Showing papers on "Power optimizer published in 2016"

A review of conventional and advanced MPPT algorithms for wind energy systems

Abstract: Wind power is the most reliable and developed renewable energy source over past decades. With the rapid penetration of the wind generators in the power system grid, it is very essential to utilize the maximum available power from the wind and to operate the wind turbine (WT) at its maximal energy conversion output. For this, the wind energy conversion system (WECS) has to track or operate at the maximum power point (MPP). A decent variety of publication report on various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for a WECS. However, making a choice on an exact MPPT algorithm for a particular case require sufficient proficiency because each algorithm has its own merits and demerits. For this reason, an appropriate review of those algorithms is essential. However, only a few attempts have been made in this concern. In this paper, different available MPPT algorithms are described for extracting maximum power which are classified according to the power measurement i.e. direct or indirect power controller. Merits, demerits and comprehensive comparison of the different MPPT algorithms also highlighted in the terms of complexity, wind speed requirement, prior training, speed responses, etc. and also the ability to acquire the maximal energy output. This paper serves as a proper reference for future MPPT users in selecting appropriate MPPT algorithm for their requirement.

A Two-Stage Robust Reactive Power Optimization Considering Uncertain Wind Power Integration in Active Distribution Networks

Abstract: Traditional reactive power optimization aims to minimize the total transmission losses by control reactive power compensators and transformer tap ratios, while guaranteeing the physical and operating constraints, such as voltage magnitudes and branch currents to be within their reasonable range. However, large amounts of renewable resources coming into power systems bring about great challenges to traditional planning and operation due to the stochastic nature. In most of the practical cases from China, the wind farms are centrally integrated into active distribution networks. By the use of conic relaxation based branch flow formulation, the reactive optimization problem in active distribution networks can be formulated as a mixed integer convex programming model that can be tractably dealt with. Furthermore, to address the uncertainties of wind power output, a two-stage robust optimization model is proposed to coordinate the discrete and continuous reactive power compensators and find a robust optimal solution that can hedge against any possible realization within the uncertain wind power output. Moreover, the second order cone programming-based column-and-constraint generation algorithm is employed to solve the proposed two-stage robust reactive power optimization model. Numerical results on 33-, 69- and 123-bus systems and comparison with the deterministic approach demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Next-Generation Shipboard DC Power System: Introduction Smart Grid and dc Microgrid Technologies into Maritime Electrical Netowrks

Abstract: In recent years, evidence has suggested that the global energy system is on the verge of a drastic revolution. The evolutionary development in power electronic technologies, the emergence of high-performance energy storage devices, and the ever-increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) are commonly recognized as the major driving forces of the revolution. The explosion in consumer electronics is also powering this change. In this context, dc power distribution technologies have made a comeback and keep gaining a commendable increase in research interest and industrial applications. In addition, the concept of flexible and smart distribution has also been proposed, which tends to exploit distributed generation and pack together the distributed RESs and local electrical loads as an independent and self-sustainable entity, namely a microgrid. At present, research in the area of dc microgrids has investigated and developed a series of advanced methods in control, management, and objective-oriented optimization that would establish the technical interface enabling future applications in multiple industrial areas, such as smart buildings, electric vehicles, aerospace/aircraft power systems, and maritime power systems.

Power Balance of Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Converters for Large-Scale Photovoltaic Integration

Abstract: Multilevel cascaded H-bridge converters are promising candidates for large-scale photovoltaic power plants. They allow direct connection to medium-voltage distribution networks without the presence of bulky line frequency power transformers. Owing to the stochastically variable nature of irradiance level, ambient temperature, and other factors, power levels in the three phases are expected to be unequal. The power imbalance condition creates unexpected problems with this topology, which was initially designed to operate under balanced power conditions. To deal with this issue, the paper proposes three novel zero-sequence injection methods as an expansion to the conventional zero-sequence injection method. Results obtained from simulations and a 430-V 8-kW three-phase seven-level cascaded H-bridge prototype are presented to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed methods.

State-of-the-art in wind turbine control: Trends and challenges

Abstract: Wind energy is one of the most rapidly growing renewable sources of energy due to the fact that it has little negative impact on environment. To meet the growing demand, wind turbines are being scaled up both in size and power rating. However, as the size increases, the structural loads of the turbine become more dominant, causing increased fatigue stress on the turbine components which can lead to early failure. Another area of focus in wind energy is lowering production cost to give it a competitive edge over other alternative power sources. From the control point of view, low production cost of wind energy can be achieved by operating the wind turbine at/or near the optimum power efficiency during partial load regime, guaranteeing reliability by reducing fatigue loads, and regulating generated power to its rated value in the high wind regime. Often, it is difficult to realize a control algorithm that can guarantee both efficiency and reliability because these two aspects involve conflicting objectives. This paper reviews various control strategies that are used in wind turbine systems, both in low and high wind speed regions focusing primarily on multi-objective control schemes. Emerging trends that are likely to influence the current or future wind energy production, either positively or negatively, are also discussed.

Generalized Structure for a Single Phase Switched-Capacitor Multilevel Inverter Using a New Multiple DC Link Producer With Reduced Number of Switches

Abstract: In this paper, initially a new dc/dc converter is proposed which can produce boosted multiple dc link voltages by using the novel switched-capacitor converter (SCC) and with reduced number of switches. In the proposed SCC, voltage of all capacitors is charged by binary asymmetrical pattern as self-balancing and without using any auxiliary circuits. The proposed SCC will boost the input dc power supply voltage without transformer by switching the capacitors in series and in parallel. Next, a new single phase switched-capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI) topology which uses the proposed SCC units as virtual dc links have been proposed. The proposed topologies reduce the number of power switches, diodes, isolated dc power supplies, size, and the cost of the system in comparison with conventional similar topologies. For example, by contribution of proposed SCMLI structure, 49 and 137 output voltage levels are made by only 14 and18 power switches and 3 and 4 isolated dc power supplies, respectively. To confirm the performance of proposed topology, various simulation results by PSCAD/EMTDC software and experimental tests are given.

Medium-Voltage Solid-State Transformer: Technology for a Smarter and Resilient Grid

Abstract: The most important impact of power electronics on our society in the last 50 years has been the elimination of the 60-Hz ac power delivery system for consumer electronic products. Central to this achievement is the use of silicon (Si) power devices and pulsewidth modulation (PWM) techniques in delivering regulated ac and dc powers to low-voltage (LV) loads such as light-emitting diodes and computers. These solid-state power electronic converters have provided our society numerous benefits, including high-quality power and substantial energy savings. They also form the core technology for integrating renewable energies such as wind and solar into our power grid. Figure 1 shows a typical power delivery architecture commonly found in computer supplies and data centers. The incoming universal ac grid power is converted by a power factor correction circuit to 400 V dc before it is stepped down to a lower voltage dc intermediate bus, such as 12 V, and then it powers the digital loads at voltages as low as 1 V by a point-of-load converter. Si power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effective transistor (MOSFET) transistors from 20 V to 700 V are almost exclusively used in this application with switching frequencies from tens of kilohertz to one megahertz. Emerging devices based on gallium nitride (GaN) heterojunction field effect transistors reduce the switching and conduction losses when compared with Si power MOSFETs and are, therefore, poised to compete in these applications, driven by the need for higher energy efficiency and higher power density.

High-Performance Constant Power Generation in Grid-Connected PV Systems

Abstract: An advanced power control strategy by limiting the maximum feed-in power of PV systems has been proposed, which can ensure a fast and smooth transition between maximum power point tracking and constant power generation (CPG). Regardless of the solar irradiance levels, high-performance and stable operation are always achieved by the proposed control strategy. It can regulate the PV output power according to any set point, and force the PV systems to operate at the left side of the maximum power point without stability problems. Experimental results have verified the effectiveness of the proposed CPG control in terms of high accuracy, fast dynamics, and stable transitions.

Analytical Modeling of Inertial and Droop Responses From a Wind Farm for Short-Term Frequency Regulation in Power Systems

Abstract: Available inertia and variable droop responses from a wind farm to support the short-term frequency control in power systems are analytically evaluated. The novelty lies in the approach to formulating the inertia constant and primary power reserve for a variable speed wind turbine (VSWT) that operates at derated conditions. The formulations are extended to evaluate the capability of providing inertia and primary frequency support from a wind farm using an aggregated wind speed. As a consequence, the capability as a function of VSWT operating characteristics and conditions is quantified to rationally adjust the frequency controller gains, thereby ensuring stable performance of the wind farms during frequency transients. A modified system frequency response (SFR) model considering available inertial and droop responses from wind farms is developed to well simulate the SFR following wind power fluctuations. The effectiveness of the analytical method is verified through comparisons of the results with those obtained from the empirical method.

