IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution

Research Article

Integration of solar PV into grid using a new ISSN 1751-8687

Received on 30th March 2020
Revised 14th June 2020
UPQC with differential inverter control Accepted on 22nd June 2020
E-First on 9th July 2020
doi: 10.1049/iet-gtd.2020.0591
www.ietdl.org

Sivarajan Kakkattil Narayanan1 , Nirmal Sivarajan1, Jasmin Erakkath Abdu1, Jayanand Balakrishnan1
1GEC, Thrissur, Kerala, India
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Integrated photovoltaic (PV) distribution systems voltage stability is of great significance in supporting all connected
equipment smooth functioning in the distribution network. Voltage profile maintenance is one of the challenging tasks in PV
integration. To maintain a constant voltage profile to a sensitive load of 22 kVA is the main idea of this study. A single-phase PV-
integrated distribution system is selected for the study. The novelty is that differential inverters are used for dynamic voltage
restorer and distribution static synchronous compensator of the unified power quality conditioner (UPQC). Active power
decoupling facility is the main advantage using the differential inverter. The research work objective is to synchronise a 10 kW
solar PV system to the distribution system using this new UPQC. The research work discusses and derives the most suitable
control strategy for the UPQC with battery energy storage system. A 20 kVA UPQC is designed for the PV integration and to
increase voltage stability of the distribution system. The frequency, voltage and reactance/resistance ratio of the distribution
system is assumed to be constant. A prototype model of differential UPQC is developed. Experimental and simulation results
validate the main objective.

Nomenclature This paper presents the integration of solar PV to the grid using
UPQC.
Ppv power output of the PV The PQ indicates voltage quality and frequency stability. The
V oc output voltage in volts of PV module frequency of the Indian grid is stable but the voltage profile
is current in ampere of the grid requires improvement in certain areas. If the voltage changes by
ii injected current in ampere of the grid-side of VSI 1%, the power will vary by 2% for impedance type loads.
il current in ampere of the load Similarly, if the demand/generation changes by 5%, the frequency
iref ∗ reference current in ampere of the D-STATCOM changes by 1 Hz for the integrated national (India) Grid. The
vref ∗ reference voltage of the DVR output power of lights and induction motor will be affected with
frequency deficiency.
v PCC voltage in volts
IEEE standard 1159(1995) governs the PQ of low tension (LT)
UREF input to the PWM
voltage and currents of the power supply. The allowable dip limits
are from 10 to 90%, which last for 0.01 to 0.06 s. The
1 Introduction classifications in dip are temporary, instantaneous and momentary.
1.1 Back ground and related works When earth fault occurs in one of the lines, there will be a rise in
voltage (swell) in other phases [3]. It is possible to realise active
The utility should supply power at the rated voltage and frequency power compensation with the energy storage device at the input of
meeting the power quality (PQ) standards. The present-day PQ the inverter [4, 5].
issues include high reactive power consumption due to low power The conventional methods of reactive power compensation are
factor loads, the low harmonic current burden due to non-linear using fixed capacitors or reactors, controlled capacitors or reactors,
loads such as converters, battery chargers, mercury vapour lamps, static volt-ampere reactive (VAR) compensators, tap-changing
computers, welding sets, arc furnace, etc. Moreover, the loads in transformers, excitation control of generators etc. These methods
distribution supply maynot be in a balance due to single-phase suffer from the dynamic adjustment of reactive power. The shunt
loads. photovoltaic (PV) system is a renewable energy source and reactors are in use for reducing line over-voltage and shunt
is pollution free. Integration of PV will reduce the general energy connected capacitors are connected to improve voltage when the
requirement and losses in the distribution system. Although there system load is high. Shunt capacitors and reactors are not useful in
are studies that explore the possibility of PVs providing reactive maintaining voltage under dynamic load variations and will not
power [1, 2], the most common equipment on the market is support or provide real power requirement. Usually, D-STATCOM
deficient in its ability to supply reactive power to the system. injects reactive power to the grid with proper scheduling of load
Measures to mitigate these PQ issues is the need of the hour in the compensation. Also, active power can be injected into the line if
power sector. Unified PQ conditioner (UPQC) is a compensating the DC link of D-STATCOM makes use of battery energy storage
device widely used for PQ improvement of the system. It has two system (BESS).
Voltage Source Inverter(VSIs), namely distribution static To maintain the voltage at any node or bus in a power system,
synchronous compensator (D-STATCOM) and dynamic voltage balancing of the reactive power generation and demand at that
restorer (DVR). Dynamic compensation of reactive power is node or bus is essential. If any mismatch occurs, there will be a
essential in the system and D-STATCOM is an excellent choice for change in voltage. Unlike frequency, the voltage is a local
the above compensation, as it will work with extra active filtering parameter to be analysed. Each node or bus plays a role in
functionality. The DVR is mainly used to eliminate voltage-sag and balancing reactive power. Moreover, the voltage in a bus is
swell, the two VSIs connected in differential mode (DM) and the inversely proportional to the fault level of that bus. The voltage
differential inverter is explained in one of the sections separately. profile of a power system depends on the V –Q sensitivity. It should
be positive in all buses and nodes to maintain voltage stability. If it

