The problem of imbalance detection in a three-phase power system using a phasor measurement unit (PMU) is considered. A general model for the zero, positive, and negative sequences from a PMU measurement at off-nominal frequencies is presented and a hypothesis testing framework is formulated. The new formulation takes into account the fact that minor degree of imbalance in the system is acceptable and does not indicate subsequent interruptions, failures, or degradation of physical components. A generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) is developed and shown to be a function of the negative-sequence phasor estimator and the acceptable level of imbalances for nominal system operations. As a by-product to the proposed detection method, a constrained estimation of the positive and negative phasors and the frequency deviation is obtained for both balanced and unbalanced situations. The theoretical and numerical performance analyses show improved performance over benchmark techniques and robustness to the presence of additional harmonics.
The increasing presence of single-phase distributed generators and unbalanced loads in the electric power system may lead to unbalance of the three phase voltages, resulting in increased losses and heating. The distribution network operators (DNOs) are increasingly being challenged to maintain the required power quality. To reduce voltage unbalance DNOs are seeking to connect larger DG units to the three phases instead of a single-phase connection. The three-phase connection can be realised by three single-phase inverters or by a three-phase inverter. Each inverter topology can be implemented with different control strategies. The control can be equiped with active power filtering functions which can improve the power quality. In this paper, the effect of connecting DG units by means of a three-phase connection instead of a single-phase connection on voltage unbalance is studied. Besides two commonly used control strategies, two other control strategies that combine DG and active power filtering functions are implemented and their effect on voltage unbalance is studied. The last two control strategies lead to the reduction of voltage unbalance such that the voltage requirements are maintained. Voltage unbalance is a costly and potentially damaging phenomenon. It affects both distribution network operators (DNOs) and customers. As part of a move toward greater network visibility, DNOs are increasingly motivated to monitor their networks in finer detail using an increasingly diverse range of monitoring devices. If the information from monitoring devices can be collated intelligently, the impact of unbalance and other power-quality issues can be accurately estimated throughout the network. In this paper, a new methodology is presented which utilizes distribution system state estimation (DSSE) to estimate the level, location, and impact of voltage unbalance on a real distribution network. The developed methodology is novel, pulling together and advancing existing research on DSSE and unbalance. The methodology is validated using data from a real U.K. distribution network with significant unbalance. The methodology is shown to be capable of statistically estimating the level, location, and effects of unbalance within the network, even when some areas of the network are unobservable. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in using distributed generators (DGs) not only to inject power into the grid but also to enhance the power quality. In this paper, a stationary-frame control method for voltage unbalance compensation in an islanded microgrid is proposed. This method is based on the proper control of DGs interface converters. The DGs are properly controlled to autonomously compensate for voltage unbalance while sharing the compensation effort and also active and reactive powers. The control system of the DGs mainly consists of active and reactive power droop controllers, a virtual impedance loop, voltage and current controllers, and an unbalance compensator. The design approach of the control system is discussed in detail, and simulation and experimental results are presented. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in the compensation of voltage unbalance. This paper presents a new approach for generating reference currents for an active filter and or a static compensator. It is assumed that the compensator is connected to a load that may either be connected in star or in delta. The load can be unbalanced and may also draw harmonic currents. The purpose of the compensating scheme is to balance the load, as well as make the supply side power factor a desired value. The authors use the theory of instantaneous symmetrical components to obtain an algorithm to compute three phase reference currents which, when injected to the power system, produce desired results. They also propose a suitable compensator structure that will track the reference currents in a hysteresis band control scheme. Finally, the feasibility of such a scheme is demonstrated through simulation studies. Advanced control strategies are vital components for realization of microgrids. This paper reviews the status of hierarchical control strategies applied to microgrids and discusses the future trends. This hierarchical control structure consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, and is a versatile tool in managing stationary and dynamic performance of microgrids while incorporating economical aspects. Various control approaches are compared and their respective advantages are highlighted. In addition, the coordination among different control hierarchies is discussed. This paper presents a generalized control algorithm for voltage disturbance extraction and mitigation. The proposed mitigating device is the dynamic voltage restorer (DVR). A DVR is commonly used to mitigate the voltage sags. In this paper the proposed DVR can compensate the voltage unbalance and mitigate voltage harmonics in the time of normal operation as well as performs its basic function during the fault condition. The suggested control algorithm employs an adaptive perceptron to effectively and adaptively track and extract the most common voltage harmonics, voltage unbalance (which include negative and zero sequence voltage drops), and different types of voltage sags, which include balanced and unbalanced voltage sags. Digital simulation results are obtained using PSCAD EMTDC to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm. Experimental results are demonstrated to prove the practicality of the mitigating device. This paper endeavors to present a comprehensive summary of the causes and effects of voltage unbalance and to discuss related standards, definitions, and mitigation techniques. Several causes of voltage unbalance on the power system and in industrial facilities are presented as well as the resulting adverse effects on the system and on equipment such as induction motors and power electronic converters and drives. Standards addressing voltage unbalance are discussed and clarified, and several mitigation techniques are suggested to correct voltage unbalance problems. This paper makes apparent the importance of identifying potential unbalance problems for the benefit of both the utility and customer.