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The voltage rise problem due to the reverse power flow is one of the main obstacles to expanding the photovoltaic systems (PVSs) in distribution networks. In this paper, a decentralized control method for coordinated control of on-load tap changer (OLTC) transformers and PV inverters, is proposed for the voltage regulation of radial distribution networks. In this method, the allowable voltage range is divided into several zones, and appropriate corrective actions are adaptively taken according to each zone. To reduce the tension on the OLTC, first, the reactive power capability of the PV inverters is employed for the voltage regulation, and if it is insufficient, OLTC is used as the last solution. In this regard, the unused capacity of PV inverters is utilized for the reactive power compensation, considering the grid codes reactive power requirements. Furthermore, decentralized control based on a signaling method is used for coordination between OLTC and PVSs, which eliminates the need for communication links. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by the simulation results for the IEEE 33-bus distribution network, and the impact of different reactive power control methods on the number of OLTC operation is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast growth of wind power generation and its contribution in power systems dynamic performance has highlighted the importance of developing generic models for wind turbines. Following the former efforts, an enhanced version of standard generic wind turbine model is proposed in this article. The enhancements are aimed to make the model applicable for unbalanced Root Mean Square (RMS), short-term frequency stability, and low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) studies. Moreover, fidelity of the overall responses of the model is increased. To achieve these goals, five new blocks are designed and added to the base model and three existing blocks are modified. The new blocks are negative-sequence generator/converter model, inertial controller, LVRT controller, dc-link and the Line Side Converter (LSC), and the natural flux models. Responses of the enhanced model are compared with the results of both the base model and a detailed model, and validity of the proposed model is verified by different transient scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind turbine generators (WTG) can participate in system frequency regulation via virtual inertial controllers (VIC). In the presence of frequency disturbances, VIC temporarily regulates the WTG power output forcing it to release/absorb kinetic energy into/from the grid. With increasing penetration of WTGs in power systems, grid operators require these generators to provide frequency regulation services; however, kinetic energy release/absorption can destabilize WTGs. Hence, to address these issues, a new large-perturbation nonlinear WTG model is proposed in this paper, based on the WTG internal response that is used to tune typical VICs. Novel worst case and optimal VIC tuning approaches are also proposed and discussed based on the developed WTG nonlinear model. Several simulations are presented to test and validate the proposed model and VIC tuning techniques, demonstrating their adequate performance and advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online monitoring of inter-area oscillations is a vital need for secure operation of large-scale power systems. This paper aims at online estimation of inter-area modes by a novel stabilized fast transversal recursive least squares (SFTRLS) filter running on ambient power system data received from phasor measurement units. The SFTRLS filter is a fast finite-impulse response adaptive filter that is widely used in communication applications, such as noise and echo cancelation. It has the lowest computational complexity among least-squares filters and directly calculates coefficients of the parametric model selected for identifying a system under study. In the proposed method, the SFTRLS filter along with digital band-pass Butterworth filter and down-sampling blocks are implemented in online manner for identification of an autoregressive model that describes the measured power system ambient signal. Applicability and accuracy of the proposed method are evaluated using real measurement data of western systems coordinating council (WSCC) breakup on August 10, 1996, as well as simulated ambient data of the IEEE 16-machine, 5-area test system excited by white noise random load modulations. Its performance is investigated under different conditions of load modulations, measurement noises, sudden change in damping ratio, and occurrence of three-phase faults. The simulation results verify efficient and robust performance of the proposed method for modal estimation of real large-scale power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new framework for corrective voltage control (CVC) of power systems. It ensures a desired loading margin (LM) after encountering severe contingencies while minimizing the corresponding control costs. The framework is divided into primary CVC (PCVC) and secondary CVC (SCVC) stages for restoration of voltage stability and ensuring a desired LM. These stages are based on the sequence and quickness of the control actions required in post-contingency state of the system. The PCVC sub problem deals with the condition faced by a power system subject to voltage instability as the result of severe contingencies. Such control is merely devised to restore system stability. Next, in the SCVC sub problem that follows PCVC, the system operating point is modified such that a desired LM is ensured, and hence voltage security of the system is achieved. The active and reactive power redispatch of generation units and involuntary load curtailment are employed along with the voluntary demand-side participations as control facilities in PCVC and SCVC sub problems, by deploying a proper voltage dependent static model for loads. The proposed framework is examined on the IEEE 118-bus system. The numerical results substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an enhanced hybrid modular multilevel converter (MMC), which utilizes a combination of half-bridge submodules (HBSM) and at least one full-bridge submodule (FBSM). In the proposed structure, FBSMs work with half of the HBSMs nominal voltage in each arm. Due to the presence of FBSMs, HBSMs switching frequency drops significantly, which reduces the converter power loss compared to half-bridge based MMCs. Furthermore, because of redundant FBSMs, (2N + 1)-modulation can be employed to generate the output voltage without increasing the circulating current, thus, the converter performance is improved notably. Besides, with the redundant FBSMs, the converter can continue its operation even if a fault occurs in one of HBSM switches. All the control procedure is accomplished using model predictive control strategy and performance of the proposed converter is verified by several simulation and experimental studies. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of the proposed scheme in reducing the converter loss, improving its performance and fault-tolerant operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel FPGA-based matrix-inversion technique that is specifically tailored and optimized for real-time electromagnetic transients simulation of power electronic converters with high switching frequency. This is the first reported solution that is capable of solving the real-time equations related to using ideal switch model and the associated circuitry in very small time-steps (e.g., an average of 36 ns in a three-phase back-to-back converter case study), without requiring large amount of memory, being limited to small number of switches, adding parasitic elements, or depending on a priori knowledge of the circuit operation or switching strategy. The accuracy of the proposed real-time simulator is verified against the results from experimental measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel error-feedback lattice recursive least-squares (EF-LRLS) filter for online estimation of power system oscillatory modes. The EF-LRLS filter is applied to ambient data provided by phasor measurement units to identify the autoregressive (AR) model parameters. This filter has a modular structure; accordingly, if the length of the filter equals $N$ , it identifies AR(1) to ${\rm{AR(}}N)$ models concurrently. In the proposed method, removing very low and high frequencies and resampling steps are fulfilled in an online fashion. This adaptive filter has less computational complexity than standard RLS filter, making it an appropriate choice for online system identification. The proposed algorithm is tested using simulated ambient data of the 16-machine, 68-bus test system, as well as real measurement data of the WSCC system breakup on Aug. 10, 1996. Performance of the proposed algorithm is examined under different conditions with different amplitudes of variation and signal-to-noise ratio. The results prove accuracy, robustness, and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important issues in the operation of a photovoltaic (PV) system is extracting maximum power from the PV array, especially in partial shading condition (PSC). Under PSC, P–V characteristic of PV arrays will have multiple peak points, only one of which is global maximum. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are not able to extract maximum power in this condition. In this paper, a novel two-stage MPPT method is presented to overcome this drawback. In the first stage, a method is proposed to determine the occurrence of PSC, and in the second stage, using a new algorithm that is based on ramp change of the duty cycle and continuous sampling from the P–V characteristic of the array, global maximum power point (MPP) of array is reached. Perturb and observe algorithm is then re-activated to trace small changes of the new MPP. Open-loop operation of the proposed method makes its implementation cheap and simple. The method is robust in the face of changing environmental conditions and array characteristics, and has minimum negative impact on the connected power system. Simulations in Matlab/Simulink and experimental results validate the performance of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the use of quadratic time-frequency distributions (QTFDs) to characterize the temporal variation of low-frequency electromechanical oscillations (LFEOs) using ringdown data. A refined Margenau-Hill distribution (MHD) and a procedure to extract the instantaneous frequencies and damping factors as well as initial phase angles of system low-frequency modes when the analyzed signal is multi-component are proposed. The refinement process enjoys a fast-converging iterative algorithm and without loss of generality it can be applied to other QTFDs for using in other applications. A non-stationary synthetic signal as well as simulated ringdown data of a 5-area, 16-machine power system and real measured data of Western Systems Coordinating Council (WSCC) system are used to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method in the presence of measurement noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new approach for corrective voltage control (CVC) of power systems in presence of uncertain wind power generation and demand values. The CVC framework deals with the condition that a power system encounters voltage instability as a result of severe contingencies. The uncertainty of wind power generation and demand values is handled using a scenario-based modeling approach. One of the features of the proposed methodology is to consider participation of demand-side resources as an effective control facility that reduces control costs. Active and reactive redispatch of generating units and involuntary load curtailment are employed along with the voluntary demand-side participation (demand response) as control facilities in the proposed CVC approach. The CVC is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem. The objectives are ensuring a desired loading margin while minimizing the corresponding control cost. This problem is solved using \epsilon-constraint method, and fuzzy satisfying approach is employed to select the best solution from the Pareto optimal set. The proposed control framework is implemented on the IEEE 118-bus system to demonstrate its applicability and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the future smart grids, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are seen as an important