Mehrdad Ghandhari

Bio: Mehrdad Ghandhari is an academic researcher from Royal Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electric power system & AC power. The author has an hindex of 27, co-authored 98 publications receiving 3707 citations.

Multi-terminal VSC HVDC for the European supergrid: Obstacles

Abstract: For many, the supergrid is seen as the solution that allows the massive integration of renewable energy sources in the European power system It connects different remote energy sources to the existing grid while offering additional control It offers balancing through geographic spread and allows a more diversified energy portfolio In the meanwhile it increases the security of supply However, technical limitations exist, and it is not yet possible to construct such a supergrid Several outstanding issues need to be solved This paper first describes the potential and need for a supergrid The paper focuses on a meshed, multi-terminal VSC HVDC, and it is explained why this relatively new technology is believed to be the best suitable one for such a grid The different difficulties or challenges that still exist are addressed Not only the remaining technical limitations are addressed, but also the techno-economic, control and operational issues are discussed, as well as some regulatory obstacles

Use of UPFC for optimal power flow control

Abstract: This paper deals with optimal power flow control in electric power systems by the use of a unified power flow controller (UPFC). Models suitable for incorporation in power flow programs are developed and analysed. The application of UPFC for optimal power flow control is demonstrated through numerical examples. It is shown that a UPFC has the capability of regulating the power flow and minimising the power losses simultaneously. An algorithm is proposed for determining the optimum size of UPFC for power flow applications. The performance of UPFC is compared with that of a phase shifting transformer (PST).

Improving power system dynamics by series-connected FACTS devices

Abstract: This paper examines improvement of power system dynamics by use of unified power flow controllers, thyristor controlled phase shifting transformers and thyristor controlled series capacitors. Models suitable for incorporation in dynamic simulation programs for studying angle stability are analysed. A control strategy for the damping of electromechanical power oscillations using an energy function method is derived. The achieved control laws are shown to be effective both for the damping of large signal and small signal disturbances and are robust with respect to loading condition, fault location and network structure. Furthermore, the control inputs are easily attainable from locally measurable variables. The effectiveness of the controls are demonstrated for model power systems.

On the Parameter Extraction of a Five-Parameter Double-Diode Model of Photovoltaic Cells and Modules

Abstract: The main contribution of this paper is to present a new set of approximate analytical solutions for the parameters of a photovoltaic (PV) five-parameter double-diode model that can be used as initial values for the numerical solutions based on the Newton-Raphson method. The proposed formulations are developed based on only the limited information given by the PV manufacturers, i.e., the open-circuit voltage ( Voc), the short circuit current ( Isc), and the current and voltage at the maximum power point (Im and Vm). Compared with the existing techniques that require the entire experimental I-V curve or additional information such as the slope of the I-V curves of the open circuit and the short circuit points, the proposed technique is quite independent of these additional data, and, it is therefore, a low cost and fast parameter extraction method. The accuracy of the theoretical I-V curves is evaluated through the comparison of the simulation results and experimental data. The results of the application of the proposed technique to different PV modules show the accuracy and validity of the proposed analytical-numerical method.

Control Lyapunov Functions for Controllable Series Devices

Abstract: Summary form only given as follows. Controllable series devices (CSD), i.e. series-connected flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices, such as unified power controller (UPFC), controllable series capacitor (CSC) and quadrature boosting transformer (QBT) with a suitable control scheme can improve transient stability and help to damp, electromechanical oscillations. For these devices, a general model, which is referred to as the injection model, is used. This model is valid for load flow and angle stability analysis and is helpful for understanding the impact of the CSD on power system stability. Also, based on Lyapunov theory a control strategy for damping of electromechanical power oscillations in a multi-machine power system is derived. Lyapunov theory deals with dynamic systems without inputs. For this reason, it has traditionally been applied only to closed-loop control systems, that is, systems for which the input has been eliminated through the substitution of a predetermined feedback control. However, in this paper, we use Lyapunov function candidates in feedback design itself by making the Lyapunov derivative negative when choosing the control. This control strategy is called control Lyapunov function (CLF) for systems with control inputs.

Review of energy system flexibility measures to enable high levels of variable renewable electricity

Abstract: The paper reviews different approaches, technologies, and strategies to manage large-scale schemes of variable renewable electricity such as solar and wind power. We consider both supply and demand side measures. In addition to presenting energy system flexibility measures, their importance to renewable electricity is discussed. The flexibility measures available range from traditional ones such as grid extension or pumped hydro storage to more advanced strategies such as demand side management and demand side linked approaches, e.g. the use of electric vehicles for storing excess electricity, but also providing grid support services. Advanced batteries may offer new solutions in the future, though the high costs associated with batteries may restrict their use to smaller scale applications. Different “P2Y”-type of strategies, where P stands for surplus renewable power and Y for the energy form or energy service to which this excess in converted to, e.g. thermal energy, hydrogen, gas or mobility are receiving much attention as potential flexibility solutions, making use of the energy system as a whole. To “functionalize” or to assess the value of the various energy system flexibility measures, these need often be put into an electricity/energy market or utility service context. Summarizing, the outlook for managing large amounts of RE power in terms of options available seems to be promising.

Energy function analysis for power system stability

Abstract: (1990). ENERGY FUNCTION ANALYSIS FOR POWER SYSTEM STABILITY. Electric Machines & Power Systems: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 209-210.

