of the PV model as well as the voltage regulation in the three cases for the two methods. The results obtained in simulation and implementations show that the ANN method outperforms the P&O in the three cases discussed in terms of powerloss, voltage regulation, and efficiency. The results also show that the change in output power from PV is noticeable when compared to changes in radiation, while the change is slight when temperatures change.

A new data-driven distributed power grid load storage resource-wide area voltage self-optimization control method for distribution system

Abstract Different from the conventional energy distribution network, which solely relies on energy distribution, the novel distribution system gradually exhibits a complex and interconnected form of various resources, such as source network load storage. These resources possess characteristics of “multi-point, wide area, and small amount” distribution. Investigating the potential for wide-area voltage regulation by using distributed resources like renewable energy power generation, distributed energy storage, and flexible loads is crucial for constructing a highly integrated source network load storage in the new type of distribution system. This paper proposes a novel data-driven method for optimizing control of wide-area voltage through distributed power network load storage resources. By comprehensively and cooperatively controlling renewable energy power generation, energy storage systems, and flexible loads, this approach enhances the quality of wide-area voltage in the distribution network while ensuring optimal utilization of energy storage capacity and minimizing network losses. The effectiveness and advanced nature of this method are demonstrated by applying it to an urban distribution network example. Compared to traditional voltage regulation methods, this approach aligns better with the requirements for voltage regulation in the new type of distribution network.

Decentralized Adaptive Energy-Shaping for Integrated Voltage Regulation With Large-Signal Stability in DC Microgrids

Decentralized Adaptive Energy-Shaping for Integrated Voltage Regulation With Large-Signal Stability in DC Microgrids

A Fully Integrated Multi-Phase Voltage Regulator With Flying-Capacitor-Based Inter-Inductor Current Self-Balancing Scheme and Charge-Recycling Gate Driver

A Fully Integrated Multi-Phase Voltage Regulator With Flying-Capacitor-Based Inter-Inductor Current Self-Balancing Scheme and Charge-Recycling Gate Driver

A composite control method of PWM and phase shift for a three-level DC-DC converter

Abstract This research introduces a control strategy for the Three Level Active Half Bridge (TL-DAHB) DC-DC converter that integrates PWM combined with phase-shift control. This composite control method precisely regulates the output voltage by adjusting the phase-shift duty cycle between the input and output sides. Additionally, the application of the PWM control loop optimizes the duty cycle of the switches, effectively reducing the current stress on the converter during operation, improving transmission efficiency, and decreasing conduction losses of the switches. These enhancements boost the overall performance and the reliability of the converter. With its excellent voltage regulation capabilities and safety features, this converter is an ideal choice in the field of power conversion, especially in applications that demand high levels of stability and safety.

Proportional‐integral‐differential‐inspired acceleration in distributed optimal control strategy for direct current microgrids

AbstractA PID‐inspired accelerated distributed optimal control algorithm is proposed for the economic dispatch problem of a multi‐bus DC microgrid, which contains both conventional generators (CGs) and renewable generators (RGs). Firstly, a constrained optimization problem with the aim of minimizing the power generation cost of the DC microgrid is established. To solve the optimization problem, an accelerated distributed optimal control algorithm in the discrete‐time domain is proposed. The convergence speed of the proposed algorithm is significantly improved compared to the existing distributed optimization algorithms without acceleration terms. More importantly, the communication cost is greatly reduced. The proposed algorithm is in a fully distributed manner, which means each controller only relies on the limited information from neighbouring controllers to achieve optimal cooperative control and bus voltage regulation across multiple buses. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated through numerical simulations.

Improving DC-Bus Voltage Regulation in Grid Fed EV Fast Charging Station Using MLI Based DVR

Improving DC-Bus Voltage Regulation in Grid Fed EV Fast Charging Station Using MLI Based DVR