A review on power electronics technologies for power quality improvement

Nowadays, new challenges arise relating to the compensation of power quality problems, where the introduction of innovative solutions based on power electronics is of paramount importance. The evolution from conventional electrical power grids to smart grids requires the use of a large number of power electronics converters, indispensable for the integration of key technologies, such as renewable energies, electric mobility and energy storage systems, which adds importance to power quality issues. Addressing these topics, this paper presents an extensive review on power electronics technologies applied to power quality improvement, highlighting, and explaining the main phenomena associated with the occurrence of power quality problems in smart grids, their cause and effects for different activity sectors, and the main power electronics topologies for each technological solution. More specifically, the paper presents a review and classification of the main power quality problems and the respective context with the standards, a review of power quality problems related to the power production from renewables, the contextualization with solid-state transformers, electric mobility and electrical railway systems, a review of power electronics solutions to compensate the main power quality problems, as well as power electronics solutions to guarantee high levels of power quality. Relevant experimental results and exemplificative developed power electronics prototypes are also presented throughout the paper.This work has been supported by FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the R&D Units Project Scope: UIDB/00319/2020. This work has been supported by the FCT Project DAIPESEV PTDC/EEI-EEE/30382/2017 and by the FCT Project newERA4GRIDs PTDC/EEIEEE/30283/2017

Solid state transformer technologies and applications: a bibliographical survey

This paper presents a bibliographical survey of the work carried out to date on the solid state transformer (SST). The paper provides a list of references that cover most work related to this device and a short discussion about several aspects. The sections of the paper are respectively dedicated to summarize configurations and control strategies for each SST stage, the work carried out for optimizing the design of high-frequency transformers that could adequately work in the isolation stage of a SST, the efficiency of this device, the various modelling approaches and simulation tools used to analyze the performance of a SST (working a component of a microgrid, a distribution system or just in a standalone scenario), and the potential applications that this device is offering as a component of a power grid, a smart house, or a traction system.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Ancillary Services in Hybrid AC/DC Low Voltage Distribution Networks

In the last decade, distribution systems are experiencing a drastic transformation with the advent of new technologies. In fact, distribution networks are no longer passive systems, considering the current integration rates of new agents such as distributed generation, electrical vehicles and energy storage, which are greatly influencing the way these systems are operated. In addition, the intrinsic DC nature of these components, interfaced to the AC system through power electronics converters, is unlocking the possibility for new distribution topologies based on AC/DC networks. This paper analyzes the evolution of AC distribution systems, the advantages of AC/DC hybrid arrangements and the active role that the new distributed agents may play in the upcoming decarbonized paradigm by providing different ancillary services.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad ENE2017-84813-RUnión Europea (Programa Horizonte 2020) 76409

Emerging Converter Topologies and Control for Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems

Continuous cost reduction of photovoltaic (PV) systems and the rise of power auctions resulted in the establishment of PV power not only as a green energy source but also as a cost-effective solution to the electricity generation market. Various commercial solutions for grid-connected PV systems are available at any power level, ranging from multi-megawatt utility-scale solar farms to sub-kilowatt residential PV installations. Compared to utility-scale systems, the feasibility of small-scale residential PV installations is still limited by existing technologies that have not yet properly address issues like operation in weak grids, opaque and partial shading, etc. New market drivers such as warranty improvement to match the PV module lifespan, operation voltage range extension for application flexibility, and embedded energy storage for load shifting have again put small-scale PV systems in the spotlight. This Special Issue collects the latest developments in the field of power electronic converter topologies, control, design, and optimization for better energy yield, power conversion efficiency, reliability, and longer lifetime of the small-scale PV systems. This Special Issue will serve as a reference and update for academics, researchers, and practicing engineers to inspire new research and developments that pave the way for next-generation PV systems for residential and small commercial applications

A control strategy for a distributed power generation microgrid application with voltage and current controlled source converter

This paper presents a pseudodroop control structure integrated within a microgrid system through distributed power generation (DPG) modules capable to function in off-grid islanded, genset-connected, and grid-connected modes of operation. System efficiency has an important role in order to harvest the maximum available renewable energy from dc or ac sources while providing power backup capability. A control strategy is proposed in off-grid islanded mode method based on the microgrid line-frequency control as agent of communication for energy control between the DPG modules. A critical case is where the ac load demand could be lower than the available power from the photovoltaic solar array, where the battery bank can be overcharged with unrecoverable damage consequences. The DPG voltage-forming module controls the battery charge algorithm with a frequency-generator function, and the DPG current source module controls its output current through a frequency-detection function. The physical installation between DPG modules is independent, since no additional communication wiring is needed between power modules, which represent another integration advantage within the microgrid-type application

Power factor-corrected transformerless three-phase PWM converter for UPS applications

This thesis describes the research of a new transformerless three phase PWM converter for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) applications. The removal of the bulky three phase transformer in larger power UPS can provide a significant saving in weight and cost of the overall system. The converter consists of a new four-wire rectifier coupled with a four-wire inverter via a dc bus. The supply and load neutral may be connected together without any neutral current flowing into the utility regardless of the load on the inverter. This allows the load to be at the same potential as the utility. The rectifier, inverter and complete UPS and control system are described in detail and simulation results are used extensively to back up the theory. An experimental prototype of the four-wire rectifier provides further confirmation of the principles. A further proposal to digitize the system is given. This would reduce the size of the required control circuit and simplify the hardware requirements

A novel single-phase voltage sag restorer with diode-clamped multilevel bridge

Author name used in this publication: K. DingAuthor name used in this publication: K. W. E. ChengAuthor name used in this publication: X. D. XueAuthor name used in this publication: C. D. XuVersion of RecordPublishe

STATCOM based on modular multilevel converter : dynamic performance and transient response during AC network disturbances

This paper presents detailed assessment of the behaviour of STATCOM based on modular multilevel converter during steady-state and transient operation. The steady-state performance of the presented STATCOM is examined when it provides autonomous voltage regulation across number of switch loads. Its transient response is examined by subjecting the test system where STATCOM is connected to symmetrical and asymmetrical ac network faults. In this work, STATCOM power circuit is modelled using detailed switch model of modular converter with 16 cells per arm, including capacitor voltage balancing strategy, and control systems are represented detail (dc and ac voltage regulars, and current controller). Simulations conducted in Matlab-Simulink enlivenment are used to assess the STATCOM performance