Showing papers on "Voltage regulation published in 2013"

Robust Droop Controller for Accurate Proportional Load Sharing Among Inverters Operated in Parallel

Abstract: In this paper, the inherent limitations of the conventional droop control scheme are revealed. It has been proven that parallel-operated inverters should have the same per-unit impedance in order for them to share the load accurately in proportion to their power ratings when the conventional droop control scheme is adopted. The droop controllers should also generate the same voltage set-point for the inverters. Both conditions are difficult to meet in practice, which results in errors in proportional load sharing. An improved droop controller is then proposed to achieve accurate proportional load sharing without meeting these two requirements and to reduce the load voltage drop due to the load effect and the droop effect. The load voltage can be maintained within the desired range around the rated value. The strategy is robust against numerical errors, disturbances, noises, feeder impedance, parameter drifts and component mismatches. The only sharing error, which is quantified in this paper, comes from the error in measuring the load voltage. When there are errors in the voltage measured, a fundamental tradeoff between the voltage drop and the sharing accuracy appears. It has also been explained that, in order to avoid errors in power sharing, the global settings of the rated voltage and frequency should be accurate. Experimental results are provided to verify the analysis and design.

Distributed Control to Ensure Proportional Load Sharing and Improve Voltage Regulation in Low-Voltage DC Microgrids

Abstract: DC microgrids are gaining popularity due to high efficiency, high reliability, and easy interconnection of renewable sources as compared to the ac system. Control objectives of dc microgrid are: 1) to ensure equal load sharing (in per unit) among sources; and 2) to maintain low-voltage regulation of the system. Conventional droop controllers are not effective in achieving both the aforementioned objectives simultaneously. Reasons for this are identified to be the error in nominal voltages and load distribution. Though centralized controller achieves these objectives, it requires high-speed communication and offers less reliability due to single point of failure. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a new decentralized controller for dc microgrid. Key advantages are high reliability, low-voltage regulation, and equal load sharing, utilizing low-bandwidth communication. To evaluate the dynamic performance, mathematical model of the scheme is derived. Stability of the system is evaluated by eigenvalue analysis. The effectiveness of the scheme is verified through a detailed simulation study. To confirm the viability of the scheme, experimental studies are carried out on a laboratory prototype developed for this purpose. Controller area network protocol is utilized to achieve communication between the sources.

Voltage and Power Balance Control for a Cascaded H-Bridge Converter-Based Solid-State Transformer

Abstract: The solid-state transformer (SST) is an interface device between ac distribution grids and dc distribution systems. The SST consists of a cascaded multilevel ac/dc rectifier stage, a dual active bridge (DAB) converter stage with high-frequency transformers to provide a regulated 400-V dc distribution, and an optional dc/ac stage that can be connected to the 400-V dc bus to provide residential 120/240 V $_{\rm ac}$ . However, due to dc-link voltage and power unbalance in the cascaded modules, the unbalanced dc-link voltages and power increase the stress of the semiconductor devices and cause overvoltage or overcurrent issues. This paper proposes a new voltage and power balance control for the cascaded H-Bridge converter-based SST. Based on the single-phase dq model, a novel voltage and the power control strategy is proposed to balance the rectifier capacitor voltages and the real power through parallel DAB modules. Furthermore, the intrinsic power constraints of the cascaded H-Bridge voltage balance control are derived and analyzed. With the proposed control methods, the dc-link voltage and the real power through each module can be balanced. The SST switching model simulation and the prototype experiments are presented to verify the performance of the proposed voltage and power balance controller.

