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In this paper, the performance of voltage-source converter-based shunt and series compensators used for load voltage control in electrical power distribution systems has been analyzed and compared, when a nonlinear load is connected across the load bus. The comparison has been made based on the closed-loop frequency response characteristics of the compensated distribution system. A distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) as a shunt device and a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) as a series device are considered in the voltage-control mode for the comparison. The power-quality problems which these compensator address include voltage sags/swells, load voltage harmonic distortions, and unbalancing. The effect of various system parameters on the control performance of the compensator can be studied using the proposed analysis. In particular, the performance of the two compensators are compared with the strong ac supply (stiff source) and weak ac-supply (non-stiff source) distribution system. The experimental verification of the analytical results derived has been obtained using a laboratory model of the single-phase DSTATCOM and DVR. A generalized converter topology using a cascaded multilevel inverter has been proposed for the medium-voltage distribution system. Simulation studies have been performed in the PSCAD/EMTDC software to verify the results in the three-phase system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An algorithm based on the concept of combining Kalman filter and least-error square (LES) techniques is proposed in this paper. The algorithm is intended to estimate signal attributes like amplitude, frequency and phase angle in the online mode. This technique can be used in protection relays, digital AVRs, DGs, DSTATCOMs, FACTS, and other power electronics applications. The Kalman filter is modified to operate on a fictitious input signal and provides precise estimation results insensitive to noise and other disturbances. At the same time, the LES system has been arranged to operate in critical transient cases to compensate the delay and inaccuracy identified because of the response of the standard Kalman filter. Practical considerations such as the effect of noise, higher order harmonics, and computational issues of the algorithm are considered and tested in the paper. Several computer simulations and a laboratory test are presented to highlight the usefulness of the proposed method. Simulation results show that the proposed technique can simultaneously estimate the signal attributes, even if it is highly distorted due to the presence of nonlinear loads and noise. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper examines the application of a diodeclamped multilevel inverter (DCMLI).based distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) connected to a three-phase, four-wire (3p4w) distribution system. The DCMLI has an inherent unbalancing problem among its dc capacitor voltages. Additionally, when the load contains a dc part, the neutral point of the compensator also becomes unbalanced. In this paper, the effects of different loading conditions on the dc capacitor voltages of the inverter are studied. Two new control circuits are proposed for equalizing the capacitor voltages. Different control techniques are presented for the equalizing circuits. Equations of the proposed equalizing controllers are developed corresponding to the control of the switching devices. Comparative studies of different control techniques and the performances of the two controllers are performed. Simulation studies are performed using PSCADIEMTDC to validate the efficacy of the proposed equalizing controller circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, load compensation using multilevel inverter-based distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) is presented. The DSTATCOM is connected to a three-phase four-wire (3p4w) distribution system. Two different multilevel inverter topologies are used to realize the DSTATCOM. They are diode-clamped multilevel inverter (DCMLI) and flying capacitor multilevel inverter (FCMLI). A compensating technique has been derived, which uses the state feedback control to the multilevel inverters-based DSTATCOMs. A switching strategy for the multi-level inverters that ensures utilization of all output voltage states of the inverter for efficient tracking of references has been proposed. The schemes of dc-link capacitor volthge control for DCMLI and flying capacitor voltage control for FCMLI have been discussed. Comparative studies of performances of the two DSTATCOM topologies are performed. The simulation studies are performed using PSCAD/EMTDC to validate the efficacy of the proposed control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flying capacitor multilevel inverter (FCMLI) is a multiple voltage level inverter topology intended for high voltage and power operations with low distortion. It uses capacitors, called flying capacitors for clamping the voltage across the power semiconductor devices. In this paper, the implementation of a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) using an FCMLI is presented. A hysteresis current control technique for controlling the injected current by the FCMLI-based DSTATCOM is discussed. A new method for controlling the flying capacitor voltages is proposed which ensures that their voltages remain constant and at the same time maintain the desired current profile under the hysteresis current control operation. Simulation studies are performed using PSCAD/EMTDC to validate the efficacy of the control scheme and the FCMLI-based DSTATCOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new connection for a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) to improve the power quality of two feeders in a distribution system. A UPQC consists of a series voltage-source converter (VSC) and a shunt VSC both joined together by a common dc bus. It is demonstrated how this device is connected between two independent feeders to regulate the bus voltage of one of the feeders while regulating the voltage across a sensitive load in the other feeder. Since the UPQC is connected between two different feeders (lines), this connection of the UPQC will be called an interline UPQC (IUPQC). The structure, control and capability of the IUPQC are discussed in this paper. The efficacy of the proposed configuration has been verified through simulation studies using PSCAD/EMTDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, load compensation techniques under unbalanced and distorted voltages have been discussed. Two kinds of compensation methods are considered. In the first category, synchronous detection and modified equal current strategies are used under the unbalanced but sinusoidal source voltages. In the second method, load compensation based on instantaneous symmetrical component theory with positive sequence extraction is proposed and is shown to work under unbalanced and the non-sinusoidal source voltages. To support the proposed method, a 440 V (L-L) three-phase, four-wire distribution system is considered. The compensator is realized using a three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI) operated in the current control mode. Detailed digital simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flying capacitor multilevel inverter (FCMLI) is a multiple voltage level inverter topology intended for high-power and high-voltage operations at low distortion. It uses capacitors, called flying capacitors, to clamp the voltage across the power semiconductor devices. A method for controlling the FCMLI is proposed which ensures that the flying capacitor voltages remain nearly constant using the preferential charging and discharging of these capacitors. A static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) and a static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) based on five-level flying capacitor inverters are proposed. Control schemes for both the FACTS controllers are developed and verified in terms of voltage control, power flow control, and power oscillation damping when installed in a single-machine infinite bus (SMIB) system. Simulation studies are performed using PSCAD/EMTDC to validate the efficacy of the control scheme and the FCMLI-based flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the concept of a mini custom power park in which the voltage inside the park is tightly regulated by a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM). It will be shown on the basis of simulations with ideal components that solid state protection devices, along with the DSTATCOM will eliminate many transients in all the loads of the park during disturbances. Moreover, the DSTATCOM, backed by a diesel generator, will supply the most sensitive loads during the total line outages, thereby nearly making them both transient and interruption free. In this paper, a configuration of the park is proposed and then various issues involved with the operation of the park are discussed. The proposed operation of the custom power park is verified through extensive digital computer simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the operating principles and control characteristics of a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) that protects sensitive but unbalanced and/or distorted loads. The main aim of the DVR is to regulate the voltage at the load terminal irrespective of sag/swell, distortion, or unbalance in the supply voltage. In this paper, the DVR is operated in such a fashion that it does not supply or absorb any active power during the steady-state operation. Hence, a dc capacitor rather than a dc source can supply the voltage source inverter realizing the DVR. The proposed DVR operation is verified through extensive digital computer simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses load compensation using a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM). It is assumed that the DSTATCOM is associated with a load that is remote from the supply. It is shown that the operation of a DSTATCOM assuming that it is connected to a stiff source in such situations will result in distortions in source current and voltage at the point of common coupling. To avoid this, the DSTATCOM is connected in parallel with a filter capacitor that allows the high frequency component of the current to pass. This however generates control issues in tracking, as standard controls such as a hysteresis control are not suitable in these circumstances. This paper proposes a new switching control scheme and demonstrates its suitability for this problem. It also proposes a scheme in which the fundamental sequence components of a three-phase signal can be computed from its samples. The overall performance of the proposed scheme is verified using digital computer simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new method called the extended voltage phasors approach (EVPA) is proposed for placement of FACTS controllers in power systems. While the voltage phasors approach (VPA) identifies only the critical paths from the voltage stability viewpoint, the proposed method additionally locates the critical buses/line segments. The results of EVPA are compared with the well-established line flow index (LFI) method for nine-bus, 39-bus, and 68-bus systems. It is shown that the EVPA provides accurate indication for the placement of FACTS controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a static synchronous series compensator (SSSC), along with a fixed capacitor, is used to avoid torsional mode instability in a series compensated transmission system. A 48-step harmonic neutralized inverter is used for the realization of the SSSC. The system under consideration is the IEEE first benchmark model on SSR analysis. The system stability is studied both through eigenvalue analysis and EMTDC/PSCAD simulation studies. It is shown that the combination of the SSSC and the fixed capacitor improves the synchronizing power coefficient. The presence of the fixed capacitor ensures increased damping of small signal oscillations. At higher levels of fixed capacitor compensation, a damping controller is required to stabilize the torsional modes of SSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an approach for generating reference currents for an active filter and/or a static compensator in a power distribution system. Compensating star connected loads; Compensating delta connected loads; Compensator structure.

Presents the design, modeling and control design of a 48-step inverter based static synchronous series compensator (SSSC)). Proposed proportional-plus-integral controller based on the equivalent circuit model of the SSSC; Eigenvalue analysis; Importance of the control parameters for a successful implementation of the SSSC.

