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This paper proposes a new topological configuration for a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC). Generally, the power structure of the three-phase three-wire UPQC consists of two back-to-back connected six-switch inverters. For this configuration, out of 12 switches, six of the series inverter switches will be underutilized most of the time. To improve the semiconductor utilization and consequently to reduce the total switch count, this paper proposes a new reduced switch topology for the UPQC. The proposed topology is realized using only ten switches and retains all the performance merits of the 12-switch UPQC while minimizing its underutilization without increasing the switch VA rating. The paper provides a detailed analytical study and evaluation by comparing the proposed topology with the twelve- and nine-switch-based UPQC system configurations. The feasibility of the proposed topology is validated through experimental investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seamless formation and robust control of distributed generation microgrids are essential requirements to facilitate powerful and flexible control infrastructure in future smart power grids. Motivated by this objective, this paper presents a control structure for microgrid converters based on direct-voltage control and optimized dynamic power sharing. The salient features of the proposed scheme are 1) minimum switching actions between grid-connected and isolated microgrids systems to minimize internal microgrid formation disturbances; 2) active damping control performance in the converter control voltage vector to effectively reject both voltage magnitude disturbances and power angle swings associated with mode transition and load disturbances; and 3) high bandwidth direct voltage control loop in both grid-connected and isolated microgrid modes to improve the dynamic response and disturbance rejection performance. Theoretical analysis and comparative experimental results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although active islanding detection techniques have smaller nondetection zones than passive techniques, active methods could degrade the system power quality and are not as simple and easy to implement as passive methods. The islanding detection strategy, proposed in this paper, combines the advantages of both active and passive islanding detection methods. The distributed-generation (DG) interface was designed so that the DG maintains stable operation while being grid connected and loses its stability once islanded. Thus, the over/undervoltage and over/underfrequency protection method would be sufficient to detect islanding. The main advantage of the proposed technique is that it relies on a simple approach for islanding detection and has negligible nondetection zone. The system was simulated on PSCAD/EMTDC and simulation results are presented to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islanding detection of Distributed Generation (DG) is considered as one of the most important aspects when interconnecting DGs to the distribution system. With the increasing penetration and reliance of the distribution systems on DGs, new interface control strategies are being proposed. Aside from its main task of supplying active power, the DG could provide voltage support, improve the power factor, or mitigate other power quality problems. This paper examines the impact of the interface control strategy of inverter based DGs on islanding detection. The Non-detective Zone (NDZ) for over/under voltage and over/under frequency is derived analytically for each interface control and validated by simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract-The Sandia frequency-shift (SFS) method is one of the active islanding detection methods that possesses small nondetection zones (NDZs). The effectiveness of the SFS depends to a great extent on its design parameters (cf[subo] and k). In this letter, a formula is derived to aid protection engineers to determine the optimal parameter setting for the SFS islanding detection method. It is concluded that the parameter (k) has a significant effect on the NDZ and a modified version of the SFS is proposed that relies only on this parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]