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is found negative in any one node or bus, then the system enters in Luo et al. [9] presented the optimal location and size of DG
voltage instability mode [6]. The issue of voltage sag and swells with solar farm functioning as STATCOM. A sensitivity analysis
would be taken care of by DVR with good design and control test procedure has been employed to study the impact of
strategy. STATCOM in voltage recovery. The proposed optimisation model
Analysis of the literature review that follows in a separate could have been more practical and the economic profits of the
section shows that the design parameters of LCL filter, BESS, scheme shall be quantified. Sakar et al. [10] studied the hosting
DVR, D-STATCOM and UPQC are missing in most of the capacity and harmonic distortion limits of the PV-based DG units
proposals. Conventionally, grid-tied inverters for PV integration is using PQ and energy efficiency parameters. Authors used the
in place. In this research work, the author aims to mitigate the gap harmonic penetration ratio to analyse the impact of harmonics on
by developing a new UPQC using differential inverters for both the hosting capacity. Nieto et al. [11] investigated the effect of a
DVR and D-STATCOM for PV integration with the design of all wind generation on a power grid. Authors emphasise the
the necessary parameters. importance of energy storage systems in regulating the power
injected from distributed generation.
1.2 Major contributions Fujitha and Akagi [12] proposed the integration of DVR and
DSTATCOM for UPQC. A 20 kVA UPQC was designed to verify
i. The novelty is that a single-phase UPQC, rated at 20 kVA, its effectiveness and viability of performance. Aredes et al. [13]
using differential inverters, is proposed with BESS for the PV presented a universal power line conditioner. This paper is,
Integration. The active power decoupling functionality of however, an extension of the conventional instantaneous real and
differential inverter ensures ripple-free voltage and current in reactive power theory. Tolbert et al. [14] proposed a multilevel
the dc input (battery) of D-STATCOM. It also injects the active diode clamped controller-based universal power conditioner,
power of the PV source, the entire reactive power of load and wherein the authors use multilevel PWM to increase switch
reactive losses of the system. The DVR, connected in DM, utilisation. Ghosh et al. [15] presented the simultaneous voltage
takes care of sag and swell in the system. and current control of UPQC. In the voltage control mode, the
ii. The design is economical considering low DC link voltage, voltage of a distribution bus is balanced. Meanwhile, load
low capacity for BESS, the low voltage level for PV System compensation is also obtained, leading to balanced sinusoidal
and low rating of inverter switches. The author's design currents from the distribution system bus in the current control
ensures good tracking by the D-STATCOM. mode. Haghighat et al. [16] proposed an instantaneous theory-
iii. A prototype model of the UPQC using a differential inverter is based control of UPQC for transient and steady-state conditions.
developed in the research laboratory with D-space controller, The scheme also identifies a method to reduce oscillations in
simulation studies are carried out for linear, non-linear and power during transient conditions. Han et al. [17] presented a new
transient loads in grid and PV sides and the results are configuration of UPQC for LT applications. By increasing the
validated. number of H-bridge modules, the operation voltage can be
expanded.
1.3 Organisation of the paper Kolhatkar and Das [18] experimented on a single-phase UPQC
with minimum VA loading. This was achieved when the DVR-
This paper is organised into the following sections. Section 1 deals injected voltage at the right angle to the grid. Hingorani et al. [5]
with Nomenclature and the introduction. Section 2 deals with the presented types and categories of various controllers with different
review on PV-integrated distribution system and UPQC. Section 3 control strategies. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and
deals with the differential inverter. Section 4 deals with circuit others [19] published the Indian Electricity Grid Code with effect
