School of Engineering and Materials Science

EMS 601U Electrical Systems for Renewable Energies

Simulation Lab (Coursework 2) – 25% weighting of the module

Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) Simulation

Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) is a specialised device used in electrical power
systems to improve the quality of electrical power by mitigating issues like voltage sags,
swells, and harmonics. UPQC combines both voltage and current control capabilities to
regulate and stabilise the power supply, ensuring consistent and high-quality electricity for
connected equipment.

Objective:
The objective of this lab experiment is to make the students understand and implement the
concept of a virtual UPQC algorithm to correct voltage sags, swells, and harmonic distortions
in each input voltage waveform. Students will also simulate the behaviour of the Series Active
Power Filter (SAPF) and Shunt Active Power Filter (SHPF) in virtual UPQC applications to
correct power quality.

Simulated Experimental Setup:

PV System Configuration: Set up a small-scale PV system consisting of solar panels, an
inverter, and a load.
Measurement Instruments: Use appropriate measurement instruments to monitor the PV
system's voltage, current, and power output.
Data Acquisition: Employ data acquisition tools or software to correct and analyse the
parameters obtained during the experiment.

Part 1: Correction of Voltage sag, swell and harmonic distortions using UPQC

Voltage Sag: A voltage sag is a sudden reduction in voltage magnitude that can lead to
equipment malfunction or shutdown. The UPQC detects the voltage sag and injects a
compensating voltage in series with the load. This compensating voltage boosts the sagging
voltage back to the desired level, mitigating the negative effects on the connected
equipment.
Voltage Swell: A voltage swell is a sudden increase in voltage magnitude, which can also
damage equipment. The UPQC detects the voltage swell and injects a compensating
voltage with a lower magnitude to counteract the excess voltage, bringing it down to the
acceptable range.

Harmonic Distortion: Harmonic distortions are unwanted frequencies that can distort the
ideal sinusoidal waveform of the voltage or current. These harmonics can cause overheating
and inefficiencies in equipment. The UPQC uses the shunt active power filter (SHPF)
component to detect the harmonic components in the current and inject equal and opposite
current harmonics to cancel out the distortions. This process results in a cleaner sinusoidal
waveform with reduced harmonic content.

MATLAB Script:
The provided code in the MATLAB Live Script (titled Example 1), simulates an input voltage
that has harmonic distortion and power imbalance. The task for us is to mitigate it using UPQC,
applying harmonic and reactive power compensation, and providing cleaner and balanced
output voltage.

Our code should represent the dynamic behaviour i.e., instead of instantaneously correcting
the power quality issues, we'll add a response time for the UPQC to gradually mitigate the
problems.

1. Algorithm Implementation:
Implement the algorithm for the virtual UPQC to correct the voltage issues in the input
waveform.
The algorithm should detect voltage sags, swells, and harmonic distortions in the input
waveform and apply corrective actions to generate an improved output voltage waveform.
You may use conditional statements, filtering techniques, or other relevant methods to
implement the algorithm.

2. Visualization:

Plot the following graphs using MATLAB:

o The input voltage waveform with voltage sag, swell, and harmonic distortion (as
provided).
o The output voltage waveform after applying the virtual UPQC correction.
o The waveform of the corrected voltage for each type of power quality issue (sags,
swells, and harmonic distortion) separately.
o A plot showing the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) of the input and output voltage
waveforms to visualize the impact on harmonic distortion.

3. Data Interpretation:
Interpret and analyse the results obtained from the simulation. Explain how the virtual UPQC
algorithm corrected the power quality issues in the input waveform and how the output
waveform differs from the input waveform.

Exercise:
You have been provided with a MATLAB code that simulates the behaviour of a virtual UPQC
to address power quality issues such as voltage sag, swell, and harmonic distortion. The code
currently implements basic compensation mechanisms. Your task is to comprehensively
enhance the code by implementing advanced compensation algorithms to effectively address
these power quality issues.
Edit the following values and then analyse the effect.
sag_start_time = 0.7
sag_duration = 0.3
sag_depth = 0.25

swell_start_time = 0.3
swell_duration = 0.125
swell_depth = 0.5
reactive_power_start_time = 0.5
reactive_power_duration = 0.2
reactive_power_depth = 0.2

How would you correct voltage sag, swell and harmonic distortions? Demonstrate it in the
code.

