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Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

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    Design and application of passive filters for improved power quality in standalone PV system
    (2024-05) Dlamini, Sandile; Adebiyi, Abayomi Aduragba; Kabeya, Musasa
    Harmonic components have developed in power systems due to the non-linear properties of the circuit components utilized in power electronics-based products and their rapid application. Power systems rely on fundamental quantities like sinusoidally varying voltage and current, which oscillate at a frequency of 50 Hz. The standard restrictions of IEEE-519-1992 were utilized as a benchmark in this study. To generate the best output, the total harmonic distortion (THD) should be decreased below the limit, even for certain individual harmonic numbers, and reflect the power factor output. Using the results of the simulation and projections for each mitigation strategy, the THDI can be reduced below the IEEE-519 standard whilst also providing cost and electrical advantages. Analysed and modelled is the PV system, which comprises solar panels, a DC-DC converter, a DC-AC inverter, and a non-linear load. Passive filters are an effective solution for improving power quality in standalone photovoltaic (PV) systems. This dissertation provides an overview of the design and application of passive filters for this purpose. Firstly, an introduction to PV systems and the power quality issues associated with them was preferred. Next, different types of passive filters, namely LC filters, LCL filters and LLCL filters, are discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages, and the design considerations for these filters, including the selection of filter components and the calculation of filter parameters. The application of passive filters in standalone PV systems was then discussed, including their implementation in DC-DC converters and Z-Source inverters and, the design of PWM controllers such as the constant boost control method and simple boost control method. The analysis of the outcome of the engineered systems was conducted according to the IEEE standard and SANS 10142 Standard to protect the connected equipment within the off-grid network. The outcomes pertain to the single-phase stand-alone/off-grid photovoltaic system and the single-phase Z-Source inverter. The Z-Source inverter is equipped with two distinct methods for PWM control, namely the constant boost control method and the simple boost control method. All three designs incorporate three passive filters, namely the LC filter, the LCL filter and the LLCL filter. The results were obtained from the network consisting of three distinct designs. LLCL demonstrates superior performance as a passive filter, substantiating its position as the optimal choice. The optimal outcomes of a single-phase off-photovoltaic (PV) network can be achieved using LC, LCL and LLCL filters, with corresponding percentages of 2.99%, 2.45% and 1.71% respectively. Unfiltered was 89.05%, which is not good for the equipment connected to the network. The Z-Source showcases the capability of voltage amplification to an infinite level, rendering it highly effective in minimizing total harmonic distortion. This research investigation further demonstrated the efficacy of the Z-Source Inverter with Constant Control Boost Method and Simple Boost Control Method, achieving unfiltered total harmonic distortion levels of 38.85% and 44.96% respectively. The Z-Source inverter, when combined with the Constant Boost Control method and Simple Boost Control method, exhibits various filter configurations such as LC, LCL, and LLCL filters. In the context of the constant boost control and simple boost control methods, it is imperative to assess the total harmonic distortion percentage of voltage and current for LC, LCL, and LLCL configurations. The constant boost control voltage (LC, LCL, LLCL) and current total harmonic distortion (LC, LCL, LLCL) are measured at 4.177%, 2.655%, 1.951%, and 2.958%, 2.09%,1.465% correspondingly. The voltage-based boost control methods, namely LC, LCL and LLCL, exhibit total harmonic distortion levels of 2.345%, 1.920% and 0.211%, respectively. Similarly, the current-based boost control methods, LC, LCL and LLCL, demonstrate total harmonic distortion levels of 2.346%, 1.921%, 0.211%, and 2.346%, 1.921%, 0.211%, respectively. Finally, the dissertation wrapped up by exploring the potential of passive filters for enhancing power quality in standalone PV systems. The thesis offers a comprehensive investigation of the design and implementation of passive filters in standalone PV systems, providing valuable insights for engineers and researchers in the field. It enhances understanding and utilization of these imperative devices.