topology of UPQC. Section 5 describes the mathematical from 1 April 2006. Hingorani et al. [5] explained various controls
derivation of reference/injected currents. Section 6 describes the for STATCOM.
case study of 20 kVA UPQC in the PV-integrated distribution Padiyar [4] explained the synchronous reference frame(SRF)
system. Discussion on results is presented in Section 7. Section 8 and directed current extraction techniques for D-STATCOM
deals with the conclusion. installed in three-phase, four-wire system. Bhim Singh and Ram
Niwas proposed ADALINE control for PMSG-based DG set to
2 PV-integrated distribution system and UPQC reduce THD. Pawar et al. [20] proposed the D-STATCOM for load
compensation in the line for voltage stability and power factor
The UPQC is one of the custom power devices which consists of improvement using instantaneous reactive power (IRP) control
D-STATCOM and DVR. D-STATCOM is in shunt connection with strategy. The performance of the device was analysed for
the distribution line. The primary function lies in injecting or unbalanced and non-linear loads. With the help of this strategy, a
absorbing the reactive power set by the controller. It is possible to balanced source current for unbalanced loading is achieved.
achieve unity power factor in source current if the D-STATCOM Saradva et al. [21] proposed D-STATCOM for frequency
pumps entire reactive power and losses. Using the best control regulation and voltage regulation of the distribution system. The
algorithms, we obtain proper tracking (injected current is the same system is not tested for transient loading. However, both real and
as that of the reference current) and total harmonic distortion reactive power compensation was achieved. The comprehensive
(THD) reduction of source current. So the current reference study of D-STATCOM configurations has been presented by Singh
generation is significant in the control strategy. D-STATCOM et al. [22]. Bina et al. [23] presented the design and installation of
injects or absorbs active power with the BESS in the DC link. 250 kVAR D-STATCOM in one of the distribution substations in
DVR is connected in series with the line and used for sag and Tehran. Singh et al. [24] presented different control strategies viz.
swell mitigation. The load voltage remains constant irrespective of IRP Theory, SRF theory, SRF theory and ADALINE control for D-
disturbances in current or voltage. UPQC, a combination of D- STATCOM. The operating characteristics of the D-STATCOM and
STATCOM and DVR, is used for PQ improvement of the system. the demonstration of practical results were carried out successfully
Patel et al. [7] presented a novel control, namely synchronous by the authors.
reference frame theory-based power angle (PAC) for UPQCDG to
integrate solar PV system to the grid effectively. Reactive power-
sharing of load between series and active power filters with a better 3 Differential inverter
kVA utilisation and good PQ is a major advantage. The system was The DM buck inverter consists of two dc–dc buck converters, as
tested using simulation, though experimental validation is not shown in Fig. 1, with two operating modes, namely the DM and the
provided. Chaudhari et al. [8] reviewed the impacts and challenges common mode (CM). DM transfers active power while the CM
caused by PV integration in the distribution network. The research compensates the second-order ripple power arising from the
puts forward a number of solutions to various problems of voltage differential mode. Fig. 2 shows the CM circuit diagram, which is
rise existing due to PV penetration. The authors have suggested self-explanatory. The design of components of the inverter is
usage of pumped hydro energy storage systems and other storage
systems as a solution to voltage rise mitigation for future work.
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 Table 1 System parameters
Item description Values for simulation
source voltage 230 V, 50 Hz
feeder impedance 0.2 + j0.2 Ω
linear load Z = 2.09 + j1.09 Ω
other loads rectifier
(RL): 40 + j31.4 Ω
20 kVA V dc = 360 V, Cdc = 7 mF
UPQC L1 = 2 mH, L2 = 0.4 mH
Rd = 5 Ω
C = 36 μF
Fig. 1 Circuit diagram of the differential inverter

