Analysis and Power Quality Improvement in Hybrid Distributed Generation System with Utilization of Unified Power Quality Conditioner

Nomenclature

1  Introduction

Global demand for electricity continues to grow. The two main electricity consuming sectors are residential-tertiary and industrial [1,2]. Today, the most reliable and resilient energy systems rely on the combustion of fossil fuels, which still dominate the world. In contrast, fossil fuels release greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere and are not renewable. This had serious effects on the environment and human health. There are numerous alternate resources that may supply continuous, clean and renewable energy, for example: Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar and biomass energy. Furthermore, renewable energy sources (RES) are getting great consideration around the world as a sustainable substitute energy source as a major part of global power production [3–8]. However, it is also the good way to recycle waste plastics and make energy collection and generation devices based on them. The triboelectric nanogenerator is one of them that is entirely based on waste plastic bags [9–13].

At present, RES based distributed generation systems (DG) are evolving as an substitute to huge decentralized traditional power systems associated to long electricity distribution/transmission systems [14]. Renewable energy sources based DG systems may be add on to latest electrical power systems to meet growing demand for electricity, reduction in costs of transmission of electricity, improve reliability of the system because of reducing the dangerous environmental effects of contaminating energy sources, for example: natural gas, oil, and coal and increased demand [15–18]. Injected in this scenario, photovoltaic and wind energy are the utmost extensively distributed renewable energy generation (DG). The weakness of wind turbines and photovoltaics, in addition to being able to generate electricity, creates a series of current and voltage harmonics caused through the existence of different sorts of photovoltaic devices and wind turbines and power inverters, In addition to the rise in the amount of non-linear loads associated to the network, it ultimately leads to a deterioration in the quality of the network [19,20].

When Photovoltaic systems is connected to three or single-phase electrical power systems, aim to supply a network with energy from photovoltaic assemblies [21–24]. An inverter stage is necessary as soon as the photovoltaic generator produces power in the form of direct current [25–34]. In contrast, a DC-DC boost converter must be required if the voltages in the DC bus of a photovoltaic array are not sufficient to provide the DC bus of the inverter phase [29–31]. This means that photovoltaic systems may be categorized as single or two stage energy conversion systems. In a system of single stage photovoltaic, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) monitoring must be done by a DC/AC converter [26,27], whereas in a system of two-stage photovoltaic, this job is typically accomplished via a DC/DC boost converter [32]. Whatever the topology of a photovoltaic system, the power balance between the system of photovoltaic and the electrical grid is achieved through regulating the voltages of DC bus of the inverter.

In various applications, the functionality of photovoltaic systems may be demonstrated. This occurs as photovoltaic systems, in addition to supplying the grid with active energy [15–31,35,36], can simultaneously perform a type of grid conditioning [31–35] and then improve the PQ indicators, which refer to the succeeding indices [37]: line utilization factor (fundamental Power factor (PF1L) and power factor), load asymmetry factor and harmonic pollution factor.

In [31–34], photovoltaic systems operating in the same way just as the parallel active power filters which remove current harmonics generated by non-linear loads and compensate reactive power. In [38–41], photovoltaic systems were used to operate in an integrated fashion using UPQC [42–45]. Iterative control method is used to locate the specific position and time of the fault by its repetitive property. The data produced in each iteration is used for the next iteration for improvement in control system. The modeling of iterative control method for linear and non linear system is difficult work. The optimal control scheme based on optimization shows improves performance of the iterative control algorithm. For system optimization convergence speed of iterative control algorithm is important and is improved by applying optimal control scheme [46–51].

However the core task of the system of UPQC is to do parallel and series compensation as a result they may act instantaneously like a series active power filter (S-APF) compensating for line voltages, in addition to compensating the load currents as a parallel APF (P-APF) is used, in [38] experimental outcomes of the single-stage system of photovoltaic integrated with UPQC it simply fulfills the purpose of dynamic voltage restorer. In this situation, only mains voltage disturbances are compensated. In [39], computer simulations of the two-stage photovoltaic system called SPV-UPQC-P integrated with UPQC was presented. Although, this system simply compensates for imbalances grid voltage and reactive load power. Hence, the suppression of mains voltage and the harmonics of the load current have not been taken into account.

In [52], the UPQC, provided by the photovoltaic panels of the PI, boost converter, p-q theory, and the MPPT P and O, was presented. The system was capable to compensate for lessen source current/load voltage harmonics and reactive power however did not address intruption and reduction of sag caused via PV penetration.