Distributed Optimal Power Flow for Smart Microgrids

Abstract: Optimal power flow (OPF) is considered for microgrids, with the objective of minimizing either the power distribution losses, or, the cost of power drawn from the substation and supplied by distributed generation (DG) units, while effecting voltage regulation. The microgrid is unbalanced, due to unequal loads in each phase and non-equilateral conductor spacings on the distribution lines. Similar to OPF formulations for balanced systems, the considered OPF problem is nonconvex. Nevertheless, a semidefinite programming (SDP) relaxation technique is advocated to obtain a convex problem solvable in polynomial-time complexity. Enticingly, numerical tests demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to attain the globally optimal solution of the original nonconvex OPF. To ensure scalability with respect to the number of nodes, robustness to isolated communication outages, and data privacy and integrity, the proposed SDP is solved in a distributed fashion by resorting to the alternating direction method of multipliers. The resulting algorithm entails iterative message-passing among groups of consumers and guarantees faster convergence compared to competing alternatives.

Optimal Placement and Sizing Method to Improve the Voltage Stability Margin in a Distribution System Using Distributed Generation

Abstract: Recently, integration of distributed generation (DG) in distribution systems has increased to high penetration levels. The impact of DG units on the voltage stability margins has become significant. Optimization techniques are tools which can be used to locate and size the DG units in the system, so as to utilize these units optimally within certain limits and constraints. Thus, the impacts of DG units issues, such as voltage stability and voltage profile, can be analyzed effectively. The ultimate goal of this paper is to propose a method of locating and sizing DG units so as to improve the voltage stability margin. The load and renewable DG generation probabilistic nature are considered in this study. The proposed method starts by selecting candidate buses into which to install the DG units on the system, prioritizing buses which are sensitive to voltage profile and thus improve the voltage stability margin. The DG units' placement and sizing is formulated using mixed-integer nonlinear programming, with an objective function of improving the stability margin; the constraints are the system voltage limits, feeders' capacity, and the DG penetration level.

Distributed Volt/VAr Control by PV Inverters

Abstract: A major technical obstacle for rooftop photovoltaics (PV) integration into existing distribution systems is the voltage rise due to the reverse power flow from the distributed PV sources. This paper describes the implementation of a voltage control loop within PV inverters that maintains the voltage within acceptable bounds by absorbing or supplying reactive power. In principle, this can be considered to be a form of distributed Volt/VAr control, which is conventionally performed by coordinated control of capacitor banks and transformer tap changers. Comprehensive simulation studies on detailed feeder models are used to demonstrate that the proposed control scheme will mitigate voltage rises.

Improved Low Voltage Grid-Integration of Photovoltaic Systems in Germany

Abstract: This work discusses the technical and economical benefits of different active and reactive power control strategies for grid-connected photovoltaic systems in Germany. The aim of these control strategies is to limit the voltage rise, caused by a high local photovoltaic power feed-in and hence allow additional photovoltaic capacity to be connected to the mains. Autonomous inverter control strategies, which do not require any kind of data communication between the inverter and its environment, as well as an on-load tap changer for distribution transformers, is investigated. The technical and economical assessment of these strategies is derived from 12-month root mean square (rms) simulations, which are based on a real low voltage grid and measured dc power generation values. The results show that the provision of reactive power is an especially effective way to increase the hosting capacity of a low voltage grid for photovoltaic systems.

Voltage Balancing and Fluctuation-Suppression Methods of Floating Capacitors in a New Modular Multilevel Converter

Abstract: Modular multilevel converter (MMC) is a newly emerging multilevel topology for high-voltage applications during recent years. In this paper, a new MMC is proposed, and the structure and operating principle are analyzed. Owing to the cascaded basic cells without multiwinding transformer, the voltage balancing of floating capacitors must be considered. However, the voltage fluctuation also exists, and theoretical analysis indicates that the amplitude is inversely proportional to the fundamental frequency. This paper has proposed a voltage-fluctuation-suppression method which can reduce the amplitude of the voltage fluctuation in low-frequency region. It can also be used in motor driving with pump/blowerlike load at low frequency and improve the start-up performance significantly. A low-power three-phase five-level prototype is designed and built up to demonstrate the validity of this method.

