Investtgation Into Power Quality Issues and Harmonic Mitigation in Modern Power Systems

Abstract

quotOver the last couple of decade electrical power utility has observed a rapid change in electrical power generation, transmission, as well as distribution sector. It has resulted mainly due to the deregulation and restructuring process, advancement in technology and increased concern about the environmental impacts. newline newlineThe power generation is no longer restricted to centralized power plants, but allows energy generation from distributed energy resources (DERs) or distributed generators (DGs). Unlike the centralized power generators that are connected directly to the utility, the DRs usually require some kind of power electronic converters for grid interface. Various power electronic converters (often referred as FACTS devices) with faster and sophisticated control, are also incorporated in the system to improve the transmission and distribution capabilities and to improve the stability of the electrical power system. Not only the utility, but the domestic and industrial consumers have also contributed to the proliferation of power electronic converter to satisfy the requirements of precise control, increased efficiency and compulsion to meet the statute/regulations set by the regulatory bodies. newline newlineThese power electronic converters, which are intended to improve the capability of the system or load, also introduce certain challenges in their designing, commissioning, operation and control; otherwise they may degrade the performance of the network or the connected system. With increase in the penetration level (number and size) of the converters in the existing network, the gravity of the issues presented by these converters increase. These issues include proper synchronization, power flow control, injection of harmonics and/or imbalance, voltage and frequency instability, resonance, change in the network impedance, reverse power flow etc. Hence, it is must to devise a proper control scheme for the converters to keep the undesired effect to the minimum. newline newlineOne of the critical aspects in achieving the precise operation