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Abstract Unbalanced voltages are becoming increasingly common in distribution networks due to the growing integrations of distributed renewable energy resources as well as large loads such as electric vehicle chargers. Such unbalanced voltages introduce significant control challenges as they produce ripples in the controlling signals, impacting the operation of inverters during the unbalanced conditions. Therefore, this paper proposes a controlling algorithm for three‐level inverters aimed at suppressing these ripples on controlling signals; improving the overall performance of inverters, and consequently enhancing the fault ride‐through capability under unbalanced conditions and faults. The proposed controlling algorithm enables inverters to operate in either a balanced current output mode or a suppressed‐ripple active power output mode, depending on the specific event scenario and demands from the grid operators. Current harmonics are suppressed even under severe faults. For improving the voltage balance on the DC capacitors in three‐level inverters, an enhanced method of neutral point current prediction is presented. The proposed method ensures higher balancing accuracy through the use of weighted switching costs, avoiding the requirement of a balancing controller or current extrapolation. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller for reliable grid operation.

Unbalanced voltages are becoming increasingly common in distribution networks due to the growing integrations of distributed renewable energy resources as well as large loads such as electric vehicle chargers. Such unbalanced voltages introduce significant control challenges as they produce ripples in the controlling signals, impacting the operation of inverters during the unbalanced conditions. Therefore, this paper proposes a controlling algorithm for three‐level inverters aimed at suppressing these ripples on controlling signals; improving the overall performance of inverters, and consequently enhancing the fault ride‐through capability under unbalanced conditions and faults. The proposed controlling algorithm enables inverters to operate in either a balanced current output mode or a suppressed‐ripple active power output mode, depending on the specific event scenario and demands from the grid operators. Current harmonics are suppressed even under severe faults. For improving the voltage balance on the DC capacitors in three‐level inverters, an enhanced method of neutral point current prediction is presented. The proposed method ensures higher balancing accuracy through the use of weighted switching costs, avoiding the requirement of a balancing controller or current extrapolation. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller for reliable grid operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

The design of reliable controllers for wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) requires a dynamic model and accurate parameters of the wind generator. In this paper, a dynamic model and the parameter measurement and control of a direct-drive variable-speed WECS with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) are presented. An experimental method is developed for measuring the key parameters of the PMSG. The measured parameters are used in the design of the controllers. The generator-side converter is controlled using a vector control scheme that maximizes the power extraction under varying wind speeds. A model predictive controller (MPC) is designed for the grid-side voltage source converter (VSC) to regulate the active and reactive power flows to the power grid by controlling the $d$- and $q$-axis currents in the synchronous reference frame. The MPC predicts the future values of the control variables and takes control actions based on the minimum value of the cost functions. To comply with the grid code requirement, a modified design approach for an LCL filter is presented and incorporated into the system. The design process is simple and incorporates significant filter parameters while avoiding iterative calculations. The comparative analysis of the designed filter with conventional L, LC, and iterative LCL filters demonstrates the effectiveness of the modified design approach. The proposed wind energy system with MPC and LCL filter is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and experimentally implemented in the laboratory using the dSpace digital signal processor (DSP) system. The simulation and experimental results validate the efficacy of the designed controllers using the measured parameters and show dynamic and steady-state performance under varying wind speeds.

This study presents an automatic network balancing technique to limit the capacitive unbalance in resonant grounded power distribution systems (RGPDSs). The aim of this capacitive balancing technique is to minimise the unbalance current through the line to ground (which is the current through the neutral of the system) in order to automatically limit the neutral voltage. The proposed technique is designed by combining the weighted‐sum technique and genetic algorithm (GA), where distributed switched capacitor banks (SCBs) are used for balancing RGPDSs. The proposed technique is employed to optimise available SCBs for limiting the network unbalance at the substation under a pre‐defined threshold considering all possible network configurations. The unbalances at different locations of the network are also minimised to limit the system unbalance within the threshold due to minor changes in network parameters. Since the lifetime of capacitor banks relies on the switching, the proposed technique is designed in such a way that the system balance is achieved with the minimum switching. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated through simulation studies in MATLAB/SimpowerSystems environment. Simulation results show that the proposed technique works well and capable to maintain the capacitive balance of the system with changes in network configurations.

