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The paper presents a ground fault location algorithm (GFLA) in double‐circuit transmission lines (DCTL) with a T‐off connection to an industrial microgrid (IMG) containing electric arc furnaces (EAF), renewable distributed generations (RDG), and static VAR compensator (SVC). The design presented utilizes the information on the current and voltage phasors of one side of the transmission lines (TL) during the fault period, and there is no need for the availability of information on the type of faulty phase(s) and even the faulty section. To find the exact location of the fault in this design, the voltage phasor equations governing the fault point in positive, negative, and zero‐sequence (PNZS) domains, the zero‐sequence current (ZSC) equation of the fault point, and the boundary condition equation of the fault point have been used. The simulation system is implemented in Simulink/MATLAB using accurate modelling of all network components. The algorithm has been tested and evaluated in different fault conditions, including various locations, phase types, phase‐to‐ground connection resistance, occurrence time, and microgrid (MG) operation modes. The successful results of various tests of the proposed design as well as the analysis of various sensitivities confirm the satisfying performance of the suggested algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing carbon emissions is a crucial way to achieve the goal of green and sustainable development. To accomplish this goal, electric vehicles (EVs) are considered system‐schedulable energy storage devices, suppressing the negative impact of the randomness and fluctuation of renewable energy on the system's operation. In this paper, a coordination control strategy aimed at minimising the carbon emissions of a distribution network between EVs, energy storage devices, and static var compensators (SVCs) is proposed. A model‐free deep reinforcement learning (DRL)‐based approach is developed to learn the optimal control strategy with the constraint of avoiding system overload caused by random EV access. The twin‐delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (TD3) framework is applied to design the learning method. After the model learning is completed, the neural network can quickly generate a real‐time low‐carbon scheduling strategy according to the system operating situation. Finally, simulation on the IEEE 33‐bus system verifies the effectiveness and robustness of this method. On the premise of meeting the charging demand of electric vehicles, this method can optimise the system operation by controlling the charge‐discharge process of EVs, effectively absorbing the renewable energy in the system and reducing the carbon emissions of the system operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the large‐scale increasing demand for passenger transportation, the alternating current (AC) 25 kV traction power supply system (TPSS) of electrified railway is introduced into the construction of urban rail transit in China instead of the direct current (DC) TPSS. In order to suppress the negative sequence current and cancel the neutral section at the exit of traction substation of the AC TPSS, a novel AC integrated power supply system (IPSS) of the urban rail transit based on single‐phase static var generator (SVG) is proposed, which the capacity of SVGs can be further reduced. The topology of the novel AC IPSS is introduced. By defining the constraint factors of negative sequence current and reactive power compensated, the comprehensive compensation model of negative sequence current and reactive power of the novel system is established based on the corresponding standards, which the full compensation and satisfactory compensation can be achieved. The method of determining the compensation scheme and the control strategy are proposed. Taking the actual data as an example, the effectiveness of the compensation scheme is proved. In addition, the correctness of the control strategy proposed is proved by simulation and experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a techno-economic planning strategy of reactive power (VAr) in power transmission systems. This planning strategy primarily has been focused on reactive power planning (RPP) through operating cost minimisation ensuring cost-oriented system security. The objective function (operating cost) is blended with four different components viz. cost due to real power loss, VAr generation cost, additional VAr compensation devices cost and line charging cost. FACTS (flexible AC transmission system) devices are installed at weak positions through different echelons to improve the system voltage stability. The authors also implemented the probabilistic hybridisation of crow search algorithm and JAYA to find out the optimal set of controlling parameters related to VAr. Finally, a sharp and minute analysis of the results has been done to validate the proposed strategy under multi-loading conditions. To understand the efficiency and efficacy the code profiling and simulation has been rendered on IEEE 30 bus and UPSEB 75 bus test system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the increasing penetration of renewables in power systems, wind farms (WFs) have to satisfy the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) requirement to stay connected to the power grid under fault conditions. This study proposes a novel method that uses the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) to improve the LVRT capability of WFs during grid faults. The proposed method is based on the Taguchi method which involves orthogonal experiments. The allocation (locations and sizes) and fuzzy control gains of STATCOM are determined by the analysis of mean (ANOM) technique as part of the Taguchi method to achieve a robust design that is insensitive to variations of operating conditions and faults. The optimal STATCOM that is obtained by the proposed method is validated in both a single WF-infinite bus power system and the IEEE 39-bus power system. The simulation results show that the proposed method can enhance the LVRT capability of WFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a techno‐economic planning strategy of reactive power (VAr) in power transmission systems. This planning strategy primarily has been focused on reactive power planning (RPP) through operating cost minimisation ensuring cost‐oriented system security. The objective function (operating cost) is blended with four different components viz. cost due to real power loss, VAr generation cost, additional VAr compensation devices cost and line charging cost. FACTS (flexible AC transmission system) devices are installed at weak positions through different echelons to improve the system voltage stability. The authors also implemented the probabilistic hybridisation of crow search algorithm and JAYA to find out the optimal set of controlling parameters related to VAr. Finally, a sharp and minute analysis of the results has been done to validate the proposed strategy under multi‐loading conditions. To understand the efficiency and efficacy the code profiling and simulation has been rendered on IEEE 30 bus and UPSEB 75 bus test system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the increasing penetration of renewables in power systems, wind farms (WFs) have to satisfy the low‐voltage ride‐through (LVRT) requirement to stay connected to the power grid under fault conditions. This study proposes a novel method that uses the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) to improve the LVRT capability of WFs during grid faults. The proposed method is based on the Taguchi method which involves orthogonal experiments. The allocation (locations and sizes) and fuzzy control gains of STATCOM are determined by the analysis of mean (ANOM) technique as part of the Taguchi method to achieve a robust design that is insensitive to variations of operating conditions and faults. The optimal STATCOM that is obtained by the proposed method