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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A1: Smart Grids and Microgrids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (16 February 2024) | Viewed by 12146

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Prof. Dr. Dinko Vukadinović

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Department of Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
Interests: control systems in power electronics; control of induction machines; photovoltaic/wind turbine energy generation systems; microgrid control; battery storage systems; fuzzy control
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Dear Colleagues,

In modern power grids with a large share of distributed power production, achieving high power quality is a challenging task. The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into power grids has introduced various disturbances such as harmonic distortions, voltage sags, frequency variations, voltage unbalance, etc.), leading to power quality degradation. In particular, the variable nature of RESs may cause rapid voltage changes, and consequently, the protection system can cause the disconnection of power system parts.

To enable flexible operation of RESs, voltage source converters and associated control systems are necessary. Very often, several RESs with storage devices, loads, and voltage source converters are connected in so-called microgrids. Microgrids are an emerging concept, closely connected with power quality, novel control methods, internet of things, and cyber security, etc. They are designed to function either in grid-connected or standalone mode, depending upon their energy potential and grid code requirements.

Keeping in mind that about 30% of world electricity generation comes from RESs (including hydropower), problems and challenges of the RESs’ integration into power grids and the design of associated control systems are the focus of many researchers.

The objective of this Special Issue is to bring together recent and high-quality papers related to the theory and practice of power quality in power grids with a significant share of RESs.

Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:

Power Quality Monitoring
Control of Power Quality Mitigation Devices
Active Filtering of Voltage and Current harmonics
Power Quality Problems Mitigation
Control Methods in AC, DC, and Hybrid Microgrids
Advanced Control Methods of Power Converters
Stability of Microgrids
Control of Storage Devices
Advances in Economic Aspects of Microgrids
Cyber Security, Data Processing and Smart Loads in Microgrids
Electromagnetic Interference in Microgrids

Prof. Dr. Dinko Vukadinović
Guest Editor

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Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids: 2nd Edition in Energies (2 articles)

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 134 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids

by Dinko Vukadinović

Energies 2024, 17(9), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092193 - 3 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1071

Abstract

In modern power grids with a large share of distributed power production, achieving high-power quality is a challenging task [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

31 pages, 19503 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

An Experimental Analysis of Three-Phase Low-Voltage Power Factor Controllers Used in a Deforming Regime

by Corina Maria Diniș and Gabriel Nicolae Popa

Energies 2024, 17(7), 1647; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071647 - 29 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1025

Abstract

In industry, to improve the power factor in low-voltage power substations, a power factor controller (the most used method) can be installed which connects capacitors banks (connected, or not, with coils) in the electrical installation. The most important parameters of power engineering are the power factors that indicate the efficiency of energy use. Currently, many non-linear consumers (more single-phase than three-phase) are used on low voltages. Harmonics (currents and/or voltages) are the most important dynamic component of power quality, affecting electrical equipment performance and also reducing power factors. The purpose of this analysis is to increase the displacement power factor and to decrease the total harmonic distortion (for the current) in the conditions where there are linear and non-linear consumers, where the power factor must be improved with capacitors banks. Relevant different consumers have been selected for both the industry and the home sector, as follows: inductive motors that are linear, inductive consumers, compact fluorescent lamps that are non-linear, and capacitive consumers. This analysis was carried out depending on the number of steps used for the power factor controller, the values of the capacitors banks, the AC reactor (connected in series with all consumers), and the LC shunt filters. For a slight deformation regime, a large number of capacitors banks with different values ensure a finer adjustment of the displacement factor. The maximum number of steps that regulators can command should not necessarily be used (the reliability of the installation decreases with the increase in the number of capacitors banks), but a reduced number of steps can be used, which can lead to higher values of displacement power factors. To improve the deforming regime and to increase the displacement power factor, the use of LC shunt filters, connected to a small number of steps, will also increase the displacement power factor (over 0.9) and decrease the total harmonic distortion (up to 7–10%) for the current. Weaker results were obtained with AC reactors connected to the power supply phases of consumers and, if a larger number of stages were used, to which LC shunt filters were connected, these filters become difficult to calibrate (resonances occur). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids)

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31 pages, 8161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Supercapacitor Model Parameters Identification Method Using Metaheuristic Gradient-Based Optimization Algorithms

by Ahmad Yasin, Rached Dhaouadi and Shayok Mukhopadhyay

Energies 2024, 17(6), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061500 - 21 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1266