An Analysis of the Effects and Dependency of Wind Power Penetration on System Frequency Regulation

Abstract: The integration of renewable energy sources into power systems has gathered significant momentum globally because of its unlimited supply and environmental benefits. Within the portfolio of renewable energy, wind power is expected to have a soaring growth rate in the coming years. Despite its well known benefits, wind power poses several challenges in grid integration. The inherent intermittent and non-dispatchable features of wind power not only inject additional fluctuations to the already variable nature of frequency deviation, they also decrease frequency stability by reducing the inertia and the regulation capability. This paper closely examines these effects as well as the effect on tie-line flows and area control error, which causes a larger and longer frequency deviation in the integrated system. Further, the effect of wind power on frequency regulation capability at different penetration levels is also examined. The analytical and simulation results presented here provide some guidance on determining maximum wind power penetration level given a frequency deviation limit.

Power Balance Optimization of Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Converters for Large-Scale Photovoltaic Integration

Abstract: Multilevel-cascaded H-bridge converters are promising candidates for next generation photovoltaic power converters. They feature reduced switching losses and higher conversion efficiency with modular structure; characteristics vital for large-scale photovoltaic power plants. However, the stochastically-variable nature of irradiance levels and ambient temperatures affects the normal operation of this topology, because power levels in the three phases can be unequal. The existing zero sequence injection method can deal with the power imbalance problem, but it is limited in its application. The paper proposes a zero sequence injection method to optimize the converter power balance, extending the converter operation with severe power imbalance. Based on the proposed optimal method, a simplified optimal zero sequence injection method requiring less calculation effort is derived and compared with the optimal method. Simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed methods.

High-Frequency-Link-Based Grid-Tied PV System With Small DC-Link Capacitor and Low-Frequency Ripple-Free Maximum Power Point Tracking

Abstract: This paper proposes a grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system consisting of modular current-fed dual-active-bridge (CF-DAB) dc–dc converter with cascaded multilevel inverter. The proposed converter allows a small dc-link capacitor in the three-phase wye-connected PV system; therefore, the system reliability can be improved by replacing electrolytic capacitors with film capacitors. The low-frequency ripple-free maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is also realized in the proposed converter. First of all, to minimize the influence resulting from reduced capacitance, a dc-link voltage synchronizing control is developed. Then, a detailed design of power mitigation control based on CF-DAB dynamic model is presented to prevent the large low-frequency voltage variation propagating from the dc-link to PV side. Finally, a novel variable step-size MPPT algorithm is proposed to ensure not only high MPPT efficiency, but also fast maximum power extraction under rapid irradiation change. A downscaled 5-kW PV converter module with a small dc-link capacitor was built in the laboratory with the proposed control and MPPT algorithm, and experimental results are given to validate the converter performance.

Partial Shading Detection and Smooth Maximum Power Point Tracking of PV Arrays Under PSC

Abstract: One of the most important issues in the operation of a photovoltaic (PV) system is extracting maximum power from the PV array, especially in partial shading condition (PSC). Under PSC, P–V characteristic of PV arrays will have multiple peak points, only one of which is global maximum. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are not able to extract maximum power in this condition. In this paper, a novel two-stage MPPT method is presented to overcome this drawback. In the first stage, a method is proposed to determine the occurrence of PSC, and in the second stage, using a new algorithm that is based on ramp change of the duty cycle and continuous sampling from the P–V characteristic of the array, global maximum power point (MPP) of array is reached. Perturb and observe algorithm is then re-activated to trace small changes of the new MPP. Open-loop operation of the proposed method makes its implementation cheap and simple. The method is robust in the face of changing environmental conditions and array characteristics, and has minimum negative impact on the connected power system. Simulations in Matlab/Simulink and experimental results validate the performance of the proposed methods.

