Power optimizer

About: Power optimizer is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 10525 publications have been published within this topic receiving 199245 citations.

Probabilistic Optimal Power Flow in Correlated Hybrid Wind–Photovoltaic Power Systems

Abstract: As a matter of course, the unprecedented ascending penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs), mainly harvesting renewable energies (REs), is concomitant with environmentally friendly concerns. This type of energy resources are innately uncertain and bring about more uncertainties in the power system, consequently, necessitates probabilistic analyses of the system performance. Moreover, the uncertain parameters may have a considerable level of correlation to each other, in addition to their uncertainties. The two point estimation method (2PEM) is recognized as an appropriate probabilistic method in small scale or even medium scale problems. This paper develops a new methodology for probabilistic optimal power flow (P-OPF) studies for such problems by modifying the 2PEM. The original 2PEM cannot handle correlated uncertain variables but the proposed method has been equipped with this ability. In order to justify the impressiveness of the method, two case studies namely the Wood & Woollenberg 6-bus and the Mathpower 30-bus test systems are examined using the proposed method, then, the obtained results are compared against the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) results. Comparison of the results justifies the effectiveness of the method in the respected area with regards to both accuracy and execution time criteria.

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.

Nonactive Power Loss Minimization in a Bidirectional Isolated DC–DC Converter for Distributed Power Systems

Abstract: Originated from analyzing nonactive power loss, a novel optimization method and modulation solution for bidirectional isolated dual-active-bridge (DAB) dc-dc converters are proposed in order to achieve high efficiency in a wide operating range. A comprehensive nonactive power loss model is developed, including both the nonactive components delivered back to the source and from the load. This paper points out that when the minimum nonactive power loss is achieved, zero-voltage soft switching can be naturally fulfilled. The optimal phase-shift pair obtained by the proposed method can keep low values of both root mean square (RMS) current and circulating power. Rather than using ideal power flow analysis, the nonactive power loss model directly embodies practical nonideal factors, including device voltage drops. Based on the analysis, an extended dual phase shift is proposed, and different operation cases are analyzed with comparison of performance indices. Experimental tests verify the theoretical analysis and show effectiveness of the proposed approach to achieve nonactive power loss minimization and efficiency improvement.

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.

An optimal design of a grid connected hybrid wind/photovoltaic/fuel cell system for distributed energy production

Abstract: This paper proposes a hybrid energy system consisting of wind, photovoltaic and fuel cell designed to supply continuous power to the load. A simple and economic control with DC-DC converter is used for maximum power point tracking and hence maximum power extraction from the wind turbine and photovoltaic array. Due to the intermittent nature of both the wind and photovoltaic energy sources, a fuel cell is added to the system for the purpose of ensuring continuous power flow. The fuel cell is thus controlled to provide the deficit power when the combined wind and photovoltaic sources cannot meet the net power demand. In worst environmental conditions, when there is no output power from the wind or photovoltaic sources, the fuel cell will operate at its rated power of 10 kW. Hence this system under any operating condition will ensure a minimum power flow of 10 kW to the load. This hybrid system allows maximum utilization of freely available renewable energy sources like wind and photovoltaic and demand-based utilization of hydrogen-based fuel cell. The proposed system is attractive owing to its simplicity, ease of control and low cost. Also it can be easily adjusted to accommodate different and any number of energy sources. A complete description of this system is presented along with its simulation results which ascertain its feasibility.