4 Circuit topology of UPQC

Fig. 4 shows the circuit diagram of single-phase UPQC using
differential inverters. The source is modelled as 230 V, single-
phase system, (R-phase of a three-phase, four-wire system and
neutral) is considered as the distribution grid. The DC Link voltage
is 360 V DC. A BESS of 360 V, is proposed in the DC link [22].
The shunt D-STATCOM controller is mainly intended to inject
reactive power to the grid at the PCC. Unity power factor can be
achieved if no reactive current is taken from the source. The
reference current should be derived by forcing the source to deliver
real power and losses only. The DVR is used to mitigate the
voltage sag and swells in the network. The system parameters are
Fig. 2 CM circuit diagram of the differential inverter shown in Table 1.

4.1 Design of compensator components

Robustness of the controller means good tracking and better
stability during the transient response. This, in turn, depends on the
input DC voltage (V dc), DC link capacitor (Cdc) and filter.

(i) DC bus capacitor: The capacitor Cdc, depends on the

instantaneous energy available to the D-STATCOM during
transients. According to energy conservation theory

1
C (V 2 − V dc
2
1) = V(aI)t (1)
2 dc dc

where V dc is the reference dc voltage and V dc1 is the minimum

Fig. 3 Overall control structure of the differential inverter voltage of dc bus, ‘a’ is the over loading factor, V is the voltage, I
is the current and t is the time. Considering the dc bus voltage V dc1
= 350 V, V dc = 360 V, I = 87 A, t = 1 ms and overload factor of 1.2,
Cdc is ∼7 mF
(ii) Design of LCL filter: In designing LCL filter, we have to
consider the cost of inductor, resonance frequency f res, damping
resistor Rd and switching frequency attenuation f sw. The following
formula is useful in calculating the inductor value

V dcref
L1 = (2)
4h f max

Consider only L1 of LCL filter is used. The proposed rating of

compensator is 20 kVA, a current ripple of 10% comes to 8.7 A.
Taking V dc as 360 V and f max as 10 kHz, L1 is 2 mH. Once L1 is
chosen, L2 and C need to be computed to eliminate higher-order
harmonics.
Fig. 4 Circuit diagram of 1-phase UPQC using differenial inverters Referring to Fig. 5 and neglecting all resistances including Rd,
the transfer function of LCL filter combination is arrived as
discussed separately in the following section [25]. The control follows:
strategy is also discussed in a separate section.
Fig. 3 shows the control circuit of the differential inverter. This I1(s) s2 + (1/L2C)
GF(s) = = (3)
circuit has an additional DC compensation that achieves power V 1(s) sL1(s + (L1 + (L2 /L1L2C)))
2

decoupling. The battery current will be free from double frequency

ripples and the life of the battery will be more if decoupling is where I1 is the inverter current and V 1 is the inverter voltage
employed. Moreover, the value of the ripple capacitor can be
reduced.

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 I f 2(s) 1/L1L2C
= (4)
V 1nv(s) s(s2 + (L1 + (L2 /L1L2C)))

I f 2(s) 1/L2C
= (5)
I f 1(s) s2 + (1/L2C)

P=z 1+k (6)

where

1 1+k
f res = (7)
2Π kL1C

and

k = L2 /L1 (8)

Resonance frequency f res is taken as 2400 Hz, which is 20% higher

than the highest order of 40 (2000 Hz). Value of k should be less
for minimum loss and good efficiency. C is designed as 36 μF. Fig. 5 Simple block diagram for the control strategy for UPQC
Taking k as 0.172, L2 = 0.34 mH [26]

5 Control strategy of UPQC

The schematic representation for the control strategy of UPQC is
given in Fig. 5 using the circuit topology as per Fig. 4

5.1 Control of D-STATCOM

First of all, it is required to calculate the active power and reactive
power of the load using a positive sequence power measurement
tool available in the Simulink library. Adding the losses of the
inverter to the active power and subtracting the PV power is
required. The power so obtained is the power to be delivered by the
source. Then, we have to calculate the reference current for this
source power using the function block as is.