Part 2: Series Active Power Filter (SAPF) and Shunt Active Power Filter (SHPF)
in UPQC applications to correct power quality

Series Active Power Filter (SAPF):

o When a voltage sag occurs, the SAPF detects the decrease in voltage magnitude and
injects a compensating voltage in series with the load. This injected voltage helps raise
the sagging voltage to its intended level, ensuring that connected equipment receives
a stable voltage supply. Similarly, in the case of voltage swells, the SAPF counteracts
the excess voltage by injecting a compensating voltage with a lower magnitude.
o The SAPF can also address voltage harmonic distortions. It detects the harmonic
components in the voltage waveform and injects equal and opposite voltages to cancel
out these harmonics. As a result, the overall voltage waveform becomes closer to the
ideal sinusoidal shape, reducing harmonic distortion in the system.

Shunt Active Power Filter (SHPF):

o The SHPF component of the UPQC is designed to mitigate current harmonics. It
monitors the current flowing through the system and identifies harmonic components
that deviate from the desired sinusoidal waveform. The SHPF then injects equal and
opposite currents to cancel out these harmonic currents, resulting in a reduced
harmonic content in the overall current waveform.
o The SHPF can also address reactive power imbalances. When the system has an
excessive demand for reactive power (leading to a lagging power factor) or generates
excessive reactive power (leading to a leading power factor), the SHPF injects the
necessary reactive current to balance the power factor and maintain it within an
acceptable range.
MATLAB Script:
The provided code in the MATLAB Live Script (titled Example 2 – parts A, B and C), simulates
an input voltage with distortion and how to apply reactive power compensation and phase
balancing, providing balanced power output.

1. Algorithm Implementation:
o Explain how the code simulates the behaviour of SAPF and SHPF separately to correct
voltage sag and reactive power imbalance, respectively.
o Explain the use of the response time parameter and how the SHPF gradually corrects
the reactive power imbalance.
o Instruct students to carefully analyse the code and identify the modifications made for
reactive power compensation and phase balancing.
o Encourage students to understand the significance of each modification in improving
power quality.

2. Visualization:
o Instruct students to plot the input and output voltages (for SAPF) and input and output
currents (for SHPF) using MATLAB. Ask them to analyse the results and explain how
the UPQC corrected voltage sags and improved the output voltage.
o Guide them in interpreting the results and explaining how the UPQC corrected power
quality issues in the virtual scenario.
o A plot showing the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) of the input and output voltage
waveforms to visualize the impact on harmonic distortion.
o Instruct students to carefully analyse the code and identify the modifications made for
reactive power compensation and phase balancing.

3. Data Interpretation:
Students should interpret and analyse the results obtained from the simulation.
They should explain the significance of each modification in improving power quality.

Exercise:
o Implement reactive power compensation and phase balancing without SAPF or SHPF.
Gradually correct the reactive power imbalance in the output voltage after a response
time. Consider a depth of 0.15 (15% phase shift) for this simulation. Apply phase
balancing correction in the SAPF code. Ensure that the output voltage has the same
phase angle as the input voltage waveform.

o Implement reactive power compensation in the SAPF code. Gradually correct the
reactive power imbalance in the output voltage after a response time. Consider a depth
of 0.15 (15% phase shift) for this simulation. Apply phase balancing correction in the
SAPF code. Ensure that the output voltage has the same phase angle as the input
voltage waveform.

o Implement reactive power compensation in the SHPF code. Gradually correct the
reactive power imbalance in the output current after a response time. Consider the
 same depth of 0.15 (15% phase shift) for this simulation. Apply phase balancing
correction in the SHPF code. Ensure that the output current has the same phase angle
as the input current waveform.

