Modeling toolkit for comparing AC vs. DC electrical distribution efficiency in buildings, A

2021 Summer.Includes bibliographical references.An increasing proportion of electrical devices in residential and commercial buildings operate from direct current (DC) power sources. In addition, distributed power generation systems such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage natively produce DC power. However, traditional power distribution is based on an alternating current (AC) model. Performing the necessary conversions between AC and DC power to make DC devices compatible with AC distribution results in energy losses. For these reasons, DC distribution may offer energy efficiency advantages in comparison to AC distribution. However, reasonably fast computation and comparison of electrical efficiencies of AC-only, DC-only, and hybrid AC/DC distributions systems is challenging because DC devices are typically (nonlinear) power-electronic converters that produce harmonic content. While detailed time-domain modeling can be used to simulate these harmonics, it is not computationally efficient or practical for many building designers. To address this need, this research describes a toolkit for computation of harmonic spectra and energy efficiency in mixed AC and DC electrical distribution systems, using a Harmonic Power Flow (HPF) methodology. The toolkit includes a library of two-port linear and nonlinear device models which can be used to construct and simulate an electrical distribution system. This dissertation includes a description of the mathematical theory and framework underlying the toolkit, development and fitting of linear and nonlinear device models, software implementation in Modelica, verification of the toolkit with laboratory measurements, and discussion of ongoing and future work to employ the toolkit to a variety of building designs

Nonreciprocal Wavefront Engineering with Time-Modulated Gradient Metasurfaces

We propose a paradigm to realize nonreciprocal wavefront engineering using time-modulated gradient metasurfaces. The essential building block of these surfaces is a subwavelength unit cell whose reflection coefficient oscillates at low frequency. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that such modulation permits tailoring the phase and amplitude of any desired nonlinear harmonic and determines the behavior of all other emerging fields. By appropriately adjusting the phase delay applied to the modulation of each unit cell, we realize time-modulated gradient metasurfaces that provide efficient conversion between two desired frequencies and enable nonreciprocity by (i) imposing drastically different phase gradients during the up/down conversion processes and (ii) exploiting the interplay between the generation of certain nonlinear surface and propagative waves. To demonstrate the performance and broad reach of the proposed platform, we design and analyze metasurfaces able to implement various functionalities, including beam steering and focusing, while exhibiting strong and angle-insensitive nonreciprocal responses. Our findings open an alternative direction in the field of gradient metasurfaces, in which wavefront control and magnetic-free nonreciprocity are locally merged to manipulate the scattered fields

Characteristic Evolution and Matching

I review the development of numerical evolution codes for general relativity based upon the characteristic initial value problem. Progress in characteristic evolution is traced from the early stage of 1D feasibility studies to 2D axisymmetric codes that accurately simulate the oscillations and gravitational collapse of relativistic stars and to current 3D codes that provide pieces of a binary black hole spacetime. Cauchy codes have now been successful at simulating all aspects of the binary black hole problem inside an artificially constructed outer boundary. A prime application of characteristic evolution is to extend such simulations to null infinity where the waveform from the binary inspiral and merger can be unambiguously computed. This has now been accomplished by Cauchy-characteristic extraction, where data for the characteristic evolution is supplied by Cauchy data on an extraction worldtube inside the artificial outer boundary. The ultimate application of characteristic evolution is to eliminate the role of this outer boundary by constructing a global solution via Cauchy-characteristic matching. Progress in this direction is discussed.Comment: New version to appear in Living Reviews 2012. arXiv admin note: updated version of arXiv:gr-qc/050809

Circular regression models of modern harmonic producing sources

This study presents a novel measurement-based method for modelling harmonic current injections of low-voltage power electronics equipment. The aim of the developed methodology is to accurately represent harmonic current phase angle in response to the applied harmonic background voltage at the terminals of modelled device. In this method, the harmonic angles are analysed with the techniques of circular statistics. The performed study proves the adequacy of representing phase angles as sets of directional data rather than linear. After graphical and quantitative analysis, the regression models with underlying von Mises distribution are derived in the form of algebraic equation. This algebraic equation features sine and cosine terms and explains relationship between independent variable – voltage harmonic angle and dependent variable – current harmonic angle. The subsequent analysis of the residuals allows to conclude that models developed by applying this technique can be used in commercial simulation packages and allow to account on any value of background harmonic voltage angle

Impact assessment of harmonics emissions on active distribution network planning and operation

Modern distribution networks (DNs) now have increased penetration of switching electronic loads and grid-integrated renewable distributed generators (RDGs) like photovoltaics (PVs). The trend of RDG integration has being promoted by the quests for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions whilst growth in the use of electronically controlled devices is facilitated by the increasing demand for automation in many facets of life. While the integration of these switching electronic devices into the power grid might be advantageous to the customers, distribution network operators (DNOs) worry that high penetration of these devices might challenge their network operations. This is because the power conditioners of the above network components emit harmonic currents and voltages which affect the utility equipment by way of overheating, mal-operation and damage. Moreover, past DNs had the planning and operational philosophy that the harmonics emission levels were negligible. With the increased presence of these RDG converters and nonlinear loads, the assumption of infinitesimally small harmonics level need to be re-evaluated. Consequently, this PhD research investigated the impacts of harmonics pollution from power converters of PVRDGs and switching electronic devices on active DN performance indices such as network losses. Firstly, advanced harmonic domain models of single and three-phase PVRDGs adequate for representing the actual interaction between DNO network and the switching devices were developed. Next, detailed advanced harmonic model of typical DNs has evolved from this research. These improved models have been used to study harmonic pollution challenges such as harmonics induced electrical losses and resonance phenomenon in distribution systems with high penetration of PVRDGs and switching loads. The constraints imposed by network unbalance and harmonics emission on exploiting PVRDGs for maximizing loss reduction benefits have also been analyzed. The technical insights gained from this research work are beneficial to utilities in the design and planning of their system operation.Open Acces

Einstein equations in the null quasi-spherical gauge III: numerical algorithms

We describe numerical techniques used in the construction of our 4th order evolution for the full Einstein equations, and assess the accuracy of representative solutions. The code is based on a null gauge with a quasi-spherical radial coordinate, and simulates the interaction of a single black hole with gravitational radiation. Techniques used include spherical harmonic representations, convolution spline interpolation and filtering, and an RK4 "method of lines" evolution. For sample initial data of "intermediate" size (gravitational field with 19% of the black hole mass), the code is accurate to 1 part in 10^5, until null time z=55 when the coordinate condition breaks down.Comment: Latex, 38 pages, 29 figures (360Kb compressed

Harmonic interaction of a static Var compensator with AC power system containing multiple non-linear loads

In this paper a study of the impact of the harmonics generated by a static Var compensator (SVC) is presented. The SVC is modeled, in the harmonic domain, as a coupled current source by using the complex Fourier transforms. Then, this model is converted to polar form to be integrated into the harmonic power flow program. This approach has been carried out on the IEEE 14 bus test power system, in order to show its effectiveness in evaluating the impact of harmonics, injected by the shunt compensating devices, and its interaction with the AC transmission system, in meshed power networks. Since the SVC consists of a thyristorcontrolled reactor (TCR) and a fixed capacitor, the harmonic currents are functions of the TCR thyristors firing angles. The variation of the total voltage harmonic distortion as function of firing angle changes and location of nonlinear loads is clearly presented and discussed

The Harmonic Balance method for the solution of nonlinear circuit and field problems with harmonic sources and its integration with a commercial simulation software

This thesis treats the Harmonic Balance method applied to nonlinear circuit and field problems. The main topic is the integration of the Harmonic Balance method in a commercial FEM solver. The procedure is shown and the related code is tested in some significant examplesope

Flexible operation of grid-interfacing converters in distribution networks : bottom-up solutions to voltage quality enhancement

Due to the emerging application of distributed generation (DG), large numbers of DG systems are expected to deliver electricity into the distribution network in the near future. For the most part these systems are not ready for riding through grid disturbances and cannot mitigate unwanted influences on the grid. On the one hand, with the increasing use of sensitive and critical equipment by customers, the electricity network is required to serve high voltage quality. On the other hand, more and more unbalanced and nonlinear equipment, including DG units, is negatively affecting the power quality of distribution networks. To adapt to the future distribution network, the tendency for grid-interfacing converters will be to integrate voltage quality enhancement with DG functionality. In this thesis, the flexible operation of grid-interfacing converters in distribution networks is investigated for the purpose of voltage quality enhancement at both the grid and user sides. The research is carried out in a bottom-up fashion, from the low-level power electronics control, through the realization of individual system functionality, finally arriving at system-level concepts and implementation. Being essential to the control of grid-interfacing converters, both stationaryframe techniques for voltage detection and synchronization in disturbed grids, and asymmetrical current regulation are investigated. Firstly, a group of high performance filters for the detection of fundamental symmetrical sequences and harmonics under various grid conditions is proposed. The robustness of the proposed filters to small grid-frequency variation and their adaptability to large frequency change are discussed. Secondly, multiple reference frame current regulation is explored for dealing with unbalanced grid conditions. As a complement to the existing proportional resonant (PR) controllers, sequence-decoupled resonant (SDR) controllers are proposed for regulating individual symmetric sequences. Based on the modeling of a four-leg grid-connected system in different reference frames, three types of controllers, i.e. PI, PR, and proportional plus SDR controllers are compared. Grid-interactive control of distributed power generation, i.e. voltage unbalance compensation, grid-fault ride-through control and flexible power transfer, as well as the modeling of harmonic interaction, are all investigated. The in-depth study and analysis of these grid interactions show the grid-support possibilities and potential negative impact on the grid of inverter-based DG units, beyond their primary goal of power delivery. In order to achieve a co-operative voltage unbalance compensation based on distributed DG systems, two control schemes, namely voltage unbalance factor based control and negative-sequence admittance control, are proposed. The negativesequence voltages at the grid connection point can be compensated and mitigated by regulating the negative-sequence currents flowing between the grid and DG converters. Flexible active and reactive power control during unbalanced voltage dips is proposed that enables DG systems to enhance grid-fault ride-through capability and to adapt to various requirements for grid voltage support. By changing adaptable weighting factors, the compensation of oscillating power and the regulation of grid currents can be easily implemented. Two joint strategies for the simultaneous control of active and reactive power are derived, which maintain the adaptive controllability that can cope with multiple constraints in practical applications. The contribution of zero-sequence currents to active power control is also analyzed as a complement to the proposed control, which is based on positive- and negative-sequence components. Harmonic interaction between DG inverters and the grid is modeled and analyzed with an impedance-based approach. In order to mitigate the harmonic distortion in a polluted grid, it is proposed to specify output impedance limits as a design constraint for DG inverters. Results obtained from modeling, analysis, and simulations of a distribution network with aggregated DG inverters, show that the proposed method is a simple and effective way for estimating harmonic quasi-resonance problems. By integrating these proposed control strategies in a modified conventional series-parallel structure, we arrived at a group of grid-interfacing system topologies that is suitable for DG applications, voltage quality improvement, and flexible power transfer. A concrete laboratory system details the proposed concepts and specifies the practical problems related to control design. The introduction of multi-level control objectives illustrates that the proposed system can ride through voltage disturbances, can enhance the grid locally, and can continue the power transfer to and from the grid while high voltage quality is maintained for the local loads within the system module. A dual-converter laboratory set-up was built, with which the proposed concepts and practical implementation have been fully demonstrated