is validated in both a single WF‐infinite bus power system and the IEEE 39‐bus power system. The simulation results show that the proposed method can enhance the LVRT capability of WFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of the dynamic impedance of static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) and bridge type fault current limiter (BFCL) on the performance of distance relay and its improvement by adaptive setting for Grid Interactive Offshore Wind and Marine‐Current Farm. For assessments, analytical results are presented under different STATCOM settings, low voltage ride through (LVRT) condition, and different types of fault conditions. Moreover, the presence of STATCOM and BFCL significantly changes the apparent impedance characteristic of the studied system. It is also seen that the presence of STATCOM likely to induce an under reach and overreach problem of distance relay. Further, the LVRT capability is significantly affected as STATCOM supplies reactive power to offshore wind generators during a short circuit on the grid side. It is found that the grid integration of OWF and MCF with STATCOM and BFCL is likely to induce mis‐coordination and subsequently deteriorate the performance of distance relay, leading to system security problems. Therefore, this study proposed an adaptive setting in order to eliminate the simultaneous influence upon the dynamic impedance due to incorporation of STATCOM and BFCL on the distance relay setting. The simulation results show the efficacy of the proposed adaptive setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of electric springs (ESs) has been grown in the last years mainly due to the boost in the growth of smart grids (SGs) and micro‐grids (μGs), as well as the high penetration of renewable energy sources. In general, ESs have a hardware structure similar to other compensator devices such as distributed flexible AC transmission systems or active filters. ESs offer the exchange of active and reactive powers with the electrical grid and the demand‐side load management. Their ability to simultaneously perform multiple tasks without the need of modifying their hardware structure classifies them as smart loads, distinguishing them from other types of compensators such as active filters, hybrid filters, dynamic voltage restorers, and distribution static VAR compensators, among others. In this work, an exhaustive review of ESs is carried out to cover their three main research trends, i.e. hardware structure evolution, different types of controllers, and applications in electric power distribution systems, SGs, and μGs. Moreover, their main advantages, disadvantages, and contributions in the power quality improvement are discussed. This review clarifies future research trends that have to be explored to advance the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To relieve congestion due to open‐access feature in competitive power system framework, utilities plan flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS), ensuring improved utilization and performance of the transmission infrastructure. However, high‐investment cost restricts implementation to single type of FACTS' planning in a time. Therefore, successive planning of another FACTS to delay transmission expansion results in multi‐type FACTS planning. Consequently, to optimise performance, subsequent planning must coordinate with existing FACTS. The main objective of this study is to implement coordination of multi‐type FACTS for available transfer capability (ATC) enhancement. A hybrid real power flow performance index (PI) and particle swarm optimisation (PSO), coordinate thyristor control series compensator (TCSC) in the first planning horizon with static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) and unified power flow controller (UPFC), in the second horizon. The PI–PSO‐based multi‐type FACTS coordination improves ATC of multilateral power transfers in a standard 9‐buses test network. Results show that multi‐type FACTS achieved higher ATC; such that enhanced ATC by TCSC–SSSC ranges between 8.06–69.34% while the TCSC–UPFC ranges between 11.85–71.59% for various power transfer transactions. A comparison of the three coordination schemes shows that the scheme with more decision parameters provides superior loadability and transfer capability improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a robust optimisation method for controller parameter tuning of Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) to enhance the stability of a wind‐penetrated power system. The uncertainties of the wind power output and the pre‐contingency state of STATCOMs, which both have a significant impact on the solutions, are addressed. Firstly, a novel index is proposed to quantify the robust optimality of the solutions, which is the sensitivity of solution results to the variations of the potential uncertainties. Then, a multi‐objective robust optimisation model is proposed to simultaneously optimise three objectives: (i) short‐term voltage stability index, (ii) transient (rotor angle) stability index, and (iii) robustness of the solutions. Finally, an improved non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II is developed with (1) Latin hypercube sampling‐based initial generation, and (2) adaptive mutation rate. The proposed method is tested on a modified New England 39‐bus system with industry‐standard models and recommended model parameters. Simulation results verify that the much higher computational efficiency and the stronger robustness of the proposed method over conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated photovoltaic (PV) distribution systems voltage stability is of great significance in supporting all connected equipment smooth functioning in the distribution network. Voltage profile maintenance is one of the challenging tasks in PV integration. To maintain a constant voltage profile to a sensitive load of 22 kVA is the main idea of this study. A single‐phase PV‐integrated distribution system is selected for the study. The novelty is that differential inverters are used for dynamic voltage restorer and distribution static synchronous compensator of the unified power quality conditioner (UPQC). Active power decoupling facility is the main advantage using the differential inverter. The research work objective is to synchronise a 10 kW solar PV system to the distribution system using this new UPQC. The research work discusses and derives the most suitable control strategy for the UPQC with battery energy storage system. A 20 kVA UPQC is designed for the PV integration and to increase voltage stability of the distribution system. The frequency, voltage and reactance/resistance ratio of the distribution system is assumed to be constant. A prototype model of differential UPQC is developed. Experimental and simulation results validate the main objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, model predictive control (MPC) with constant switching frequency is proposed for four‐leg distribution static compensator (FL‐DSTATCOM) to compensate the current related power quality issues. MPC techniques having many advantages compared to conventional pulse width modulation and hysteresis control techniques. In MPC, the future behaviour of the controlled variable is predicted using the model of the system and a cost function is formed using reference and predicted variable. MPC for DSTATCOM applications consider the difference between the reference and actual DSTATCOM current as a cost function and selects the switching state which minimises the cost function. However, while using MPC, the switches of DSTATCOM operate in variable switching frequency and sometimes the values are also very high. Due to this reason higher switching losses, unequal stress appear across the inverter switches and it also reduces the lifetime of the switch. Therefore, in this study, the concept of three‐dimensional space vector modulation is adopted to achieve a constant and user‐defined switching frequency MPC for FL‐DSTATCOM to conquer the limitations of conventional variable switching frequency MPC. The validation of the proposed work is achieved using simulation and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents photovoltaic (PV) system control as distributed static compensator (DSTATCOM), termed as PV‐DSTATCOM, operated with active current control (ACC) and feed‐forward control loop (FFCL). Besides active power injection into the utility grid, the proposed PV system autonomously transforms into a DSTATCOM to provide various ancillary services including source current harmonic suppression, load reactive current compensation, zero sequences component mitigation, and power factor correction. Since PV‐DSTATCOM operates with ACC, it precisely extracts the fundamental in‐phase and quadrature components of current. It introduces high‐gain at the third‐order harmonic and thereby alleviates stationary errors in the current control loop of PV inverter. The proposed ACC+FFCL structure is computationally efficient and unconditionally stable. Practically, FFCL addresses the challenges emerged due to nonlinearity introduced by the PV unit and ensure a rapid power balance between the PV unit and electric grid. Further, a simplified perturb and observe based maximum power point tracker has been employed to evacuate the maximum power from the PV array. The proficiency of the developed ACC+FFCL structure is investigated through a comprehensive set of transient studies using MATLAB/Simulink software. Finally, a laboratory setup has been developed using the dSPACE‐1104 platform and experimental results are recorded with detailed comparative evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a single stage grid‐interfaced solar photovoltaic (SPV) system using a multifunctional complex coefficient reduced ordered generalised integrator (CC‐ROGI) based frequency‐locked loop (FLL) control. The main contributions of this study, include (i) the extrication of fundamental active components from load currents using CC‐ROGI‐FLLbased control to generate the reference grid currents for voltage source converter (VSC) switching, (ii) VSC works as a distribution static compensator, which performs multi‐functions like harmonics mitigation, reactive power compensation, unity power factor operation and grid currents balancing, (iii) this CC‐ROGI‐FLL also extricates the fundamental grid voltages component even under grid voltage harmonic distortion and grid voltages unbalancing. Moreover, SPV power feed‐forward component is assimilated in this control to reduce the oscillations in grid currents under variable irradiance. Simulated and experimental results show satisfactory behaviour of the system at different conditions like load unbalancing, variable solar irradiance and abnormal grid conditions. The comparative performance of CC‐ROGI‐FLL control with other FLL and phaselocked loop controls are shown in this study. This CC‐ROGI‐FLL control has manifested a good steady state performance and dynamic response. The total harmonic distortions of grid currents are found well within the limits of the IEEE‐519 standard, even under abnormal grid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the mitigation of transient overvoltages (TOVs) in a microgrid supplied by renewable distributed generation resources, which include photovoltaic (PV) generators, hydro generation unit, and wind power generators. ATP/EMTP is used in this study as electromagnetic transient software. Accurate simulation models are needed to carry out the study. Therefore, a three‐phase PV system model based on the equivalent Newton–Raphson circuit is used, and the efficiency of the PV system components is studied. Then, the use of the PV generation system model for switching studies is investigated using two different electrical systems. The use of different mitigation methods for TOVs at the microgrid is investigated. Three different mitigation methods are considered. First, a device to compensate reactive power such as static var compensator (SVC) is represented as a TOVs mitigation method. Then, adding a supercapacitor as TOVs mitigation method is evaluated. After that, a combination of active and reactive power simultaneously to mitigate TOV, by the addition of SVC to a supercapacitor, is investigated. The grid‐connected mode and isolated mode of the microgrid are considered. The results show that the usage of SVC with supercapacitor has the ability to mitigate the transient overvoltage and the waveforms are more regular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-microgrid (MMG) system comprises of a group of self-sufficient microgrids capable of operating in grid-connected, islanded, or interconnected modes. A three-microgrid-based MMG system consisting of a solar photovoltaic system, doubly-fed induction generator-based wind generation, and static synchronous compensator as distributed energy sources are considered. Each microgrid includes a battery interfaced with a bidirectional DC–DC converter. As there are multiple battery units in the MMG system, different states-of-charge (SoC) are evident in the batteries. Hence, there is a need to charge/discharge by following the SoC of the batteries. In this study, an intelligent scheme employing fuzzy logic is applied to monitor the SoC of the batteries and determine the reference current for current control through the bidirectional DC–DC converter in an MMG system. Microgrid frequency control in the MMG system is carried out using the proposed five-membership function-based fuzzy logic control. During sudden transient events, the proposed intelligent frequency control strategy shows an improved transient response as compared to conventional PI control. A multi-input and multi-output fuzzy logic-based power management algorithm is proposed to handle multiple sources, batteries, and loads in the system. The MMG system with the proposed control is simulated using real-time digital simulator OP4510 from OPAL-RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a maiden application of cascade proportional–integral–derivative with filter (PIDF) and one plus fractional-order derivative (1+FOD), i.e. PIDF(1+FOD) controller is proposed for the load frequency control mechanism. The main purpose of the cascade and fractional order controller is to increase the degree of freedom and reject the disturbances faster. A novel attempt has also been made to model a static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) with AC tie-line and HVDC tie-line. Here SSSC and HVDC tie-line are used to regulate and increase the power transfer capabilities between interconnected areas. Furthermore stored energy in the HVDC tie-line is utilised to improve the system dynamics by inertia emulation control strategy. An evolutionary salp swarm algorithm-based optimisation technique is adopted to optimise control parameters. The performance of the proposed controller is tested on a two-area hydro-thermal interconnected power system in deregulated environment. First, the effectiveness AC–DC-SSSC tie line is shown over AC-SSSC and alone AC tie-line with proposed PIDF(1+FOD) controller followed by the supremacy of proposed PIDF(1+FOD) over classical controllers. Finally, sensitivity is analysed by variation in system parameters, which shows the robustness of the proposed controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi‐microgrid (MMG) system comprises of a group of self‐sufficient microgrids capable of operating in grid‐connected, islanded, or interconnected modes. A three‐microgrid‐based MMG system consisting of a solar photovoltaic system, doubly‐fed induction generator‐based wind generation, and static synchronous compensator as distributed energy sources are considered. Each microgrid includes a battery interfaced with a bidirectional DC–DC converter. As there are multiple battery units in the MMG system, different states‐of‐charge (SoC) are evident in the batteries. Hence, there is a need to charge/discharge by following the SoC of the batteries. In this study, an intelligent scheme employing fuzzy logic is applied to monitor the SoC of the batteries and determine the reference current for current control through the bidirectional DC–DC converter in an MMG system. Microgrid frequency control in the MMG system is carried out using the proposed five‐membership function‐based fuzzy logic control. During sudden transient events, the proposed intelligent frequency control strategy shows an improved transient response as compared to conventional PI control. A multi‐input and multi‐output fuzzy logic‐based power management algorithm is proposed to handle multiple sources, batteries, and loads in the system. The MMG system with the proposed control is simulated using real‐time digital simulator OP4510 from OPAL‐RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a maiden application of cascade proportional–integral–derivative with filter (PIDF) and one plus fractional‐order derivative (1+FOD), i.e. PIDF(1+FOD) controller is proposed for the load frequency control mechanism. The main purpose of the cascade and fractional order controller is to increase the degree of freedom and reject the disturbances faster. A novel attempt has also been made to model a static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) with AC tie‐line and HVDC tie‐line. Here SSSC and HVDC tie‐line are used to regulate and increase the power transfer capabilities between interconnected areas. Furthermore stored energy in the HVDC tie‐line is utilised to improve the system dynamics by inertia emulation control strategy. An evolutionary salp swarm algorithm‐based optimisation technique is adopted to optimise control parameters. The performance of the proposed controller is tested on a two‐area hydro‐thermal interconnected power system in deregulated environment. First, the effectiveness AC–DC‐SSSC tie line is shown over AC‐SSSC and alone AC tie‐line with proposed PIDF(1+FOD) controller followed by the supremacy of proposed PIDF(1+FOD) over classical controllers. Finally, sensitivity is analysed by variation in system parameters, which shows the robustness of the proposed controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variable step size modified least mean square (VSSMLMS) learning algorithm based multifunctional double‐stage grid interactive photovoltaic (PV) system is implemented in this paper which feeds power to the grid and the load, ensures unity power factor operation and compensates reactive power. Along with this, it mitigates high grid neutral current during unbalanced loading condition. This algorithm uses variable step sizes to have a smooth dynamic and steady state performances. The boost converter (booster) is used in the first stage to extract peak power from a PV array using perturb and observe peak power point tracking technique. Next to this, a four leg voltage source converter (VSC) is placed to interlink the solar PV system to the grid and the loads. VSSMLMS‐based control technique is used to filter the fundamental component of load current and hence gate pulses are generated for the four‐leg VSC. This system is simulated in SIMULINK/MATLAB software under several working conditions and the obtained simulation results are validated on a developed laboratory prototype. The performance of the VSSMLMS‐based control technique is compared with that of the traditional LMS‐based technique. All results validate the IEEE‐519 standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the development of sign regressor least mean mixed norm (SRLMMN) control technique for a distribution static compensator (D‐STATCOM) is presented. This control technique extracts fundamental weight components from the non‐sinusoidal load currents and generates reference grid currents. D‐STATCOM is developed for harmonics eradication, reactive power injection and load balancing and its performance is investigated in several operating modes. The performance of SRLMMN control is compared with recursive least square (RLS) and variable step least mean square (VSLMS) control techniques in terms of convergence, steady‐state error, harmonics elimination, sample time and computation complexity. The major advantages of SRLMMN control technique, are fast convergence, less steady‐state error, low total harmonic distortion (THD) and offers less computation complexity when compared with RLS and VSLMS. A laboratory‐scale prototype of compensator is realised using a voltage source converter with the controller implemented in the dSPACE‐MicroLabBox. Both MATLAB simulation and experimental results are included to demonstrate the performance of shunt compensator under steady‐state and dynamic loadings. The developed SRLMMN control technique mitigates power quality problems and effectively suppresses THD observed in the grid current with reference to IEEE Standard 519–2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the control of distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) using band‐dependent variable step size (BD‐VSS) individual weighting factor with sign error based adaptive filter for power quality improvement in a weak distribution grid. Here, the proposed algorithm is used for estimation of fundamental active weight components from the distorted load currents in order to generate the reference grid currents to mitigate the grid currents power quality issues. This new control algorithm is proposed for fast and accurate estimation of active weight components with low steady‐state error, without dynamic oscillation at fast convergence speed. Moreover, the frequency locked loop‐double self‐tuning second‐order generalised integrator based voltage filter is used to extract the positive sequence voltages of the distorted grid voltages for estimating the harmonics, and noise‐free voltage unit templates. Therefore, the DSTATCOM with the proposed control algorithm is capable of mitigating the harmonic currents, providing reactive power compensation and operating at unity power factor in a weak distribution grid. Test results demonstrate the viability and robustness of the proposed control algorithm under balanced and unbalanced non‐linear load conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission under hierarchical infeed mode (HIM) embedded into AC networks with diverse voltage levels (500 and 1000 kV) has been used by energy utilities for bulk power transfer. It has some dynamic characteristics challenges such as commutation failures under certain faults at inverter station. The installation of reactive power compensators (RPCs) such as synchronous condenser and static synchronous compensator at inverter's end can support the AC grid to mitigate commutation failures, which can ultimately result in the improved dynamic characteristics of UHVDC‐HIM system. There is a need for analytical index that can accurately indicate the AC system's strength of UHVDC‐HIM system with consideration of impact from RPCs and the interaction between AC networks. In this study, the resulting improvement in dynamic characteristics is quantified by proposed 'equivalent hierarchical mode short circuit ratio' (EHMSCR) index. An equivalent model of UHVDC‐HIM system with AC system's strength modified via EHMSCR is established in PSCAD/EMTDC in order to assess the application of proposed index. Then, three different cases are carried out to further validate the accuracy of EHMSCR index. The results indicate that EHMSCR can accurately evaluate the AC system's strength of UHVDC‐HIM system with RPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the design and implementation of a new hybrid soft computing control technique called Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation (LMBP)‐based icosϕ is proposed. Two different compensation techniques are evaluated for the performance analysis of three‐phase three‐wire (3P3W) voltage source converter (VSC)‐based DSTATCOM. The first one is the conventional icosϕ control technique whereas the other one is called the LMBP‐based icosϕ control technique. The better power quality of the system is obtained using the proposed control algorithm by maintaining a less voltage across the capacitor as compared to the conventional one. So, the reduction in the size of the DSTATCOM is realised by the LMBP‐based control algorithm. Furthermore, the performance parameters such as load balancing, harmonics elimination, power factor improvement, and voltage regulation are evaluated under both balanced and unbalanced loading conditions as per the IEEE guidelines. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is studied in the MATLAB/Simulink environment and also validated with a low power rated prototype experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing penetration of renewable energy resources in distribution networks demands for more active management tools. As a new controllable resource, dynamic network reconfiguration (DNR) can improve the flexibility of active distribution network, and in turn decreasing the operation cost of the distribution network and mitigating renewable distributed generation (RDG) curtailment. In this study, an optimisation model coordinating DNR with active network management (ANM) strategies is established, and the system structure security is evaluated. Considering the coordination of scheduling resources such as DNR switches, RDG active/reactive outputs, demand response and static var compensator, the model aims to minimise the comprehensive operation cost of distribution network and improve the consumption rate of RDG while satisfying the distribution network operation constraints. The model transformation method based on the second-order cone relaxation and variable substitution linearisation is proposed, and the original no-convex optimisation model is transformed into the mixed-integer second-order cone programming problem. Finally, the extended IEEE 33-node distribution network is utilised to conduct simulation calculation, and the results demonstrate the validity of the proposed model and its transformation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A four‐leg distribution static compensator (FL‐DSTATCOM) has been employed for improving the quality of power in electric distribution system using field‐programmable gate array (FPGA). A predictive current control technique without any modulation scheme is utilised to generate switching pulses for FL‐DSTATCOM using a cost function defining the preferred system behaviour. This technique makes the supply current as balanced and sinusoidal by exactly tracking the reference current, compensating the reactive power, maintaining near unity power factor and nullifies the current flow in neutral conductor during steady and dynamic state conditions. Synchronous reference frame theory is effectively implemented for extracting the reactive and harmonic part of load current which are the primary components in the evaluation of reference currents. The predictive current control scheme implemented in FPGA has been deployed to evaluate the behaviour of the FL‐DSTATCOM under multifarious loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing penetration of renewable energy resources in distribution networks demands for more active management tools. As a new controllable resource, dynamic network reconfiguration (DNR) can improve the flexibility of active distribution network, and in turn decreasing the operation cost of the distribution network and mitigating renewable distributed generation (RDG) curtailment. In this study, an optimisation model coordinating DNR with active network management (ANM) strategies is established, and the system structure security is evaluated. Considering the coordination of scheduling resources such as DNR switches, RDG active/reactive outputs, demand response and static var compensator, the model aims to minimise the comprehensive operation cost of distribution network and improve the consumption rate of RDG while satisfying the distribution network operation constraints. The model transformation method based on the second‐order cone relaxation and variable substitution linearisation is proposed, and the original no‐convex optimisation model is transformed into the mixed‐integer second‐order cone programming problem. Finally, the extended IEEE 33‐node distribution network is utilised to conduct simulation calculation, and the results demonstrate the validity of the proposed model and its transformation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a double fundamental signal extracter using third‐order signal integrator‐based control technique is used for the improvement of power quality of single phase grid interfaced with hybrid wind energy generation system (WEGS) and solar photovoltaic (PV) array under weak grid conditions. The control algorithm is proposed for the extraction of dual fundamental components of load current and to extract fundamental grid voltage for synchronisation to the grid. The main objective of the system is to establish secure, reliable and safe integration while mitigating several power quality issues such as total harmonic distortion (THD) of the grid current, DC current injection. The system operates in distribution static compensator mode in the absence of renewable energy sources and also, maintains the grid current THD as per the limit of the IEEE‐519 standard. For optimal power extraction from WEGS as well as the solar PV array, perturb and observe algorithm is used. The prototype developed in the laboratory is tested under different operating conditions such as variable wind speed, grid voltage sag/swell, variable solar insolation, and varying load conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, model predictive control (MPC) of the three‐phase split capacitor (TPSC) distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) using VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method is proposed. Power quality improvement using MPC involves the selection of switching state which minimises the difference between reference and actual DSTATCOM currents. However, the limitation of MPC is higher switching frequency and limitation of TPSC DSTATCOM is voltage divergence of dc‐link capacitors. To alleviate these problems, one constraint is to suppress the voltage divergence and the other is to reduce the switching frequency is included in the cost function using weighting factors. Optimal selection of switching state for minimisation of a multi‐constraint cost function is depending on the weighting factor; however, its tuning is a challenging task. In this study, the simplification of weighting factor tuning is achieved using the VIKOR method and it further selects the optimal switching state based on a specific measure of closeness to the ideal solution and multi‐criteria ranking index. The advantages of the proposed work are compensation of power quality issues, balance the dc‐link voltages, switching frequency reduction of inverter and simplification of weighting factor tuning. Finally, the proposed work is evaluated using simulation and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a ring‐type multi‐microgrid (MG) system comprising of three MGs with solar energy‐based generation, wind energy‐based generation, and static synchronous compensator as primary sources along with batteries as emergency back‐up is proposed. The voltage‐source converters at the individual MG level serve as the interface between the neighbouring MGs and the grid. An augmented proportional sliding‐mode‐control‐based approach is proposed in the primary control level to improve the power quality of the system during balanced and unbalanced loading conditions. A negative‐sequence controller is also included to mitigate the negative‐sequence voltage from the inverter output voltage. The multi‐MG (MMG) system is capable of operation in grid‐connected, islanded, or interconnected mode with balanced and unbalanced loads. The bidirectional DC ‐DC converters interfacing the batteries at the DC link is controlled by a hysteresis‐function‐based sliding‐mode control. A comparison of the proposed inverter primary control with proportional ‐integral