Guidelines for writing the Lab Report:

Introduction:
o Provide a brief introduction to the lab, stating its objective and explaining the significance of power
quality improvement in electrical systems.
o Mention that the lab involved simulating the behaviour of Series Active Power Filter (SAPF) and
Shunt Active Power Filter (SHPF) components for UPQC applications.

Methodology:
o Summarise the specific task assigned to you which involved modifying the provided MATLAB code
to implement both exercises.
o Make sure you include the algorithm or pseudo-code for your code in this section.
o Describe the modifications you made to the provided MATLAB code. Explain how you added the
reactive power compensation and phase balancing features to the code. Include key equations or
calculations that were used, if applicable.

Results and Analysis:

o Present the plots of both examples and exercises (considering suitable parameters).
o Interpret and analyse the simulation results:
o Explain how the UPQC corrected voltage sags, swells, or reactive power imbalances.
o Discuss the impact of the added phase balancing feature on the output voltage (SAPF) or current
(SHPF).
o Compare the input and output waveforms to demonstrate the effectiveness of the modifications.

Discussion:
o Provide a comprehensive discussion of the simulation outcomes:
o Discuss the importance of reactive power compensation and phase balancing in power quality
improvement.
o Explain how the UPQC components (SAPF and SHPF) work together to mitigate power quality
issues.
o Reflect on the significance of the simulation results in the context of real-world power quality
improvement.
o Challenges and Insights: Share any challenges you encountered while modifying the code and
interpreting the results. Discuss any insights you gained during the process, including a deeper
understanding of UPQC behaviour and control techniques.

Future Work/Recommendations:
Suggest any further enhancements or improvements that could be implemented in the future, such
as more advanced control algorithms or additional features of UPQC.

References:
List any references or resources you consulted during the lab report writing.

Appendix
Include the modified MATLAB code for both SAPF and SHPF simulations as an appendix to the
report. Label each code section clearly.

Formatting Guidelines:
o Maximum word limit of 3000 words.
o Use a clear and organised format, including headings and subheadings.
o Include labelled figures, plots, and equations as needed.
 o Write in clear and concise language.
o Proofread your report for grammar and spelling errors.
o Ensure that you include all necessary components and follow the formatting guidelines, provided by
the TA/TF.
Assessment Criteria:

Your lab report will be evaluated based on:

o Accuracy and completeness of the implementation of reactive power compensation and phase
balancing.
o Clarity and depth of analysis of simulation results.
o Quality of discussion and conclusions drawn from the simulations.
o Overall organisation, clarity, and correctness of the report.

Assessment Rubric

Criteria Marks Excellent Very Good Good Average Fail

80-100 79-70 60-69 50-59 <50
MATLAB 25% for each The code The code Some comments, No comments The code
code exercise gives correct gives and four or five and there are doesn’t run
correctness (total 50%) output and somewhat minor mistakes in major mistakes because of
has relevant appropriate the output, some in the code errors or
comments. output with comments. output or gives
one or two implementation incorrect
mistakes, and output.
comments do
not explain
the code.
Reporting 30% Followed the Few mistakes Major mistakes in Major mistakes Missing
principles and in formatting formatting or in formatting or sections and
formatting of or references. references. Minor references. conceptual
a standard Minor mistakes in Major mistakes information
scientific mistakes in conceptual in conceptual are
reporting. conceptual information. information. incorrect.
Concise, information. Irregular Irregular
correct, and Irregular referencing style. referencing
clear writing. referencing style.
style.
Results 10% Correct plots One or two Three plots have Four plots have All plots are
analysis are explained plots have minor mistakes, or minor mistakes, incorrect,
clearly and minor one plot has major or two plots the analysis
provided a mistakes, mistakes. have major is incorrect
logical explained The analysis is mistakes. and the
analysis for clearly and somewhat The analysis is summary
each plot, provided a incoherent/flawed incoherent and missing.
with a brief logical or the summary flawed or the
conclusion. analysis for missing. summary
each plot, missing.
summary
included
References & 10% Correct Minor one or Minor three or Major mistakes Missing
Formatting references two mistakes four mistakes in in reference references
and citation in reference reference and and citation and citation.
method. and citation citation method. method.
method.