In [53], migitation of power quality issues using UPQC on microgrid provided via wind turbine and PV has been proposed. It resulted that FLC and PI was capable to reduce distortion in output power and improve power quality. In [54], to overcome interruption voltage to grid and low sag to deliver active power, the wind turbine-UPQC has been presented. The system was using VSC like a rectifier on generator output and controlled so that required maximum energy may be produced through wind turbines (WT) at different speed by means of PI. In [55], the wind turbine-UPQC associated to UPQC DC link was executed. The presented combination with PI made it possible to compensate reactive power, interruption voltage and swell both on off/on utility grid. In [56], to enhance power quality in a grid coupled DFIG, wind turbine UPQC controlled by FLC have been proposed. FLC may enhance power quality, i.e., load current harmonics and sag voltage better than PI.

One more application wherein the photovoltaic model is integrating by using UPQC is presented in [40]. According to this application, the model may work as grid-forming in an AC micro-grid [36], in an island micro-grid, energy storage systems (ESS) and several kinds of DG sources (wind, photovoltaic and others) are using as grid-forming [57]. Though, when the system changes from grid-connected mode to the grid-islanded mode the disturbances/transients may be noticed in the voltages supplying the load. This occurs because of the UPQC parallel inverter requires to change its control mode to voltage source from current source. The similar result happens while the system returns to grid-tied operation, as the parallel inverter should be reactivated like a current source.

The system of PV-UPQC was presented in [41]. To compensate the supply voltage quality problems, i.e., harmonics, sag, flicker, threshold imbalance, and load current quality issues, i.e., neutral current, harmonics, reactive currents and imbalances UPQC is used. It may be work in both 3-Φ four -wire and 3-Φ three-wire electrical power systems. Meanwhile the parallel inverter is voltage controlled hence regulated voltages and balanced may be supplied to the load, it is not necessary to alter its control mode when the system works like a grid-forming in an AC micro-grid. In other words, the parallel inverter is voltage controlled both in grid islanded mode and in grid connected mode. In contrast, the mentioned system may also work in an AC micro-grid either as grid-supporting or grid-feeding [36], meanwhile the control mode of a parallel inverter may too be swapped to work to the current source from voltage source.

In contrast, the detailed studies on the apparent and active power flow and essentially the protection and sizing of the inverters that make up the system of PV-Wind-UPQC have not been dealt with in [41,58]. In doing so, additional research contributions are presented in this paper, as follows:

1.    This article presents a inclusive study that includes the power flow by the system of PV-Wind-UPQC in order to gain a general understanding of how the system works in different modes of operation. This study signifies an essential and valuable methodological tool for properly designing the power inverters. It is based on an wide number of sizing curves and permits the designer an effective sizing of power converters.

2.    Meanwhile the system of PV-Wind-UPQC simultaneously supplying the grid with active energy (energy generated by the photovoltaic and wind systems), in addition to the improvement of PQ indicators through series-parallel conditioning capabilities of power lines.

This article is structured as follows: Section 2 comprises the explanation of the system of PV-Wind-UPQC, the model of the PV and PMSG wind turbine and strategies for controlling the inverters in series and in parallel. Section 3 comprises complete explanations of the apparent and active power flows by PV-Wind-UPQC, resulting from standardized curves for the correct sizing of neutral point clamp (NPC) series and parallel inverters. In Section 4, the performance of the system in steady state and dynamic is evaluated based on the results of the simulation. Lastly, Section 5 presents the conclusions.

2  Explanation of the PV-Wind-UPQC Topology

The whole circuit diagram of the 3-Φ single-stage PV-Wind-UPQC system is presented in Fig. 1. The DGs based on RE sources, i.e., Hybrid PV-Wind coupled to 3P4W distribution system with 60 Hz frequency and 220 L-L volts via UPQC. The parallel and series inverters comprise of three-level NPC inverters. NPC inverter is a family of multi-level power inverters categorized through the usage of clamping diodes to ensure appropriate shared voltage between the power switches. The typical NPC stage features four IGBTs and six diodes. When using an NPC unit such as in the process of the converter, the voltage of dc link may be transformed into a variable AC voltage and a frequency. At the output, unlike a half-bridge or six-pack, a NPC strategy provides an extra voltage level. The potential does not just jump to DC+ and DC−: may also have 0 condition. The parallel converter is associated to the common coupling point 2 (PCC2) via an LC filters. The series converter is associated to the grid via three series-coupled transformers with L filters. The DC bus is consisting of the split-capacitor. The DGs, without storage, is consist of a PV array composed of a string with 20 series connected PV panels and a PMSG Wind Turbine.