This paper presents a new photovoltaic (PV) power systems laboratory module that was developed to experimentally reinforce students' understanding of design principles, operation, and control of photovoltaic power conversion systems. The laboratory module is project-based and is designed to support a renewable energy course. By using MATLAB real-time software tools in combination with digital signal processor (DSP) hardware tools, the module enables students to: 1) design and build dc-dc and dc-ac power converters; 2) design and implement control algorithms for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and voltage and current regulation; and 3) design and fabricate a printed circuit board for voltage and current sensing, isolation, and gate driving. In these hands-on experiments, by designing and building their hardware and software integrated systems themselves, students learn by doing and experience the engineering transformative process of building a product out of an idea. This paper is motivated by the dearth of literature on the application of project-based learning methodology to PV systems. The module description, the pedagogical and evaluation methodologies adopted, and reflections on the implementations are discussed.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new technique for automatic monitoring of power quality events, which is based on the multi-resolution S-transform and Parseval's theorem. In the proposed technique, the S-transform is used to produce instantaneous frequency vectors of the signals, and then the energies of these vectors, based on the Parseval's theorem, are utilized for automatically monitoring and classification of power quality events. The advantage of the proposed algorithm is its ability to distinguish different power quality classes easily. In addition, the magnitude, duration, and frequency content of the disturbances can be accurately identified in order to characterize the disturbances. The paper provides the theoretical background of the technique and presents a wide range of analyses to demonstrate its effectiveness. Index Terms--Automatic classification, Parseval's theorem, power quality monitoring, S-transform.

There is a need to analyze power-quality (PQ) signals and to extract their distinctive features to take preventative actions in power systems. This paper offers an effective solution to automatically classify PQ signals using Hilbert and Clarke Transforms as new feature extraction techniques. Both techniques accommodate Nearest Neighbor Technique for automatic recognition of PQ events. The Hilbert transform is introduced as single-phase monitoring technique, while with the Clarke Transformation all the three-phases can be monitored simultaneously. The performance of each technique is compared with the most recent techniques (S-Transform and Wavelet Transform) using an extensive number of simulated PQ events that are divided into nine classes. In addition, the paper investigates the optimum selection of number of neighbors to minimize the classification errors in Nearest Neighbor Technique. Index Terms--Automatic recognition, Clarke transformation, Hilbert transform, power quality (PQ), S-transform, wavelet transform.