controller, quasi‐proportional ‐resonant controller, and hysteresis‐band current controller is carried out. The comparison reveals that the total harmonic distortion and voltage unbalance factor improves by employing the proposed control when compared with conventional control. The proposed MMG system with its control strategies is modelled in MATLAB/Simulink environment and is experimentally verified using OP4510 from OPAL‐RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of utilisation of wind power plants (WPP) in power systems placed at long distance of the transmission power system has shown that the best connecting alternatives are by means of high‐voltage direct current lines (HVDC) using voltage source converter (VSC) stations. Generally, the bus closest to the WPP and with the highest level of short circuit is selected as the best option to connect the VSC‐HVDC link, mainly due to economic criteria. This paper proposes a methodology to select the best connection point in the AC system, taking advantage of the potential increase of transmission capability due to the reactive power controlled at the VSC converter stations; measured as the increment of the loadability margin computed by means of PV curves. Nevertheless, a trade‐off between this benefit and the cost of overhead HVDC transmission line as consequence of the length differences among alternatives is required. This trade‐off is computed as the cost of the equivalent STATCOM required to get the same loadability margin. Thus, a technical‐economical comparison of connection alternatives allows the selection of the best option for connecting the VSC‐HVDC line. The methodology has been applied to connect a WPP of 500 MW to the NETS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) in distribution systems faces many issues due to their output uncertainty resulted from climate conditions. The uncertainty impacts on the voltage fluctuations are reduced by using a proposed bi‐stage method. At first, the system voltage is controlled by determining the optimal setting of voltage‐regulating devices such as voltage regulators, transformer tap changers and static VAR compensator. Then, the dispatchable distributed generation (DDGs) units are accompanied by the voltage regulating devices to achieve more reduction in the voltage fluctuations. In this line, unbalanced backward–forward sweep load flow method is formulated to analyse the unbalanced operation of three‐phase distribution systems. The main objectives of the proposed method are to reduce voltage fluctuations to maintain voltage profile within its permissible limits. In addition, the cat swarm optimiser (CSO) is implemented to obtain the optimal planning of voltage regulating devices and DDGs to achieve the lowest uncertainty influence on the voltage fluctuations. The proposed method is applied to a real unbalanced IEEE 34‐bus distribution test system. The highest capability of CSO algorithm, i.e. CSO provides the highest reduction on the voltage fluctuations, is proven compared with particle swarm optimisation, harmony search and water cycle algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an improved crow search algorithm (ICSA) is proposed for the optimal allocation of renewable energy sources (RESs) and distributed static compensator in a practical distribution network (PDN) to improve system voltage, reduce line losses, maximise economic benefit, and decrease pollutants' emission. To improve the performances, the control parameters of ICSA are logically tuned to make them adaptive with the iteration. Voltage stability index is used to identify healthier and weaker buses (HBs and WBs) of the system and comparative performance analysis is conducted after placing the devices at the identified HBs and WBs. The proposed technique is applied for both the cases of reduced search space (only WBs) and full search space (all the load buses) to establish that the optimal placement is always obtained at the WBs of the network. The optimal allocation for each type of device is conducted considering the time‐varying characteristics of load demand and RES's power output, and their optimal performances are analysed in details, which will be helpful for the distribution companies to identify the most suitable device for incorporating in PDN. Furthermore, to show the effectiveness, the proposed algorithm is also compared with other algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, new trends in electrification of the transport sector have been a major concern for distribution grid operators. New types of flexible, uncontrollable loads, such as EV, influence the reliability of distribution networks. This work is related to the distribution system planning framework, with a particular focus on uncoordinated flexible EV loads. The main focus is the enhancement of the hosting capacity of EVs on distribution networks, while maintaining power quality (especially voltage magnitude and voltage unbalance), which is ultimately a pre‐requisite for increasing prosumer engagement. Several EV charging scenarios, in the context of UK/Irish distribution networks with increased penetration of EV prosumers are considered. The results show that reactive power compensation through STATCOM, in the context of EV integration, can provide continuous voltage support and thereby facilitate 90% penetration of network customer EV connections at a normal EV charging rate (3.68 kW). If fast charging (up to 11 kW) is employed, <30% of network EV customers can be accommodated due to bottlenecks presented by the substation transformer loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an innovative design for the optimal sizing, placement, and dispatch approach of distribution static var compensators (D‐SVCs) in a radial power distribution system to improve the technical and economic aspects of the grid. The approach incorporates the total harmonic distortion (THD) effects into the assessment with the presence of non‐linear loads. A multi‐state particle swarm optimisation algorithm is also proposed, at first to select the placement and size and then to select the dispatch strategy of D‐SVCs. Three IEEE test systems were used for the case study to show the efficacy of the method. The results reveal that the approach is viable, and it determines the cases where the highest savings were achievable fulfilling the grid voltage and THD constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) has attracted considerable attention because it can stabilise severe transients that are caused by power system disturbances. This study presents a novel interval type 2 fuzzy control system (IT2‐FCS)‐based controller for the STATCOM to stabilise bus voltages that are caused by faults or forced wind farm outages in a smart grid. Two IT2‐FCSs are presented to tune increments of the proportional integral (PI) controller, which are optimised by the gradient descent method. The IT2 fuzzy rules, involving upper and lower membership functions, result in a fast and stable system response. Since many possible scenarios may arise in the power system, the Taguchi method is used to design experiments using an orthogonal array, in which all scenarios are mutually independent. A power system that consists of a wind farm and STATCOM is studied. Comparative studies show that the proposed method is superior to traditional PI and type 1 FCS methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) is implemented at distribution level for overcoming several power quality problems commonly encountered today. Some of these problems considered here deal with issues of harmonics, unbalancing of loads, meeting reactive power demand of the load for improving power factor to unity and regulating the voltage. A new technique is proposed based on affine projection control algorithm and its design and implementation on a shunt compensator are discussed. The proposed control approach estimates the fundamental weight values of load currents. These weights are utilised to compute the magnitude and phase of reference grid currents