means of transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the main issues regarding to this sort of vehicles is managing their charging time to prevent high peak loads over time. Deploying advanced metering and automatic chargers can be a practical way not only for the vehicle owners to manage their energy consumption, but also for the utilities to manage the electricity load during the day by shifting the charging loads to the off-peak periods. Additionally, an efficient charging schedule can reduce the users' electricity bill cost. In this paper we propose a new practical demand response (DR) program for PHEVs charging scheduling based on game theoretic approach, aiming at optimizing customers charging cost. In the proposed method, a stochastic model is given for starting time of charging, which makes the method a practical tool for simulating the vehicle owners charging behavior effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a new coordinated voltage control scheme to ensure voltage security of power systems. The scheme schedules reactive power injection from VAR sources, including synchronous generators and condensers, capacitor banks, switchable reactors and FACTS devices, to ensure desired loading margin of power systems for a given horizon of time. The problem is treated as voltage security constrained multi-period optimal reactive power flow (VSC-MPORPF). To incorporate scheduling of both continuous and discrete VAR sources, the VSC-MPORPF is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem, and is solved using generalized Benders decomposition (GBD). Multi-period formulation ensures both optimal switching pattern of discrete voltage controllers and voltage security for a given future horizon. Also, to make the proposed method applicable for large-scale power systems, optimality condition decomposition approach is utilized, along with the GBD. The proposed methodology is examined through case studies conducted on a simple 6-bus, the IEEE 118-bus, and a 1180-bus test systems. The results demonstrate effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed framework in real-time operation of power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper deals with the coordinated control of rotor- and grid-side converters in wind turbines with doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) to improve the low-voltage ride-through capability. The rotor-side converter control and additional equipment, called stator damping resistor, are used to limit the rotor inrush current and to reduce the oscillations and settling time of DFIG transient response during the voltage dip. Also, the grid-side converter is controlled to limit the dc-link overvoltage during the voltage drop. It is found that the dynamics of the grid-side converter and dc-link voltage exhibit nonminimum phase behavior, and thus there is an inherent limitation on the achievable dynamic response during the fault. Since the dc-link dynamics is nonlinear, the linear control scheme cannot properly limit the dc-link voltage under large voltage dips. Thus, a nonlinear control scheme applied to the grid-side converter is proposed, which stabilizes the internal dynamics and limits the dc-link voltage fluctuations during the fault. The proposed ride-through approaches limit the peak values of rotor current and dc-link voltage at the instants of occurring and clearing the fault. They also limit the oscillations of electromagnetic torque, and consequently, improve the DFIG voltage dip behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper first discusses dynamic characteristics of wind turbines with doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). Rotor back electromotive force (EMF) voltages in DFIG reflect the effects of stator dynamics on rotor current dynamics, and have an important role on rotor inrush current during the generator voltage dip. Compensation of these voltages can improve DFIG ride-through capability and limit the rotor current transients. It is found that the electrical dynamics of the DFIG are in nonminimum phase for certain operating conditions. Also, it is shown that the dynamics of DFIG, under compensation of rotor back EMF and grid voltages, behave as a partially linearizable system containing internal and external dynamics. The internal and external dynamics of DFIG include stator and rotor dynamics, respectively. It is found that under certain operating conditions, the internal dynamics, and thus, the entire DFIG system becomes unstable. This phenomenon deteriorates the DFIG postfault behavior. Since the DFIG electrical dynamics are nonlinear; the linear control scheme cannot properly work under large voltage dips. We address this problem by means of a nonlinear controller. The proposed approach stabilizes the internal dynamics through rotor voltage control, and improves the dynamic behavior of the DFIG after clearing the fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of static VAr compensators (SVC) to reduce the flicker caused by electric arc furnaces and other variable VAr loads depends on their speed, which is limited by delays in reactive power measurement and thyristor ignition. In this paper, a predictive method is proposed to compensate the delay time and, hence, to improve the SVC performance. Previous samples of the load reactive power are used to predict its future values. Predicted VAr is then applied as a reference for reactive power compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Closeness to the nose point of P-V curve, or loadability limit (LL), and voltage instability is one of the main concerns of modern power systems. Hence, online evaluation of LL has attracted the interest of researchers in recent years. This letter introduces a simple local index for online estimation of closeness to LL, using two consecutive scalar local measurements. This index is achieved based on the fact that variation of the load apparent power is zero at LL. The index is suitable for implementation in numerical relays to stimulate local control actions to prevent voltage instability, and in the system control center for system-wide coordinated analysis and control measures. Simulation results on the IEEE 30-bus test system show the suitability of the proposed index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]