This study presents an automatic network balancing technique to limit the capacitive unbalance in resonant grounded power distribution systems (RGPDSs). The aim of this capacitive balancing technique is to minimise the unbalance current through the line to ground (which is the current through the neutral of the system) in order to automatically limit the neutral voltage. The proposed technique is designed by combining the weighted-sum technique and genetic algorithm (GA), where distributed switched capacitor banks (SCBs) are used for balancing RGPDSs. The proposed technique is employed to optimise available SCBs for limiting the network unbalance at the substation under a pre-defined threshold considering all possible network configurations. The unbalances at different locations of the network are also minimised to limit the system unbalance within the threshold due to minor changes in network parameters. Since the lifetime of capacitor banks relies on the switching, the proposed technique is designed in such a way that the system balance is achieved with the minimum switching. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated through simulation studies in MATLAB/SimpowerSystems environment. Simulation results show that the proposed technique works well and capable to maintain the capacitive balance of the system with changes in network configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In compensated distributed networks (CDN), minimizing the asymmetry in the shunt parameters of the power lines is a key factor for avoiding excessive neutral voltages which is necessary not only for safety but also for improving the sensitivity of detecting ground faults, particularly when bush-fire mitigation is a major concern. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis and modeling of the asymmetry of the power lines in CDN. Unlike the existing analyses which assume the asymmetry can be lumped in one phase, the proposed analysis is based on more practical assumption by considering the asymmetry in all of the phases of the power lines. The proposed analysis is used to develop an equivalent circuit for asymmetrical CDN which then used to develop a new method for calculating the per-phase asymmetries in the shunt parameters. The proposed method has been validated based on simulations of real networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Psoriasis is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disease. It clinically manifests as raised, well defined erythematous plaques with irregular borders and silvery scales. Psoriasis appears to be mediated by abnormal immune system functioning, including T lymphocyte and macrophage activation and release of various cytokins, such as interleukin 12 (IL-12) and IL-23. Recently a new biologic agent Ustekinumab has been used in the treatment of psoriasis. Our aim in this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of ustekinumab in moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris and to observe and report any adverse reaction. Material and Methods. Thirty five psoriatic patients above the age of 18 years having moderate to severe psoriasis were included in this study. Ustekinumab is available in pre-filled syringe 45mg/0.5ml, 90mg/1.0ml for subcutaneous injection according to body weight at the intervals of 0, 4 weeks, and then every 12 weeks. It is given in hospital by a doctor or specialist nurse. The assessment of the patients' condition and improvement was carried out after administering each dose using PASI score. Results. Thirty five patients were included in this study. Baseline PASI score of our patients ranged from 11.4 to 39.8 (mean: 21.1).There was a dramatic response to treatment with ustekinumab in which PASI decreased to 6.7 after the second dose, followed by subsequent responses that reached 2.6 after the 6th dose. After the second dose, 61% of the cases had marked improvement and 11% had clearance of their skin lesions. After the last, sixth dose there was a marked improvement in 65% of cases and the percentage of complete clearance increased to 24%. Ustekinumab had positive effect on psoriatic nail changes as well-there was a significant improvement in 50% of cases and complete clearance (cure) in 24% of cases. Conclusion: Ustekinumab is effective in the treatment of severe and resistant cases of psoriasis vulgaris. It is well tolerated by the patients. No reactions or serious side effects have been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a decentralized fault detection technique for power distribution systems with resonant grounding. The aim of this paper is to detect single phase to ground faults and identify the faulty feeder within three cycles of the fault occurrence. In the proposed technique, faults are first detected based on the neutral voltage displacement. The pre-fault and post-fault voltages (phase to ground) are then used to identify the faulty phase. Finally, the faulty feeder (as well as the faulty area of a long feeder) is identified from the relationship between the initial transient of the zero-sequence current and the faulty phase voltage just after the occurrence of faults. A signal processing tool called mathematical morphology is utilized to identify the faulty feeder. To identify the faulty feeder, it is also required to know the fault occurrence time that is estimated using the slope of the neutral voltage. The main feature of the proposed scheme is that this technique only uses voltage and current signals from the corresponding voltage transformers and current transformers. Therefore, it does not require communication among protection devices in the same or different feeders to identify the faulty feeder. The proposed technique also has the ability to distinguish the nature of faults, i.e., whether the faults are permanent or temporary. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is tested, on an IEEE test system as well as on a practical test system, using MATLAB/SimPowerSystems. Simulation results show that the proposed technique can quickly detect the single phase to ground faults in a resonant grounding power distribution system and identify the faulty feeder. It is also capable of distinguishing faults from other disturbances. Moreover, it works under different compensation levels as well as for different fault inception angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an enhanced control scheme for a direct drive variable speed wind turbine with an interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous generator. The proposed control scheme incorporates maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) trajectory and maximum power extraction, which ensures the generation of required torque for maximum power extraction with minimum stator current. This in turn minimizes stator copper loss and excessive heat generated in the IPM synchronous generator. The performance of the proposed control scheme has been validated through rigours simulation and experimental studies under varying wind speed conditions. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY This paper presents simple methods of determining parameters of interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous generator such as magnet flux ( λM), d-axis inductance ( Ld) and q-axis inductance ( Lq) of IPM synchronous generator, which are used to control the wind turbine generator. These methods are simple and do not require any complex theory, signal injection or special equipment. Moreover, a sensorless speed estimator is proposed to estimate the speed of the generator without using speed sensor. The measured parameters are used in this speed estimator. The elimination of speed sensor will enhance the system robustness and reduce the design complexity and system cost for a small-scale wind turbine considered in this paper. The effectiveness of parameter measurement methods and sensorless speed estimator is demonstrated by experimental results. Experimental results show that the proposed speed estimator that uses the measured parameters can estimate the generator speed with a small error. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel operation and control strategy for a renewable hybrid power system for a standalone operation. The proposed hybrid system consists of a wind turbine, a fuel cell, an electrolyzer, a battery storage unit, and a set of loads. The overall control strategy is based on a two-level structure. The top level is the energy management and power regulation system. Depending on wind and load conditions, this system generates reference dynamic operating points to low level individual subsystems. The energy management and power regulation system also controls the load scheduling operation during unfavorable wind conditions under inadequate energy storage in order to avoid a system blackout. Based on the reference dynamic operating points of the individual subsystems, the local controllers control the wind turbine, fuel cell, electrolyzer, and battery storage units. The proposed control system is implemented in MATLAB Simpower software and tested for various wind and load conditions. Results are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The paper proposes synchronisation and power sharing schemes for fast connection and smooth operation of high penetration wind-diesel hybrid systems. The synchronisation is realised by controlling the power electronic interface of the wind energy systems rather than the classical diesel engine synchronisation scheme. The power sharing between the diesel and wind systems is achieved by a modified power-frequency droop control method. The proposed schemes are tested on a simulated hybrid system to demonstrate their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of developing microgrids (MGs) is to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into the power grid. RESs are normally connected to the grid via power electronic inverters. As various types of RESs are increasingly being connected to the electrical power grid, power systems of the near future will have more inverter-based generators (IBGs) instead of synchronous machines. Since IBGs have significant differences in their characteristics compared to synchronous generators (SGs), particularly concerning their inertia and capability to provide reactive power, their impacts on the system dynamics are different compared to SGs. In particular, system stability analysis will require new approaches. As such, research is currently being conducted on the stability of power systems with the inclusion of IBGs. This review article is intended to be a preface to the Special Issue on Voltage Stability of Microgrids in Power Systems. It presents a comprehensive review of the literature on voltage stability of power systems with a relatively high percentage of IBGs in the generation mix of the system. As the research is developing rapidly in this field, it is understood that by the time that this article is published, and further in the future, there will be many more new developments in this area. Certainly, other articles in this special issue will highlight some other important aspects of the voltage stability of microgrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]