Autonomous Voltage Unbalance Compensation in an Islanded Droop-Controlled Microgrid

Abstract: Recently, there has been an increasing interest in using distributed generators (DGs) not only to inject power into the grid but also to enhance the power quality. In this paper, a stationary-frame control method for voltage unbalance compensation in an islanded microgrid is proposed. This method is based on the proper control of DGs interface converters. The DGs are properly controlled to autonomously compensate for voltage unbalance while sharing the compensation effort and also active and reactive powers. The control system of the DGs mainly consists of active and reactive power droop controllers, a virtual impedance loop, voltage and current controllers, and an unbalance compensator. The design approach of the control system is discussed in detail, and simulation and experimental results are presented. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in the compensation of voltage unbalance.

Flexible Voltage Support Control for Three-Phase Distributed Generation Inverters Under Grid Fault

Abstract: Ancillary services for distributed generation (DG) systems become a challenging issue to smartly integrate renewable-energy sources into the grid. Voltage control is one of these ancillary services which can ride through and support the voltage under grid faults. Grid codes from the transmission system operators describe the behavior of the energy source, regulating voltage limits and reactive power injection to remain connected and support the grid under fault. On the basis that different kinds of voltage sags require different voltage support strategies, a flexible control scheme for three-phase grid-connected inverters is proposed. In three-phase balanced voltage sags, the inverter should inject reactive power in order to raise the voltage in all phases. In one- or two-phase faults, the main concern of the DG inverter is to equalize voltages by reducing the negative symmetric sequence and clear the phase jump. Due to system limitations, a balance between these two extreme policies is mandatory. Thus, over- and undervoltage can be avoided, and the proposed control scheme prevents disconnection while achieving the desired voltage support service. The main contribution of this work is the introduction of a control algorithm for reference current generation that provides flexible voltage support under grid faults. Two different voltage sags have been experimentally tested to illustrate the behavior of the proposed voltage support control scheme.

Multiobjective Battery Storage to Improve PV Integration in Residential Distribution Grids

Abstract: This paper investigates the potential of using battery energy storage systems in the public low-voltage distribution grid, to defer upgrades needed to increase the penetration of photovoltaics (PV). A multiobjective optimization method is proposed to visualize the trade-offs between three objective functions: voltage regulation, peak power reduction, and annual cost. The method is applied to a near-future scenario, based on a real residential feeder. The results provide insight into the dimensioning and the required specifications of the battery and the inverter. It is found that an inverter without batteries already achieves part of the objectives. Therefore, the added value of batteries to an inverter is discussed. Furthermore, a comparison between lithium-ion and lead-acid battery technologies is presented.

A Two-Stage Distributed Architecture for Voltage Control in Power Distribution Systems

Abstract: In this paper, we propose an architecture for voltage regulation in distribution networks that relies on controlling reactive power injections provided by distributed energy resources (DERs). A local controller on each bus of the network monitors the bus voltage and, whenever there is a voltage violation, it uses locally available information to estimate the amount of reactive power that needs to be injected into the bus in order to correct the violation. If the DERs connected to the bus can collectively provide the reactive power estimated by the local controller, they are instructed to do so. Otherwise, the local controller initiates a request for additional reactive power support from other controllers at neighboring buses through a distributed algorithm that relies on a local exchange of information among neighboring controllers. We show that the proposed architecture helps prevent voltage violations and shapes the voltage profile in radial distribution networks, even in the presence of considerable penetration of variable generation and loads. We present several case studies involving 8-, 13-, and 123-bus distribution systems to illustrate the operation of the architecture.

