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In the conventional sliding mode control, the four-leg distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) currents are controlled based on a current error in each phase. However, the four currents in a four-wire system can not be independently controlled variables and hence one of the four controllers is redundant in conventional schemes. Further, the current dynamics of a DSTATCOM converter are coupled through converter pole voltages in the natural reference frame. This leads to cross-coupling in the sliding variable equations with respect to four manipulated input variables. Considering the above points, in this paper, the current due to Thevenin’s equivalent load neutral-point voltage is considered as a fourth independent controlled variable and the corresponding system dynamic equations are presented. To get a decoupled feature, a new sliding surface function is structured. The performance of a DSTATCOM with the proposed control scheme under various operating conditions is validated through a detailed simulation study and experimental results, obtained from a laboratory prototype of four-leg DSTATCOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Point wind velocity measurement given by nacelle-top mounted sensor may not be same as effective wind velocity, which strikes the wind turbine rotor blades. This article proposes a new method for the computation of effective wind velocity by inverting the turbine's aerodynamic model after estimating the turbine torque and its rotor speed. Nonlinear control theory-based sliding mode observers are used to estimate the wind turbine generator induced speed emfs, rotor speed, and aerodynamic torque imparted to generator shaft. While satisfying the Lyapunov inequality condition, design aspects of sliding mode observers are discussed in detail. The performance of the proposed wind velocity estimation method is evaluated by using permanent magnet synchronous generator-based wind turbine emulator in laboratory. Simulation and experimental studies confirm that the estimated wind velocity under different wind profile conditions is accurate and can be used in various control algorithms in wind energy conversion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the protection of critical loads from voltage-related power quality issues using a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR). A generalized control algorithm based on instantaneous space phasor and dual $P$ - $Q$ theory has been proposed to generate the instantaneous reference voltages to compensate the load voltages with direct power flow control. The proposed algorithm adapts energy-optimized series voltage compensation, which results in a reduction of energy storage requirement. The proposed DVR control scheme can support the load from voltage-related power quality issues irrespective of the load current profile. Each leg of the three-phase three-leg split capacitor inverter is used to inject series compensation voltage in respective phases of the system. Model-based computer simulation studies and real-time experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) is used for load voltage regulation, and its performance mainly depends upon the feeder impedance and its nature (resistive, inductive, stiff, nonstiff). However, a study for analyzing voltage regulation performance of DSTATCOM depending upon network parameters is not well defined. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive study of design, operation, and flexible control of a DSTATCOM operating in voltage control mode. A detailed analysis of the voltage regulation capability of DSTATCOM under various feeder impedances is presented. Then, a benchmark design procedure to compute the value of external inductor is presented. A dynamic reference load voltage generation scheme is also developed, which allows DSTATCOM to compensate load reactive power during normal operation, in addition to providing voltage support during disturbances. Simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents an adaptive maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for small-scale wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) to harvest more energy from turbulent wind. The proposed algorithm combines the computational behavior of hill climb search, tip speed ratio, and power signal feedback control algorithms for its adaptability over wide range of WECSs and fast tracking of maximum power point. In this paper, the proposed MPPT algorithm is implemented by using buck–boost featured single-ended primary inductor converter to extract maximum power from full range of wind velocity profile. Evaluation of the proposed algorithm is done on a laboratory-scaled dc motor drive-based WECS emulator. TMS320F28335, 32-bit floating point digital signal controller, is used to execute the control schemes of the in-lab experimental setup. Experimental results show that tracking capability of the proposed algorithm under sudden and gradual fluctuating wind conditions is efficient and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a unified energy management scheme is proposed for renewable grid integrated systems with battery–supercapacitor hybrid storage. The intermittent nature of renewable-energy resources (RES), coupled with the unpredictable changes in the load, demands high-power and high-energy-density storage systems to coexist in today's microgrid environment. The proposed scheme dynamically changes the modes of renewable integrated systems based on the availability of RES power and changes in load as well. The participation of battery–supercapacitor storage to handle sudden/average changes in power surges results in fast dc link voltage regulation, effective energy management, and reduced current stress on battery. In addition, the proposed energy management scheme enables the real power transfer along with ancillary services such as current harmonic mitigation, reactive power support, and power factor improvement at the point of common coupling. The proposed scheme is validated through both simulation and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes an improved performance interactive distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) to address the limitations of conventional current control mode (CCM) and