Ps
is = 320 sin(wt) (9)
v12

where Ps is fundamental active power of source and v1 is the

positive sequence voltage at the PCC. Then the error between the
total load current il and is is iref ∗. We have then compared this Fig. 6 Simple circuit diagram of UPQC for three-phase distribution
system with PV integration
current with the injected current ii of the inverter. This is given to a
PR controller and the output is UREF. This is given to a PWM for
transformer primary. The secondary of the injection transformer is
pulse generation of pulse for leg A of the D-STATCOM. UREF is in series to the line, as illustrated in Fig. 5. During sag and swell,
inverted and is provided as the second PWM generation pulse for the DVR injects appropriate voltages to the system and maintains
leg B of the D-STATCOM. The generated voltage is filtered using the load voltage. Here the DM is used to transfer the power,
the LCL filter, as shown in the circuit diagram. The D-STATCOM whereas the CM is used to bypass the ripple power.
injects the active power of the PV source and the entire load
reactive power demand (the DM connection takes care). The CM
connection is used to circulate the ripple power through switches 6 Case study of PV-integrated system
and capacitors. The filter capacitance generates the second-order The PV-integrated distribution system and the UPQC connection is
frequency component of active power and is connected between shown in Fig. 6, which is for a three-phase four-wire system. The
the alternating current (AC) terminal and the negative side of the connection of D-STATCOM and DVR is in DMs, two legs for each
battery. phase. The topology, as shown in Fig. 5, is designed for the system
case study. The distribution grid comprises of single-phase, 230 V
5.2 Control of DVR system (R-phase of a three-phase, four-wire system and neutral).
All aluminium conductor (AAC) 7/3.1 conductor is selected for the
The phase-locked loop (PLL) receives the source voltage as the distribution feeder. The length of the feeder is 1 kM and its R and X
input and the output is wt. Using a function block the vref ∗ is values are 0.2 ω kM. The peak load of the distribution feeder is 22
obtained as kVA (20 kW and 10 kVAR). The short circuit capacity is about 500
kVA as per the Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) 16.2
∗
vref = 320sin(wt) (10) analysis. The loads, as mentioned in Table 1, are used for
simulation. The total active power is 20 kW and reactive power is
and its error with the load voltage, vl is given to a PR controller. 10 kVAR. The power factor is around 0.9. When ΔV /V = 10%, the
The output is UREF and given to a PWM for pulse generation of leg reactive compensation required is 50 kVAR. Assuming a 2%
A of the dc–dc converter of the DVR. UREF is inverted and given to variation in voltage, a D-STATCOM of 10 kVAR rating, for
the second PWM for the generation of pulse for leg B of the DVR. maintaining the voltage alone, is presently required at the PCC.
The generated voltage is filtered using the LCL filter, as shown in The design capacity is 15 kVA for PV integration and voltage
the circuit diagram. This voltage is given to the injection stability [23]. Assuming a voltage sag/swell of 10% the voltage to

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 6.1 Design of BESS
The solar-embedded MATLAB function is used for the simulation
of the PV system. The open-circuit voltage is 360 V, while the
connected load is 10 kW operated for 10 h. Therefore, the total
capacity of the battery bank is 100 kWh. Each cell has a rating of
12 V. As the DC BESS voltage is 360 V, it is needed to arrange 30
cells in series. The ampere-hour capacity of each cell is 100 Ah.
The total ampere-hour rating is 278 Ah. Hence it is mandatory to
have three parallel sets of 30 series cells.

7 Results and discussions

7.1 Simulation results of proposed UPQC
Fig. 7 Wave forms
(a) Voltage of source and load, (b) Source voltage and current, (c) Source active power
A 20 kVA UPQC has been designed in a PV-integrated distribution
and reactive power, (d) DVR-injected voltage
system using a reduced DC link voltage of 360 V and simulated in
MATLAB R2016a using ode23tb solver. The system parameters as
per Table 1 are used for simulation. The main objectives are

