Design of Filters for Reducing Harmonic Distortion and Correcting Power Factor in Industrial Distribution Systems

[[abstract]]This work presents a method capable of designing power filters to reduce harmonic distortion and correct the power factor. The proposed method minimizes the designed filters’ total investment cost such that the harmonic distortion is within an acceptable range. The optimization process considers the discrete nature of the size of the element of the filter. This new formulation is a combinatorial optimization problem with a non-differentiable objective function. In addition a solution methodology based on an optimization technique - simulated annealing is proposed to determine the size of filters with minimum cost. The proposed technique is compared with the sequential unconstrained minimization technique in terms of performance and investment cost, via the industrial distribution system.[[notice]]補正完

Electro-mechanical modelling of tidal arrays

The aim of this study is to present, compare and improve the options of power transmission for tidal current arrays. The potential to generate low or zero carbon power from the world’s tides is increasing as technology moves forward. The technically available tidal current energy resource, the resource that can be captured using existing technology, in the United Kingdom can supply a significant amount of the UK electricity demand. Even though tidal current devices have similarities to offshore wind turbines in many aspects, a number of characteristics differentiate the approach needed regarding power transmission and drive-train design. Some of these characteristics are: predictable direction and speed of the tidal current, predetermined available area in a tidal channel, less swept area due higher density of water, continuous underwater operation and smaller distances to shore. This thesis is based on the hypothesis that tidal current energy can be harnessed using today’s technology in an efficient manner. Technology progression never stops and as new materials and methods become available the cost of utilising tidal current energy will drop in the years to come. However, the research question that has to be asked is whether using today’s technology tidal arrays can be an alternative source of electrical power. In order to respond to this research question electromechanical models of tidal current devices have been developed in detail, from resource to the grid connection, using mathematical linear and non-linear programming in MATLAB/Simulink. The tidal models developed include the tidal resource, the tidal turbine with pitch control, geared induction and synchronous generators, the power electronics with the generator controller, the grid side controller, the cables for power transmission, the filters and the grid connection. All the modelling aspects of this study are presented in Chapter 3. Single tidal current devices were compared using different generator technologies, squirrel cage induction generator or permanent magnet synchronous generator, and different location of the power converters, in the nacelle near the generator or many kilometres apart from the generator. Regarding the generator technology, results showed that even though differences are minor, the permanent magnet synchronous generators are more efficient. Regarding the location of the power converters results showed that positioning the power converters in the nacelle always yields fewer electrical losses but component accessibility is minimised due to the underwater operation of the tidal current device. A key focus aspect of the study is the power transmission option with onshore converters which is presented in detail. Using this concept it is possible to generate electricity from tidal current devices but at the same time keep the highest possible system reliability despite the continuous underwater operation. This concept has been used in the first demonstration tidal current arrays developed by Andritz Hydro Hammerfest. What is more, data provided by Andritz Hydro Hammerfest were utilised in order to validate the simulation models. In this study a step forward is taken regarding the concept of keeping the converter dry and controlling the tidal current generator from afar. An algorithm is developed to design power harmonic filters for systems that use long distance controls. Power harmonic filters allow the long distance control system to operate reliably under all conditions but generate significant electrical losses. The power harmonic filter design algorithm presented in this thesis estimates the exact filter parameters so that the filter ensures maximum system reliability and generate minimum possible losses. In addition tidal array topologies using this concept are developed. The final part of this thesis compares a number of different tidal array topologies based on resource to grid efficiency and component accessibility for maintenance. Results showed that when tidal current devices are clustered per four turbines on offshore platforms it is efficient to use as many clusters as possible connected to a single cable whose both ends are connected to the grid. Locating the power converters in the nacelle yields fewer electrical losses compared to locating the power converters on the offshore platform. However, the difference is minimised because the distance between the tidal current device and the offshore platform is the least possible. Having the power converters on an offshore platform is beneficial in terms of accessibility for maintenance and operation because they are not underwater. The results and the methodology from this thesis can be extended to other offshore renewable energy systems such as the wind and wave. In addition, this study can be used as a stepping stone for decision making by tidal current developers

Insulation Coordination of Solid State Devices Connected Directly to the Electric Power Distribution System

abstract: With the penetration of distributed renewable energy and the development of semiconductor technology, power electronic devices could be utilized to interface re- newable energy generation and the distribution power grid. However, when directly connected to the power grid, the semiconductors inside the power electronic devices could be vulnerable to the power system transient, especially to lightning strikes. The work of this research focuses on the insulation coordination of power elec- tronic devices connected directly to the power distribution system. The Solid State Transformer (SST) in Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) system could be a good example for grid connected power electronic devices. Simulations were conducted in Power Systems Computer Aided Design (PSCAD) software. A simulation done to the FREEDM SST showed primary re- sults which were then compare to simulation done to the grid-connected operating Voltage Source Converter (VSC) to get more objective results. Based on the simulation results, voltage surges caused by lightning strikes could result in damage on the grid-connected electronic devices. Placing Metal Oxide Surge Arresers (MOSA, also known as Metal Oxide Surge Varistor, MOV) at the front lter could provide eective protection for those devices from power transient. Part of this research work was published as a conference paper and was presented at CIGRE US National Conference: Grid of the Future Symposium [1] and North American Power Symposium [2].Dissertation/ThesisMasters Thesis Engineering 201