Comprehensive overview of grid interfaced wind energy generation systems

Abstract: Wind energy is becoming more important in recent years due to its contribution to the independence of power generation industry from traditional fossil energy resources and availability of continuous harvest-able potential on earth approximately around 10 6 MW . This paper presents a comprehensive overview of grid interfaced wind power generation systems. This is intended to provide a wide spectrum on the status of wind profile, wind potential estimation, configuration/design of wind energy conversion systems, wind generators, power converter topologies used for grid integration of wind power, energy storage systems for wind power applications, power smoothing methods, HVDC links used for wind integration, international grid codes and maximum power point tracking methods to the researchers, designers, manufacturers, and engineers working on the grid interfaced wind power generation. More than 200 research publications on the topic of grid interfaced wind power generation systems have been critically examined, classified and listed for quick reference. This review is ready-reckoner of essential topics for grid integration of wind energy and available technologies in this field.

Grid-Connected PV-Wind-Battery-Based Multi-Input Transformer-Coupled Bidirectional DC-DC Converter for Household Applications

Abstract: In this paper, a control strategy for power flow management of a grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic (PV)–wind-battery-based system with an efficient multi-input transformer-coupled bidirectional dc–dc converter is presented. The proposed system aims to satisfy the load demand, manage the power flow from different sources, inject the surplus power into the grid, and charge the battery from the grid as and when required. A transformer-coupled boost half-bridge converter is used to harness power from wind, while a bidirectional buck-boost converter is used to harness power from PV along with battery charging/discharging control. A single-phase full-bridge bidirectional converter is used for feeding ac loads and interaction with the grid. The proposed converter architecture has reduced number of power conversion stages with less component count and reduced losses compared with existing grid-connected hybrid systems. This improves the efficiency and the reliability of the system. Simulation results obtained using MATLAB/Simulink show the performance of the proposed control strategy for power flow management under various modes of operation. The effectiveness of the topology and the efficacy of the proposed control strategy are validated through detailed experimental studies to demonstrate the capability of the system operation in different modes.

Design of a Unified Power Controller for Variable-Speed Fixed-Pitch Wind Energy Conversion System

Abstract: A unified power controller for variable-speed fixed-pitch wind energy conversion system (WECS) is designed covering the whole range of wind speed in this paper. The proposed controller is composed of a modified maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller in low wind speed and a new constant speed and constant power controller in high wind speed. For the former, a combination of modified hill climb searching (HCS) and power signal feedback (PSF) MPPT algorithms is used. The modified HCS method is activated to search for the maximum power point (MPP) first, which is followed by the PSF method once one MPP is found. By using this controller, not only the a priori knowledge of the aerodynamic characteristics of turbine blades is avoided, but also low torque/power ripple is achieved; for the latter, a new auxiliary passive stall control method is proposed. It temporarily increases the output power to force the turbine to operate in deep stall regime, thus to decrease the captured power of the turbine. The proposed controller is implemented on a digital signal processor. The validity of the proposed method is verified by experimental results done on a 10-kW WECS.

Solution to short-term frequency response of wind farms by using energy storage systems

Abstract: The increasing high penetration of wind power is bringing a serious challenge to the frequency regulation of power system, for wind turbine generators are unable to naturally contribute to system frequency response. To address this problem, this study proposes a control strategy to compensate the lack of short-term frequency response ability of wind farms (WFs) by the energy storage system (ESS). First, the rated power and capacity of the ESS, which is installed at the point of common coupling of the WF to make it have similar short-term frequency response ability to that of synchronous generators, are determined. The theoretical minimum rated power of the ESS should be about 5% rated power of the WF, only if the active power output of the ESS is controlled as its rated power during the whole inertial response process. Then, a fuzzy logic controller is designed for the ESS so that the required rated power of the ESS could reach its theoretical minimum value as closer as possible. Simulation results of a simplified practical power system show that WFs with the proposed strategy could response to the frequency change rapidly and support short-term frequency control effectively under various disturbances.

Maximum power point tracking in photovoltaic (PV) systems: A review of different approaches

Abstract: The penetration of photovoltaics (PV’s) in electric power generation is continually increasing. Tracking maximum power point in PV systems is an important task and represents a challenging problem. In maximum power point tracking (MPPT), the duty cycle of DC-DC converter is adjusted in a way that maximum achievable power is extracted from PV system. In this paper, the existing MPPT strategies are classified into two main categories and the strategies of each category are reviewed. Based on the conducted review, some directions for future research are recommended. The author strongly believes that this paper will be helpful for researchers and engineers in the field of PV systems.