i. To maintain a constant voltage of 320 sin(ωt) (root mean

square (RMS) value, 226 V) for a sensitive load of 22 kVA
(linear and non-linear) irrespective of transient loading, sag
and swell in the system.
ii. To maintain uniform and pure sine wave of 60 sin(ωt) for the
source current during the entire period of simulation.
iii. Another objective is to maintain unity power factor for the
source current.
iv. THD reduction and PQ improvement is another factor are other
Fig. 8 Wave forms factors of concern.
(a) D-STATCOM power, (b) PV current, (c) DVR power, (d) Load power
The waveform, depicted in Fig. 7a represents the source voltage
and load voltage. The sag of 10% is initiated at 0 s for a duration of
0.01 s. The swell of 10% is initiated at 0.1 s for 0.01 s that is up to
0.2 s. A programmable voltage source is used for creating sag and
swell. The instantaneous load voltage is 320 sin(ωt) and the RMS
value is 226 V for the entire period of simulation. Fig. 7b shows the
source voltage and the source current. The power factor is unity
and the peak value of current is about 46 A, which represent the 10
kW power delivered by the source. Fig. 7c shows the source power
and no reactive power is delivered. Fig. 7d shows the injected
voltage of DVR. The power of the DVR is depicted in Fig. 8a. Fig.
Fig. 9 Wave forms showing voltage across capacitors C1 and C2 of DVR 8b shows the current in ampere of the PV source, which is 27 A.
Fig. 8c shows the power of D-STATCOM. The real power is 10
kW and reactive power is 10 kVAR. The power of the load is
depicted in Fig. 8d. The real power is 20 kW and the reactive
power is 10 kVAR. Fig. 9 shows the waveforms of the voltage
across the capacitors C1 and C2 of the DVR for the entire
simulation period.
Figs. 10 and 11 shows the waveform of source voltage, load
voltage, source current and load current during transient loading,
sag, swell and normal loading without UPQC and with UPQC,
respectively. Fig. 10a shows the waveform of source voltage. From
time 0 to 0.1 s the peak value is 325 V, from time 0.1 to 0.2 s there
is a sag of 23 V and the peak value is 292.5 V, from time 0.2 to 0.3
s, there is a swell of 23 V and the peak value is 357.5 V and from
time 0.3 to 0.4 s, normal voltage is applied to the UPQC and the
peak value is 325 V. Fig. 10b shows the load voltage wave form
without UPQC. This figure is similar to Fig. 10a. Fig. 10c shows
the waveform of the source current of the UPQC. From time 0–0.1
s, a transient load of 425 A is applied. From 0.1 to 0.4 s, there is a
loading of 22 kVA in the system. The peak currents in the
Fig. 10 Wave forms showing respective periods are 601, 130, 160 and 145 A as per the figure.
(a) Source voltage, (b) Load voltage, (c) Source current during transient loading, sag, Fig. 10d shows the load current of the UPQC for a connected load
swell and normal conditions, (d) Load current without UPQC of 22 kVA as per the source voltage indicated in Fig. 10a. The
values are 145, 130, 160 and 145 A.
be injected by the DVR is 23 V. The current through the injecting Fig. 11a shows the source voltage with UPQC in service. The
transformer is around 50 A including losses. The kVA rating of the values of voltages are similar to that of Fig. 10a. Fig. 11b shows
injection transformer is 23 * 50 = 1150 VA. This comes to around the load voltage waveform of the UPQC and the peak value is 320
two kVA for design purpose, which is sufficient for large sag/swell. V as seen from the figure. Fig. 11c shows the waveform of source
The UPQC capacity is proposed as 20 kVA current with same transient loading and same loading as per Fig.
10c. It is clearly seen that the source current is uniform from time
0.1 to 0.4 s and the peak value is 60 A. (is = 60 sin(ωt). This current
is the equivalent current for 10 KW active power and losses in the
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 12c shows the waveform of PV side current with a transient
loading of 280 A DC from time 0 to 0.1 s. This is achieved using
switch control and delay timer. The transient load is taken as 10
times that of the normal PV integration of 10 kW (28 A). From
time 0.1 to 0.4 s the PV side load is 28 A. Fig. 11d shows the
waveform for load current for a load voltage of 320 sin(ωt) which
is 140 A (peak). During the transient fault on the PV side also, the
UPQC was able to maintain the load voltage and load current.
Simulation results validated all the objectives mentioned above.

7.2 Comparison of simulation results of conventional UPQC

and proposed UPQC
Simulation studies are carried out to compare the performance of
conventional H-bridge single-phase UPQC and proposed UPQC.
The system parameters as per Table 1 are used for both UPQCs.
The main objectives of this simulation are