Responds to comments on an article appearing in the January 2000 issue of 'IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery,' which dealt with an approach to load balancing in power distribution system. Configuration of the load; Aim of the compensator; Plot of the voltage vector in the complex plane.

This paper proposes new droop control methods for load sharing in a rural area with distributed generation. Highly resistive lines, typical of rural low voltage networks, always create a big challenge for conventional droop control. To overcome the conflict between higher feedback gain for better power sharing and system stability in angle droop, two control methods have been proposed. The first method considers no communication among the distributed generators (DGs) and regulates the converter output voltage and angle ensuring proper sharing of load in a system having strong coupling between real and reactive power due to high line resistance. The second method, based on a smattering of communication, modifies the reference output voltage angle of the DGs depending on the active and reactive power flow in the lines connected to point of common coupling (PCC). It is shown that with the second proposed control method, an economical and minimum communication system can achieve significant improvement in load sharing. The difference in error margin between proposed control schemes and a more costly high bandwidth communication system is small and the later may not be justified considering the increase in cost. The proposed control shows stable operation of the system for a range of operating conditions while ensuring satisfactory load sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper discusses a new paradigm of real-time simulation of power systems in which equipment can be interfaced with a real-time digital simulator. In this scheme, one part of a power system can be simulated by using a real-time simulator, while the other part is implemented as a physical system. The only interface of the physical system with the computer-based simulator is through data-acquisition system. The physical system is driven by a voltage-source converter (VSC) that mimics the power system simulated in the real-time simulator. In this paper, the VSC operates in a voltage-control mode to track the point of common coupling voltage signal supplied by the digital simulator. This type of splitting a network in two parts and running a real-time simulation with a physical system in parallel is called a power network in loop here. This opens up the possibility of the study of interconnection of one or several distributed generators to a complex power network. The proposed implementation is verified through simulation studies using PSCAD/EMTDC and through hardware implementation on a TMS320F2812 DSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the stability analysis for a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) that operates in current control mode based on bifurcation theory. Bifurcations delimit the operating zones of nonlinear circuits and, hence, the capability to compute these bifurcations is of important interest for practical design. A control design for the DSTATCOM is proposed. Along with this control, a suitable mathematical representation of the DSTATCOM is proposed to carry out the bifurcation analysis efficiently. The stability regions in the Thevenin equivalent plane are computed for different power factors at the point of common coupling. In addition, the stability regions in the control gain space, as well as the contour lines for different Floquet multipliers are computed. It is demonstrated through bifurcation analysis that the loss of stability in the DSTATCOM is due to the emergence of a Neimark bifurcation. The observations are verified through simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the theory of instantaneous symmetrical components is applied to explore various control strategies of load compensation, under different supply voltages. When the supply voltages are balanced and sinusoidal, all of these strategies converge to the same compensation characteristics. However, when the supply voltages are not balanced sinusoids, these control strategies result in different degrees of compensation in harmonics, power factor, neutral current, and compensator ratings. These control strategies are discussed in detail and a comparative study of their performance in terms of the rms value, total harmonic distortion, power factor of source currents, and compensator ratings is presented. Based on this study, it is possible to select the best strategy to meet the required load compensation characteristics for available supply voltages. A three-phase four-wire distribution system supplying an unbalanced and nonlinear load is considered for simulation study. The detailed simulation results using MATLAB are presented to support the proposed compensation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage imbalance in capacitors is a well-known problem in compensator topologies which use two or more capacitors. This imbalance may exist even if the load does not contain any dc component, due to practical factors. However, when the load contains a dc part, the voltage imbalance problem becomes critical. In this paper, a two-quadrant chopper has been used to regulate the capacitor voltages in a two-capacitor compensator structure. Two different control strategies for the two-quadrant chopper to equalize the voltage of the capacitors have been proposed. The strategies are validated through detailed simulation studies. Experiments have also been carried out to validate the hysteresis control of chopper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel peak load management scheme for rural areas. The scheme transfers certain customers onto local nonembedded generators during peak load periods to alleviate network under voltage problems. This paper develops and presents this system by way of a case study in Central Queensland, Australia. A methodology is presented for determining the best location for the nonembedded generators as well as the number of generators required to alleviate network problems. A control algorithm to transfer and reconnect customers is developed to ensure that the network voltage profile remains within specification under all plausible load conditions. Finally, simulations are presented to show the performance of the system over a typical maximum daily load profile with large stochastic load variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]