Diversifying the Role of Distributed Generation Grid-Side Converters for Improving the Power Quality of Distribution Networks Using Advanced Control Techniques

Abstract

Diversifying the role of grid-side converters (GSCs) associated with distributed generation (DG) may have a technical and economic impact. The increasing number of residential photovoltaic systems can be exploited by distribution network (DN) operators in order to support and improve the power quality of the grid without considerable further capital investment. The GSC can support the grid during abnormal conditions but may also be used to improve the DN power quality by balancing out asymmetries and alleviating the grid from undesired harmonics. The proposed advanced control technique demonstrates through simulation and experimental results that the role of GSC can be upgraded to improve the power quality of the grid. Furthermore, the proposed control scheme is validated on a realistic low-voltage DN using data from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus. Consequently, conventional practices by DN operators for improving the power quality can be reassessed as the necessary power electronics hardware for mitigating grid problems is already present within the GSCs of DG systems.