Fig. 11 Wave forms showing i. To analyse the tracking of the control system of the D-
(a) Source voltage, (b) Load voltage, (c) Source current during transient loading, sag, STATCOM of the proposed UPQC and conventional UPQC.
swell and normal conditions, (d) Load current with UPQC Tracking is the ability of the inverter to inject the exact
reference current set by the controller.
ii. To find out a practical system, with lot of harmonics and non-
linearity, such as residential loads and PV penetration. The
output of PV generation is DC voltage. It is to be converted to
AC voltage before connecting to the grid. Therefore, inverters
are required for conversion from DC to AC. This will increase
harmonics and non-linearity in the line.
iii. To compare conventional UPQC and proposed UPQC, by
conducting simulation studies with dynamic change in non-
linear load, keeping the linear load constant. Then the
reference current and injected current wave forms are analysed.
iv. To conduct FFT analysis of the injected currents in both cases
to substantiate the simulation results.
v. To conduct FFT analysis of the source currents in both cases to
substantiate the simulation results.
vi. To tabulate the results of FFT analysis.
vii To find out the advantages and disadvantages of the two
Fig. 12 Wave forms showing . UPQCs after analysing the results of simulation and FFT
(a) Source voltage, (b) Load voltage, (c) PV side current during transient, (d) Load analysis.
current with UPQC
Fig. 13a shows the waveform for dynamic non-linear loading
using proposed UPQC. The loading is done from time 0 to 0.5 s
with five spells of 0.1 s each, using breaker control. The load is
about 1.1 kW in each spell. The peak value is around 6.6 A in each
spell, the highest being 33 A during the last spell. Fig. 13b shows
the reference current of the D-STATCOM of the UPQC (iref =
il − is). The peak value of the reference current will change
according to the changes in the non-linear load, which is evident
from the figure. Fig. 12c shows the actual injected current of the D-
STATCOM. In this case, it is same as that of Fig. 13b, which
means that the injected current follows the reference current. Fig.
13d shows the waveform of the source current of UPQC using
differential inverters which is 60 sin(ωt). The THD of source
current is 2.18% for the time period 0.4–0.5 s.
Fig. 14a shows the waveform for the dynamic non-linear
loading of the UPQC using conventional H-bridge inverters which
is similar to Fig. 13a. Fig. 14b is the reference current of the D-
Fig. 13 Wave forms showing STATCOM of this inverter which is similar to Fig. 13b. Fig. 14c
(a) Dynamic non-linear loading, (b) Reference current of D-STATCOM, (c) Actual- shows the actual injected current of the conventional H-bridge D-
injected current of D-STATCOM using differential inverter, (d) Source current of STATCOM, which is distorted. Fig. 14d shows the waveform of
UPQC using differential inverters the source current of the UPQC, using conventional H-bridge
inverter, which is also distorted. The THD of the source current is
system. The source current maintains the unity power factor during 23.16 % for the time period, 0.4–0.5 s. Comparing the above Figs.
sag and swell with UPQC in service. Fig. 11d shows the waveform 12 and 13, it is evident that good tracking is achieved in the D-
for load current for a load voltage of 320 sin(ωt) which is 140 A STATCOM using differential inverters.
(peak). Simulation results validated all the objectives mentioned The FFT analysis of the injected currents for both topologies is
above. carried out for the entire period of 0.5 s. Figs. 15 and 16 show the
Fig. 12a shows the source voltage with UPQC in service with a FFT analysis of injected currents for proposed UPQC and
transient loading in the PV side. The values of voltages are similar conventional UPQC, respectively, for the worst case of non-
to that of Fig. 11a. Fig. 12b shows the load voltage waveform of linearity (time: 0.4–0.5 s). The results for the entire FFT analysis
the UPQC and the peak value is 320 V as seen from the figure. Fig. are tabulated in Table 2. Here H1, H2, H3, H5, H7 are the

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 Table 2 FFT analysis of injected current
Time Reference H-bridge inverter Differntial inverter
period current peak, H1, H2, H3, H5, H7 H1, H2, H3, H5, H7
A peak, A peak, A
0–0.1 93 143, 0.15, 1.31, 0.92, 92, 0.13, 1.3, 0.95,
0.66 0.69
0.1–0.2 99 149, 0.13, 2.88, 1.93, 98, 0.13, 2.91, 1.88,
1.37 1.37
0.2–0.3 105 156, 0.12, 4.44, 2.91, 105, 0.12,4.45, 2.86,
2.09 2.08
0.3–0.4 112 163, 0.13, 6.01, 111, 0.12,5.95, 3.83,
3.90,2.81 2.78
0.4–0.5 120 169, 0.13, 7.65, 4.73, 117, 0.09, 7.63, 4.73,
3.48 3.46

Fig. 14 Wave forms showing

(a) Dynamic non-linear loading, (b) Reference current of D-STATCOM, (c) Actual
injected current of D-STATCOM using conventional H-Bridge inverter, (d) Source
current of UPQC using conventional H-Bridge inverters