SCADA system for online electrical engineering education

Renewable energy sources are increasingly being integrated into small-scale production systems, so plants with multiple supply sources are becoming more common. This improvement in technology added to a greater social awareness of energy saving and resource usage, which makes flexible systems to manage these facilities necessary. Modern energy management can be more accessible to the interested public if it is located in universities, making it available to teachers and students alike. Furthermore, as it is a developing field of study, its location on campus facilitates research, maintenance, and financing. In this scenario, a SCADA system is proposed, capable of monitoring and centrally storing the values of the most important production and consumption parameters. In addition, by using this system, it is possible to control the state of the different energy sources in a centralized way, as well as their distribution in the plant where it is implemented. This study focuses on the management of a flexible, modern, and accessible solution to the advances in electrical systems because of technological development in this field, which broadens the experience of university teachers and students in their engineering careers. The systems have been put into practice in the facilities of a research and teaching laboratory at the University of Almeria, which integrates renewable and conventional energy resources

Neural Networks based Shunt Hybrid Active Power Filter for Harmonic Elimination

The growing use of nonlinear devices is introducing harmonics in the power system networks that results in distortion of current and voltage signals causing damage to the power distribution system. Therefore, in power systems, the elimination of harmonics is of great concern. This paper presents an efficient techno-economical approach to suppress harmonics and improve the power factor in the power distribution network using neural network algorithms-based Shunt Hybrid Active Power Filter (SHAPF), such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). The objective of the proposed algorithms for SHAPF is to reduce Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) within an acceptable range to improve system quality. In our filter design approach, we tested and compared conventional pq0 theory and neural networks to detect the harmonics present in the power system. Moreover, for the regulation of the DC supply to the inverter of the SHAPF, the conventional PI controller and neural networks-based controllers are used and compared. The applicability of the proposed filter is tested for three different nonlinear load cases. The simulation results show that the neural networks-based filter control techniques satisfy all international standards with minimum current THD, neutral wire current elimination, and small DC voltage fluctuations for voltage regulation current. Furthermore, all three neural network architectures are tested and compared based on accuracy and computational complexity, with RNN outperforming the rest

Improvement of resonant harmonic filter effectiveness in the presence of distribution voltage distortion

Resonant harmonic filters (RHFs), are the most common devices installed in distribution systems for reducing distortion caused by harmonic generating loads. When such filters are applied in systems with a distorted distribution voltage their effectiveness may decline drastically. This dissertation explores the causes of degradation of RHFs effectiveness and suggests methods of their improvement both by optimization algorithms and by modification of the filter structure. An optimization based design method is developed for the conventional RHF. It takes into consideration the interaction of the filter with the distribution system and provides a filter which gives the maximum effectiveness with respect to harmonic suppression. The results for the optimized filters, applied in some typical cases, are given, and the limits of effectiveness for a common application are explored. For cases where the conventional RHF cannot be applied due to low effectiveness, a resonant harmonic suppressor, referred to as a RHF with line inductor, is investigated. It is formed by the addition of a line inductor to a conventional RHF, and it has a higher effectiveness in the presence distribution voltage distortion. A similar method of optimization based design is developed and evaluated for the RHF with line inductor as for the conventional RHF. Also, the limits of its effectiveness are explored. One major disadvantage of the RHF with line inductor is the load voltage reduction due to the additional impedance between the distribution system and load. For loads with variable reactive power, the voltage drop across the line inductor may reach an unacceptable level. Also, the fluctuation of the load voltage could increase. In order to reduce these effects, an adaptive capability with respect to load reactive power compensation is added to the filter. Such a filter, referred to as a semi-adaptive RHF, is obtained when a RHF is combined with a thyristor switched inductor (TSI). The addition of the TSI also increases flexibility in the design of the filter with respect to the line inductor’s value. Design aspects of the semi-adaptive RHF are explored and simulation results are presented

Final engineering report for Goldstone operations support radar

The implementation, testing, demonstration, operation, maintenance and evaluation of the equipment are discussed

Stray inductance effects and protection in GTO thyristor circuits

The recently developed gate turn-off thyristor is now becoming well established as the first choice switching device in high power converters for applications such as uninterruptible power supplies, frequency changers, and AC and some DC variable speed motor drives. The special operating features of these devices in conventional circuit configurations are investigated. The GTO thyristor physical behaviour and operating characteristics are first described and supported by measurements made at turn-off currents of up to 600A on a specially constructed test circuit. From this, it is shown that, owing to the extremely fast rates of fall of anode current at turn-off, voltage overshoot effects caused by the stray circuit inductances are highly dangerous to the device, and effective snubbing is essential. A detailed study of these stray inductance effects in constructed DC chopper and H-bridge inverter circuits follows. The circuits are modelled to include these strays, with appropriate mathematical analysis and computer simulation, to determine which stray inductances are the most influential in causing GTO thyristor voltage stress. The different switching patterns are considered for the H-bridge to provide quasi-square and various pulse width modulated (PWM) output voltage waveforms, and the detailed current transfer paths in the various circuit devices and snubber components defined and mathematically analysed in each case. Practical switching effects of diode reverse recovery and GTO mismatched switching times are demonstrated and possible damaging conditions revealed. All analytical and computed results are supported by experimental measurements. A GTO thyristor will be damaged by attempting to turn-off an over-current, and satisfactory protection against this is essential. Conventional fusing is usually inadequate, and a better method is to use a fast active system utilising either a crowbar and fuse, or rapid direct gate turn-off. Both methods are investigated and experimental results provided. It is concluded that, with appropriate circuit layout and component choice, the unavoidable stray inductance effects can be limited to manageable levels. The most severe effects are caused by the DC source inductance which is the most difficult to minimise. Others within the power circuit, if kept small, will have a marginal effect. Fast over-current protection is achievabl