Search

This article studies a new hybrid converter that utilizes thyristors and full-bridge (FB) arms for achieving high-power capability with reduced semiconductor power rating compared to the FB modular multilevel converter. The study covers the theoretical analysis of the energy balancing, the dimensioning principles, the maximum power capability, and the limitations imposed by the discontinuous operation of the converter. Based on the analysis of these aspects, the theoretical analysis is concluded by identifying the operational constraints that need to be fulfilled for maximizing the power capability of the converter. It is concluded that the maximum power capability can be achieved for a certain range of modulation indices and is limited by both the commutation time of the thyristors and the power angle. Moreover, the P–Q capability of the hybrid converter is presented and discussed. Finally, simulation and experimental results that confirm the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the studied converter are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular multilevel cascade converters (MMCCs) are becoming attractive solutions as high-voltage Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) for power plants in renewable energy generation, in order to satisfy the strict grid codes under both normal and grid fault conditions. This paper investigates the performances of four potentially used configurations of the MMCC family for the STATCOM in large-scale offshore wind power plants, with special focus on asymmetrical low-voltage ride through capability under grid faults. The specifications and the sizing of components of each type of practical 80-MVar/33-kV-scaled MMCC-STATCOM are carefully designed and compared. The total cost and volume are compared based on the total power semiconductor chip area and the total energy stored in the passive components. Asymmetrical reactive power delivering operation of the MMCC family considering the dc-link capacitor voltage-balancing method is solved mathematically in order to quantitatively understand the performance limitations and behaviors. The electrothermal stress of the power modules used in each type of the MMCC for a practical 80-MVar/33-kV-scaled STATCOM is analyzed. The asymmetrical reactive power capability of the MMCC solutions is compared under different scenarios of grid faults, while considering the device temperature limits as well as voltage saturation. It is found that the MMCC configuration with double-star bridge cells becomes the most attractive circuit configuration for the STATCOM application based on the obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a minimizing inverter capacity design is proposed, and the characteristics and performance of static VAR compensator (SVC) coupling hybrid active power filters (SVC-HAPFs) are analyzed. The cost of the SVC part is much lower than that of the active inverter part, and thus, the reduction of inverter part capacity can lead to a decrease in the total cost of SVC-HAPF. To demonstrate the advantages of the proposed minimizing inverter capacity design of SVC-HAPF, comparisons are given between the conventional and the proposed SVC-HAPF designs. Comparisons are also provided among active power filters (APFs), HAPFs, and the proposed SVC-HAPF in terms of dc-link voltage, compensation range, and performance. Finally, simulation and laboratory-scale experimental results are given to validate the minimizing inverter capacity design, and to verify the characteristics and compensation performances of APF, HAPF, and the proposed SVC-HAPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a voltage-controlled distribution static synchronous compensator (DSTATCOM)-based voltage regulator for low-voltage distribution grids. The voltage regulator is designed to temporarily meet the grid code, postponing unplanned investments while a definitive solution could be planned to solve regulation issues. The power stage is composed of a three-phase four-wire voltage-source inverter and a second-order low-pass filter. The control strategy has three output voltage loops with active damping and two dc bus voltage loops. In addition, two loops are included to the proposed control strategy: the concept of minimum power point tracking (mPPT) and the frequency loop. The mPPT allows the voltage regulator to operate at the minimum power point, avoiding the circulation of unnecessary reactive compensation. The frequency loop allows the voltage regulator to be independent of the grid voltage information, especially the grid angle, using only the information available at the point-of-common coupling. Experimental results show the regulation capacity, the features of the mPPT algorithm for linear and nonlinear loads, and the frequency stability. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Starting with a brief review on the existing methods of impedance emulation, this paper addresses a general and systematic approach to programmable and reconfigurable emulation of power impedances. The proposed approach not only enables the impedance value to be programed, but also allows the characteristics (i.e., type) of the impedance to be reconfigured instantly during the operation. Based on the proposed control method, emulation of at least six types of emulated power impedances (EPI) can be easily attained. In particular, it is theoretically and practically demonstrated that the impedance characteristic can be emulated through a combination of different functions. The systematic derivation of these functions is explained. New techniques that compensate the circuit power losses are introduced. This general approach has been practically verified in several EPI. Both steady-state and dynamic performance of these EPI confirm the programmability and reconfigurability. It is envisaged that the proposed method can be applied to a range of functions, such as power filtering, energy storage, and even power conversion based on direct impedance control. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of switching harmonics on the instantaneous power distribution in the cells of a cascaded H-bridge-based STATCOM when using phase-shifted pulse width modulation. The case of high- and low-switching frequency for the converter cells is investigated and the interaction between voltage and current harmonics is analyzed. It is shown that in both cases, this interaction results in an uneven power distribution among the cells in the same phase leg, leading to drifting of the dc-capacitor voltages and thereby the need for proper stabilization control loops. It is also shown that the selected frequency modulation ratio affects the active power distribution among the cells. In particular, the selection of a noninteger frequency modulation ratio helps in providing a more uniform power distribution among cells of the same phase leg, thus contributing to the capacitors balancing. A methodology for optimal selection of the frequency modulation ratio is given. Theoretical conclusions are validated through simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modular and scalable voltage-regulation structure for enhancing service continuity and flexibly changing the system power rating is proposed. The methodology is based on paralleling multiple series-voltage compensators, namely multiparallel-connected series-voltage compensator (MSVC), to regulate the load voltage. The output voltage of each compensator is controlled locally by adjusting the phase angle of the output voltage of the inverter in each compensator, while the output current of each compensator is coupled to two adjacent compensators via two coupling transformers. The coupling transformers form a daisy-chained structure. The load current can be shared near-equally among the compensators through the transformer structure. The operating principle, steady-state and transient current-sharing characteristics of the architecture will be discussed and illustrated. A simplified design procedure will be given. A 3-kVA MSVC test bed with three parallel-connected single-phase compensator units has been built and evaluated. The response of the MSVC system with each compensator unit engaged and disengaged momentarily will be investigated. Such structure is applicable for regulating and stabilizing the supply voltage for consumers at the distribution side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses reactive power compensators from the point of stored energy in the capacitor, and proposes a single-phase full-bridge configuration of semiconductor switches to be used with reduced equipped capacitance for reactive power compensation. By applying this concept to shunt-type static var compensator, a static synchronous compensator can be achieved with reduced-sized capacitor. Additionally, the switching loss can be reduced due to its distinctive capacitor voltage waveform, which swings at the double of the line frequency. Modulation technique and capacitor voltage control method based on the reduced capacitance and high-voltage ripple in the capacitor are proposed. The concept and control method were confirmed with small-scale experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a transformerless static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) system based on multilevel H-bridge converter with star configuration. This proposed control methods devote themselves not only to the current loop control but also to the dc capacitor voltage control. With regards to the current loop control, a nonlinear controller based on the passivity-based control (PBC) theory is used in this cascaded structure STATCOM for the first time. As to the dc capacitor voltage control, overall voltage control is realized by adopting a proportional resonant controller. Clustered balancing control is obtained by using an active disturbances rejection controller. Individual balancing control is achieved by shifting the modulation wave vertically which can be easily implemented in a field-programmable gate array. Two actual H-bridge cascaded STATCOMs rated at 10 kV 2 MVA are constructed and a series of verification tests are executed. The experimental results prove that H-bridge cascaded STATCOM with the proposed control methods has excellent dynamic performance and strong robustness. The dc capacitor voltage can be maintained at the given value effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of distributed generation (DG) into low voltage (LV) systems demands that the generation system remain grid connected during voltage sags to ensure the operational stability. The DG consisting of fixed speed squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG)-based wind turbines is unable to provide reactive