and consequently gating pulses for three‐phase voltage source converter (VSC). The control approach is based on the convergence of the weighted values and is independent of the property of the input signal. This control approach has characteristic of updating weights on the basis of multiple, delayed input signal vectors. Fast convergence of active and reactive weighted values is added advantage of the proposed control approach with the above‐mentioned characteristics. A working prototype of the DSTATCOM is implemented using three‐phase VSC and digital signal processor (DSP) (dSPACE 1104). The affine projection control approach is developed in MATLAB/SIMULINK and verified on a prototype using DSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern power transmission grids are facing more and more critical short‐term voltage stability problems. This study proposes a novel robust dynamic VAR planning approach for improving the short‐term voltage stability level under uncertainties including the peak load level, the maximum proportion of dynamic load, fault clearing time and deviation of the actual capacity of dynamic VAR compensators from rated capacity when contingencies occur. The robust dynamic VAR planning problem is formulated as a multi‐objective optimisation model with objectives including the investment cost, the expectation and robustness of the short‐term voltage stability level. The complexity of the planning model is firstly reduced by selecting severe contingencies and potential buses, leading to a simplified multi‐objective optimisation model. Latin hypercube sampling is then used for the uncertainty quantification. The simplified multi‐objective optimisation model is then solved by the combination of a multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm called ϵ ‐NSGAII and extreme learning machine‐based surrogate modelling with adaptive training data sampling. This combination significantly reduces the unaffordable computing burden. Simulations are carried on the IEEE 39‐bus system, illustrating that the authors proposed methodology is reliable with high computational efficiency, and offering decision‐makers planning solutions with high mean performance and strong robustness with respect to the short‐term voltage stability level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Load current may become highly distorted in a weak power system network due to the presence of non‐linear and dynamic loads. Harmonics get penetrated into the supply system too; thereby making it polluted and rich in harmonic content and causing a detrimental effect on the performance of other connected loads. In such cases, the conventional control algorithms fail to work effectively to mitigate power quality (PQ) issues. This study addresses solutions to PQ issues which get aggravated in the presence of distorted supply. This study proposes a multiple complex coefficient filter (MCCF)‐second‐order generalised integrator (SOGI)‐based controller designed to effectively compensate for PQ problems associated with weak grid. A MCCF filter is designed to extract the fundamental components of grid voltage used further for grid synchronisation. The SOGI is designed to extract the fundamental active current magnitude of the load current and reduce PQ issues with the help of Distributed Static Compensator (DSTATCOM). Neutral current compensation is achieved with an appropriately designed zigzag transformer. Extensive simulation and hardware results realising dSPACE 1104 as Digital Signal Processor are considered in this study to show that the performance of the proposed control algorithm under PQ issues with distorted grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reactive power compensation scheme along with harmonic reduction technique for an unbalanced four‐wire system has been addressed in this study. The proposed compensation scheme can mitigate a wider range of thyristor controlled reactor (TCR) injected harmonics and load harmonics up to specified range. The scheme is realised by using a combination of thyristor controlled delta (Δ)‐connected and star (Y)‐connected static VAr compensator (SVC). Each SVC consists of a TCR and a tuned‐thyristor switched capacitor (t ‐TSC). The proposed SVC scheme can eliminate negative sequence current with source power factor improvement through Δ ‐SVC and zero sequence current caused by unbalanced load is removed by Y‐SVC. For harmonic compensation, the tuned‐TSC is used to filter harmonics generated by the non‐linear load or due to TCR switching in SVC. An optimised switching function is also adopted in the proposed scheme to minimise TCR harmonic injection in the SVC which reduces the required filter size. The optimised switching angles are computed off‐line using gravitational search algorithm and stored in microcontroller memory for on‐line applications. The proposed scheme has been validated through proper simulations using MATLAB software backed by suitable experimental results on a practical system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates three different techniques to mitigate the switching overvoltages (SOVs) in the microgrids. At first, the effectiveness of reactive power compensation devices, such as static var compensator (SVC), is evaluated. After that, the performance of the supercapacitor (SC), as an energy storage device, is studied. Finally, with the addition of the SVC to the SC, the possibility to mitigate SOV by compensating both active and reactive power simultaneously is investigated. SOVs result due to unsymmetrical switching operation during de‐energisation (disconnection) procedures. The μG two operational modes; grid connected mode and isolated mode, are considered. A small hydro generation unit and three variable speed, double‐fed induction generator‐based wind turbines are the main renewable power generation units in the tested microgrid system. Alternative Transient Program is used in this study for simulating the compensation device, the energy storage device and the investigated microgrid. The study shows that through the μG two operational modes, the SC has priority over the other two investigated mitigation methods. Furthermore, using the SC or SC with SVC, the results have more regular voltage waveforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydro‐Québec has identified wide‐area control system as a key initiative able to significantly increase the voltage stability of its grid. In this context, an innovative project for wide‐area and local voltage control of shunt compensators was initiated. Its main objective is to implement a closed‐loop control system on Hydro‐Québec's network to optimise the reactive power support from the dynamic shunt compensators. The outcome of this project is the 'global and local control of compensators' (GLCCs) system which is based on synchrophasor technology and intelligent electronics devices. Applied to each shunt compensator of Hydro‐Québec's network, this robust voltage control system measures voltage variations in the load area and adjusts the operation set point of each shunt compensator accordingly, thus avoiding voltage collapse resulting from extreme contingencies. The GLCC control solution was intensively tested in simulation using PSSE software. Moreover, a pilot project was commissioned on a test bench replica of the system and also tested in real time using Hydro‐Québec's Hypersim digital simulator. Field tests of the GLCC were conducted on a −230/ + 660 MVars static vars compensator. The results of this pilot project were deemed conclusive and the deployment of the new voltage control system has been initiated by Hydro‐Québec. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript presents a decentralised control scheme for coordinated SVC (CSVC) of large‐scale power networks. In this way, for each area of the power grid, a model predictive controller (MPC) which modifies the set points of reactive power compensators participating in CSVC algorithm is designed. The proposed controller takes into account reactive power limits of these compensation devices. The novelty of the method lies in the consideration of measured reactive power deviation on tie‐lines between neighbouring areas as measured disturbance and compensation of the disturbance by regional MPC controllers. As another contribution of this work, the validation of the proposed algorithm is done in real‐time simulation environment in which the decentralised MPC controllers are run in parallel on separate computational cores. The stability and robustness of the presented algorithm is validated for a large‐scale realistic transmission network with 5000 buses considering standard communication protocols to send and receive the data. Simulation results show that the proposed method can regulate the voltages on the pilot buses at the desired values in the presence of load variations and communication delays. Finally, the computational burden of the proposed method is evaluated in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local latency adversely affects the stabilising performance of damping controllers especially in the two‐level control scheme. By considering both wide area and local latencies, this study presents the two‐level coordinated control which consists of wide area centralised and local controls of power oscillation damper (POD) and power system stabiliser (PSS) for robust power oscillation damping. The PODs are equipped with the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine, the solar photovoltaic generator (SPV), and the static VAR compensator (SVC). The centralised PODs of DFIG, SPV, SVC, and the centralised PSSs act as the primary damping controllers. When the communication failure occurs, the local PODs of such devices and the local PSSs are activated and used as the backup damping controllers. To achieve the damping performance and robustness, the parameters of centralised and local controllers are individually optimised based on the worst scenarios determined by the lowest damping ratio of target inter‐area oscillation modes. Study results in New England and New York IEEE 68‐bus system demonstrate that the proposed two‐level coordinated controllers are superior to the conventional two‐level controllers in terms of damping performance and robustness against various operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The output active and reactive powers of wind farms are highly time-varying even in extremely short time periods which cause flicker. In many wind farms static VAr compensators (SVCs) are employed to mitigate this flicker. In this study it is shown that reactive power variations of wind farms are even faster than those which can be fully compensated by SVC. This inability of SVCs comes from the delays in the reactive power measurement and thyristor ignition circuit. To overcome this limitation, the reactive power of a wind farm is predicted for a half cycle (10 ms) ahead. Large numbers of data were recorded from the Manjil wind farm in different weather conditions. Auto regressive moving average (ARMA) models were used for the prediction, and model adequacy checking was employed to determine the best ARMA model order. To evaluate the performance of proposed method, with a novel procedure the wind farm is simulated using the actual recorded data. The instantaneous flicker sensation and short term flicker were calculated and compared for three cases; without SVC, using SVC with the traditional control method, and using SVC with the proposed prediction method. The results confirm the superiority of the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) is used for power quality improvement in the distribution system. In the conventional DSTATCOM, the dc voltage is kept constant and it is selected based on rated reactive load. Under light load or reduced load conditions, the compensator works perfectly even though the dc voltage is reduced from its rated value. Maintaining the dc voltage constant under reduced or light load conditions leads to unnecessary voltage stress across the switching devices. Therefore, in this study, a simple dynamic dc voltage regulation is proposed to reduce the voltage stress across switching devices under the reduced load conditions. The proposed algorithm optimises the value of dc voltage based on reactive load without compromising the performance of the DSTATCOM. To validate the proposed method, simulation and experimental studies were carried out on the three‐phase two‐level split‐capacitor DSTATCOM for harmonic mitigation, reactive power compensation and load balancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic reactive power sources can be used to effectively mitigate the fault‐induced delayed voltage recovery and transient voltage instability issues. When many var sources need to be installed at planned locations, optimisation of their sizes is a complicated non‐linear optimisation problem due to its non‐convexity and the dependence of the constraint on time‐series trajectories of post‐fault voltages. Solving this optimal sizing problem needs to utilise both a non‐linear optimisation solver and a power system differential‐algebraic equation solver. This study proposes a new approach for solving this problem under both a single contingency and multiple contingencies by using the mesh adaptive direct search algorithm interfaced with a power system simulator. The proposed approach is validated by case studies on a North American Eastern Interconnection model to optimise the sizes of planned STATCOMs against critical contingencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The output active and reactive powers of wind farms are highly time‐varying even in extremely short time periods which cause flicker. In many wind farms static VAr compensators (SVCs) are employed to mitigate this flicker. In this study it is shown that reactive power variations of wind farms are even faster than those which can be fully compensated by SVC. This inability of SVCs comes from the delays in the reactive power measurement and thyristor ignition circuit. To overcome this limitation, the reactive power of a wind farm is predicted for a half cycle (10 ms) ahead. Large numbers of data were recorded from the Manjil wind farm in different weather conditions. Auto regressive moving average (ARMA) models were used for the prediction, and model adequacy checking was employed to determine the best ARMA model order. To evaluate the performance of proposed method, with a novel procedure the wind farm is simulated using the actual recorded data. The instantaneous flicker sensation and short term flicker were calculated and compared for three cases; without SVC, using SVC with the traditional control method, and using SVC with the proposed prediction method. The results confirm the superiority of the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel interfacing setup for testing and validating wide‐area monitoring and control (WAMC) techniques used in smart grids. The main purpose of this study is to provide a realistic approach for conducting WAMC studies. In here, a wide‐area controller (WAC) for a flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) device is implemented. The measurements for the WAC are collected using phasor measurements units (PMUs). Three main segments are being interfaced in this study. First, the real‐power grid, the local area controller of the actual FACTS device, and the PMUs are simulated using real‐time digital simulator. This simulation represents the central simulation and is interfaced with the WAC, which is realised using a MATLAB‐based program. This interface represents a novel software‐in‐the‐loop (SIL) scheme. On the other hand, an actual FACTS device is designed and interfaced to the central simulation via hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) scheme. This SIL and HIL combination makes the experimental testbed more realistic and closer to the industrial standard. Various tests are conducted to examine the performance of the developed testbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]