An Intelligent Droop Control for Simultaneous Voltage and Frequency Regulation in Islanded Microgrids

Abstract: Voltage and frequency of microgrids (MGs) are strongly impressionable from the active and reactive load fluctuations. Often, there are several voltage source inverters (VSIs) based distributed generations (DGs) with a specific local droop characteristic for each DG in a MG. A load change in a MG may lead to imbalance between generation and consumption and it changes the output voltage and frequency of the VSIs according to the droop characteristics. If the load change is adequately large, the DGs may be unable to stabilize the MG. In the present paper, following a brief survey on the conventional voltage/frequency droop control, a generalized droop control (GDC) scheme for a wide range of load change scenarios is developed. Then to remove its dependency to the line parameters and to propose a model-free based GDC, a new framework based on adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is developed. It is shown that the proposed intelligent control structure carefully tracks the GDC dynamic behavior, and exhibits high performance and desirable response for different load change scenarios. It is also shown that the ANFIS controller can be effectively used instead of the GDC. The proposed methodology is examined on several MG test systems.

International Industry Practice on Power System Load Modeling

Abstract: Power system load modeling is a mature and generally well researched area which, as many other in electrical power engineering at the present time, is going through a period of renewed interest in both industry and academia. This interest is fueled by the appearance of new non-conventional types of loads (power electronic-based, or interfaced through power electronics) and requirements to operate modern electric power systems with increased penetration of non-conventional and mostly intermittent types of generation in a safe and secure manner. As a response to this renewed interest, in February 2010 CIGRE established working group C4.605: “Modelling and aggregation of loads in flexible power networks”. One of the first tasks of the working group was to identify current international industry practice on load modeling for static and dynamic power system studies. For that purpose, a questionnaire was developed and distributed during the summer/autumn of 2010 to more than 160 utilities and system operators in over 50 countries on five continents. This paper summarizes some of the key findings from about 100 responses to the questionnaire received by September 2011 and identifies prevalent types of load models used as well as typical values of their parameters.

Optimal Dispatch of Photovoltaic Inverters in Residential Distribution Systems

Abstract: Low-voltage distribution feeders were designed to sustain unidirectional power flows to residential neighborhoods. The increased penetration of roof-top photovoltaic (PV) systems has highlighted pressing needs to address power quality and reliability concerns, especially when PV generation exceeds the household demand. A systematic method for determining the active- and reactive-power set points for PV inverters in residential systems is proposed in this paper, with the objective of optimizing the operation of the distribution feeder and ensuring voltage regulation. Binary PV-inverter selection variables and nonlinear power-flow relations render the novel optimal inverter dispatch problem nonconvex and NP-hard. Nevertheless, sparsity-promoting regularization approaches and semidefinite relaxation techniques are leveraged to obtain a computationally feasible convex reformulation. The merits of the proposed approach are demonstrated using real-world PV-generation and load-profile data for an illustrative low-voltage residential distribution system.

Adaptive load shedding based on combined frequency and voltage stability assessment using synchrophasor measurements

Abstract: Under frequency load shedding (UFLS) and under voltage load shedding (UVLS) are attracting more attention, as large disturbances occur more frequently than in the past. Usually, these two schemes work independently from each other, and are not designed in an integrated way to exploit their combined effect on load shedding. Besides, reactive power is seldom considered in the load shedding process. To fill this gap, we propose in this paper a new centralized, adaptive load shedding algorithm, which uses both voltage and frequency information provided by phasor measurement units (PMUs). The main contribution of the new method is the consideration of reactive power together with active power in the load shedding strategy. Therefore, this method addresses the combined voltage and frequency stability issues better than the independent approaches. The new method is tested on the IEEE 39-Bus system, in order to compare it with other methods. Simulation results show that, after large disturbance, this method can bring the system back to a new stable steady state that is better from the point of view of frequency and voltage stability, and loadability.

General Steady-State Analysis and Control Principle of Electric Springs With Active and Reactive Power Compensations

Abstract: This paper provides a general analysis on the steady-state behavior and control principles of a recently proposed concept of “electric springs” that can be integrated into electrical appliances to become a new generation of smart loads. The discussion here is focused on how different real and/or reactive load powers can be canceled or altered using the electric springs. Mathematical derivations supporting the theoretical framework of the concept are detailed in the paper. Experimental results validate the theoretical discussions and solutions proposed. It is demonstrated that the electric spring is capable of providing different types of power/voltage compensations to the load and the source.

