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In this article, a single-phase bipolar buck–boost direct pulsewidth-modulated ac–ac converter is proposed, comprised of six insulated-gate bipolar transistors, a small film capacitor, and input/output LC filters. The converter can provide discrete noninverting buck (NIBu) and boost (NIBo) operations with voltage gains of D and 1/(1 – D), respectively. Moreover, it provides symmetric noninverting buck–boost (NIBB) and inverting buck–boost (IBB) operations with voltage gains of D/(1 – D) and –D/(1 – D), respectively. It supplies both continuous input/output currents, and it is well suited for reactive loads. It is immune from the commutation problem, and thus, has enhanced the reliability. The various modes of operation of the proposed converter make it suitable for diverse applications, including the following: 1) application as a direct ac voltage regulator when operating in NIBu and NIBo modes; 2) IBB operation can be utilized along with NIBu/ NIBo or NIBB operation to compensate both voltage sag and swell, when used as dynamic voltage restorer; and 3) symmetric NIBB/IBB operations can provide step-changed frequency output, similar to the single-phase matrix converters, for applications as induction motor drive or high-gain ac–dc rectifier. Extensive circuit analysis, component design guidelines, and appropriate comparisons are provided, followed by experimental results obtained using a laboratory prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standard alternative-arm converters (AAC) with the sweet spot or short overlap operation have faced a challenge of balancing submodule (SM) capacitor voltages, where this issue has not been paid much attention so far. In this paper, a new control strategy for the SM-capacitor voltage balancing of the AAC applied in high-voltage dc transmission systems is proposed. The suggested control technique is composed of three regulators, where a control for the average voltage of all SM capacitors, the voltage balancing among the converter arms, and the voltage balancing of the individual SM capacitor are performed. Based on the operation principle of the standard AAC, which activates only three of six converter arms simultaneously, the energy balancing of the three activated arms is performed every one sixth of the fundamental cycle by the converter common offset voltage. Band-stop filters with the central frequencies at the fundamental, second-, and third-order components of the line frequency are applied to obtain the average values of the SM capacitor voltages for the feedback controllers. The simple proportional and integral controllers are employed for this scheme and the voltages of SM capacitors are mostly balanced during the steady states and kept closely to the rating with overshoot of less than 7% under the transient conditions. The proposed control method is verified by simulation results for a 33-level AAC under both normal and fault conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inverter-based distributed generators (DGs) have been customarily used for voltage unbalance (VU) mitigation in microgrids. The sole dependency on DGs for VU mitigation may not be justified, particularly in islanded microgrids. Demand side management can be a potential candidate for VU mitigation in microgrids. Therefore, this paper presents a new VU mitigation scheme for an islanded microgrid by coordinating photovoltaic (PV) grid-tied inverters, and thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs). A negative sequence compensation loop working in parallel with a positive sequence compensation loop is designed for PV inverters for VU mitigation. Also, a voltage dependent model of TCLs, unlike the conventional one, along with the control strategy for VU mitigation is presented. The proposed control of TCLs not only minimizes VU, and hence, increases the dynamic reactive power reserve of the inverter based DGs, but also effectively maintains the customers’ thermal comfort. The proposed VU mitigation scheme is studied with comprehensive simulations in PSCAD/EMTDC, and is verified using a real-time digital simulator, OPAL-RT. Simulations and real-time results of the proposed scheme demonstrated the regulation of VU factor within the permissible range defined by IEC and CIGRE Working Group 36.07. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct power control (DPC) has gained much attention for medium-voltage applications due to its fast power control capability. However, a conventional static switching table based DPC can lead to unsatisfactory response when the converter is connected to an electric grid because it is commonly designed assuming ideal and constant voltages of the grid and the dc link. Therefore, the actual grid voltage and the actual converter dc-link voltage should be considered while designing the switching table. This paper proposes a novel dynamic switching table for the DPC, considering actual grid and dc-link voltages variation. The proposed dynamic switching table incorporates a new definition of power influence crossover angles of each converter space vector. The proposed scheme dynamically adapts the switching table by feeding forward the actual grid and dc-link voltages, and hence the converter's power is precisely controlled. The proposed technique is verified for the three-level neutral point clamped converters connected to a standard IEEE 9-bus test system. Moreover, the real-time simulations are performed in a real-time digital simulator, OPAL-RT. The obtained results verified the effectiveness of the proposed DPC strategy under different grid fault scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low cost of diesel generators have led to their increased presence in hybrid microgrids. The presence of low-inertia devices in such microgrids makes the stability of hybrid microgrids a pressing concern. This paper analyzes the impact of equal and unequal active power sharing conditions on the dynamic stability of a hybrid microgrid. The sensitivity of low-frequency eigenvalues to changes in active power droop gains is studied and a “domain of stability” region is proposed to assess the stability of hybrid microgrids under different