voltage control mode (VCM) operations. The proposed interactive scheme provides smooth transfer of modes of operation while remaining connected in the distribution system. In normal operation, the DSTATCOM operates in CCM to make source currents balanced, sinusoidal, and at a unity power factor. During voltage disturbances, the CCM operation cannot improve load voltage. In that case, DSTATCOM operation is changed to VCM, which maintains a constant voltage across the sensitive loads. Hence, this interactive DSTATCOM ensures continuous, flexible, and robust operation of the load. Moreover, the filter current requirements are reduced in the proposed scheme, which reduces the losses in the filter and feeder, improves inverter efficiency, and requires a reduced-rating inverter for sag mitigation. The principle of operation and control for both operating modes is analyzed. The detailed process of the flexible transfer between the two modes is derived. Deadbeat predictive control algorithms for CCM as well as VCM operation are developed for fast operation during mode transfers. The performance of the proposed scheme is validated by both simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a predictive voltage control scheme for the effective control of a transformerless dynamic voltage restorer (TDVR). This control scheme utilizes the discrete model of a voltage source inverter and an interfacing filter for the generation of the switching strategy of inverter switches. Predictive voltage control algorithm-based TDVR tracks the reference voltage effectively and maintains load voltages sinusoidal during various voltage disturbances as well as load conditions. Moreover, this scheme does not require any linear controller or modulation technique. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the performance of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, fast acting dc-link voltage-based energy management schemes are proposed for a hybrid energy storage system fed by solar photovoltaic (PV) energy. Using the proposed control schemes, quick fluctuations of load are supplied by the supercapacitors and the average load demand is controlled by the batteries. Fast dc-link voltage, effective energy management, and reduced current stress on battery are the main features achieved from the proposed control schemes. The effectiveness of the proposed control schemes are compared with the unified cascaded control. Small-signal control gains are formulated to design the voltage and current loops of the proposed energy management schemes. Detailed stability analysis is also presented to find the boundary values of compensator gains. In addition, a high-gain PV converter is proposed for extraction of maximum power from the solar panels. High voltage gain, reduced reverse recovery of diodes, and less duty cycle operation are the key features obtained from the proposed high-gain converter. The validity of the proposed energy management schemes with high-gain converter is verified by the detailed simulation and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is a definitive solution toward compensation of voltage sag with phase jump. Conventional DVR topologies, however, have dc links and two-stage power conversions. This increases its size, cost, and associated losses. Therefore, topologies without the dc link, mitigating sag by utilizing direct ac–ac converters, are preferable over the conventional ones. As no storage device is employed, compensation by these topologies is limited only by the voltages at the point of common coupling that is feeding the converters. In this paper, a direct-ac–ac-converter-based topology fed with line voltages is proposed. The arrangement provides increased range of compensation in terms of magnitude and phase angle correction. Detailed simulations have been carried out in MATLAB to compare the capability of the proposed topology with other similar topologies. Experimental results are presented to validate the capability of the topology to compensate various sags. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes an improved hybrid distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) topology to address some practical issues such as power rating, filter size, compensation performance, and power loss. An $LCL$ filter has been used at the front end of a voltage source inverter (VSI), which provides better switching harmonics elimination while using much smaller value of an inductor as compared with the traditional $L$ filter. A capacitor is used in series with an $LCL$ filter to reduce the dc-link voltage of the DSTATCOM. This consequently reduces the power rating of the VSI. With reduced dc-link voltage, the voltage across the shunt capacitor of the $LCL$ filter will be also less. It will reduce the power losses in the damping resistor as compared with the traditional $LCL$ filter with passive damping. Therefore, the proposed DSTATCOM topology will have reduced weight, cost, rating, and size with improved efficiency and current compensation capability compared with the traditional topology. A systematic procedure to design the components of the passive filter has been presented. The effectiveness of the proposed DSTATCOM topology over traditional topologies is validated through both simulation and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Loads connected to a stiff source cannot be protected from voltage disturbances using a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM). In this paper, a new control-algorithm-based multifunctional DSTATCOM is proposed to operate in voltage control mode under stiff source. This scheme provides fast voltage regulation at the load terminal during voltage disturbances and protects critical loads. In addition, during normal operation, the generated reference load voltages allow control of the source currents. Consequently, DSTATCOM injects reactive and harmonic components of load currents to make source power factor unity. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the efficacy of the proposed control algorithm and multifunctional DSTATCOM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a new algorithm to generate reference voltage for a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) operating in voltage-control mode. The proposed scheme exhibits several advantages compared to traditional voltage-controlled DSTATCOM where the reference voltage is arbitrarily taken as 1.0 p.u. The proposed scheme ensures that unity power factor (UPF) is achieved at the load terminal during nominal operation, which is not possible in the traditional method. Also, the compensator injects lower currents and, therefore, reduces losses in the feeder and voltage-source inverter. Further, a saving in the rating of DSTATCOM is achieved which increases its capacity to mitigate voltage sag. Nearly UPF is maintained, while regulating voltage at the load terminal, during load change. The state-space model of DSTATCOM is incorporated with the deadbeat predictive controller for fast load voltage regulation during voltage disturbances. With these features, this scheme allows DSTATCOM to tackle power-quality issues by providing power factor correction, harmonic elimination, load balancing, and voltage regulation based on the load requirement. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unified power-quality conditioner (UPQC) is used to provide balanced and sinusoidal source currents and load voltages under unbalanced and distorted three-phase supply voltages and load currents in a power distribution network. In this paper, a particle swarm optimization-based feedback controller is designed for UPQC. This feedback controller has optimal performance in various operating conditions and is robust to parametric uncertainties when compared to the conventional feedback controllers, such as the linear quadratic regulator. The proposed method is implemented on a distribution system and detailed simulation and experimental results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This letter presents a dynamic hysteresis current control algorithm for a three-phase four-leg voltage-source inverter (VSI) topology. In order to improve the performance and life of the power switches of VSI, we require an optimized control technique that reduces its switching frequency. Proposed hysteresis current control method is a generalized control method that minimizes switching operations to compensate nonlinear load under both balanced and unbalanced supply voltages. It is shown that this control scheme is able to reduce the switching frequency by more than 50% compared to conventional hysteresis current control method and retain the quality of load compensation. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is illustrated through simulations using Power Systems Computer-Aided Design (PSCAD) 4.2.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transient response of the distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) is very important while compensating rapidly varying unbalanced and nonlinear loads. Any change in the load affects the dc-link voltage directly. The sudden removal of load would result in an increase in the dc-link voltage above the reference value, whereas a sudden increase in load would reduce the dc-link voltage below its reference value. The proper operation of DSTATCOM requires variation of the dc-link voltage within the prescribed limits. Conventionally, a proportional-integral (PI) controller is used to maintain the dc-link voltage to the reference value. It uses deviation of the capacitor voltage from its reference value as its input. However, the transient response of the conventional PI dc-link voltage controller is slow. In this paper, a fast-acting dc-link voltage controller based on the energy of a dc-link capacitor is proposed. Mathematical equations are given to compute the gains of the conventional controller based on fast-acting dc-link voltage controllers to achieve similar fast transient response. The detailed simulation and experimental studies are carried out to validate the proposed controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed study on the design and analysis of user-defined constant switching (UDCS) frequency current-control-based four-leg distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM). The three phase legs of its voltage source inverter are operated in hysteresis current tracking mode whereas the fourth leg is controlled by a square switching pulse of user-defined frequency. Consequently, the switches of the other three legs also get tuned to this user-defined frequency. Analytical expressions are derived that prescribe the range of frequencies for which the scheme works effectively. Design procedure is also suggested for the selection of the parameters of the four-leg inverter such as dc-link voltage, dc-link capacitor, interface inductor, and hysteresis band. Simulation and experimental studies are conducted to validate the proposed design procedure for a UDCS-controller-based DSTATCOM. Its performance is compared with a conventional hysteresis-controlled DSTATCOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, design aspects of various passive components and switching dynamics of a voltage source inverter (VSI) for compensating unbalanced and nonlinear load are presented. The design method for VSI to track desired reference currents smoothly, is illustrated. By using the proposed method, it is possible to design the passive components of different VSI topologies used for load compensation. The results are supported by detailed simulation studies on a three-phase four-wire compensated system using PSCAD 4.2.1. The design steps are also verified by conducting experiments using a prototype model developed in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract-In this paper, an optimization-based control algorithm for the compensation of steady-state load under distorted supply voltages is presented. For balanced and sinusoidal supply voltages, load compensation using shunt active filter produces perfect harmonic cancellation (PHC) and unity power factor (UPF) source currents. However, when the supply voltages are distorted, compensation for PHC will not provide UPF, as the harmonics in the supply voltages are not utilized for delivering the average power. In the same way, to achieve UPF source currents, the compensated source currents should have the same harmonics, unbalance, shape, and be in phase with the respective supply voltages, thereby violating the perfect harmonic cancellation objective. Hence, there should be an optimal operation between these two important compensation characteristics. The optimization-based control algorithm presented in this paper gives the best power factor while satisfying the constraints such as total harmonic distortion limits and average power balance of source currents. It is also flexible to adopt different compensation characteristics based upon the supply voltage conditions. MATLAB and its optimization toolbox are used for simulation studies and solving the nonlinear optimization problem, respectively. The algorithm is validated by using a prototype of digital signal processor (TMS320F2812PGFA)-based shunt active power filter. Detailed experimental results are presented. [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]

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]

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]

The paper presents the operating principles of a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) that is used to maintain the voltage of a distribution bus. A three-phase, four-wire distribution system is assumed in this study. A three-phase bridge inverter circuit that is supplied by two neutral-clamped dc storage capacitors realizes the DSTATCOM. Three filter capacitors, one for each phase, are connected in parallel with the DSTATCOM to eliminate high-frequency switching components. The voltage across the filter capacitor is controlled by a dead-beat controller to maintain the ac bus voltage. The magnitude of the bus voltage is chosen as nominal value, i.e., 1.0 p.u., while its phase angle is obtained through a feedback loop that maintains the voltage across the dc storage capacitors. Through detailed simulation and experimental results, it has been shown that the DSTATCOM can maintain the voltage against any unbalance and distortion in either the load or supply side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converter system that does both dc–dc conversion and dc–ac conversion in a single stage is called a single-stage converter system (SSCS). Compared to a two-stage converter, SSCS is more efficient and compact in size. In this paper, a grid-connected SSCS (GCSS) system for photovoltaic (PV) applications is presented. This GCSS transfers power from PV to grid while tracking maximum power point (MPP) continuously. The proposed system has several desirable features such as low switching loss, high gain, and compact size that makes this GCSS suitable for PV systems, where the PV system output voltage is low and varies with time. Design of the presented GCSS components with necessary equations and derivation of both current control loop and voltage control loop required for operation are given. Proposed GCSS is simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK. Detailed simulation and experimental results are given to verify the efficacy of the proposed GCSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interturn short-circuit faults are the leading cause of power transformer's failure. If not detected at the incipient stage, these faults usually develop into more severe faults that would result in irreversible damage to the transformer, unexpected outages, and consequential losses. This paper presents a transformer interturn fault detection system (TIFDS) for the detection of an interturn fault at the inception stage in power transformers. TIFDS is immune to supply voltage imbalance, constructional asymmetries, and instrumental errors. It also takes care of unequal load distribution. The TIFDS algorithm makes the transformer symmetrical in its entire three phases and sets primary-side neutral current to zero value. This is achieved by computing and applying various correction coefficients. However, under the interturn fault condition, TIFDS characterizes the behavior of neutral current. Simulation and experimentation studies are carried out on the 400/110-V, 3 \times 2.5 kVA power transformer. Presented test results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) is a custom power device, which mitigates voltage and current-related PQ issues in the power distribution systems. In this paper, a UPQC topology for applications with non-stiff source is proposed. The proposed topology enables UPQC to have a reduced dc-link voltage without compromising its compensation capability. This proposed topology also helps to match the dc-link voltage requirement of the shunt and series active filters of the UPQC. The topology uses a capacitor in series with the interfacing inductor of the shunt active filter, and the system neutral is connected to the negative terminal of the dc-link voltage to avoid the requirement of the fourth leg in the voltage source inverter (VSI) of the shunt active filter. The average switching frequency of the switches in the VSI also reduces, consequently the switching losses in the inverters reduce. Detailed design aspects of the series capacitor and VSI parameters have been discussed in the paper. A simulation study of the proposed topology has been carried out using PSCAD simulator, and the results are presented. Experimental studies are carried out on three-phase UPQC prototype to verify the proposed topology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The unified power-quality conditioner (UPQC) is used to mitigate the current and voltage-related power-quality (PQ) problems simultaneously in power distribution systems. Among all of the PQ problems, voltage sag is a crucial problem in distribution systems. In this paper, a new methodology is proposed to mitigate the unbalanced voltage sag with phase jumps by UPQC with minimum real power injection. To obtain the minimum real power injection by UPQC, an objective function is derived along with practical constraints, such as the injected voltage limit on the series active filter, phase jump mitigation, and angle of voltage injection. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been used to find the solution of the objective function derived for minimizing real power injection of UPQC along with the constraints. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems have been used to make the proposed methodology online for minimum real power injection with UPQC by using the PSO-based data for different voltage sag conditions. The proposed method has been validated through detailed simulation and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]