Cascaded Current–Voltage Control to Improve the Power Quality for a Grid-Connected Inverter With a Local Load

Abstract: In this paper, a cascaded current-voltage control strategy is proposed for inverters to simultaneously improve the power quality of the inverter local load voltage and the current exchanged with the grid. It also enables seamless transfer of the operation mode from stand-alone to grid-connected or vice versa. The control scheme includes an inner voltage loop and an outer current loop, with both controllers designed using the H∞ repetitive control strategy. This leads to a very low total harmonic distortion in both the inverter local load voltage and the current exchanged with the grid at the same time. The proposed control strategy can be used to single-phase inverters and three-phase four-wire inverters. It enables grid-connected inverters to inject balanced clean currents to the grid even when the local loads (if any) are unbalanced and/or nonlinear. Experiments under different scenarios, with comparisons made to the current repetitive controller replaced with a current proportional-resonant controller, are presented to demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed strategy.

Enhanced Load Step Response for a Bidirectional DC–DC Converter

Abstract: An essential requirement for a high-performance dual active bridge (DAB) dc-dc converter is to rapidly and accurately maintain its DC output voltage under all operating conditions This paper uses a novel harmonic modeling strategy to create a linearized dynamic model of a DAB that accurately identifies its transient response to both a reference voltage change and an output load-current change Using this model, a feedforward compensation strategy is presented that significantly improves the DAB's transient response to an output load change The transient performance is then further enhanced by analytically compensating for the nonlinear dead-time distortion that is caused by the converter switching processes The resultant control system achieves rapid and precise output voltage regulation for both reference voltage and output load changes The theoretical analysis is confirmed by both matching simulation and experimental investigations

Analysis of Power Sharing and Voltage Deviations in Droop-Controlled DC Grids

Abstract: This paper analyzes the influence of the converter droop settings and the dc grid network topology on the power sharing in a dc grid based on voltage source converter high voltage direct current technology. The paper presents an analytical tool to study the effect of the droop control settings on the steady-state voltage deviations and power sharing after a converter outage, thereby accounting for dc grid behavior. Furthermore, an optimization algorithm is developed, taking into account two conflicting optimization criteria. The simulation results show that, when selecting appropriate values for the converter gains, a tradeoff has to be made between the power sharing and the maximum allowable dc voltage deviation after an outage.

Automatic Distributed Voltage Control Algorithm in Smart Grids Applications

Abstract: The widespread use of distributed generation (DG), which is installed in medium-voltage distribution networks, impacts the future development of modern electrical systems that must evolve towards smart grids. A fundamental topic for smart grids is automatic distributed voltage control (ADVC). The voltage is now regulated at the MV busbar acting on the on-load tap changer of the HV/MV transformer. This method does not guarantee the correct voltage value in the network nodes when the distributed generators deliver their power. In contrast, the ADVC allows control of the voltage acting on a single generator; therefore, a better voltage profile can be obtained. In this paper, an approach based on sensitivity theory is shown to control the node voltages regulating the reactive power injected by the generators. After the theoretical analysis, a numerical example is presented to validate the theory. The proposed voltage regulation method has been developed in collaboration with Enel Distribuzione S.p.A. (the major Italian DSO), and it will be applied in the Smart Grids POI-P3 pilot project, which is financed by the Italian Economic Development Ministry. Before the real field application in the pilot project, a real-time digital simulation has been used to validate the algorithm presented. Moving in this direction, Enel Distribuzione S.p.A. built a new test center in Milan equipped with a real-time digital simulator (from RTDS Technologies).

