Showing papers on "AC power published in 2012"

Control of Power Converters in AC Microgrids

Abstract: The enabling of ac microgrids in distribution networks allows delivering distributed power and providing grid support services during regular operation of the grid, as well as powering isolated islands in case of faults and contingencies, thus increasing the performance and reliability of the electrical system. The high penetration of distributed generators, linked to the grid through highly controllable power processors based on power electronics, together with the incorporation of electrical energy storage systems, communication technologies, and controllable loads, opens new horizons to the effective expansion of microgrid applications integrated into electrical power systems. This paper carries out an overview about microgrid structures and control techniques at different hierarchical levels. At the power converter level, a detailed analysis of the main operation modes and control structures for power converters belonging to microgrids is carried out, focusing mainly on grid-forming, grid-feeding, and grid-supporting configurations. This analysis is extended as well toward the hierarchical control scheme of microgrids, which, based on the primary, secondary, and tertiary control layer division, is devoted to minimize the operation cost, coordinating support services, meanwhile maximizing the reliability and the controllability of microgrids. Finally, the main grid services that microgrids can offer to the main network, as well as the future trends in the development of their operation and control for the next future, are presented and discussed.

Coordinated Control of Distributed Energy Storage System With Tap Changer Transformers for Voltage Rise Mitigation Under High Photovoltaic Penetration

Abstract: This paper proposes a coordinated control of distributed energy storage system (ESS) with traditional voltage regulators including the on-load tap changer transformers (OLTC) and step voltage regulators (SVR) to solve the voltage rise problem caused by the high photovoltaic (PV) penetration in the low-voltage distribution network. The main objective of this coordinated control is to relieve the tap changer transformer operation stress, shave the distribution network peak load and decrease the transmission and distribution resistive power losses under high solar power penetration. The proposed control method limits the energy storage depth of discharge in order to meet a more than ten-year cycle life. A benchmark distribution network model was developed in the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) and the simulation results from the studied cases verified the proposed coordinated control strategy. The experimental implementation of proposed control algorithms were developed based on a power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) test bed with a 22 kWh ESS, a smart meter, Labview controller, and RTDS. The experimental results were consistent with those obtained from simulation study.

Secondary Control Scheme for Voltage Unbalance Compensation in an Islanded Droop-Controlled Microgrid

Abstract: The concept of microgrid hierarchical control is presented recently. In this paper, a hierarchical scheme is proposed which includes primary and secondary control levels. The primary level comprises distributed generators (DGs) local controllers. The local controllers mainly consist of power, voltage and current controllers, and virtual impedance control loop. The central secondary controller is designed to manage the compensation of voltage unbalance at the point of common coupling (PCC) in an islanded microgrid. Unbalance compensation is achieved by sending proper control signals to the DGs local controllers. The design procedure of the control system is discussed in detail and the simulation results are presented. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed control structure in compensating the voltage unbalance.

An Enhanced Microgrid Load Demand Sharing Strategy

Abstract: For the operation of autonomous microgrids, an important task is to share the load demand using multiple distributed generation (DG) units. In order to realize satisfied power sharing without the communication between DG units, the voltage droop control and its different variations have been reported in the literature. However, in a low-voltage microgrid, due to the effects of nontrivial feeder impedance, the conventional droop control is subject to the real and reactive power coupling and steady-state reactive power sharing errors. Furthermore, complex microgrid configurations (looped or mesh networks) often make the reactive power sharing more challenging. To improve the reactive power sharing accuracy, this paper proposes an enhanced control strategy that estimates the reactive power control error through injecting small real power disturbances, which is activated by the low-bandwidth synchronization signals from the central controller. At the same time, a slow integration term for reactive power sharing error elimination is added to the conventional reactive power droop control. The proposed compensation method achieves accurate reactive power sharing at the steady state, just like the performance of real power sharing through frequency droop control. Simulation and experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposed method.