Figure 1: Power circuit of the system of PV-Wind-UPQC associated to a traditional electrical distribution system

The system of PV-Wind-UPQC is designed to work with the voltage reference of DC bus vdc∗, which is determined through the MPPT algorithm [33]. Therefore, the maximum amplitude of the voltage of DC bus (vdc_max∗) is approximately 600 V, permitting the system to work in MPP on standard test conditions (STC). In contrast, the lowest working voltage of the system (vdc_min∗ ) is fixed at 460 V, i.e., when this voltage is reached the system works outside the MPP.

2.1 Photovoltaic Model

Fig. 2 displays the equivalent circuit diagram and the P-V and V-I curves of a solar module. A solar module comprises numerous photovoltaic cells which have outer connections in parallel, in series or in series-parallel [59].

Figure 2: Equivalent circuit diagram and characteristic curve of the solar panel

In (1) the V-I featuers of a photovoltaic model is illustrated [60]:

Ipv=Iph−Ioe(Vpv+RseIpvaVt−1)−Vpv+RseIpvRsh(1)

where Io is the diode saturation current, Iph is the photocurrent, a is ideal diode constant, Vt=NsKTq−1 is the thermal voltage, q s the charge of the electron, T is the temperature in Kelvin, Ns is the number of series cells, K is Boltzmann constant and Rsh and Rse are intrinsic shunt and series resistances of the photovoltaic cell, correspondingly.

Fig. 2 also shows the V-I and V-P relationship of photovoltaic modules. This figure clearly shows that the maximum power arises near the open circuit voltage of the photovoltaic module. A PV generator model is scaled for 20 modules in series and one parallel string (type: SW 245-SolarWorld). The nominal power of this panel is 245.168 W in STC state. The current at the maximum point and short-circuit current are 7.96 A and 8.49 A, correspondingly. The voltage at the maximum power and open circuit voltage are 30.8 volts and 37.5 volts, correspondingly.

2.2 PMSG Wind Turbine

The second source of energy in the DG construction is the wind turbine. A permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) based wind power system is using to generate wind power. They may be categorized according to their operation: variable speed and fixed speed types [60]. In a fixed speed form, the rotational speed of the turbine is fixed and therefore the voltage generated frequency keeps constant thus this one may be associated straight to the grid. In this situation, every time the maximum power cannot be taken from the wind. In contrast, the turbine may revolve at varaince speeds, on variable speed, thus by using the MPPT method the maximum power may be produced at any wind speed [54]. Utilization of PMSG on a DFIG machine and a synchronous generator due to its consistency and high efficiency. With the removal of the outer rotor excitation, the price and size of the machine too decrease, being the PMSG easier to control with a system of feedback control. With variable speed wind turbine applications PMSG has turn into an smart solution for systems of wind power production [61]. Fig. 3 shows the model of PMSG wind turbine and it is power characteristics.

Figure 3: PMSG wind turbine model and it is power characteristics

The wind turbine output power may be stated by (2)–(4) [62].

λ=ωrRVw(2)

Pm=12ρCpπR2Vw3(3)

Tm=Pmωr=12ρCpπR5ωm3λ3(4)

Here λ is the speed-tip ratio, R is a radius of the rotor blade, Vw is the wind speed, ρ is the air density, ωr is the rotor speed (rad/sec), Pm is the mechanical output power, Tm is wind turbine output torque and Cp is the power coefficient. The constant Cp depends on the value of pitch angle, on which rotor blade may revolve alongside axis and tip-speed ratio λ given in (5).

Cp=(0.44−0.167β)sinπ(λ−2)(13−0.3β)(5)

where pitch angle blade is represented by β. The value of β is adjust to a fixed value in a fixed pitch type. Table 1 illustrates all the parameters of PMSG.

2.3 Control Strategy of the System of PV-Wind-UPQC

The UPQC is generally controlled with a traditional compensating scheme in which the parallel inverter performs like a non-sinusoidal current source and the series inverter like a non-sinusoidal voltage source. However the dual compensation scheme is applied here to the UPQC varies from the traditional compensation scheme, in which the parallel inverter behaves like a sinusoidal voltage source, i.e., the output voltages of the system of PV-Wind-UPQC are controlled to be in phase and synchronized with the main voltages. Hence, to enable the flow of these currents by the parallel inverter a low impedance pathway is formed for the load harmonic currents. Meanwhile the system output voltages are controlled in a regulated, sinusoidal and symmetrical manner, all disturbances in the network, i.e., voltage asymmetries, voltage harmonics and voltage dips/over voltages, occur through the terminals of the series-coupled transformers.

The PV-Wind-UPQC input currents are regulated according to the main voltages. These currents are controlled through the series inverter so that a series inverter works as a symmetrical sinusoidal current source. This creates a higher impedence pathway for load harmonic currents between the load and grid, so as to a series inverter acts like a harmonic isolator. Subsequently the currents of grid are in phase and sinusoidal with the voltages of grid, no reactive or harmonic power circulates in the grid(PCC1).

Hence, a high power factor is achieved along with compensating for load imbalances. The voltages of DC bus regulator regulates the amplitude of grid currents so that the equilibrium of energy flow among the load, grid and the system of PV-Wind is achieved [58].

In this paper, the algorithms for generating the grid currents references (NPC series inverters), output voltages (NPC inverters in parallel) and voltage of DC bus (MPPT-P & O) are implemented in the synchronous reference frame (SRF) as presented in Figs. 4a and 4b. The mathematical modeling of inverters, these particular algorithms, voltage controllers (DC bus and parallel converter) in addition to current controllers (series converters) are shown in detail in [41,58]. The phase locked loop (PLL) strategy, that is utilized for the useful detection and synchronization of the phase angle, is described in [63].

Figure 4: Serial and parallel inverter NPC control loop signal flow diagrams: (a) Series currents reference generation and control loops; (b) Parallel control loops and reference voltages generation

3  Power Flow by the Converters of the System of PV-Wind-UPQC

This segment describes the quantitative study of the power flows by the parallel and series inverters of the system of PV-Wind-UPQC. The following steady state system conditions are assumed for analysis:

1)   The currents withdrawn from the grid are symmetrical and sinusoidal.

2)   Voltages of grid are symmetrical, while they may comprise harmonics.

In addition to a clearly understand the system functionality, this study aims to provide subsides for the adequate sizing of parallel and series inverters. The subsides is carried out through curves where the two inverters apparent powers are standardized according to the total load apparent power. In specific, the apparent powers associated in energy flow by parallel and series NPC inverters based on the charcteristics of the load, grid and power generated via the photovoltaic generator and the PMSG wind turbine. These properties are described below:

1.    The ratio between the RMS voltages of grid and load (Vs/VL).

2.    Fundamental power factor of the load (PF1L).

3.    Total harmonic distortion of the load currents (THDiL) and grid voltages (THDVs).

4.    To compensating the system losses, the active power is consumed through the DC bus (PBdc), such as, losses in passive filtering components and switching components.

5.    The active energy generated through the photovoltaic and PMSG wind turbine energy system (Ppv−wind).

3.1 Apparent Power of the Series Converter

The (6) illustrates the apparent complex power of series converter

S˙sei=V˙SCTI˙s∗(6)

where V˙SCT = V˙s−V˙L are RMS complex voltages in the series coupling transformer; and I˙s∗ is complex conjugate of RMS mains currents.

It is assumed that the RMS values of the mains voltage consists of fundamental and harmonic constituents denoted by Vs1 and VsH, respectively. Thus, series inverter apparent complex power is stated by:

|Ssei|=[(Vs1−VL)Is]2+(VsHIs)2(7)

where the term VsHIs characterizes the voltage distortion power, which is defined in [37] by:

DVs=VsHIs=Vs1IsTHDVs=Ss1THDVs(8)

where Ss1 represents the fundamental apparent power of the grid.

Substituting (8) in (7) and by rearranging, results in:

|Ssei|=[Vs1Is(1−VLVs1)]2+(Ss1THDVs)2(9)

Considering that Ss1=PL, and (10) can be rewritten as:

|Ssei|=PL2[(1−VLVs1)2+(THDVs)2](10)

Here, PL is the real power needed via the load.

Supposing the load voltages balanced and sinusoidal, the load complex apparent power and the total load power factor will be |SL| = PL2+QL2+DL2 and PFL=PLSL=PF1L1+THDiL2, respectively, where QL is the reactive and DL is the load harmonic powers.

By standardizing |Ssei| according to |SL|, results in:

|Ssei||SL|=PF1L[(1−VLVS1)2+THDVS2]1+THDiL2(11)

The apparent fundamental power of the grid is calculated through:

Ss1=PTotal=PL+(PBdc−Ppv−wind)/3(12)

Ss1=PL+(1+CBdc−Cpv−wind)(13)

CBdc=PBdc/3PL(14)

Cpv−wind=Ppv−wind/3PL(15)

where PBdc is the active energy consumed via the DC bus and Ppv−wind is the active energy genertaed by PV-wind energy system.