Harmonic Droop Controller to Reduce the Voltage Harmonics of Inverters

Abstract: In this paper, the load and/or grid connected to an inverter is modeled as the combination of voltage sources and current sources at harmonic frequencies. As a result, the system can be analyzed at each individual frequency, which avoids the difficulty in defining the reactive power for a system with different frequencies because it is now defined at each individual frequency. Moreover, a droop control strategy is developed for systems delivering power to a constant current source, instead of a constant voltage source. This is then applied to develop a harmonic droop controller so that the right amount of harmonic voltage is added to the inverter reference voltage to compensate the harmonic voltage dropped on the output impedance due to the harmonic current. This forces the output voltage at the individual harmonic frequency to be close to zero and improves the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage considerably. Both simulation and experimental results are provided to demonstrate that the proposed strategy can significantly improve the voltage THD.

Reactive Power Compensation in Single-Phase Operation of Microgrid

Abstract: A coordinated control of distributed generators (DG) and distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) in a microgrid is proposed in this paper. With high penetration of distributed sources and single-phase operation of the system, voltage unbalance can often go beyond the acceptable limit. With the feeders geographically spread out, it is not always possible to achieve reactive compensation at optimum location with the three-phase devices. In this paper, a simple control strategy for DSTATCOM with communication in loop is proposed. The proposed reactive compensation technique is based on the voltage sag and the power flow in the line. The power flow and the voltage at different locations of the feeders are communicated to the DSTATCOM to modulate the reactive compensation. The single-phase DSTATCOM compensates for the reactive power deficiency in the phase while the DGs supply “maximum available active power.” During reactive power limit of the DG, the “maximum available active power” is fixed to a value lower than maximum active power to increase reactive power injection capability of the DGs. A primary control loop based on local measurement in the DSTATCOM always ensures a part of reactive compensation in case of communication failure. It is shown that the proposed method can always ensure to achieve acceptable voltage regulation. The data traffic analysis of the communication scheme and closed-loop simulation of power network and communication network are presented to validate the proposed method.

“SRF Theory Revisited” to Control Self-Supported Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) for Unbalanced and Nonlinear Loads

Abstract: The protection of the sensitive unbalanced nonlinear loads from sag/swell, distortion, and unbalance in supply voltage is achieved economically using the dynamic voltage restorer (DVR). A simple generalized algorithm based on basic synchronous-reference-frame theory has been developed for the generation of instantaneous reference compensating voltages for controlling a DVR. This novel algorithm makes use of the fundamental positive-sequence phase voltages extracted by sensing only two unbalanced and/or distorted line voltages. The algorithm is general enough to handle linear as well as nonlinear loads. The compensating voltages when injected in series with a distribution feeder by three single-phase H-bridge voltage-source converters with a constant switching frequency hysteresis band voltage controller tightly regulate the voltage at the load terminals against any power quality problems on the source side. A capacitor-supported DVR does not need any active power during steady-state operation because the injected voltage is in quadrature with the feeder current. The proposed control strategy is validated through extensive simulation and real-time experimental studies.

Interleaved High Step-Up ZVT Converter With Built-In Transformer Voltage Doubler Cell for Distributed PV Generation System

Abstract: In this paper, the concept of built-in transformer voltage doubler cell is derived to generate an improved interleaved high step-up converter for distributed photovoltaic generation applications. The proposed built-in transformer voltage doubler cell is composed of three transformer windings, two voltage doubler diodes, and two voltage doubler capacitors. The voltage doubler capacitors are charged and discharged alternatively to double the voltage gain. The switch duty cycle and the transformer turns ratio can be employed as two controllable freedoms to lift the voltage ratio flexibly. The power device voltage stress can also be reduced to improve the circuit performance. Furthermore, the active clamp scheme is adopted to recycle the leakage energy, absorb the switch turn-off voltage spikes, and achieve zero-voltage switching (ZVS) operation for all active switches. Meanwhile, the diode reverse-recovery problem is alleviated by the leakage inductance of the built-in transformer. All these factors benefit the circuit performance improvements in the high step-up and large current applications. Finally, a 1-kW prototype with 40-380 V conversion is built and tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter.