Sizing a Hybrid Energy Storage System for Maintaining Power Balance of an Isolated System With High Penetration of Wind Generation

Abstract: A frequency-based approach is proposed in this paper to size a battery-supercapacitor energy storage system for maintaining power balance of an isolated system with high penetration of wind generation, thus to maintain the grid frequency stability with the stochastic wind power fluctuations being considered. The sizing method proposed makes full use of the combined technical merits of two types of energy storage systems, battery and supercapacitor, as their specific power/energy densities and the corresponding expected life cycle cost/year are different. The power imbalance between hourly dispatched wind power and the corresponding actual real-time wind power output is decomposed into different time-varying periodic components by use of the Fourier transformation. Then two different types of energy storage systems are applied to balance the low-frequency and intermediate-frequency component respectively. A computational procedure is developed in the paper for choosing the optimal cut-off frequencies in determining the range of low and intermediate frequency for sizing the hybrid energy storage system. Comparative studies of a real isolated system in China are presented in the paper to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

A Single-Sensor-Based MPPT Controller for Wind-Driven Induction Generators Supplying DC Microgrid

Abstract: In this paper, a simple method of tracking the maximum power (MP) available in the wind energy conversion system (WECS) for dc microgrid application is proposed. A three-phase diode bridge rectifier along with a dc–dc converter has been employed between the terminals of a wind-driven induction generator and dc microgrid. Induction generator is being operated in self-excited mode with excitation capacitor at stator. The output current of the dc–dc converter, i.e., dc-grid current is considered as a control variable to track the MP in the proposed WECS. Thus, the proposed algorithm for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is independent of the machine and wind-turbine parameters. This algorithm has been implemented using dsPIC30F4011 controller. Furthermore, a method has been developed for determining the duty ratio of the dc–dc converter for operating the proposed system in MPPT condition using wind-turbine characteristics, steady-state equivalent circuit of a induction generator, and power balance in power converters. Circuit simplicity and simple control algorithm are the major advantages of the proposed configuration for supplying power to the dc microgrid from the proposed small-scale WECS. The successful working of the proposed algorithm for MPPT has been demonstrated with extensive experimental results along with the simulated values.

Study and comparison on standard for interconnecting distributed resources with electric power systems

Abstract: This paper introduces the domestic and foreign standards for interconnecting distributed resources with electric power systems, and compares the contents of power quality, response to abnormal conditions, power control, voltage regulation and the ability of fault ride-through in some typical standards. Some items in wind power generation and photovoltaic power generation standards are concretely introduced. The cause of the difference between the standards is analyzed, and the development trend of the future standards for interconnecting distributed resources with electric power systems is discussed. This paper provides reference for the further improvement of the standards for grid-integration of distributed resources.

Stochastic Coordination of Plug-In Electric Vehicles and Wind Turbines in Microgrid: A Model Predictive Control Approach

Abstract: To realize the synergy between plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and wind power, this paper presents a hierarchical stochastic control scheme for the coordination of PEV charging and wind power in a microgrid. This scheme consists of two layers. Based on the non-Gaussian wind power predictive distributions, an upper layer stochastic predictive controller coordinates the operation of PEV aggregator and wind turbine. The computed power references are sent to the lower layer PEV and wind controllers for execution. The PEV controller optimally allots the aggregated charging power to individual PEVs. The wind controller regulates the power output of wind turbine. In this way, a power balance between supply and demand in a microgrid is achieved. The main feature of this scheme is that it incorporates the non-Gaussian uncertainty and partially dispatchability of wind power, as well as the PEV uncertainty. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