power control and needs a dedicated compensating device. Under asymmetrical grid faults the negative sequence flux circulation in the airgap introduces the torque oscillations that lead to the reduction of lifetime of the generation system. This paper proposes the use of distributed constant power loads (CPLs) for asymmetrical fault ride through (FRT) instead of using a centralized STATCOM. It has also been observed that the compensation of negative sequence voltage improves the performance of SCIG by eliminating the torque ripples. The compensation of positive sequence voltage avoids a possible voltage collapse at the LV distribution level and improves the reliability and stability of the wind farm. Centralized compensation of the asymmetrical grid fault by a STATCOM is compared with the distributed compensation by CPLs. The results suggest that each individual CPL injects lower current for maximum FRT enhancement compared to a dedicated STATCOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents implementation of distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) using kernel incremental metalearning algorithm (KIMEL) control algorithm. It demonstrates the functions of DSTATCOM such as reactive power compensation, harmonics elimination, and load balancing under linear and nonlinear loads with its self-supporting dc-bus voltage. The proposed control algorithm based on KIMEL is applied for extraction of fundamental active and reactive power components of load currents that are required for estimation of reference supply currents. These reference supply currents are used for gating pulses generation using indirect current control principle. A DSTATCOM with features of self-supporting dc bus (capacitor) is developed using DSP (dSPACE-1104), and the response of proposed control algorithm is studied under various operating conditions and found satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with coupling transformer core saturation problem in cascaded multilevel converter (CMC) based transmission-type static synchronous compensator (T-STATCOM) systems. The effects of nonlinear characteristics of the coupling transformer and CMCs on the core saturation phenomenon are investigated, and the associated mechanisms are described. In order to prevent the transformer core from being saturated, dc current components in the coupling transformer secondary lines are eliminated by modulating one or more than one voltage steps of staircase CMC voltage waveforms via the electronic gating circuitry. The proposed dc current elimination method is implemented on a 154-kV, ±50-MVAr CMC-based T-STATCOM system, which is operating either in interarea oscillation damping or terminal voltage regulation modes at any time in a 400/154-kV transformer substation since March 2010. The effectiveness of recommended dc current elimination method is verified in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new multilevel selective harmonic elimination pulse-width modulation (MSHE-PWM) technique for transformerless static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) system employing cascaded H-bridge inverter (CHI) configuration. The proposed MSHE-PWM method optimizes both the dc-voltage levels and the switching angles, enabling more harmonics to be eliminated without affecting the structure of the inverter circuit. The method provides constant switching angles and linear pattern of dc-voltage levels over the modulation index range. This in turns eliminates the tedious steps required for manipulating the offline calculated switching angles and therefore, easing the implementation of the MSHE-PWM for dynamic systems. Although the method relies on the availability of the variable dc-voltage levels which can be obtained by various topologies, however, the rapid growth and development in the field of power semiconductor devices led to produce high-efficiency dc-dc converters with a relatively high-voltage capacity and for simplicity, a buck dc-dc converter is considered in this paper. Current and voltage closed loop controllers are implemented for both the STATCOM and the buck converter to meet the reactive power demand at different loading conditions. The technique is further compared with an equivalent conventional carrier-based pulse-width modulation to illustrate its enhanced characteristics. The effectiveness and the theoretical analysis of the proposed approach are verified through both simulation and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state transformer (SST) has been regarded as one of the most important emerging technologies for traction system and smart grid application. This paper presents the system design and performance demonstration of a high-voltage SST lab prototype that works as the active grid interface in smart grid architecture. Specifically, the designs of the key components of the system, including both power stage and controller platform, are presented. In addition, the advanced control system is developed to achieve high-performance operation. Furthermore, integration issues of SST with dc microgrid are presented. Lastly, tests under different scenarios are conducted to verify the following advanced features of the presented SST technology: 1) VAR compensation; 2) voltage regulation; 3) source voltage sag operation; and 4) microgrid integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]