Control Scheme With Voltage Support Capability for Distributed Generation Inverters Under Voltage Sags

Abstract: Voltage sags are one of the main problems in transmission and distribution grids with high penetration of distributed generation. This paper proposes a voltage support control scheme for grid-connected power sources under voltage sags. The control is based on the injection of reactive current with a variable ratio between positive and negative sequences. The controller determines, also, the amount of reactive power needed to restore the dropped voltage magnitudes to new reference values confined within the continuous operation limits required in grid codes. These reference values are chosen in order to guarantee low current injection when fulfilling the voltage support objective. Selected experimental results are reported in order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control.

Capacitor Voltage Regulation in Single-DC-Source Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Converters Using Phase-Shift Modulation

Abstract: Cascaded H-bridge multilevel power electronic converters generally require several dc sources. An alternative option is to replace all the separate dc sources feeding the H-bridge cells with capacitors, leaving only one H-bridge cell with a real dc voltage source. This will yield a cost-effective converter. However, the required capacitor voltage balancing is challenging. In this paper, using the phase-shift modulation approach, a new control method for cascaded H-bridge multilevel converters fed with only one independent dc source is presented. The proposed method has a wide voltage regulation range for the replacement capacitors in the H-bridge cells. Experimental and simulation results support the proposed control method.

StatCom control at wind farms with fixed-speed induction generators under asymmetrical grid faults

Abstract: The stability of fixed-speed induction generator (FSIG)-based wind turbines can be improved by a StatCom, which is well known and documented in the literature for balanced grid voltage dips. Under unbalanced grid voltage dips, the negative-sequence voltage causes heavy generator torque oscillations that reduce the lifetime of the drive train. In this paper, investigations on an FSIG-based wind farm in combination with a StatCom under unbalanced grid voltage fault are carried out by means of theory, simulations, and measurements. A StatCom control structure with the capability to coordinate the control between the positive and the negative sequence of the grid voltage is proposed. The results clarify the effect of the positive- and the negative-sequence voltage compensation by a StatCom on the operation of the FSIG-based wind farm. With first priority, the StatCom ensures the maximum fault-ride-through enhancement of the wind farm by compensating the positive-sequence voltage. The remaining StatCom current capability of the StatCom is controlled to compensate the negative-sequence voltage, in order to reduce the torque oscillations. The theoretical analyses are verified by simulations and measurement results on a 22-kW laboratory setup.

A Novel Cooperative Protocol for Distributed Voltage Control in Active Distribution Systems

Abstract: In this paper, a novel cooperative protocol has been proposed to provide a proper voltage control for multiple feeders having a transformer tap-changer (LTC), unbalanced load diversity (station with different feeder loads) and multiple distributed generation (DG) units in each feeder. The proposed cooperative protocol has been defined according to the distributed control technology, where LTC and DG units are considered as control agents. Two conflicting objectives have been defined for each control agent. The first objective aims to achieve the system requirements by minimizing the voltage deviation and the second objective aims to achieve the device requirements by reducing the tap operation and maximizing the energy capture for LTC and DG units, respectively. The interior structures of the control agents and the communication acts between them have been designed to achieve the best compromise between the two objectives of each control agent. The effectiveness of the proposed cooperative scheme has been verified via different case studies.

A sub-ns response fully integrated battery-connected switched-capacitor voltage regulator delivering 0.19W/mm 2 at 73% efficiency

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant power source in mobile devices. However, while the supply voltage required for processors and SoCs has scaled down to ~1V, the voltage range of this popular battery remains ~2.9V-4.2V (nominally ~3.6V). To bridge this voltage difference, off-chip power management ICs are typically required. Despite their high efficiency, supporting many independent, high-current supplies to e.g. a multi-core SoC is extremely challenging due to cost, area, and supply impedance concerns associated with board and package level parasitics. There is hence strong motivation for efficient, fully integrated voltage regulators (IVRs) that interface directly with the battery while supporting multiple separate on-chip supply.