A Unified Approach to the Power Flow Analysis of AC/DC Hybrid Microgrids

Abstract: A promising configuration for future smart grids is an AC/DC hybrid topology that enables the integration of AC/DC energy resources and modern loads, thus permitting the consequent formation of AC/DC hybrid microgrids (HMGs). An understanding of AC/DC HMGs and their operational premise during islanding will certainly pave the way toward the realization of a future smart grid that includes a plug-and-play feature. However, the planning and operation of such isolated and hybrid systems are reliant on a powerful and efficient power flow tool. To this end, this paper proposes a novel unified, generic, and flexible power flow algorithm for isolated AC/DC HMGs. The power flow subproblems related to AC and DC subgrids are described mathematically by a set of linear and nonlinear equations and are solved simultaneously using a Newton trust-region method. The proposed algorithm is generic in the sense that it includes consideration of the unique characteristics of islanded AC/DC HMGs: a variety of possible topologies, droop controllability of the distributed resources (DRs), and bidirectionality of the power flow in the interlinking converters (ICs). The new power flow formulation is flexible and permits the easy incorporation of any changes in DR operating modes and IC control strategies. The developed algorithm was tested and applied for analyzing selected operational and control aspects of isolated AC/DC HMGs, including inaccurate power sharing and interlinking converters characterized by differing control strategies. The proposed load flow program can form the basis of and provide direction for further studies of isolated AC/DC HMGs.

Grid-tied photovoltaic system based on PSO MPPT technique with active power line conditioning

Abstract: This study presents a single-phase grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system based on a global maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique, which is performed by means of the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) method. The PSO-based MPPT technique is employed to solve problems related to mismatching phenomena, such as partial shading, in which the PV arrays are commonly submitted. Considering the search of the global maximum power point under partial shading, the effectiveness of the PSO-based MPPT technique is highlighted when compared with the well-known perturb and observe MPPT technique, since both the mentioned MPPT techniques are used to determine the dc-bus voltage reference to ensure a proper grid-tied inverter operation. A current generator algorithm based on a synchronous reference frame is proposed, which operates in conjunction with a dc-bus controller and MPPT algorithms, computing the reference current of the grid-tied inverter. In addition, the current generator controls the energy processed by the PV system to avoid over power rating of the grid-tied inverter, since the active power injection into the grid, reactive power compensation and harmonic currents suppression are carried out simultaneously. The performance and feasibility of the grid-tied PV system are evaluated by means of simulation and experimental results.

Direct power control of DFIG wind turbine systems based on an intelligent proportional-integral sliding mode control.

Abstract: This paper presents an intelligent proportional-integral sliding mode control (iPISMC) for direct power control of variable speed-constant frequency wind turbine system. This approach deals with optimal power production (in the maximum power point tracking sense) under several disturbance factors such as turbulent wind. This controller is made of two sub-components: (i) an intelligent proportional-integral module for online disturbance compensation and (ii) a sliding mode module for circumventing disturbance estimation errors. This iPISMC method has been tested on FAST/Simulink platform of a 5 MW wind turbine system. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed iPISMC method outperforms the classical PI and intelligent proportional-integral control (iPI) in terms of both active power and response time.

Guaranteed Performance Control of DFIG Variable-Speed Wind Turbines

Abstract: This brief presents a novel power control strategy for variable-speed wind turbines equipped with doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs). The control objective is to optimize the extracted power from wind while regulating the stator reactive power to meet grid requirements. First, in order to optimize the extracted power, an adaptive control technique is designed to drive the electromagnetic torque to follow its reference generated by the maximum power point tracking algorithm. Subsequently, aiming at satisfying reactive power requirements on the grid side, an adaptive reactive power controller is proposed to manipulate the stator reactive power to follow a given desired reactive power determined by the grid. Compared with most existing studies, we are capable of quantifying and further guaranteeing the system performance on both transient and steady-state stages. All signals in the closed-loop system are proved to be bounded via standard Lyapunov synthesis. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is validated on a 1.5-MW DFIG-based wind turbine using the FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence) simulator developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The Holomorphic Embedding Loadflow Method for DC Power Systems and Nonlinear DC Circuits

Abstract: The Holomorphic Embedding Loadflow Method is extended here from AC to DC-based systems. Through an appropriate embedding technique, the method is shown to extend naturally to DC power transmission systems, preserving all the constructive and deterministic properties that allow it to obtain the white branch solution in an unequivocal way. Its applications extend to nascent meshed HVDC networks and also to power distribution systems in more-electric vehicles, ships, aircraft, and spacecraft. In these latter areas, it is shown how the method can cleanly accommodate the higher-order nonlinearities that characterize the I-V curves of many devices. The case of a photovoltaic array feeding a constant-power load is given as an example. The extension to the general problem of finding DC operating points in electronics is also discussed, and exemplified on the diode model.