Thereby, by substituting (13)–(15) in (9), |Ssei||SL| is obtained as follows:

|Ssei||SL|=PF1L(1+CBdc−Cpv−wind)2[(1−VLVS1)2+THDVS2]1+THDiL2(16)

3.2 Apparent Power of the Parallel Converter

The apparent complex power of the Parallel inverter is shown by:

S˙pai=S˙L−V˙LI˙s∗(17)

Assume that the line currents are in phase and sinusoidal with the respective line voltages, and supposing that Ss1=PL, the parallel converter complex apparent power can be calculated by:

|Spai|=PL2+QL2+DL2−PL(VLVs1)(18)

After some mathematical manipulating in (18), |Spai| is found as:

|Spai|=PL2[(VLVs1)2−2(VLVs1)\; +1+THDiL2PFL2](19)

By normalizing |Spai|\;  according to |SL|, |Spai||SL| can be obtained as:

|Spai||SL|=PF1L2VLVs1[VLVs1−2]1+THDiL2+1(20)

By including the active power PBdc and Ppv−wind into the analysis, the above equation can be rewritten as:

|Spai||SL|=PF1L2VLVs1(1+CBdc−Cpv−wind)[VLVs1(1+CBdc−Cpv−wind)−2]1+THDiL2+1(21)

3.3 Apparent Power Standardized Curves of the Series and Parallel Converters

The total load apparent power based on the normalized curves of apparent power of the series and parallel NPC inverters, i.e., |Ssei||SL| and |Spai||SL| are demonstrated in Fig. 5.

Figure 5: Normalized curves of the apparent power of series and parallel converters: (a) |Ssei||SL| and |Spai||SL| for CBdc = 0 and Cpv−wind = 0; (b) |Ssei||SL| and |Spai||SL| for CBdc = 0 and Cpv−wind = 0.5; (c) |Ssei||SL| and |Spai||SL| for CBdc = 0 and Cpv−wind = 1.5; (d) |Ssei||SL| and |Spai||SL| for CBdc = 0.2 and Cpv−wind = 0

Fig. 5a, displays the normalized apparent power curves taking into account the factors CBdc = 0 and Cpv−wind = 0. For THDVs > 0, the power processed by series converter rises over the whole range covered by the VsVL proportion, i.e., 0.5 < VsVL < 1.5. With THDVs = 0, the energy processes only if the ratio VsVL≠1. In Fig. 5a, from the curve |Spai||SL| the following rule applies: the higher the THDiL and the lower the PF1L, the better the performance of the parallel inverter.

Fig. 5b shows the normalized power curves taking into account CBdc = 0 and Cpv−wind = 0.5. In this situation, 50% of entire active power spent through the load is supplied through the photovoltaic array and the PMSG wind turbine. The curves shown in Fig. 5b, thus verify that the lesser power extracted from the utility grid, the lesser power handled through the series inverter. This means that all or maximum of the active power produced through the PV generator and PMSG wind turbine goes through parallel converter, Fig. 5b illustrates an rise in the processed power through the mentioned inverter for this state of functioning.

Fig. 5c illustrates the normalized power curves for condition Cpv−wind = 1.5, where Ppv−wind > PL. In this condition, the active power fed into the utility grid corresponds to 50% of the active power spent through the load. If you compare the graphs in Figs. 5b and 5c, the series inverter processes the similar power in both situations, irrespective of the way of the active power flow. However, according to the normalized curves, dependent on the VsVL ratio, the parallel inverter processes entire active power produced through the photovoltaic system and the PMSG wind turbine. In addition, portion of this energy is made available to consumer and the remaining is inserted into the utility grid.

Fig. 5d shows the normalized curves taking into account CBdc = 0.2 or Cpv−wind = 0. In this situation, it is supposed that the active power is taken from the utility grid to control the voltage of DC bus in order to keep the power balance of a system. Hence, the power handled through series inverter rises while VsVL≠ 1 or THDVs > 0, as shown in Fig. 5d. Furthermore, at certain places of the curves |Spai||SL| as presented in Fig. 5d, a rise in the power handled through parallel inverter may be also noticed, such as, in a state VsVL = 1, THDiL = 0% and PF1L = 1. On the other hand, the stated active power may be handled through each of inverters (parallel or series) or both at the same time, depending on the VsVL ratio.

3.4 Active Power Flow by the System of PV-Wind-UPQC

Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate the instant active power flow by the inverters that comprise the system of PV-Wind-UPQC. The directions of power flow are governed by the following characteristics:

1)   Difference between the RMS voltages of the grid (Vs) and of the load (VL).

2)   Quantity of energy consumed through the load.

3)   Quantity of energy generated through the photovoltaic array.

Figure 6: Flow of active power by the PV-Wind-UPQC: Condition 1: Vs > VL; (a) PL≠ 0 and Ppv−wind = 0; (b) PL = 0 and Ppv+wind > 0; (c) Ppv−wind > PL; (d) Ppv−wind < PL

Figure 7: Flow of active power by the PV-Wind-UPQC: Condition 2:Vs < VL; (e) PL ≠ 0 and Ppv−wind = 0 (f) PL = 0 and Ppv−wind > 0; (g) Ppv−wind >  PL; (h) Ppv−wind < PL

The instantaneous active powers included in the analysis are described below: grid power (Ps), power of photovoltaic array and wind turbines (Ppv−wind), power of series inverter (Psei), power of parallel inverter (Ppai) and load power (PL). This analysis does not include losses in passive components of the system of PV-Wind-UPQC or the switching components of the NPC converters, i.e., the investigation takes into account CBdc = 0. Table 2 illustrates all of the operative conditions for determining the active power flow by the converter.

1)   Operating Condition 1: Vs>\; VL

a)   Fig. 6a describes the energy flow by the system of PV-Wind-UPQC for Ppv−wind = 0 W. In this senario, whole real load power is taken from the grid. When Vs > VL, portion of the energy passes to the series converter from the utility grid and to the load from the parallel converter.

b)   In Figs. 6b–6d, assume that Ppv−wind ≠0 W. In Fig. 6b, we can see that at PL = 0 W, all the power produced through the photovoltaic and wind energy system is fed into a grid via the two inverters. It should also be noted that maximum of this energy is still handled via the parallel inverter.

c)   In Fig. 6c, assume that PL ≠ 0 and Ppv−wind > PL. In this senario, portion of the energy produced through the photovoltaic generator and the wind turbine is fed into the grid via the inverters in parallel and in series, whereas the remaining energy is supplied to the load via the parallel inverter.

d)   In Fig. 6d, assume that PL ≠ 0 and Ppv−wind < PL. In this situation, entire energy generated through the photovoltaic and wind energy system is made available to the consumer through parallel inverters, whereas the remaining power is taken from the utility grid. It may be noted that portion of the energy supplied through the grid passes by both parallel and series converters.

2)    Operating Condition 2: Vs<\; VL

a)   Fig. 7a describes the energy flow by the system of PV-Wind-UPQC for Ppv−wind = 0 W. In this senario, whole real load power is taken from the utility grid. Comparison of Figs. 7a and 6a. If Vs < VL, the way of the flow of energy changes.

b)   In Figs. 7b–7d, assume that Ppv−wind ≠ 0 W. In Fig. 7b, with PL = 0 W, whole energy prduced via the photovoltaic wind energy system is transferred to the utility grid via the parallel converter. Furthermore, the real power flowing via the series converter also passes via the parallel converter.

c)   In Fig. 7c, assume that Ppv−wind > PL and PL ≠ 0 W. In this senario, portion of the energy generated through the energy system of photovoltaic-wind is routed to utility grid via parallel converter, whereas the rest of the energy is routed to the consumer. As may be seen, the real power also goes via the series converter.

d)   In Fig. 7d, PL ≠ 0 W and Ppv−wind < PL. In this senario, the power produced by the photovoltaic wind energy system is supplied to the load via parallel and series converters, whereas the left over power is taken from the utility grid.

In an ideal sitaution, when Vs = VL, there is no flow of active power via the series converter, as shown in the curves presented by Figs. 5a–5d.

3.5 Sizing Examples of Series and Parallel Converter

In this section some examples are made for the sizing of parallel and series inverters, taking into account three operating conditions of the system of PV-Wind-UPQC that are based on the power flow analysis presented above. With such sizing, it is taken into account that the load is associated to the system and that the active energy consumes PL = 1000 W per phase. Table 3 compiles the values assumed for the sizing of parallel and series inverters.

In the primary operating state, an ideal situation is considered. In this case, it is assumed that the photovoltaic and wind energy system, which are connected to the DC bus, have maximum production capacity, e.g., double the active power spent by the load, hence Cpv−wind = 2. This ensures that whole the active energy drawn from the photovoltaic and wind energy system is processed via the parallel inverter.

This converter must therefore be dimensioned by considering the maximum active energy of the photovoltaic and wind energy system. Therefore, the sizing of this converter must be carried out by considering the maximum active power being delivered through wind and photovoltaic energy system.

In secondary operating state, it is considered mains voltages having a great harmonic content (THDVs = 15%) and an operation of the system with a voltage drop of 25%. From the Table 3, it is clear that the series inverter may be designed for a rated power lesser than 40% of the rated power of the load, also taking into account the operation of the grid in voltage disturbances (sag/harmonics). Thus, it is obvious that the lower energy level processed via the serial inverter is a greater benefit for the system of PV-Wind-UPQC. In contrast, it was found that the parallel inverter also handles power with THDiL = 0% and PF1L = 1, since Vs/VL ≠ 1. However, when sizing this converter, voltage drops should be taken into account.

