Improving power quality using unified power quality conditioner based on multilevel topology

Abstract

Power quality has been considered as the challenging task in the realization of a smart grid. The Active Power Filter (APFs) is capable of performing fast filtering and active compensation, so it was preferred to solve the problems occurred due to power quality issues. Moreover, it was aimed to solve load current related power quality constraints such as unbalanced power, huge Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and reduced power factor. The Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) has effectively integrated with wind turbines for controlling the inappropriate supply of voltage and load current. The UPQC is a combination of shunt APF, series APF and the conventional DC link capacitor. The voltage control of the DC link capacitor plays a significant role in attaining the preferred performance in UPQC. At present, power quality (PQ) is considered as an essential requirement for the effective functioning power transmission systems. The reduced quality of power leads to production loss, equipment damage, interference in communication, power loss and so on. Hence, it is essential to maintain the power quality, which causes the enhanced performance and improvement in life of utility equipment considerably. Almost all power distribution units may have recognized quality control divisions, which offer flexible and reliable power supply to consumers even during irregular conditions. The incorporation of renewable energy source at the customer end has deteriorated the power quality problem. The power quality in the transmission systems have been improved through the introduction of power electronic devices such as Dynamic newline