Albert Alexander Stonier

Bio: Albert Alexander Stonier is an academic researcher from Kongu Engineering College. The author has contributed to research in topics: Computer science & Inverter. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 27 publications receiving 105 citations.

Design and development of symmetrical super-lift DC–AC converter using firefly algorithm for solar-photovoltaic applications

Abstract: The super-lift technique is an exceptional contribution to DC-DC conversion technology. A replacement approach of symmetrical super-lift multilevel inverter (SLMLI) DC/AC technology is proposed with a reduced number of elements compared with the traditional multilevel inverter. In this method, the firefly algorithm conveys a leading task for the SLMLI topology for solar-photovoltaic applications. It generates low distortion output and consumes the harmonic band of the fast Fourier transform framework by the employment of the proposed algorithm. The simulation circuit for 15 levels output uses single switch super-lift inverter feed with different kinds of load (R, RL and RLE) conditions. The power quality is improved in SLMLI with minimised harmonics underneath the various modulation indices while varied from 0.1 up to 0.8. The circuit is designed in a field-programmable gate array, which includes the firefly rule to help the multilevel output, to reduce the lower order harmonics and to find the best switching angle. As a result, the minimum total harmonic distortion from the simulation and hardware circuit is achieved. Due to the absence of bulky switches, inductor and filter elements expose the effectiveness of the proposed system.

An Intelligent-Based Fault-Tolerant System for Solar-Fed Cascaded Multilevel Inverters

Abstract: This paper presents an intelligent-based fault-tolerant system for a solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter. Artificial neural network based controller is used to monitor, detect, and diagnose the faults in solar PV panels, battery, semiconductor switches, and inverters. The cascaded multilevel inverter is connected across the combination of solar PV panel and battery for dc–ac conversion. The major advantage of the proposed topology is that it can deliver power from source to the load even under fault and partial shaded conditions. The paper also reviews on various faults in the solar PV energy conversion process and provides suitable solutions for each circumstance. Simulations are undertaken in MATLAB 2016a/Simulink and experimental investigation is carried out for a 3 kWp solar PV system. The results have proven that the system is capable to deliver power in spite of faulty environments. The comparison and discussion of the results were made to show the effectiveness of the proposed system.

Power Quality Improvement in Solar Fed Cascaded Multilevel Inverter With Output Voltage Regulation Techniques

Abstract: The presence of harmonics in solar Photo Voltaic (PV) energy conversion system results in deterioration of power quality. To address such issue, this paper aims to investigate the elimination of harmonics in a solar fed cascaded fifteen level inverter with aid of Proportional Integral (PI), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Fuzzy Logic (FL) based controllers. Unlike other techniques, the proposed FLC based approach helps in obtaining reduced harmonic distortions that intend to an enhancement in power quality. In addition to the power quality improvement, this paper also proposed to provide output voltage regulation in terms of maintaining voltage and frequency at the inverter output end in compatible with the grid connection requirements. The simulations are performed in the MATLAB / Simulink environment for solar fed cascaded 15 level inverter incorporating PI, ANN and FL based controllers. To exhibit the proposed technique, a 3 kWp photovoltaic plant coupled to multilevel inverter is designed and hardware is demonstrated. All the three techniques are experimentally investigated with the measurement of power quality metrics along with establishing output voltage regulation.

State-of-the-Art of the Medium-Voltage Power Converter Technologies for Grid Integration of Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants

Abstract: More than 170 countries have already established renewable energy targets to meet their national increasing energy demand and also to keep their environment sustainable. Due to a number of features, the use of the multi-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants is becoming the preferred choice for escalating and updating the power systems all over the world. Moreover, the solar PV power plant is also the first choice for meeting rapidly growing demands; as it can be installed relatively quickly, say in 6–12 months, compared to that of the fossil-fuel-based plants that may require more than 4–5 years. The traditional low-voltage (288–690 V) converter-based system requires a step-up transformer and a line filter to interconnect a solar PV power plant with medium-voltage grids. Recently, the use of medium-voltage converters without a step-up transformer and a line filter has become more attractive for direct medium-voltage grid integration of solar PV power plants. This paper aims to review the necessity and the technical challenges in developing medium-voltage power electronic converters, including the converter circuit topologies and control techniques used in the development of medium-voltage converters to interconnect solar PV power plants to medium-voltage grids directly. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the current research activities and the possible future directions of research to develop medium-voltage converter technologies to provide for a cost-effective grid integration of solar PV power plants are presented.