Adaptive VAR Control for Distribution Circuits With Photovoltaic Generators

Abstract: We show how an adaptive control algorithm can improve the performance of distributed reactive power control in a radial distribution circuit with a high penetration of photovoltaic (PV) cells. The adaptive algorithm is designed to balance the need for power quality (voltage regulation) with the desire to minimize power loss. The adaptation law determines whether the objective function minimizes power losses or voltage regulation based on whether the voltage at each node remains close enough to the voltage at the substation. The reactive power is controlled through the inverter on the PV cells. The control signals are determined based on local instantaneous measurements of the real and reactive power at each node. We use the example of a single branch radial distribution circuit to demonstrate the ability of the adaptive scheme to effectively reduce voltage variations while simultaneously minimizing the power loss in the studied cases. Simulations verify that the adaptive schemes compares favorably with local and global schemes previously reported in the literature.

Optimal and Direct-Current Vector Control of Direct-Driven PMSG Wind Turbines

Abstract: With the advances of power electronic technology, direct-driven permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) have increasingly drawn the interest of wind turbine manufacturers. At the present time, a commercial PMSG wind turbine primarily makes use of a passive rectifier followed by an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) inverter. Although a PMSG wind turbine with two back-to-back voltage source IGBT converters is considered more efficient, it has not been widely adopted by the wind power industry. This paper investigates both the conventional and a novel vector control mechanism for a PMSG wind turbine that has two side-by-side voltage source pulsewidth modulation converters. The proposed approach is based on a direct-current vector control mechanism for control of both machine- and grid-side converters of a PMSG wind turbine. Then, an optimal control strategy is developed for integrated control of PMSG maximum power extraction, reactive power, and grid voltage support controls. A transient system simulation using SimPowerSystem is built to investigate the performance of the conventional and proposed control techniques for the PMSG wind turbine under steady and gusty wind conditions. This paper shows that when using the direct-current vector control structure, a PMSG system has excellent performance in various aspects.

Optimal inverter VAR control in distribution systems with high PV penetration

Abstract: The intent of the study detailed in this paper is to demonstrate the benefits of inverter var control on a fast timescale to mitigate rapid and large voltage fluctuations due to the high penetration of photovoltaic generation and the resulting reverse power flow. Our approach is to formulate the volt/var control as a radial optimal power flow (OPF) problem to minimize line losses and energy consumption, subject to constraints on voltage magnitudes. An efficient solution to the radial OPF problem is presented and used to study the structure of optimal inverter var injection and the net benefits, taking into account the additional cost of inverter losses when operating at non-unity power factor. This paper will illustrate how, depending on the circuit topology and its loading condition, the inverter's optimal reactive power injection is not necessarily monotone with respect to their real power output. The results are demonstrated on a distribution feeder on the Southern California Edison system that has a very light load and a 5 MW photovoltaic (PV) system installed away from the substation.

Predictive Control of a Modular Multilevel Converter for a Back-to-Back HVDC System

Abstract: The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is one of the most potential converter topologies for high-power/voltage systems, specifically for high-voltage direct current (HVDC). One of the main technical challenges of an MMC is to eliminate/minimize the circulating currents of converter arms while the capacitor voltages are maintained balanced. This paper proposes a model predictive control (MPC) strategy that takes the advantage of a cost function minimization technique to eliminate the circulating currents and carry out the voltage balancing task of an MMC-based back-to-back HVDC system. A discrete-time mathematical model of the system is derived and a predictive model corresponding to the discrete-time model is developed. The predictive model is used to select the best switching states of each MMC unit based on evaluation and minimization a defined cost function associated with the control objectives of MMC units and the overall HVDC system. The proposed predictive control strategy: 1) enables control of real and reactive power of the HVDC system; 2) achieves capacitor voltage balancing of the MMC units; and 3) mitigates the circulating currents of the MMC units. Performance of the proposed MPC-based strategy for a five-level back-to-back MMC-HVDC is evaluated based on time-domain simulation studies in the PSCAD/EMTDC software environment. The reported study results demonstrate a satisfactory response of the MMC-HVDC station operating based on the proposed MPC strategy, under various conditions.

Distribution System Planning With Incorporating DG Reactive Capability and System Uncertainties

Abstract: Distributed generation (DG) systems are considered an integral part in future distribution system planning. The active and reactive power injections from DG units, typically installed close to the load centers, are seen as a cost-effective solution for distribution system voltage support, energy saving, and reliability improvement. This paper proposes a novel distribution system expansion planning strategy encompassing renewable DG systems with schedulable and intermittent power generation patterns. The reactive capability limits of different renewable DG systems covering wind, solar photovoltaic, and biomass-based generation units are included in the planning model and the system uncertainties such as load demand, wind speed, and solar radiation are also accounted using probabilistic models. The problem of distribution system planning with renewable DG is formulated as constrained mixed integer nonlinear programming, wherein the total cost will be minimized with optimal allocation of various renewable DG systems. A solution algorithm integrating TRIBE particle swarm optimization (TRIBE PSO) and ordinal optimization (OO) is developed to effectively obtain optimal and near-optimal solutions for system planners. TRIBE PSO, OO, and the proposed algorithm are applied to a practical test system and results are compared and presented.

Generalized Steady-State VSC MTDC Model for Sequential AC/DC Power Flow Algorithms

Abstract: In this paper, a steady-state multi-terminal voltage source converter high voltage direct current (VSC MTDC) model is introduced. The proposed approach is extended to include multiple AC and DC grids with arbitrary topologies. The DC grids can thereby interconnect arbitrary buses in one or more non-synchronized AC systems. The converter equations are derived in their most general format and correctly define all set-points with respect to the system bus instead of the converter or filter bus, which is often done to simplify calculations. The paper introduces a mathematical model to include the converter limits and discusses how the equations change when a transformerless operation is considered or when the converter filter is omitted. An AC/VSC MTDC power flow is implemented using MATPOWER to show the validity of the generalized power flow model.

Active-Reactive Optimal Power Flow in Distribution Networks With Embedded Generation and Battery Storage

Abstract: Due to environmental and fuel cost concerns more and more wind- and solar-based generation units are embedded in distribution networks (DNs). However, a part of such an embedded generation would be curtailed due to system constraints and variations of the energy penetration. This part of energy can be recovered by introducing energy storage systems (ESSs) and an optimal dispatch of both active and reactive powers. Therefore, we propose a combined problem formulation for active-reactive optimal power flow (A-R-OPF) in DNs with embedded wind generation and battery storage. The solution provides an optimal operation strategy which ensures the feasibility and enhances the profit significantly. Results of a 41-bus distribution network are presented. It can be demonstrated that more than 12% of energy losses and a large amount of reactive energy to be imported from the transmission network (TN) can be reduced using the proposed approach in comparison to the operation strategy where only active OPF is considered.

Review of international grid codes for wind power integration: Diversity, technology and a case for global standard

Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive study on the latest grid code regulations enforced by transmission system operators on large wind power plants (WPPs). First, the most common requirements included in the majority of international grid codes are compared; namely, low and high voltage ride-through capabilities, active and reactive power responses during and after faults, extended range of voltage–frequency variations, active power (frequency) control facility, and reactive power (voltage) regulation support. The paper also presents a discussion on the global harmonization of international grid codes as well as future trends expected in the regulations. Finally, the evolution of different wind generator technologies to fulfill various grid code requirements is investigated. The presented study will assist system operators to establish their connection requirements for the first time or to compare their existing regulations with other operators. It also enables wind turbine manufacturers and wind farm developers to obtain a more precise understanding from the latest international requirements imposed on modern wind farms.

Coordinated frequency regulation by doubly fed induction generator-based wind power plants

Abstract: The increasing penetration of wind power impacts the frequency stability of power systems. A doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind power plant naturally does not provide frequency response because of the decoupling between the output power and the grid frequency. DFIGs also lack power reserve margin because of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) operation. Therefore this study presents a novel frequency regulation by DFIG-based wind turbines to coordinate inertial control, rotor speed control and pitch angle control, under low, medium or high wind speed mode. Inertial control emulates the inertia of wind generators and supports frequency control during transient. The gain of inertial control is calculated from a creative viewpoint of protecting the wind turbine from stalling. Rotor speed control and pitch angle control enable DFIGs to reserve sufficient active power for a steady-state frequency adjustment. The numerical simulations demonstrate that the coordinated control enhances the frequency regulation capability and damps the frequency oscillations effectively.

Power Quality : Mitigation Technologies in a Distributed Environment

Abstract: Introduction Power Quality Monitoring Joint Time-frequency Analysis of the Electrical Signal Measurement and Analysis of Voltage Events Transient Mitigation Methods on ASDs Modern Arrangement to Reduction of Voltage Perturbations Static Shunt PE Voltage Quality Controllers Static Series and Shunt-series PE Voltage Quality Controllers Active Power Line Conditioners Distributed Generation Electronic Load and Power Quality Power Quality Factor for Electrical Networks IEC 61850 and Power Quality Monitoring and Recording

LVRT Scheme of PMSG Wind Power Systems Based on Feedback Linearization

Abstract: This paper proposes a low-voltage ride-through scheme for the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) wind power system at the grid voltage sag. The dc-link voltage is controlled by the generator-side converter instead of the grid-side converter (GSC). Considering the nonlinear relationship between the generator speed ωm and the dc-link voltage Vdc , a dc-link voltage controller is designed using a feedback linearization theory. The GSC controls the grid active power for a maximum power point tracking. The validity of this control algorithm has been verified by simulation and experimental results for a reduced-scale PMSG wind turbine simulator.

Evaluation and Efficiency Comparison of Front End AC-DC Plug-in Hybrid Charger Topologies

Abstract: As a key component of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) charger system, the front-end ac-dc converter must achieve high efficiency and power density. This paper presents a topology survey evaluating topologies for use in front end ac-dc converters for PHEV battery chargers. The topology survey is focused on several boost power factor corrected converters, which offer high efficiency, high power factor, high density, and low cost. Experimental results are presented and interpreted for five prototype converters, converting universal ac input voltage to 400 V dc. The results demonstrate that the phase shifted semi-bridgeless PFC boost converter is ideally suited for automotive level I residential charging applications in North America, where the typical supply is limited to 120 V and 1.44 kVA or 1.92 kVA. For automotive level II residential charging applications in North America and Europe the bridgeless interleaved PFC boost converter is an ideal topology candidate for typical supplies of 240 V, with power levels of 3.3 kW, 5 kW, and 6.6 kW.

Supply-Adequacy-Based Optimal Construction of Microgrids in Smart Distribution Systems

Abstract: Recently, the concept of microgrids (clusters of distributed generation, energy storage units, and reactive power sources serving a cluster of distributed loads in grid-connected and isolated grid modes) has gained a lot of interest under the smart grid vision. However, there is a strong need to develop systematic procedure for optimal construction of microgrids. This paper presents systematic and optimized approaches for clustering of the distribution system into a set of virtual microgrids with optimized self-adequacy. The probabilistic characteristics of distributed generation (DG) units are also considered by defining two new probabilistic indices representing real and reactive power of the lines. Next, the advantages of installing both distributed energy storage resources (DESRs) and distributed reactive sources (DRSs) are investigated to improve the self-adequacy of the constructed micro-grids. The new strategy facilitates robust infrastructure for smart distribution systems operational control functions, such as self-healing, by using virtual microgrids as building blocks in future distribution systems. The problem formulation and solution algorithms are presented in this paper. The well-known PG&E 69-bus distribution system is selected as a test case and through several sensitivity studies, the effect of the total DESRs or DRSs capacities on the design and the robustness of the algorithm are investigated.

Negative-Sequence Reactive-Power Control by a PWM STATCOM Based on a Modular Multilevel Cascade Converter (MMCC-SDBC)

Abstract: This paper presents the application of a modular multilevel cascade converter based on single-delta bridge cells (SDBCs) to a STATic synchronous COMpensator (STATCOM), particularly for negative-sequence reactive-power control. The SDBC is characterized by cascade connection of multiple single-phase H-bridge (or full bridge) converter cells per leg, thus facilitating flexible circuit design, low-voltage steps, and low-electromagnetic-interference emissions. This paper designs, constructs, and tests a 100-V 5-kVA pulsewidth-modulated STATCOM based on the SDBC, with focus on the operating principle and performance. Experimental results verify that it can control not only positive-sequence reactive power but also negative-sequence reactive power and low-frequency active power intended for flicker compensation of arc furnaces.

Eliminating Leakage Currents in Neutral Point Clamped Inverters for Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract: The main contribution of this paper is the proposal of new modulation techniques for three-phase transformerless neutral point clamped inverters to eliminate leakage currents in photovoltaic systems without requiring any modification on the multilevel inverter or any additional hardware. The modulation techniques are capable of reducing the leakage currents in photovoltaic systems by applying three medium vectors or using only two medium vectors and one specific zero vector to compose the reference vector. In addition, to increase the system utilization, the three-phase neutral point clamped inverter can be designed to also provide functions of active filter using the p-q theory. The proposed system provides maximum power point tracking and compensation of current harmonics and reactive power. To validate the simulation models, an experimental three-phase inverter is used to evaluate leakage currents and the dc link voltage control.

Suppressing DC Voltage Ripples of MMC-HVDC Under Unbalanced Grid Conditions

Abstract: There are second-order harmonics in the dc voltage and current when the MMC-HVDC system is under unbalanced grid conditions, even if the negative-sequence current controller is employed. This paper presents a supplementary dc voltage ripple suppressing controller (DCVRSC) to eliminate the second-order harmonic in the dc voltage of the MMC-HVDC system. The instantaneous power of the converter arm and phase unit indicates that there are zero-sequence double-line frequency components in the three-phase unit voltages when the ac system is under an unbalanced fault. Since the zero-sequence components cannot be offset by each other, they lead to the second-order harmonic in the dc voltage and dc current. The DCVRSC is developed to compensate the zero-sequence components in three-phase unit voltages. Simulation results based on a detailed PSCAD/EMTDC model prove that the DCVRSC can eliminate the second-order harmonic in the dc voltage. Meanwhile, the ac currents are kept balanced under the unbalanced fault conditions.

Optimal Dispatching of Distributed Generators and Storage Systems for MV Islanded Microgrids

Abstract: This paper presents an optimization procedure that enables the optimal dispatching of distributed generators and storage systems in a medium-voltage islanded microgrid. The network is assumed to be supplied by programmable (dispatchable) and nonprogrammable generators (i.e. nondispatchable, such as renewable energy sources-based units). The optimization goal is to minimize the overall microgrid operating cost and the pollutants emission of the programmable generators, assuming that all of the power made available by the renewable generators (photovoltaic and wind systems) is either directly injected into the network or stored in order to be subsequently delivered according to the proposed storage units' management strategy. The optimization is carried out by a niching evolutionary algorithm (NEA) that is able to find multiple optima and the variation of the objective function in their neighborhood. NEAs allow overcoming the performance of standard algorithms used for optimal power-flow calculations in power systems by avoiding falling into local optima. The optimization procedure is performed on a test microgrid and verified by computer simulations. The numerical results show that the solutions can always improve the microgrid performances irrespective of the network operating conditions in all of the considered cases.

Model Predictive Control of an AFE Rectifier With Dynamic References

Abstract: In this paper, a finite control set model predictive controller for closed-loop control of an active front-end rectifier is presented. The proposed method operates in discrete time and does not require additional modulators. The key novelty of the control algorithm presented lies in the way dynamic references are handled. The control strategy is capable of providing suitable references for the source active power and the rectified voltage, without requiring additional control loops. Experimental results show that fast and accurate tracking of dynamic dc voltage and reactive power references can be achieved, while respecting the restrictions on maximum power levels of the rectifier.

Investigation of Voltage Stability for Residential Customers Due to High Photovoltaic Penetrations

Abstract: Several studies on voltage stability analysis of electric systems with high photovoltaic (PV) penetration have been conducted at a power-transmission level, but very few have focused on small-area networks of low voltage. As a distribution system has its special characteristics-high R/X ratio, long tap switching delay, small PV units, and so on-PV integration impacts also need to be investigated thoroughly at a distribution level. In this paper, the IEEE 13 bus system has been modified and extended to explore network stability impacts of variable PV generation, and the results show that a voltage stability issue with PV integration does exist in distribution networks. Simulation comparisons demonstrate that distribution networks are traditionally designed for heavily loaded situations exclusive of PVs, but they can still operate under low PV penetration levels without cloud-induced voltage-stability problems. It is also demonstrated that voltage instability can effectively be solved by PV inverter reactive power support if this scheme is allowed by the standards in the near future.

Scenario-Based Multiobjective Volt/Var Control in Distribution Networks Including Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract: This paper proposes a stochastic multiobjective framework for daily volt/var control (VVC), including hydroturbine, fuel cell, wind turbine, and photovoltaic powerplants The multiple objectives of the VVC problem to be minimized are the electrical energy losses, voltage deviations, total electrical energy costs, and total emissions of renewable energy sources and grid For this purpose, the uncertainty related to hourly load, wind power, and solar irradiance forecasts are modeled in a scenario-based stochastic framework A roulette wheel mechanism based on the probability distribution functions of these random variables is considered to generate the scenarios Consequently, the stochastic multiobjective VVC (SMVVC) problem is converted to a series of equivalent deterministic scenarios Furthermore, an Evolutionary Algorithm using the Modified Teaching-Learning-Algorithm (MTLA) is proposed to solve the SMVVC in the form of a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem In the proposed algorithm, a new mutation method is taken into account in order to enhance the global searching ability and mitigate the premature convergence to local minima Finally, two distribution test feeders are considered as case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed SMVVC

Optimal reactive power dispatch using a gravitational search algorithm

Abstract: This study presents a gravitational search algorithm (GSA) for reactive power dispatch (RPD) problem. RPD is an optimisation problem that decreases grid congestion with one or more objective of minimising the active power loss for a fixed economic power schedule. The proposed algorithm is used to find the settings of control variables such as generator terminal voltages, transformer tap settings and reactive power output of the compensating devices, in order to active power losses minimisation in the transmission system. In this study, GSA is examined and tested on the standard IEEE 30-bus, 57-bus and 118-bus test systems with different test cases such as minimisation of active power losses, improvement of voltage profile and enhancement of voltage stability. To show the proposed algorithm of effectiveness and the obtained results are compared with those reported in the literature. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority and accuracy of the proposed algorithm, and considering the quality of the solution obtained, the proposed algorithm seems to be effective and robust to solve the RPD problem.

Analysis and Evaluation of DC-Link Capacitors for High-Power-Density Electric Vehicle Drive Systems

Abstract: In electric vehicle (EV) inverter systems, direct-current-link capacitors, which are bulky, heavy, and susceptible to degradation from self heating, can become a critical obstacle to high power density. This paper presents a comprehensive method for the analysis and comparative evaluation of dc-link capacitor applications to minimize the volume, mass, and capacitance. Models of equivalent series resistance that are valid over a range of frequency and operating temperature are derived and experimentally validated. The root-mean-square values and frequency spectra of the capacitor current are analyzed with respect to three modulation strategies and various operating conditions over practical ranges of load power factor and modulation index in EV drive systems. The modeling and analysis also consider the self-heating process and resulting core temperature of the dc-link capacitors, which impacts their lifetimes. Based on an 80-kW permanent-magnet (PM) motor drive system, the application of electrolytic capacitors and film capacitors has been evaluated by both simulation and experimental tests. The inverter power density is improved from 2.99 kW/L to 13.3 kW/L, without sacrificing the system performance in terms of power loss, core temperature, and lifetime.