power sharing conditions. The different operating regions within the domain of stability are defined. Based on the sensitivity analysis and the domain of stability, the optimal droop gain for the diesel generator to improve the stability of the microgrid is determined. Time-domain simulations are carried out in the MATLAB/Simulink software environment and are used to validate the small-signal stability analysis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel configuration and transient management scheme for Voltage Source Converter-High Voltage Direct Current (VSC-HVDC) connecting Large Scale Wind Farm (LSWF). The proposed configuration aims to fully utilize the HVDC converters with shunt and series reconfiguration during steady state and fault conditions respectively. Thus, it targets the employment of the available converters controls capabilities to enhance the Fault Ride-Through (FRT) performance of the VSC-HVDC and achieve smooth power evacuation to the electric grid. The control strategy is built in such a way to guarantee three factors: 1) enhancing the voltage profile of the electrical grid during symmetrical and asymmetrical grid faults, 2) providing smooth power evacuation from the LSWF, and 3) mitigating the DC link oscillations caused by unbalanced faults. Hence, the proposed scheme demonstrates superior performance of the VSC-HVDC system during steady state and transient conditions. Comprehensive simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the gorgeous performance of the proposed VSC-HVDC configuration using PSCAD/EMTDC. In addition to that, a lab-scaled experimental set up is constructed to validate the functioning of the proposed VSC-HVDC configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a new fault ride-through (FRT) configuration for a fixed-speed induction generator-based–wind turbine (FSIG–WT). It utilizes a nine-switch converter (NSC) to enable shunt and series compensation in response to the system dynamics and grid faults. The steady-state control strategy and transient-management scheme are developed to ensure proper performance in steady-state, dynamic operation as well as enhanced FRT capability of the FSIG–WT. In addition to that, the developed control strategy tackles the balanced and unbalanced operation of the electric grid with an enhanced positive- and negative-sequence compensation control scheme. The recently reported grid synchronization scheme, namely, the frequency-locked loop (FLL) is implemented to achieve fast phase detection and transient response. Consequently, the performance of the FLL has been compared with the multiple reference–frame–phase-locked loop (MRF–PLL) to demonstrate its superior performance for enhancing transient response. The proposed topology, FLL, and control strategies are verified through a comprehensive simulation study to demonstrate the enhancement of the transient response and FRT capability of FSIG-WT in adherence to grid-code requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper introduces a novel framework of coordinated voltage and frequency control strategy for islanded microgrid (MG) operation. The proposed control schemes rely on local measurements as communication-free control approach. Therefore, the distributed controllers of the MG components have been deployed based on their slow, medium, and fast dynamic responses to maintain the voltage and frequency in adherence to IEEE Standards 1547 and 929. The various voltage and frequency control responses associated with reactive power management scheme are efficiently utilized based on well-defined states of operation and transient management scheme. In each state, the roles of each device for voltage and frequency regulations are defined with its regulation capability, and response time based on its local measurements. Consequently, the fast reactive power compensation and rapid frequency regulation are ensured based on the inverter-based devices at challenging operating conditions. As a result, the proposed control strategy improves the voltage and frequency regulation, transient response, and MG stability. A comprehensive simulation study has verified the superior performance of the communication-free approach during steady state and in response to severe disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a novel modulated series dynamic braking resistor (MSDBR) control strategy for enhancing the fault ride-through (FRT) of doubly fed induction generator-based wind turbines. The proposed cost-effective protection scheme introduces a voltage booster that offers series voltage compensation capability and provides a means of power evacuation to mitigate the power imbalance during grid faults. To attain flexible and robust control solution for handling both balanced and unbalanced grid faults, the proposed scheme employs a modulated pulse width modulation (PWM) switching technique to control the stator phase voltage individually. The proposed transient management scheme allows the MSDBR to mitigate the impact from different types of grid faults and to fulfill with the recent grid code requirement. Also, reactive current injection capability during faults is also investigated with the proposed voltage reference algorithm. For the controller design, small-signal modeling is utilized with consideration of measurement dynamics for the tuning of controller parameters in order to ensure the system robustness and stability. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the satisfactory performance of the MSDBR with its preferred allocation for enhancing the FRT performance against both balanced and unbalanced faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduced a decentralized voltage control strategy for dc microgrids that is based on the droop method. The proposed distributed secondary voltage control utilizes an average voltage sharing scheme to compensate the voltage deviation caused by the droop control. Through nonexplicit communication, the proposed control strategy can perform precise terminal voltage regulation and enhance the system reliability against system failures. The distributed voltage compensators that resemble a centralized secondary voltage controller are implemented with the bi-proper anti-wind-up design method to solve the integration issues that necessarily lead to the saturation of the controller output efforts. The proposed concept of pilot bus voltage regulation shows the possibility of managing the terminal voltage without centralized structure. Moreover, the network dynamics are illustrated with a focus on cable resonance mode based on the eigenvalue analysis and small-signal modeling; analytical explanations with the development of equivalent circuits give a clear picture regarding how the controller parameters and droop gains affect the system damping performance. The proposed derivative droop control has been demonstrated to damp the oscillation and to improve the system stability during transients. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control strategy are validated by both simulation and experimental evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a novel dc-link scheme for enhancing the fault ride-through (FRT) capability of doubly fed induction generator-based wind turbine (DFIG-WT). The proposed system consists of parallel capacitors with a dedicated control strategy designed to provide means for power evacuation during grid fault conditions. This technically simple and cost-effective scheme was developed considering transmission line autoreclosing which may cause multiple fault inceptions. Simulation studies were carried out to compare the performance of the introduced solution with a DFIG-WT, equipped with the dc chopper and crowbar. The simulation results demonstrate the enhanced performance of the proposed approach in maintaining the dc-link voltage, transient rotor voltages, and currents within the permissible operating range during a bolted three-phase-to-ground fault. The proposed schemes were also tested in response to asymmetrical grid faults, and the enhancement in transient response has been verified. An experimental setup was developed to emulate the behavior of the dc-link circuit during fault conditions. These experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the switching parallel capacitors in preventing dc-link overvoltage during imbalance power operation. The discharging capacitor circuit highlighted the capability of tackling the multiple fault inception problems while adhering to grid code requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a novel system configuration for voltage source converter (VSC)-based high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission connected to a large-scale offshore wind power plant (WPP). The proposed scheme is reconfigured at the onshore end to achieve shunt and series compensation, which is named as ‘Unified-VSC-HVDC’ (U-VSC-HVDC). A mathematical model of the proposed configuration is derived to determine the rating of the employed series and shunt converters. To achieve a flexible control strategy for balanced and unbalanced fault conditions, the proposed transient management scheme employs positive and negative sequence controllers for the series compensation. The negative sequence voltage components are determined in such a way as to minimize power oscillations caused by asymmetrical faults, and hence to reduce DC link voltage overshoots. A test system comprised of a detailed representation of the proposed configuration is simulated and evaluated using PSCAD/EMTDC. A comprehensive study validates the capability of the proposed configuration and transient management scheme for achieving smooth power transfer and superior transient performance of the electrical grid. Also, it minimizes the possibilities of electrical network propagations in response to symmetrical and asymmetrical grid faults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study presents a novel coordinated secondary voltage control (CSVC) and reactive power management scheme for efficient utilisation of distributed energy resources in a smart distribution network. The proposed controller is developed to achieve efficient voltage regulation and to maximise the dynamic reactive power reserve in a distribution network to react during system contingencies. The simulated distribution system, including an on‐load tap changer (OLTC) and distributed energy resources, is implemented using PSCAD/EMTDC. The CSVC is designed to provide slow and medium speed responses, using low‐pass filters for OLTC and diesel generators, respectively, and a fast response by utilising inverter‐based distributed energy resources. Therefore it applies a control strategy with different bandwidth dedicated by the decentralised voltage controllers and reactive power management scheme. The CSVC is used to enhance the bus voltage control by utilising the reactive power loading capabilities among distributed energy resources and on‐load tap changers of the substation transformer. A comprehensive simulation has verified the superior performance of the proposed coordinated secondary voltage control with the reactive power management scheme for enhancing the voltage profile and the fault ride‐through capability, ensuring higher dynamic reactive power reserves in a distribution network, and improving the transient stability margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants are being designed to support grid-voltage regulation. Based on transmission-level interconnection, this paper proposes a novel online supervisory voltage control (OSVC) strategy to improve network voltage profiles. The system structure includes the algorithms for reactive power allocation and online voltage tracking. The effectiveness of the proposed OSVC that improves the network voltage profile is verified by simulation in comparison with the conventional line-drop secondary voltage control and primary voltage control. Since the application relies on the measurement and communication network, the time delay is considered. Based on the available bandwidth of the wide-area measurement systems (WAMSs), the simulation shows the feasibility and success of utilizing the OSVC for real-world implementations. The study also indicates the transient response can be improved further by the proposed solution when high-bandwidth WAMS infrastructures are available in the future. Furthermore, the proposed control strategy is tested in a weak power network with the low-short circuit ratio and failure of communication. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents new series grid interface topologies for enhancing the low voltage ridethrough capability of self-excited induction generator-based wind turbines. Two proposed schemes: static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) and controllable series braking resistor (CSBR) have been designed and simulated. The test system simulated represents a wind turbine connected to an electric grid with alternatively employing SSSC and CSBR. The potential of the two schemes is evaluated and analyzed using positive and negative-sequence reference frames in response to balanced and unbalanced fault scenarios. The simulation results using PSCAD/EMTDC demonstrate the performance of the proposed schemes for improving the fault ridethrough capability and transient stability margin in response to severe symmetrical and asymmetrical grid faults. The schemes have shown successful and fast mitigation of voltage disturbance consequences on the mechanical system. The schemes helped the wind turbine to remain connected with considerable isolation from grid faults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The paper proposes a novel fault ride-through (FRT) configuration with a transient management scheme to provide dynamic grid supports for self-excited induction generator (SEIG)-based wind turbines. The new configuration is capable of supporting both shunt and series compensation modes for enhancing FRT capability and transient stability. The proposed control scheme, utilizing positive and negative sequence controllers, provides a transient management solution for both balanced and unbalanced fault conditions. An active damping control loop for the shunt compensation configuration is developed to mitigate system oscillation and improve system performance during and following faults. A comprehensive simulation has verified the FRT capability of the new configuration and transient management scheme, and showed that the proposed topology increases system stability under various short circuit ratios, even in case of a weak grid. The experimental results are also carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed shunt-series reconfiguration topology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents series grid interface topologies for enhancing the fault ride-through (FRT) performance of doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbines (WTs). Two voltage booster schemes, 1) dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) and 2) resistive type high temperature superconducting fault current limiter (HTS-FCL), are designed and implemented. The test system represents a WT connected to an electric grid with alternatively employing DVR and HTS-FCL. Both schemes provide fast mitigation of voltage dip that maintains the nominal operating conditions for DFIG-WT. To achieve a flexible control solution for balanced and unbalanced fault conditions, the DVR employs positive and negative sequence controllers while the HTS-FCL is designed to perform fast quenching for each phase individually. The potential of the two booster schemes is evaluated and analyzed in positive and negative sequence reference frames. Comprehensive simulation studies are presented to verify the capability of the series grid interface schemes for ensuring the normal operation and smooth wind power evacuation with effective isolation from grid faults. Furthermore, the grid code requirements of reactive current support are evaluated for both schemes at various fault scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Integration of dynamic grid support is required for distributed power systems that are interconnected with medium voltage grids. This study proposes a comprehensive control solution to enhance fault ride through (FRT) capability for utility‐scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants. Based on positive and negative sequence control schemes and PV characteristics, the approach alleviates dc‐bus double‐line‐frequency ripples, reduces voltage stress on inverter power switches and DC‐link capacitors, and minimises undesirable low‐order voltage and current harmonics that are presented on the ac side. The study proposes a new feature to achieve superior FRT performance by using the overload capability of grid‐tied inverters. A weak electric grid is used for the test case including a wind turbine induction generator, diesel engine driven synchronous generators and various loads. A comprehensive simulation verified the capability of the proposed control schemes for mitigating the voltage dip, enhancing the voltage response and further improving the stability of interconnected distributed generation in reaction to severe unbalanced voltage conditions because of asymmetrical grid faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed a novel fault ride-through (FRT) configuration and transient management scheme to enhance the FRT capability of doubly fed induction generator-based wind turbines. The new configuration of the grid-side converter introduces shunt and series compensation for normal operation and voltage dips, respectively. A braking resistor is added to smooth switching transients from shunt to series interfaces and dissipate excessive power from the grid-side converter. To attain a flexible control solution for balanced and unbalanced fault conditions, the proposed transient management scheme employs positive and negative sequence controllers. A small-signal linear model is developed and examined to analyze the system dynamics for the series compensation topology. Based on the mathematical model, the controller is tuned to balance both voltage regulation performance and transient stability margins with consideration of various operating conditions. The combination of shunt and series interfaces demonstrates a low component count, simple protection structure, and improved performance of FRT with effective compensation to the electric grid. A comprehensive simulation verified the capability of the new configuration and transient management scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]