Multi-functional distributed generation control scheme for improving the grid power quality

Abstract

Renewable sources are expected to be a key element of future power systems. With many challenges ahead, thinking out of the box is necessary in order to equip the power system with additional advanced functionalities and capabilities to combat the anticipated challenges. The associated equipment of distributed generation can be seen as a grid asset upgrade because of the increased number of elements connected to the grid, such as grid side converters (GSC) of photovoltaics and battery storage systems. It therefore makes sense to think of ways to diversify the role of distributed renewables in a way that benefits the grid, consumers, and prosumers in terms of power quality. The work proposes an advanced, multi-function GSC control technique for improving the distribution grid power quality by enabling the injection of asymmetric, DC and harmonic currents in case it is needed. Injecting for example such currents locally through the GSC of a residential photovoltaic system can compensate undesired characteristics of the prosumer loads in order to allow the flow of symmetric and high quality currents between the prosumer and the distribution grid. Experiments and simulation results are presented to validate the performance of proposed control technique.