Microgrid protection: A comprehensive review

Abstract: Amalgamation of distributed energy resources (DER) with power system is developing as an emerging power framework. It is ecumenically based on the paramount issues such as extensive use of technologies based on distributed energy resources, shortage of fossil fuel in future, liberalism of electrical service industries and custom vigilance on environmental impact of the conventional method of generating electrical power. These issues are transmuting the concept of conventional power generation globally and introduce incipient challenges in the generation and distribution system. The interconnection of distributed generators has initiated the concept of microgrid which is the assemblage of interconnected distributed generators, intermediate storage units and loads. The pragmatic application of microgrid faces numerous technical challenges. Scheming with a congruous protection scheme is one of the solemn challenges in a microgrid framework. The level of fault current in both the modes of operation, active distributed generation, two-way flow of power, increased value of impedance and quality of communication network are the profuse challenges in scheming an efficacious protection technique. The protection scheme must be reliable, selective, fast and susceptible in both the working modes. This paper presents the meticulous study of the architecture of AC microgrid, DC microgrid and hybrid microgrid along with the associated protection issues and solutions. It also provides the censorious assessment of available challenges in the protection of microgrid in both grid-tied & islanded mode and available protection strategies for both AC microgrid and DC microgrid. An all-inclusive review has been done in each section considering the latest developments along with the future progression in the field of microgrid protection.

Power Quality Improvement in Modular Multilevel Inverter Using for Different Multicarrier PWM

Abstract: Pulse width modulation (PWM) is a powerful technique employed in analog circuit convert with a microprocessor based digital output. Besides, Pseudo Random Multi Carrier (PRMC) involves in two random PWM strategies to minimize the harmonic order for 9- level cascaded multilevel H-bridge (CHB) inverter and 9-level Modular Multilevel inverter are introduced. The design mainly focuses on the (Pulse Width Modulation) PWM method, in which two nearest voltage levels are approached in estimated output voltage prediction based on the Partial swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and it conveys a random variation in the pulse position of output by Pseudo Random Multi Carrier- Pulse Width Modulation (PRMC-PWM). The CHB and the Modular inverters generate low distortion output by using PMRC. The simulation and prototype circuit are developed for the nine level output using sixteen switches and ten with Resistive-Inductive (R-L) load variation condition. The power quality is improved in CHB and Modular inverter (MoI) with minimized harmonics in various modulation index (MI) as varied from 0.1 up to 0.8. The circuit is designed by using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Implementing a PSO algorithm for both CHB, and MoI are proposed. The comparisons of results are verified with lower order harmonics and find the best switching angle across the MLI switches. Modular inverter furthermore investigates with PRMC, Random Nearest level (RNL) modulation scheme are presented, and the proposed circuit is along with the respective degree of the output voltage were synthesized in non-linear load by the development of reactive power across a motor load.

Investigation on load harmonic reduction through solar-power utilization in intermittent SSFI using particle swarm, genetic, and modified firefly optimization algorithms

Abstract: A new Symmetric Solar Fed Inverter (SSFI) proposed with a reduced number of components compared to the classical, modified, conventional type of Multilevel Inverter (MLI). The objective of this architecture is to design fifteen-level SSFI, this circuit uses a single switch with minimizing harmonics, and Modulation Index (MI) values. Power Quality (PQ) is developed by using the optimization algorithms like as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic algorithm (GA), Modified Firefly Algorithm (MFA). It’s determined to generate the gating pulse and finding optimum firing angle values calculate as per the input of MPP intelligent controller schemes. The proposed circuit is solar fed inverter used for optimization techniques governed by switching controller approach delivers a major task. The comparison is made for different optimization algorithm has significantly reduced the harmonic content by varying the modulation index and switching angle values. SSFI generates low distortion output uses through without any additional filter component through utilizing MATLAB Simulink software (2020a). The SSFI circuit assist Xilinx Spartan 3-AN Filed Program Gate Array (FPGA) tuned by optimization techniques are presented for the effectiveness of the proposed model.