Enhancing Power Quality in Distribution Networks using Y Source Inverter and Active Filtration

Problem Definition

The previous work in power quality improvement through the use of Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) has shown some shortcomings. While the DVR can reduce power quality (PQ) issues to a certain extent, the harmonics are not effectively minimized and the overall power quality remains lacking. The traditional use of Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) in the DVR system results in a high current and low voltage rating due to the reliance on a step-up injection transformer. This configuration limits the effectiveness of the system in addressing PQ issues. To truly improve power quality, an upgrade to the inverter is necessary, incorporating high voltage components to enhance the quality of power being delivered.

The existing limitations in the current DVR setup highlight the need for a more advanced solution to address power quality issues. By upgrading the inverter and enhancing the voltage capability, a more robust and effective system can be implemented to provide higher quality power output. This project aims to explore and develop a solution that overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional DVR setup, ultimately leading to improved power quality and a more reliable electrical infrastructure.

Objective

The objective of the project is to develop a more advanced solution using a Y source inverter in a Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) system to improve power quality. This upgrade aims to address the shortcomings of traditional DVR setups by enhancing the voltage capability, reducing harmonics, and ultimately providing a more reliable electrical infrastructure with higher quality power output. The proposed work will integrate Y source inverter technology, Proportional-Integral (PI) controller for control strategy, and active filters to achieve superior performance in power quality improvement compared to existing methods. Through this approach, the project aims to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of power distribution systems while advancing the use of Y source inverters in various applications.

Proposed Work

The problem definition of the proposed work focuses on the limitation of previous research in achieving high power quality using a Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR). The existing literature reveals that while DVRs are effective in reducing power quality (PQ) issues, they fall short in significantly reducing harmonics and improving power quality to the desired level. The traditional approach of using a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) in the DVR system is limited by the high current rating and low voltage output due to the step-up injection transformer. To address these issues and upgrade the inverter for improved power quality, a new model based on the Y source inverter is proposed with a Proportional-Integral (PI) controller for control strategy. The proposed work integrates findings from previous studies on Y source inverters and their efficiency in various applications.

The Y source inverter is chosen for its superior performance, reduced switching losses, and ability to produce high voltage gain while maintaining a high modulation index. Compared to traditional multilevel inverters, the Y source inverter has fewer switches, leading to lower switching losses and reduced component count. Additionally, the comparison analysis between passive and active filters reveals that active filters are more effective in suppressing harmonics and reactive power components in the inverter waveform. By using active filters instead of passive ones, the proposed work aims to enhance power quality in the distribution network and address the research gap left by previous studies. This approach not only improves power quality but also advances the use of Y source inverters in different applications, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of power distribution systems.

Application Area for Industry

This project's proposed solutions can be applied in various industrial sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, utilities, and distribution. Industries face challenges related to power quality issues, harmonics, and voltage regulation, which can affect the efficiency of their operations. By implementing the y-source inverter instead of the traditional Voltage Source Inverter, industries can benefit from a higher voltage gain, reduced switching losses, better power quality, and improved overall performance. Additionally, by using active filters instead of passive filters, industries can effectively suppress supply current harmonics and reactive power components, leading to a more stable and reliable power supply. Overall, the application of these solutions in different industrial domains can result in enhanced power quality, increased efficiency, and reduced operational costs.

Application Area for Academics

The proposed project focusing on enhancing power quality in distribution networks by using y-source inverters and active filters has significant potential to enrich academic research, education, and training in the field of power electronics and power quality improvement. The project can contribute to academic research by exploring the efficiency and advantages of y-source inverters in comparison to traditional inverters. It can provide new insights into improving power quality using innovative technologies. Researchers can use the findings from this project to further investigate the applications of y-source inverters in different scenarios and explore the benefits of active filters over passive filters in power quality enhancement. In educational settings, the project can be used to train students in power electronics, control algorithms, and power quality improvement techniques.

By studying the proposed work, students can learn about the practical applications of y-source inverters, active filters, and DVRs in real-world scenarios. They can also gain hands-on experience in simulation, data analysis, and control algorithms related to power quality improvement. The project can be particularly relevant for MTech students and PhD scholars working in the field of power electronics, renewable energy systems, and distribution network optimization. They can utilize the code and literature from this project to understand the implementation of y-source inverters, active filters, and control algorithms in power systems. This can help them in developing innovative research methods, simulations, and data analysis techniques for their own research work.

In terms of future scope, the project can be expanded to include more advanced control strategies, integration with renewable energy sources, and smart grid applications. Researchers can further investigate the potential of y-source inverters in microgrid systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy storage systems. By exploring the full capabilities of y-source inverters and active filters, new avenues for research and development in power quality improvement can be identified.

Algorithms Used

The project utilizes the PI-Controller, Active filter, and DVR algorithms to improve power quality in a distribution network. The PI-Controller is used to control the y-source inverter, which has been found to be more efficient and flexible compared to traditional inverters. This inverter can produce high voltage gain, reduce switching losses, and improve power quality in applications where a higher boost is needed. The Active filter is employed to suppress supply current harmonics and reactive power components, enhancing overall power quality by mitigating harmonic currents caused by nonlinear loads. By replacing passive filters with active filters, the project aims to achieve better harmonic suppression and power quality improvement in the distribution network.

Keywords

SEO-optimized keywords: DVR, Power quality, Harmonics reduction, Y-source inverter, Voltage Source Inverter, Distribution network, Active filters, Voltage sags, Voltage swells, PI controller, Power electronics, Modulation index, Switching losses, Voltage gain, Reactive power, Nonlinear loads, Harmonic currents, Distribution network reliability, Insertion loss, Voltage profile stability.

SEO Tags

VSI inverter, DVR, Y source inverter, PI controller, power quality improvement, distribution network enhancement, voltage sags mitigation, voltage swells suppression, power disturbances reduction, filtration module analysis, active filters comparison, stable voltage profile achievement, power reliability enhancement.