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    Voltage rise regulation with a Grid Connected Solar Photovoltaic system
    (MDPI AG, 2021-10-25) Stephen, Akinyemi Ayodeji; Kabeya, Musasa; Davidson, Innocent E.
    Renewable Distributed Generation (RDG), when connected to a Distribution Network (DN), suffers from power quality issues because of the distorted currents drawn from the loads connected to the network over generation of active power injection at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). This research paper presents the voltage rise regulation strategy at the PCC to enhance power quality and continuous operation of RDG, such as Photovoltaic Arrays (PVAs) connected to a DN. If the PCC voltage is not regulated, the penetration levels of the renewable energy integration to a DN will be limited or may be ultimately disconnected in the case of a voltage rise issue. The network is maintained in both unity power factor and voltage regulation mode, depending on the condition of the voltage fluctuation occurrences at the PCC. The research investigation shows that variation in the consumer’s loads (reduction) causes an increase in the power generated from the PVA, resulting in an increase in the grid current amplitude, reduction in the voltage of the feeder impedance and an increase in the phase voltage amplitude at the PCC. When the system is undergoing unity power factor mode, PCC voltage amplitude tends to rises with the loads. Its phase voltage amplitude rises above an acceptable range with no-loads which are not in agreement, as specified in the IEEE-1547 and Southern Africa grid code prerequisite. Incremental Conduction with Integral Regulator bases (IC + PI) are employed to access and regulate PVA generation, while the unwanted grid current distortions are attenuated from the network using an in-loop second order integral filtering circuit algorithm. Hence, the voltage rise at the PCC is mitigated through the generation of positive reactive power to the grid from the Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM), thereby regulating the phase voltage. The simulation study is carried out in a MATLAB/Simulink environment for PVA performance.
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    Effectiveness of dynamic voltage restorer in enhancing voltage profile in low voltage electric power distribution networks under normal mode operation
    (IEEE, 2017-11) Taiwo, Ogunboyo Patrick; Tiako, Remy; Davidson, Innocent E.; Okafor, K.C.; Atimati, E.E.; Achumba, I.E.
    © 2017 IEEE. This work addresses the compensation of power quality disturbance in electric power distribution network as a result of voltage variation and voltage unbalanced using one of the most effective power electronics based custom power controller known as Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR). DVR usually connected between the source voltage and the customer load. The new setup of DVR has been put forward using dqo controller and proportional integral (PI) controller method. The simulations are achieved using MATLAB/Simulink Sim Power System tool box. The simulation results attest to the effectiveness of the proposed DVR configuration in compensating the power quality problems in secondary distribution system. The simulation results runs are presented with different settings of parameter used in the model in order to help the validity of the function of DVR in enhancing the quality of power supply at customer side.
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    Voltage profile enhancement in low voltage 11/0.4 kV electric power distribution network using dynamic voltage restorer under three phase balance load
    (IEEE, 2017-09) Taiwo, Ogunboyo Patrick; Tiako, Remy; Davidson, Innocent E.; Cornish, D.R.
    With the global trend of restructuring in electricity market, providing affordable, reliable and quality electric power by service providers to customers the end users of electric energy are of immerse concern. Several initiatives have been taken by utilities to improve power quality in low voltage electric power distribution network but the inadequate operation/performance of the conventional compensation devices to mitigate the poor power quality problems have prompted the use of custom power device such as the dynamic voltage restorer (DVR). Dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is an advanced power electronics based compensation device which is series connected to the distribution network through boosting transformers. DVR aimed at improving the voltage profile, enhancing the reliability and good quality of power flows in low voltage electric power distribution networks. The DVR is a highly efficient device, the principle is based on the voltage source inverter (VSI) which injects the appropriate missing voltage in series with the system voltage to correct the voltage variations experienced in the distribution feeder lengths. The dependability, robustness and effectiveness of the DVR control and power scheme in respect of the response to voltage disturbances at normal mode operation of three phase balanced loads is presented using the MATLAB simulation results carried out in Power System Sim Tool box. The balance of the paper gives recommendations on effective methods for improving the voltage profile and reducing the voltage variation to an allowable standard.