Modeling of pre-regulator boost ZCS interleaved operating in critical conduction mode and with high power factor

This paper presents a new pre-regulator boost operating in the boundary area between the continuous and discontinuous conduction modes of the boost inductor current, where the switches and boost diode performing zero-current commutations during its turn-off, eliminating the disadvantages related to the reverse recovery losses and electromagnetic interference problems of the boost diode when operating in the continuous conduction mode. Additionally, the interleaving technique is applied in the power cell, providing a significant input current ripple reduction. It should be noticed that the main objective of this paper is to present a complete modeling for the converter operating in the critical conduction mode, allowing an improved design procedure for interleaved techniques with high input power factor, a complete dynamic analysis of the structure, and the possibility of implementing digital control techniques in closed loop.

A novel programmable PFC based hybrid rectifier for ultra clean power application

A novel hybrid high power rectifier capable to achieve unity power factor is proposed in this paper. Single-phase SEPIC rectifiers are associated in parallel with each leg of three-phase 6-pulse diode rectifier resulting in a programmable input current waveform structure. In this paper it is described the principles of operation of the proposed converter with detailed simulation and experimental results. For a total harmonic distortion of the input line current (THDI) less than 2% the rated power of the SEPIC rectifiers is 33%. Therefore, power rating of the SEPIC parallel converters is a fraction of the output power, on the range of 20% to 33% of the nominal output power, making the proposed solution economically viable for high power installations, with fast pay back of the investment. Moreover, retrofits to existing installations are also possible with this proposed topology, since the parallel path can be easily controlled by integration with the already existing de-link. Experimental results are presented for a 3 kW implemented prototype, in order to verify the developed analysis.

Modified barrier method for optimal power flow problem

In this paper is presented a new approach for optimal power flow problem. This approach is based on the modified barrier function and the primal-dual logarithmic barrier method. A Lagrangian function is associated with the modified problem. The first-order necessary conditions for optimality are fulfilled by Newton's method, and by updating the barrier terms. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been examined by solving the Brazilian 53-bus, IEEE118-bus and IEEE162-bus systems.

Alternative continuation method for loading margin improvement and transmission losses reduction

This paper presents an alternative methodology for loading margin improvement and total real power losses reduction by using a continuation method. In order to attain this goal, a parameterizing equation based on the total real power losses and the equations of the reactive power at the slack and generation buses are added to the conventional power flow equations. The voltages at these buses are considered as control variables and a new parameter is chosen to reduce the real power losses in the transmission lines. The results show that this procedure leads to maximum loading point increase and consequently, in static voltage stability margin improvement. Besides, this procedure also takes to a reduction in the operational costs and, simultaneously, to voltage profile improvement. Another important result of this methodology is that the resulting operating points are close to that provided by an optimal power flow program. © 2004 IEEE.

An active/reactive predispatch model incorporating ramp rate constraints solved by dual decomposition/lagrangian relaxation

The Predispatch model (PD) calculates a short-term generation policy for power systems. In this work a PD model is proposed that improves two modeling aspects generally neglected in the literature: voltage/reactive power constraints and ramp rate constraints for generating units. Reactive power constraints turn the PD into a non-linear problem and the ramp rate constraints couple the problem dynamically in time domain. The solution of the PD is turned into a harder task when such constraints are introduced. The dual decomposition/ lagrangian relaxation technique is used in the solution approach for handing dynamic constraints. As a result the PD is decomposed into a series of independent Optimal Power Flow (FPO) sub problems, in which the reactive power is represented in detail. The solution of the independent FPO is coordinated by means of Lagrange multipliers, so that dynamic constraints are iteratively satisfied. Comparisons between dispatch policies calculated with and without the representation of ramp rate constraints are performed, using the IEEE 30 bus test system. The results point-out the importance of representing such constraints in the generation dispatch policy. © 2004 IEEE.

Stability analysis of power system including facts (TCSC) effects by direct method approach

The problem of power system stability including the effects of a flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) is approached. First, the controlled series compensation is considered in the machine against infinite bar system and its effects are taken into account by means of construction of a Lyapunov function (LF). This simple system is helpful in order to understand the form the device affects dynamic and transient performance of the power system. After, the multimachine case is considered and it is shown that the single-machine results apply to multimachine systems. An energy-form Lyapunov function is derived for the power system including the FACTS device and it is used to analyse damping and synchronizing effects due to the FACTS device in single-machine as well as in multimachine power systems. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identifying multiple interacting bad data in power system state estimation

This paper presents an intelligent search strategy for the conforming bad data errors identification in the generalized power system state estimation, by using the tabu search meta heuristic. The main objective is to detect critical errors involving both analog and topology errors. These errors are represented by conforming errors, whose nature affects measurements that actually do not present bad data and also the conventional bad data identification strategies based on the normalized residual methods. ©2005 IEEE.