Improved Active Frequency Drift Anti-islanding Detection Method for Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract: As more distributed generators join the utility grid, the concern of possible undetected islanding operation increases. This concern is due to the safety hazards this phenomenon imposes on the personnel and equipment. Passive anti-islanding detection methods monitor grid parameters to detect islanding, whereas active methods inject a perturbation into the current waveform to drive these parameters out of limit when islanding occurs. The performance of active methods, such as conventional active frequency drift (AFD), is limited by the amount of total harmonic distortion (THD) they inject into the grid, which defines its nondetection zone. In this paper, an improved AFD anti-islanding method is presented based on a different current distortion injection waveform. The proposed method generates 30% less THD compared to classic AFD, resulting in faster island detection and improved nondetection zone. The performance of the proposed method is derived analytically, simulated using Matlab and verified experimentally using a prototype setup. A single-phase grid-tied photovoltaic distributed generation system is used for the simulation and experimental setup, and considered as potential application.

A Linear-Programming Approximation of AC Power Flows

Abstract: Linear active-power-only DC power flow approximations are pervasive in the planning and control of power systems. However, these approximations fail to capture reactive power and voltage magnitudes, both of which are necessary in many applications to ensure voltage stability and AC power flow feasibility. This paper proposes linear-programming models (the LPAC models) that incorporate reactive power and voltage magnitudes in a linear power flow approximation. The LPAC models are built on a convex approximation of the cosine terms in the AC equations, as well as Taylor approximations of the remaining nonlinear terms. Experimental comparisons with AC solutions on a variety of standard IEEE and MatPower benchmarks show that the LPAC models produce accurate values for active and reactive power, phase angles, and voltage magnitudes. The potential benefits of the LPAC models are illustrated on two "proof-of-concept" studies in power restoration and capacitor placement.

Pole-mounted power generation systems, structures and processes

Abstract: Solar power systems and structures are mountable to a power distribution structure, e.g. a power pole or tower, which supports alternating current (AC) power transmission lines. An exemplary power generation structure is fixedly attached to and extends from the power distribution structure, and comprises a mounting rack. A solar array, comprising at least one solar panel, is affixed to the mounting rack. A DC to AC invertor is connected between the DC outputs of the solar array and the AC power transmission lines. The length of the solar array is generally in alignment with the power distribution structure, and the width of the solar array is greater than half the circumference of the power distribution structure. The mounting rack and solar array may preferably be rotatable, such as based on any of location, time of day, or available light.

Review of charging power levels and infrastructure for plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles

Abstract: This paper reviews the current status and implementation of battery chargers, charging power levels and infrastructure for plug-in electric vehicles and hybrids. Battery performance depends both on types and design of the batteries, and on charger characteristics and charging infrastructure. Charger systems are categorized into off-board and on-board types with unidirectional or bidirectional power flow. Unidirectional charging limits hardware requirements and simplifies interconnection issues. Bidirectional charging supports battery energy injection back to the grid. Typical onboard chargers restrict the power because of weight, space and cost constraints. They can be integrated with the electric drive for avoiding these problems. The availability of a charging infrastructure reduces on-board energy storage requirements and costs. On-board charger systems can be conductive or inductive. While conductive chargers use direct contact, inductive chargers transfer power magnetically. An off-board charger can be designed for high charging rates and is less constrained by size and weight. Level 1 (convenience), Level 2 (primary), and Level 3 (fast) power levels are discussed. These system configurations vary from country to country depending on the source and plug capacity standards. Various power level chargers and infrastructure configurations are presented, compared, and evaluated based on amount of power, charging time and location, cost, equipment, effect on the grid, and other factors.