A Modular Multilevel Converter-Shunt Active Power Filter-Based Hybrid Topology for Grid Power Quality Improvement

Abstract

With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources and active loads into the electrical power system, the limitations of traditional low-frequency power grids are becoming apparent. The solid-state transformer (SST), with its multiple conversion stages offering various power ports, is an innovative solution to these challenges. However, the high cost of the SST, due to its heavy reliance on power electronic components, makes the complete replacement of traditional grids an economically nonviable option. Therefore, this paper proposes a parallel connection of the SST to an existing traditional power grid in order to divide the transmitted power, thus reducing the investment costs. Furthermore, a hybrid topology based on modular multilevel converter (MMC) and shunt active power filter (SAPF) is proposed in this paper in order to compensate the harmonic currents caused by non-linear loads while maintaining steady energy delivery. Additionally, an artificial neural network (ANN) controller is adopted for the MMC output DC voltage control to ensure a regular DC-link voltage for both the SAPF and the DC-to-DC converter of the SST. The proposed topology is implemented and evaluated in MATLAB/Simulink software, and various simulation results are presented.

Keywords:

• Solid state transformer
• modular multilevel converter
• harmonic currents
• shunt active power filter
• artificial neural network word

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nassim Zemirline

Nassim Zemirline was born in Medea, Algeria in 1995. He received his Engineer degree and Master degree in electrical engineering in 2019 from the Higher School of Applied Science of Tlemcen, Algeria. He is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree at the University of Medea. His research is focused on solid-state transformers and power filtering.

Nadir Kabeche

Nadir Kabeche is currently an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at Yahia Fares University of Medea in Algeria. Dr. Kabeche received his undergraduate degrees, his Magister degree as well as his Doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering from M’hamed Bouguerra University, Boumerdes-Algeria. He is also the Head of the Laboratory of Electrical Engineering and Automation the University of Medea. His research interests include Electric Machines, Variable Speed Drives, Renewable energy, nonlinear control, Field Programmable Gate Area (FPGA), artificial intelligence.

Samir Moulahoum

Samir Moulahoum was born in Algiers in 1971. He received his Engineer degree in electrical machines in 1995, his Magister degree in electrical engineering in1998, and his Doctorate in power electronics and drives in 2006 from University of Sciences and Technology of Algiers USTHB. He was with the GREEN laboratory, UHP University, Nancy, France, as an invited researcher for 2 years. He worked in the National Electricity and Gas Company as a study engineer for 2 years. He is presently a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at University of Medea, Algeria. His research interests are electric machines, power electronics, control of electrical drives, DSP implementation, power generation, renewable energy and power quality.