Discrete-time sliding mode control of input-delay systems applied on a power generation system

This paper presents two discrete sliding mode control (SMC) design. The first one is a discrete-time SMC design that doesn't take into account the time-delay. The second one is a discrete-time SMC design, which takes in consideration the time-delay. The proposed techniques aim at the accomplishment simplicity and robustness for an uncertainty class. Simulations results are shown and the effectiveness of the used techniques is analyzed. © 2006 IEEE.

Sensitivity analysis for overload-relief in transmission lines using an implicitly coupled method (CRIC)

The restructuring of energy markets to provide free access to the networks and the consequent increase of the number of power transactions has been causing congestions in transmission systems. As consequence, the networks suffer overloads in a more frequent way. One parameter that has strong influence on transfer capability is the reactive power flow. A sensitivity analysis can be used to find the best solution to minimize the reactive power flows and relief, the overload in one transmission line. The proposed methodology consists on the computation of two sensitivities based on the use of the Lc matrix from CRIC (Constant Reactive Implicitly Coupled) power flow method, that provide a set of actions to reduce the reactive power flow and alleviate overloads in the lines: (a) sensitivity between reactive power flow in lines and reactive power injections in the buses, (b) sensitivity between reactive power flow in lines and transformer's taps. © 2006 IEEE.

Optimal power flow via interior-exterior method

This paper presents a new approach to the resolution of the Optimal Power Flow problem. In this approach the inequality constraints are treated by the Modified Barrier and Primal-Dual Logarithmic Barrier methods. The inequality constraints are transformed into equalities by introducing positive auxiliary variables, which are perturbed by the barrier parameter. A Lagrangian function is associated with the modified problem. The first-order necessary conditions are applied to the Lagrangian, generating a nonlinear system which is solved by Newton's method. The perturbation of the auxiliary variables results in an expansion of the feasible set of the original problem, allowing the limits of the inequality constraints to be reached. Numerical tests on the Brazilian CESP and South-Southeast systems and a comparative test indicated that the new approach efficiently resolves of the Optimal Power Flow problem. © 2007 IEEE.

Transmission network expansion planning considering uncertainty in generation and demand

This paper presents a mathematical model and a methodology to solve a transmission network expansion planning problem considering uncertainty in demand and generation. The methodology used to solve the problem, finds the optimal transmission network expansion plan that allows the power system to operate adequately in an environment with uncertainty. The model presented results in an optimization problem that is solved using a specialized genetic algorithm. The results obtained for known systems from the literature show that cheaper plans can be found satisfying the uncertainty in demand and generation. ©2008 IEEE.

Transmission network expansion planning considering multiple generation scenarios

This paper presents a mathematical model and a methodology to solve a transmission network expansion planning problem considering open access. The methodology finds the optimal transmission network expansion plan that allows the power system to operate adequately in an environment with multiples generation scenarios. The model presented is solved using a specialized genetic algorithm. The methodology is tested in a system from the literature. ©2008 IEEE.

Three-phase four-wire circuits interpretation by means of different power theories

In order to contribute to the discussion of defining a generalized power theory, valid for unbalanced and non linear circuits, this paper discusses the relationship and discrepancies among four modern power theories. Three-phase four-wire circuits, under different conditions, have been analyzed, since the most conflicting and intriguing interpretations take place in case of return conductor occurrence. Simulation results of different load, power supply and line conditions will be discussed in order to elucidate the author's conclusions and to provoke the readers for additional discussions. © 2010 IEEE.

Contribution of distributed generators to the harmonic distortion in low voltage power network

In the last 20 years immense efforts have been made to utilize renewable energy sources for electric power generation. This paper investigates some aspects of integration of the distributed generators into the low voltage distribution network. An assessment of impact of the distributed generators on the voltage and current harmonic distortion in the low voltage network is performed. Results obtained from a case study, using real-life low voltage network, are presented and discussed.

Decentralized AC power flow for real-time multi-TSO power system operation

This paper adjusts decentralized OPF optimization to the AC power flow problem in power systems with interconnected areas operated by diferent transmission system operators (TSO). The proposed methodology allows finding the operation point of a particular area without explicit knowledge of network data of the other interconnected areas, being only necessary to exchange border information related to the tie-lines between areas. The methodology is based on the decomposition of the first-order optimality conditions of the AC power flow, which is formulated as a nonlinear programming problem. To allow better visualization of the concept of independent operation of each TSO, an artificial neural network have been used for computing border information of the interconnected TSOs. A multi-area Power Flow tool can be seen as a basic building block able to address a large number of problems under a multi-TSO competitive market philosophy. The IEEE RTS-96 power system is used in order to show the operation and effectiveness of the decentralized AC Power Flow. ©2010 IEEE.