Abstract

This paper addresses the critical role of supercapacitors as energy storage systems with a specific focus on their modeling and identification. The lack of a standardized and efficient method for identifying supercapacitor parameters has a definite effect on widespread adoption of supercapacitors, especially in high-power density applications like electric vehicle regenerative braking. The study focuses on parameterizing the Zubieta model for supercapacitors, which involves identifying seven parameters using a hybrid metaheuristic gradient-based optimization (MGBO) approach. The effectiveness of the MGBO method is compared to the existing particle swarm optimization (PSO) and to the following algorithms proposed and developed in this work: ‘modified MGBO’ (M-MGBO) and two PSO variations—one combining PSO and M-MGBO and the other incorporating a local escaping operator (LCEO) with PSO. Metaheuristic- and gradient-based algorithms are both affected by problems associated with locally optimal results and with issues related to enforcing constraints/boundaries on solution values. This work develops the above-mentioned innovations to the MGBO and PSO algorithms for addressing such issues. Rigorous experimentation considering various types of input excitation provides results indicating that hybrid PSO-MGBO and PSO-LCEO outperform traditional PSO, showing improvements of 51% and 94%, respectively, while remaining comparable to M-MGBO. These hybrid approaches effectively estimate Zubieta model parameters. The findings highlight the potential of hybrid optimization strategies in enhancing precision and effectiveness in supercapacitor model parameterization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids)

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26 pages, 27856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Space-Vector PWM Schemes for Enhancing Efficiency and Decoupled Control in Quasi-Z-Source Inverters

by Ivan Grgić, Mateo Bašić, Dinko Vukadinović and Ivan Marinović

Energies 2024, 17(6), 1387; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061387 - 13 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 996

Abstract

This paper investigates the development of pulse width modulation (PWM) schemes for three-phase quasi-Z-source inverters (qZSIs). These inverters are notable for their voltage boost capability, built-in short-circuit protection, and continuous input current, making them suitable for low-voltage-fed applications like photovoltaic or fuel cell-based systems. Despite their advantages, qZSIs confront challenges such as increased control complexity and a larger number of passive components compared to traditional voltage source inverters (VSIs). In addition, most existing PWM schemes for qZSIs lack the capability for independent control of the amplitude modulation index and duty cycle, which is essential in closed-loop applications. This study introduces innovative space-vector PWM (SVPWM) schemes, addressing issues of independent control, synchronization, and unintentional short-circuiting in qZSIs. It evaluates several established continuous and discontinuous PWM schemes, and proposes two novel decoupled SVPWM-based schemes that integrate dead time and in which the shoot-through occurrence is synchronized with the beginning of the zero switching state. These novel schemes are designed to reduce switching losses and improve qZSI controllability. Experimental validation is conducted using a custom-developed electronic circuit board that enables the implementation of a range of PWM schemes, including the newly proposed ones. The obtained results indicate that the proposed PWM schemes can offer up to 6.8% greater efficiency and up to 7.5% reduced voltage stress compared to the closest competing PWM scheme from the literature. In addition, they contribute to reducing the electromagnetic interference and thermal stress of the related semiconductor switches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids)

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17 pages, 3447 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Methodology for the Detection and Classification of Power Quality Disturbances Using CWT and CNN

by Eduardo Perez-Anaya, Arturo Yosimar Jaen-Cuellar, David Alejandro Elvira-Ortiz, Rene de Jesus Romero-Troncoso and Juan Jose Saucedo-Dorantes

Energies 2024, 17(4), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17040852 - 11 Feb 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1432

Abstract

Energy generation through renewable processes has represented a suitable option for power supply; nevertheless, wind generators and photovoltaic systems can suddenly operate under undesired conditions, leading to power quality problems. In this regard, the development of condition-monitoring strategies applied to the detection of power quality disturbances becomes mandatory to ensure proper working conditions of electrical machinery. Therefore, in this work we propose a diagnosis methodology for detecting power quality disturbances by means of the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and convolutional neural network (CNN). The novelty of this work lies in the image processing that allows us to precisely highlight the discriminant patterns through spectrograms into 2D images; the images are cropped and reduced to a standard size of 128x128 pixels to retain the most relevant information. Subsequently, the identification of six power quality disturbances is automatically performed by a convolutional neural network. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated under a set of synthetic data as well as a real data set; the obtained results make the proposal suitable for being incorporated into the monitoring of power quality disturbances in renewable energy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids)

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13 pages, 6164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Line-Start Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Supplied with Voltage Containing Negative-Sequence Subharmonics

by Piotr Gnaciński, Marcin Pepliński, Adam Muc and Damian Hallmann

Energies 2024, 17(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010091 - 22 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1016

Abstract

In some power systems, the voltage waveform contains frequency components less than fundamental, called subharmonics or subsynchronous interharmonics. Voltage subharmonics can be both positive- and negative-sequence, independent of their frequency (order). Subharmonics exert harmful effects on sundry electrical equipment, especially on rotating machinery; they cause various noxious phenomena, such as a local saturation of the magnetic circuit, increases in power losses and windings temperature, and torque pulsations leading to vibration of unacceptable severity. Notably, previous works reported excessive vibration of rotating machinery only under no-load, while under full load, rather moderate vibration occurred. This study deals with vibration analysis of a line-start permanent magnet synchronous motor (LSPMSM) supplied with the voltage containing negative-sentence subharmonics. Experimental investigations were conducted for a 3 kW, four-pole production LSPMSM for subharmonics of various values and frequencies. Voltage subharmonics of values significantly less than reported in real power systems were found to cause unacceptable vibration, especially under full load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids)

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18 pages, 5836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Backstepping Control of NPC Multilevel Converter Interfacing AC and DC Microgrids

by J. Dionísio Barros, Luis Rocha and J. Fernando Silva

Energies 2023, 16(14), 5515; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145515 - 20 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1140

Abstract

This work introduces modified backstepping methods to design controllers for neutral point clamped (NPC) converters interfacing a DC/AC microgrid. The modified backstepping controllers are derived from a proper converter model, represented in dq coordinates, and are designed to regulate the DC voltage and to balance the two NPC converter DC capacitor voltages through a DC offset in the sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) carriers. The averaged and separated dynamics backstepping controllers also enforce nearly sinusoidal AC currents at a given power factor. The two proposed NPC converter controllers are evaluated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations and experimental implementation using a laboratory prototype. Simulations and experimental results show that the two modified backstepping controllers regulate the microgrid DC voltage in steady state and in transient operation, even with load disturbances or DC voltage reference changes, while enforcing nearly AC sinusoidal currents at a given power factor or injected reactive power. The modified backstepping-controlled NPC converter is bidirectional, converting energy from DC renewable energy sources or storage systems to AC or charging storage systems from AC. The results also highlight the effective balancing of the NPC DC capacitor voltages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids)

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22 pages, 10227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Hierarchical Multi-Stage Coordination of Inverters for Voltage Control in Active Distribution Networks with a µPMU-PDC

by Ali Zafari, Ameen Gargoom, Nasser Hosseinzadeh, Shama Islam, Md Enamul Haque, Mohammad Taufiqul Arif and Mohamed Abdelrazek

Energies 2023, 16(12), 4650; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16124650 - 12 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1108

Abstract

This paper proposes a hierarchical multi-stage approach based on a distributed level phasor measurement unit (µPMU) at local controllers and a phasor data concentrator (PDC) at the central control unit to restore system voltage when it exceeds the limits recommended by the IEEE 1547-2018 standard. The proposed algorithm does not need an accurate system model or employ optimization solutions. Therefore, it has less implementation complexity and would be popular among distribution network service providers (DNSPs) and distribution network operators (DNOs) as it does not suffer from cost and computational complexity limitations. A PMU-PDC-based communication platform has been developed as a more efficient alternative to the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, and provides superior characteristics, including a higher sample rate, higher data resolutions, and faster communication. The proposed coordinated algorithm aims to postpone power generation curtailment in distributed energy resources (DERs) with overvoltage problems (local DERs) by incorporating all the DERs that are not subjected to voltage violation (remote DERs) by absorbing their maximum reactive power capacity. If the system voltage has not recovered after absorbing all of the reactive power capacity of all the DERs, a reduced active power curtailment proposed by the algorithm is then applied to the system to control the voltage. The proposed strategy has been simulated in MATLAB and applied to IEEE 13-bus and IEEE 33-bus radial distribution benchmark systems to validate the performance of the system, in terms of its ability to coordinate voltage control and the accuracy of the PMU-PDC-based communication interface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids)

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14 pages, 2329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of PI Controller Parameters by GWO Algorithm for Five-Phase Asynchronous Motor

by Malika Fodil, Ali Djerioui, Mohamed Ladjal, Abdelhakim Saim, Fouad Berrabah, Hemza Mekki, Samir Zeghlache, Azeddine Houari and Mohamed Fouad Benkhoris

Energies 2023, 16(10), 4251; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16104251 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1930

Abstract

Operation at low speed and high torque can lead to the generation of strong ripples in the speed, which can deteriorate the system. To reduce the speed oscillations when operating a five-phase asynchronous motor at low speed, in this article, we propose a control method based on Gray Wolf optimization (GWO) algorithms to adjust the parameters of proportional–integral (PI) controllers. Proportional–integral controllers are commonly used in control systems to regulate the speed and current of a motor. The controller parameters, such as the integral gain and proportional gain, can be adjusted to improve the control performance. Specifically, reducing the integral gain can help reduce the oscillations at low speeds. The proportional–integral controller is insensitive to parametric variations; however, when we employ a GWO optimization strategy based on PI controller parameters, and when we choose gains wisely, the system becomes more reliable. The obtained results show that the hybrid control of the five-phase induction motor (IM) offers high performance in the permanent and transient states. In addition, with this proposed strategy controller, disturbances do not affect motor performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids)

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