Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants
Micro-hydro power plants (μHPPs) are a major energy source in grid-isolated zones because they do not require reservoirs and dams to be built. μHPPs operate in a standalone mode, but a continuously varying load generates voltage unbalances and frequency fluctuations which can cause long-term damage...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-05-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/11/3201 |
| _version_ | 1797531977038954496 |
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| author | Henry Bory Jose L. Martin Iñigo Martinez de Alegria Luis Vazquez |
| author_facet | Henry Bory Jose L. Martin Iñigo Martinez de Alegria Luis Vazquez |
| author_sort | Henry Bory |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Micro-hydro power plants (μHPPs) are a major energy source in grid-isolated zones because they do not require reservoirs and dams to be built. μHPPs operate in a standalone mode, but a continuously varying load generates voltage unbalances and frequency fluctuations which can cause long-term damage to plant components. One method of frequency regulation is the use of alternating current-alternating current (AC-AC) converters as an electronic load controller (ELC). The disadvantage of AC-AC converters is reactive power consumption with the associated decrease in both the power factor and the capacity of the alternator to deliver current. To avoid this disadvantage, we proposed two rectifier topologies combined with symmetrical switching. However, the performance of the frequency regulation loop with each topology remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of the frequency regulation loop when each topology, with a symmetrical switching form, was inserted. A MATLAB<sup>®</sup> model was implemented to simulate the frequency loop. The results from a μHPP case study in a small Cuban rural community called ‘Los Gallegos’ showed that the performance of the frequency regulation loop using the proposed topologies satisfied the standard frequency regulation and increased both the power factor and current delivery capabilities of the alternator. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T10:52:29Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3aa7da528f4641668873b1627cb1a823 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T10:52:29Z |
| publishDate | 2021-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj.art-3aa7da528f4641668873b1627cb1a8232023-11-21T22:06:47ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732021-05-011411320110.3390/en14113201Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power PlantsHenry Bory0Jose L. Martin1Iñigo Martinez de Alegria2Luis Vazquez3Electrical Engineering Faculty, University of Oriente, Av. Las Americas s/n, Santiago de Cuba 90400, CubaDepartment of Electronic Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ing. Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, SpainDepartment of Electronic Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ing. Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, SpainElectrical Engineering Faculty, University of Oriente, Av. Las Americas s/n, Santiago de Cuba 90400, CubaMicro-hydro power plants (μHPPs) are a major energy source in grid-isolated zones because they do not require reservoirs and dams to be built. μHPPs operate in a standalone mode, but a continuously varying load generates voltage unbalances and frequency fluctuations which can cause long-term damage to plant components. One method of frequency regulation is the use of alternating current-alternating current (AC-AC) converters as an electronic load controller (ELC). The disadvantage of AC-AC converters is reactive power consumption with the associated decrease in both the power factor and the capacity of the alternator to deliver current. To avoid this disadvantage, we proposed two rectifier topologies combined with symmetrical switching. However, the performance of the frequency regulation loop with each topology remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of the frequency regulation loop when each topology, with a symmetrical switching form, was inserted. A MATLAB<sup>®</sup> model was implemented to simulate the frequency loop. The results from a μHPP case study in a small Cuban rural community called ‘Los Gallegos’ showed that the performance of the frequency regulation loop using the proposed topologies satisfied the standard frequency regulation and increased both the power factor and current delivery capabilities of the alternator.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/11/3201dump loadelectronic load controllerfrequency regulationsymmetrical switching |
| spellingShingle | Henry Bory Jose L. Martin Iñigo Martinez de Alegria Luis Vazquez Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants Energies dump load electronic load controller frequency regulation symmetrical switching |
| title | Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants |
| title_full | Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants |
| title_fullStr | Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants |
| title_short | Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants |
| title_sort | effect of symmetrically switched rectifier topologies on the frequency regulation of standalone micro hydro power plants |
| topic | dump load electronic load controller frequency regulation symmetrical switching |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/11/3201 |
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