In the tertiary state of operation, the load currents are assumed to have higher harmonic components, such that: THDiL = 100%. It is also considered that PF1L = 1, THDVs = 15%, Vs/VL = 0.75 and Cpv−wind = 2. If you compare this operating state with above presented two states, you can see that the power handled through the parallel inverter rises, which shows that the sizing of this inverter must be taken into account the reactive power spent through the load.

4  Simulation Results

The performance of PV-Wind-UPQC is assessed through simulating the system in software of MATLAB/Simulink. Complete system parameters and the three-phase non-linear load are presented in Appendix. Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) strategy is utilized in series and parallel NPC inverters [64].

4.1 Static Results

This segment describes simulation results in which the PV-Wind-UPQC is operated in three operating modes (OPM). Such OPMs are depicted in Figs. 8–10, taking into account various operating conditions to which the PV-Wind-UPQC is exposed. The OPM 1, arises when the local load associated to the system of PV-Wind-UPQC needed solar irradiance instantaneous power, so that Ppv−wind > PL. In OPM 2, which takes place at night time (without solar radiation), the system works simply in PV-Wind-UPQC, so that Ppv−wind = 0 W. Finally, in OPM 3 the system of PV-Wind-UPQC works without load and simply supplies the grid with real power.

4.1.1 Performance of PV-Wind-UPQC at Ppv−wind>PL

Fig. 8, shows the power system of PV-wind-UPQC which is operating with the balance 3-Φ nonlinear load while processing the power of photovoltaic and wind energy system. Now in that case the power of photovoltaic and wind turbine (Ppv−wind ≅ 3500 W) is more as compare to the active power needed through load (PL) and Vs ≅ VL. Therefore, the system supplies active energy to the grid along with the active conditioning of the power lines in series and in parallel. As may be seen, the real power needed by the load is supplied in full through the photovoltaic-wind energy system and the excess active power generated is fed into the utility grid via the parallel converter. It should also be noted that the flow of active energy by the series inverter with Vs ≅ VL is too much low. It is also noted that the currents of grid are in opposite phase and sinusoidal with the utility grid voltages.

Figure 8: OPM 1: Active power-line conditioning along with active power interjection is performing by PV-Wind-UPQC (Ppv−wind>PL and Vs≅ VL): (a) waveforms of the phase ‘a, b and c’ grid current and voltages; (b) waveforms of the phase ‘a, b and c’ load current and voltages; (c) waveforms of the phase ‘a, b and c’ parallel NPC inverter current and voltages; (d) waveforms of voltages of DC bus ipv−wind current; and power generated via PV and Wind energy system

4.1.2 Performance of PV-Wind-UPQC at Ppv−wind = 0 W

The results presented in Fig. 9 are attained with the system of PV-Wind-UPQC that is functioning as UPQC (OPM 2), so that Ppv−wind = 0 W, where Vs < VL. As expected for this operating mode, it is noticed that portion of the active power extracted from the utility grid passes by the parallel and series inverters of the UPQC. Moreover it is noted that here is a certain flow of active energy (PBdc) to the DC bus from the utility grid via parallel inverters to recompense for the system losses with the circuit breakers of NPC inverters and passive elements. As may be seen, the parallel inverter supplies the load with sinusoidal, symmetrical regulated and voltages. In addition, the variance between output and input voltage occurs through transformers coupled in series. Finally, it can be seen that the current of grid are in-phase and sinusoidal with their corresponding voltages, that is to say that the flow of harmonic elements of the load currents in parallel inverter and not in the utility grid.

Figure 9: OPM 2: Only the active power-line conditioning is performing by PV-Wind-UPQC (Ppv−wind = 0 W and Vs < VL): (a) waveforms of the phase ‘a, b and c’ grid current and voltages; (b) waveforms of the phase ‘a, b and c’ load current and voltages; (c) waveforms of the phase ‘a, b and c’ parallel NPC inverter current and voltages; (d) waveforms of DC bus voltage; ipv−wind current; and PV array and Wind turbine Power

4.1.3 Performance of PV-Wind-UPQC at PLabc = 0 W

Fig. 10 shows the PV-Wind-UPQC system which runs without load and simply supplies the network with real power (PL_abc = 0 W, Vs ≅ VL). In this way, all the electricity produced by the system of photovoltaic and wind turbine (Ppv−wind) is fed into the utility grid, ignoring the losses of system. It may be realized that the nearly entire active power fed into the utility grid is processing by parallel converter. As may be noted, the currents of grid are in opposite phase and sinusoidal with the voltages of the grid, however the 3-Φ output voltages keeps regulated, symmetrical and sinusoidal.

Figure 10: OPM 3: Only active power interjection is performing by PV-Wind-UPQC (PL=0W and Vs ≅ VL): (a) waveforms of the phase ‘a, b and c’ grid currents and voltages; (b) waveforms of the phase ‘a, b and c’ parallel NPC inverter current and voltages; (c) waveforms of DC bus voltage; ipv−wind current; and PV array and Wind turbine Power

Table 4 complies the measured outcomes for the system of PV-Wind-UPQC operated on OPM 1, 2 and 3. That must be noticed that entire measured values are consistent with the power flow studies described in third segment. Table 4 also illustrates the RMS values of the currents and voltages and the power factors (PF) and the total harmonic distortion (THD) associated to the load and to grid. As may be noticed, the THDs of the output voltages and grid currents were decreased in all types of operation and effective PF corrections were obtained.

From the simulation results obtained from Figs. 8–10 and Table 4, it may be shown that the system can function in various modes of action and provides sinusoidal, symmetrical and regulated voltages to three phase loads. Furthermore, the system is able of efficient power/dissipation from/to the three-phase utility grid with high power factor.

4.2 Dynamic Results

The dynamic performance of the system of PV-Wind-UPQC has been tested taking in to account sudden changes in wind speed and solar radiation such as 100% to 0% and 0% to 100%. The dynamic consequences of wind speed changes and sudden changes in solar radiation are illustrated in Fig. 11 where the grid current (isa) and voltage (vsa) across PCC 1, the voltage of load (vLa) across PCC 2, and power of wind and photovoltaic system (Ppv−wind) are shown. The tests were carried out by disconnecting and reconnecting the wind and photovoltaic systems from the DC bus.

Figure 11: Active filtering along with active power interjection is performing by PV-Wind-UPQC with Ppv−wind>PL. Phase `a' grid current and grid voltage, load voltage, and wind and photovoltaic power Ppv−wind for sudden wind and solar irradiance variations

As you can see, PV-Wind-UPQC performing active filtering while the wind and photovoltaic system is off. By eliminating current harmonics and compensating for load asymmetries, sinusoidal and symmetrical mains currents are obtained. Moreover, regulated and practically sinusoidal and symmetrical load voltages are attained. The PV-Wind-UPQC system then provides approximately 3500 W of real power to the load and the grid when the wind and photovoltaic system are connected.

5  Conclusion

This paper presents comprehensive studies on the analysis of power flow and PQ improvement of a system of wind PV power generation integrated with UPQC, that are fully based on the supposed double compensation scheme and various modes of functioning.

For the study of power flow, some mathematical equations and extended standardized curves of the apparent power of parallel and series inverters are presented, along with complete analyzes of the active power flowing in the system of PV-Wind-UPQC. This study turns out to be an important method for correctly sizing power converters, considering not only the effect of certain present disturbances on the voltages of grid and the non-linear properties of the load, however also the maximum power generated through the PV and wind energy system.

The system called PV-Wind-UPQC was built using two 3-level NPC inverters connected back to back. In addition to providing active energy from the system of photovoltaic and wind turbine, the system of PV-Wind-UPQC is able to improve the power quality problems. Therefore, the both steady state and dynamic performances of the system have been assessed under disturbed/distorted line voltage situations, containing harmonics, imbalances and dips.

Static performance has been tested by taking into account various operating conditions including grid voltage, load properties, and power generation from PV array and wind turbines (OPM 1-3). However, the dynamic performance has been assessed by considering the system exposed to an abrupt change in solar radiance and wind speed. All simulation outcomes show that the proposed system of PV-WIND-UPQC is appropriate for use with better performance and high Power quality.

Data Availability Statement: The data used to support the findings can be provided on demand from the corresponding author.

Funding Statement: The authors received no specific funding for this study

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to report regarding the present study.

Appendix

SIMULATION PARAMETERS: Utility grid voltage: 127.27 V(L-N), 60 Hz; Voltage of Dc link: 616 V; Capacitance of Dc link: 4700 μF; Parallel Converter interfacing inductor: 1.73 mH; Parallel Converter interfacing inductor: 60 μF, series converter interfacing inductor: 1.75 mH; Internal resistances of parallel and series NPC converter inductors = 0.2 Ω; Ppv−wind = 3.5 kW; Minimum DC bus voltage = 460; NPC inverters switching frequency = 20 kHz; P&O-based MPPT step size voltage (v) = 1 V; PWM gain = 0.0002; Three phase full bridge rectifier followed via Resistive load, R = 40 Ω (SLa= 773.2 VA,SLb= 771.2 VA,SLc= 770.7 VA,PLa= 739.9 W,PLb= 737.5 W, PLc= 736.8 W).