Thyristor-Based Facts Controllers for Electrical Transmission Systems

Abstract: 1. Introduction. 1.1 Background. 1.2 Electrical Transmission Networks. 1.3 Conventional Control Mechanisms. 1.4 Flexible ac Transmission Systems (FACTS). 1.5 Emerging Transmission Networks. 2. Reactor--Power Control in Electrical Power Transmission Systems. 2.1 Reacrive Power. 2.2 Uncompensated Transmission Lines. 2.3 Passive Compensation. 2.4 Summary. 3. Principles of Conventional Reactive--Power Compensators. 3.1 Introduction. 3.2 Synchronous Condensers. 3.3 The Saturated Reactor (SR). 3.4 The Thyristor--Controlled Reactor (TCR). 3.5 The Thyristor--Controlled Transformer (TCT). 3.6 The Fixed Capacitor--Thyristor--Controlled Reactor (FC--TCR). 3.7 The Mechanically Switched Capacitor--Thristor--Controlled Reactor (MSC--TCR). 3.8 The Thyristor--Switched capacitor and Reactor. 3.9 The Thyristor--Switched capacitor--Thyristor--Controlled Reactor (TSC--TCR). 3.10 A Comparison of Different SVCs. 3.11 Summary. 4. SVC Control Components and Models. 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Measurement Systems. 4.3 The Voltage Regulator. 4.4 Gate--Pulse Generation. 4.5 The Synchronizing System. 4.6 Additional Control and Protection Functions. 4.7 Modeling of SVC for Power--System Studies. 4.8 Summary. 5. Conceepts of SVC Voltage Control. 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Voltage Control. 5.3 Effect of Network Resonances on the Controller Response. 5.4 The 2nd Harmonic Interaction Between the SVC and ac Network. 5.5 Application of the SVC to Series--Compensated ac Systems. 5.6 3rd Harmonic Distortion. 5.7 Voltage--Controlled Design Studies. 5.8 Summary. 6. Applications. 6.1 Introduction. 6.2 Increase in Steady--State Power--Transfer Capacity. 6.3 Enhancement of Transient Stability. 6.4 Augmentation of Power--System Damping. 6.5 SVC Mitigation of Subsychronous Resonance (SSR). 6.6 Prevention of Voltage Instability. 6.7 Improvement of HVDC Link Performance. 6.8 Summary. 7. The Thyristor--Controlled SeriesCapacitor (TCSC). 7.1 Series Compensation. 7.2 The TCSC Controller. 7.3 Operation of the TCSC. 7.4 The TSSC. 7.5 Analysis of the TCSC. 7.6 Capability Characteristics. 7.7 Harmonic Performance. 7.8 Losses. 7.9 Response of the TCSC. 7.10 Modeling of the TCSC. 7.11 Summary. 8. TCSC Applications. 8.1 Introduction. 8.2 Open--Loop Control. 8.3 Closed--Loop Control. 8.4 Improvement of the System--Stability Limit. 8.5 Enhancement of System Damping. 8.6 Subsynchronous Resonanace (SSR) Mitigation. 8.7 Voltage--Collapse Prevention. 8.8 TCSC Installations. 8.9 Summary. 9. Coordination of FACTS Controllers. 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Controller Interactions. 9.3 SVC--SVC Interaction. 9.4 SVC--HVDC Interaction. 9.5 SVC--TCSC Interaction. 9.6 TCSC--TCSC Interaction. 9.7 Performance Criteria for Damping--Controller Design. 9.8 Coordination of Multiple Controllers Using Linear--Control Techniques. 9.9 Coordination of Multiple Controllers using Nonlinear--Control Techniques. 9.10 Summary. 10. Emerging FACTS Controllers. 10.1 Introduction. 10.2 The STATCOM. 10.3 THE SSSC. 10.4 The UPFC. 10.5 Comparative Evaluation of Different FACTS Controllers. 10.6 Future Direction of FACTS Technology. 10.7 Summary. Appendix A. Design of an SVC Voltage Regulator. A.1 Study System. A.2 Method of System Gain. A.3 Elgen Value Analysis. A.4 Simulator Studies. A.5 A Comparison of Physical Simulator results With Analytical and Digital Simulator Results Using Linearized Models. Appendix B. Transient--Stability Enhancement in a Midpoint SVC--Compensated SMIB System. Appendix C. Approximate Multimodal decomposition Method for the Design of FACTS Controllers. C.1 Introduction. C.2 Modal Analysis of the ith Swing Mode, C.3 Implications of Different Transfer Functions. C.4 Design of the Damping Controller. Appendix D. FACTS Terms and Definitions. Index.

Global Energy Assessment: Toward a Sustainable Future

Abstract: The Global Energy Assessment (GEA) brings together over 300 international researchers to provide an independent, scientifically based, integrated and policy-relevant analysis of current and emerging energy issues and options. It has been peer-reviewed anonymously by an additional 200 international experts. The GEA assesses the major global challenges for sustainable development and their linkages to energy; the technologies and resources available for providing energy services; future energy systems that address the major challenges; and the policies and other measures that are needed to realize transformational change toward sustainable energy futures. The GEA goes beyond existing studies on energy issues by presenting a comprehensive and integrated analysis of energy chalenges, opportunities and strategies, for developing, industrialized and emerging economies. This volume is a invaluable resource for energy specialists and technologists in all sectors (academia, industry and government) as well as policymakers, development economists and practitioners in international organizations and national governments.

A Survey of Distributed Optimization and Control Algorithms for Electric Power Systems

Abstract: Historically, centrally computed algorithms have been the primary means of power system optimization and control. With increasing penetrations of distributed energy resources requiring optimization and control of power systems with many controllable devices, distributed algorithms have been the subject of significant research interest. This paper surveys the literature of distributed algorithms with applications to optimization and control of power systems. In particular, this paper reviews distributed algorithms for offline solution of optimal power flow (OPF) problems as well as online algorithms for real-time solution of OPF, optimal frequency control, optimal voltage control, and optimal wide-area control problems.