A New Design of UPQC-Based Hybrid Multi-Carrier Modulation for Transformer Less Grid Connected PV-Based Active Power Filter

Abstract

In recent times, there has been a growing concern over the augmented power consumption, leading to a pressing need for compensating devices to maintain power quality in grid-connected systems. One extensively employed solution is the Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC), which incorporates both shunt and series active power filters (APFs) connected through a DC-link capacitor. However, traditional systems using compensating devices can be costly and cumbersome, often relying on transformers to interface with the grid. To address these drawbacks, this report proposes a transformer-less networking approach using a multi-level inverter (MLI) that reduces the number of switches in the shunt and series APF. To enable the efficient operation of the MLI in UPQC, the report utilizes Synchronous Reference Frame Theory and Hybrid Multi-Carrier Pulse Width Modulation (H-MCPWM) techniques for reference signal generation and gate control, respectively. MATLAB/Simulink simulation version 2019a is employed to validate the performance of the proposed system, along with a hardware prototype featuring a motor load. A key aspect of the investigation involves conducting harmonic analysis for various modulation indices with a non-linear load. The resulting data is then compared to the outcomes of the conventional model. By exploring this approach, the report aims to showcase the viability of the transformer-less networking of MLI in UPQC, thereby paving the way for more cost-effective and efficient grid-connected systems with improved power quality.

Keywords:

• hybrid multi-carrier pulse width modulation
• UPQC
• multi-level inverter
• active power filter
• voltage source inverter

CODE AVAILABILITY

Since future works are based on the custom codes developed in this work, the code may not be available from the author. No Humans or Animals were involved in the experimentation.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The author has no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIAL

The author hereby declares that no specific data sets are utilized in the proposed work. The have also agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Additional information

Funding

The author did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work.

Notes on contributors

Ashok B.

Ashok B. received his B.E degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, M.E. degree in Power Electronics and Drives from Anna University, Chennai, India. He is currently working as Assistant Professor, Karpagam College of Engineering,Coimbatore. he has published various research articles at SCI & Scopus Journals. His research topics include DC-DC converters, Electric Vehicle and PV based Applications.

Ravishankar S.

Ravishankar S. is currently working as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology (Autonomous), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.. His research interests include Energy Engineering, Solar Energy, Desalination, Energy Storage, Heat and Mass Transfer. He is also serving as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Energy Research (Solar Energy section) and Energy Engineering Journal. He has published more than 150 International articles in leading International Journals and serving as reviewer and reviewed more than 200 international research articles.

Manoj Kumar N.

Manoj Kumar N. received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering under Madras University,Chenna in 2004. He received his Master’s Degree under Sathyabama Institute Of Science And Technology in 2006 and Ph.D degree in Anna University In the year 2015. He is working as Associate Professor in Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His areas of interest are Power Electronics, Drives, Renewable Energy. He has Published various research articles at SCIE & Scopus Journals, National & International Conferences, Text Books, Book Chapters and Patents. N.K Anushkannan, currently am working as an Professor & Head, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kathir College of Engineering, Coimbatore. My area of interests are Mixed Signal VLSI, Bio Medical Electronics, Optical Electronics, Photonics and Quantum physics. I have 19 years of teaching experience both in UG & PG level and 10 years of research experience. I have published 15 papers in international journals and 05 papers in national journals. I have presented 05 papers in international conference proceedings and several papers in national conference proceedings. I have filed 05 patents. I have published 03 book chapters. I have guided several undergraduate projects and 10 post graduate projects.

Kaliappan S.

Kaliappan S. is Professor & Head in the Department of Mechatronics Engineering at KCG College of Technology, Chennai-97, where he has been a faculty member since 2023. He completed his Ph.D. at College of Engineering Gundy, Anna University, Chennai, his postgraduate studies in Internal Combustion Engineering at College of Engineering Gundy, Anna University, Chennai, and his undergraduate studies at R.V.S College of Engineering & Technology, Dindigul. He is in teaching profession for more than 25 years. His research interests lie in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Thermal Sciences, Internal Combustion Engine (IC Engine), Automotive system, Research Methodologies, Composite Materials etc. He is recognized supervisor in Anna University in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the research area Thermal Engineering, Heat Transfer, CFD, Composite Materials. He has served as technical committee head for roughly fifteen conferences and workshop and worked as the reviewers and Editorial Board Member for several National and International Journals.

Karthikeyan N.

Karthikeyan N. Research Associate, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu.