CAREER EPISODE 2

A. INTRODUCTION

To enhance the power quality by harmonic compensation using UPQC

Gujarat Technological University
Location

CE 2.1
The project “To enhance the power quality by harmonic compensation using UPQC” was the
group task which I undertook pursuing my electrical engineering study at Gujarat Technological
University. I was the team leader therefore was responsible to lead the group task and ensure
completion of undertaken work. I proposed the model of UPQC and simplified control strategy
for controlling the shunt and series APF through the extraction of compensation signals. The
project was primarily proposed to mitigate the issues relating to power quality and simulate the
system modeled with the MATLAB/Simulink.

B. BACKGROUND

CE 2.2
In the present power distribution system, the non-linear loads are increasing which influences the
system’s power quality and leads to issues like a spike in voltage, unbalance in voltage, sag/swell
in voltage, and harmonic distortions in voltage and current. For maintaining the power quality,
these issues need to be eliminated which could be done using the UPQC (unified power quality
controller). So, under the project, I modeled a UPQC and controllers for the shunt and series
APF and simulated the performance of the system without and with the UPQC utilizing the
MATLAB/Simulink. The project focused on using the UPQC and connect it with non-linear load
for analyzing the performance in terms of harmonic compensation in supply and load current
through injection of required harmonic currents.
CE 2.3
The objective was to propose a control system for UPQC for simultaneously reducing the issues
related to current and voltage harmonics. The idea was to eliminate the issues of sag/swell in
voltage as well as the distortions in current in the distribution system using UPQC. To meet the
project purpose, I proposed controllers for the shunt and series APF and used the PI controller
for the generation of control signals based on the error between the reference and injecting
current.

CE 2.4

CE 2.5
 The model designed comprised of shunt and series active filter.
 I proposed the controller model for series APF for measuring the voltage, detecting the
swell/sag, etc.
 The PI controller was primarily used to detect the error between reference current and
injecting current
 I designed a control system for the shunt APF for the generation of the reference current.
 The simulation of the proposed model was performed and significant reduction in the
voltage and current harmonics was observed.
C. PERSONAL ENGINEERING ACTIVITY

CE 2.6
The UPQC model was proposed under the project and the 3 phase sinusoidal supply voltage was
provided to the voltage harmonics and non-linear load. To accomplish the optimal performance,
I placed the UPQC between the transmission line’s non-linear load and source. The model
designed comprised of shunt and series active filter. Using MATLAB/Simulink, I proposed the
UPQC model which was divided into three parts namely DC-link regulator, shunt, and series-
connected APF. The non-linear load and the PI controller was used in the system. I proposed the
control algorithms for the series and the shunt APF. I proposed the controller model for series
APF for measuring the voltage, detecting the swell/sag, extraction of the reference voltage, and
generation of the gate signals. Under the project, I proposed a simplified control algorithm for
generating reference voltage and detecting the sag on the basis of a non-linear adaptive filter. I
chose to use this filter as its response speed is controllable and its response to external
distortions.

CE 2.7
Then, I designed a control system for the shunt APF for the generation of the reference current.
The proposed control algorithm was based on the 3 phase system theory and instantaneous
values. Using the proposed algorithm, computations were simplified. As per the shunt, APF
control system, the injected currents, load currents, 3 phase load voltages, and DC capacitor
voltage would be provided as input to the controller. The PI controller was used for controlling
the capacitor voltage. The control system would generate the reference currents as the output.
The error signals obtained would be compared with the signals generated by the hysteresis
controller after which the gate signals would be produced for the IGBT switches. The hysteresis
controller was primarily used to detect the error between reference current and injecting current
of APF and produce the control signals. After proposing the control algorithms for both the APF,
I proceeded with the simulation study.
CE 2.8
The MATLAB/Simulink platform was used for simulating the performance of the UPQC model.
During the simulation, Initially, I connected the 3 phase diode bridge rectifier with AC supply
for analyzing the UPQC effectiveness. I observed the generation of harmonics by the non-linear
load connected with the bridge rectifier. The harmonics generated were fully extracted by the
shunt APF controller and it injected the compensating current needed for the system and further
minimized the supply current’s THD level. For compensating the voltage of the DC link
capacitor, the PI controller was employed. During the simulation, I found that when the system
was without any voltage sag, the series filter was in off mode, and at this time, shunt filter
eliminated the harmonics in load current and led to sinusoidal supply current.

CE 2.9
I considered normal conditions initially during simulation where 3 phase currents and voltages
were sinusoidal. But after utilizing the non-linear load, harmonics were produced at a high level
of distortion. The designed UPQC model was responsible for compensating the harmonics
produced, thereby eliminate the sags in voltage and compensate for the reactive power. I
analyzed that the harmonics were generated by the shunt APF but with different polarities. The
harmonics were injected at a common coupling point which aided in reducing the supply current
harmonics. I analyzed the load voltage after compensation in the 3 phases and THD obtained for
the compensated load voltage. I examined a reduction in distortion in the load voltage to 0.32%
from 9.65% with the use of UPQC and PI controller.

CE 2.10
I analyzed that the source current was sinusoidal after the compensation which indicated that
both the harmonics and the reactive power were simultaneously compensated. The linear load
was prevented from the distortion after using the UPQC model in the distribution network. I
observed a reduction in THD for the load current to 4.85% from 42.65% after compensation
utilizing the PI controller. I examined that the harmonics current and their distortion level were
prevented from entering the power system with the UPQC. Further, I observed a decrease in the
THD level from 45.65% to 0.05% after the compensation of harmonics by the UPQC. The
results obtained were satisfactory and indicated that the UPQC was of great use in the power
system for compensating the harmonics and reducing the THD level. The harmonic distortion
level was reduced under non-linear loads and the system’s power quality was improvised. I also
performed simulation of a system without using UPQC and found bad power quality because of
the presence of harmonics distortions.

D. SUMMARY

CE 2.11
I acknowledge the efforts and contribution of the group members for accomplishing goals and
achieving optimal output. I framed a time table and sequenced the tasks to be performed and
discussed the same with teammates for accomplishing the assigned tasks. I abide by time, social
and legal constraints and utilized simplified approaches for executing and finishing the work. For
ensuring the correctness and accuracy of outcomes, an appropriate verification procedure was
referred. The available data was used professionally by me and my team. The environment
friendly techniques were referred to during the project for the betterment of society. I
implemented distinct engineering solutions for issues raised during the work using my electrical
engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills. My innovative skills assisted in modifying
the existing methods and making them suitable for conducting the associated work. Being the
team leader, I fulfilled my obligations towards work by leading the tasks of the team positively
and in the right path.

CE 2.12
Considering the simulation results obtained, I evaluated that with the use of UPQC in the system,
THD was reduced to a great extent, and swell and sag events occurred in the distribution line
were reduced which thereby enhanced the power quality. Under the project, I proposed control
algorithms for both the series and shunt APF and used the PI controller to meet the desired
requirements. The MATLAB/Simulink was used for simulating the proposed UPQC model and
the controllers designed and their performance in terms of harmonic compensation. I observed
improvisation in the system power quality with the use of controller and UPQC. On comparing
both systems without UPQC and system with UPQC, I evaluated that system with UPQC
showed improvised performance. The distortions in the load voltage, THD for load current, and
supply current were found to be reduced in case of a system with PI controller and UPQC.