Fig. 17 Figure showing the FFT analysis of source current of proposed

UPQC using differential inverter

Fig. 15 Figure showing showing the FFT analysis of injected current of

D-STATCOM of proposed UPQC using differential inverter

Fig. 18 Figure showing the FFT analysis of source current of UPQC

using conventional H-Bridge inverter

very less in both topologies. Odd harmonic components are almost

Fig. 16 Figure showing the FFT analysis of injected current of D- the same in both topologies.
STATCOM using conventional H-Bridge inverter of UPQC The FFT analysis of the source currents for both topologies is
carried out for the entire period of 0.5 s. Figs. 17 and 18 show the
fundamental component, second-order, third order, fifth-order and FFT analysis of source currents for proposed UPQC and
seventh order of the injected current, respectively. From Table 2, it conventional UPQC, respectively, for the worst case of non-
is clear that the fundamental component in conventional D- linearity (time: 0.4–0.5 s). The results for the entire FFT analysis
STATCOM deviates largely from the reference current. However, are tabulated in Table 3. Here H1, H2, H3, H5, H7 are the
the injected current follows the reference current in the proposed fundamental component, second-order, third order, fifth-order and
D-STATCOM using the differential inverter. Even harmonics are seventh order of the source current, respectively. From Table 3, it is
clear that the fundamental component of source current in

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Table 3 FFT analysis of source current v. The requirement of large electrolytic capacitance in the DC
Time Reference H-bridge inverter Differntial inverter side of the inverter is not necessary. Hence the failure rate of
period current peak, H1, H2, H3, H5, H1, H2, H3, H5, H7 the inverter is reduced.
A H7 peak, A peak, A vi. The leakage current through the stray capacitance between the
0–0.1 60 66.8, 0.15, 2.86, 62.2, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, PV array and the ground is harmful. The CM connection of the
1.56, 1.00 0.09 differential inverter combined with a connection of resistance
between neutral and ground can prevent this. This can be
0.1–0.2 60 69.5, 0.11, 5.46, 62.2, 0.01, 0.06, 0.06,
applied to all solar generation systems for residential
3.55, 2.21 0.00
application.
0.2–0.3 60 72.83, 0.08, 8.11, 62.2, 0.01, 0.13, 0.14,
vii Microinverters for grid-connected PV power conversion
2.91, 3.50 0.14
. system often require voltage boost due to low DC voltage of
0.3–0.4 60 76.47, 0.10, 11.08, 62.2, 0.10, 0.24, 0.24, the PV panels. The boost differential inverter connection
3.90, 4.15 0.23 ensures the required boost in voltage.
0.4–0.5 60 81.25, 0.06, 14.92, 62.2, 0.10, 0.11, 0.09, vii This can be extended to three-phase systems, as shown in Fig.
4.73, 4.92 0.11 i. 6. For the three-phase four-wire system we need to provide a
star-delta transformer in front of the load and the neutral of the
load need to be connected to the neutral point of the star side of
Table 4 System parameters the transformer. This connection will ensure the flow of
Item description Values for simulation unbalance current in the delta side of the transformer.
source voltage 230 V, 50 Hz ix. The design is economical considering low DC link voltage,
linear load Z = 200 +j 62.8Ω low capacity for BESS, the low voltage level for PV system
and low rating of inverter switches. The DC link voltage of a
other loads rectifier
conventional three-phase UPQC is more than twice the pole
(R L): 200+ j62.8Ω voltage. It is around 650 V or more to get a 400 V line to line
800 VA V dc = 320 V, Cdc = 2 mF voltage in the AC side. So the proposed topology using H-
UPQC L1 = 2 mH, L2 = 0.4 mH bridge will be economical in three-phase systems also.
Rd = 5Ω x. We have to limit the load in the line to the thermal limit of the
conductor. For the proposed AAC 7/3.1 conductor in the
C = 36 μF
distribution line, the thermal limit is 160 A. In single phase,
injection transformer 1 kVA 230 V system, 1 kVA is 4.35 A. Therefore the capacity may be
limited to 160/4.35, that equals 37 kVA for a single circuit. For
three-phase system also the thermal limit is applicable, but the
conventional UPQC deviates largely from the reference current. capacity can be three times more compared to single-phase
However, the source current follows the reference current in the systems. This limitation can be overcome if more circuits are
proposed UPQC using a differential inverter. Even harmonics are added or by changing the conductor size with appropriate
very less in both topologies. Odd harmonic components are higher design for the overhead structure.
in conventional topology but, these are negligible in differential
topology. Therefore, it can be concluded that the above-mentioned 7.4 Hardware results
objectives are met and the proposed UPQC has an edge over the
conventional UPQC. A prototype model of the UPQC of 800 VA capacity, using a
differential inverter, is developed in the research laboratory with D-
7.3 Advantages and limitations of proposed UPQC SPACE controller. The system parameters, as shown in Table 4, are
used for the prototype implementation. The main objective is to
The current and voltage injection filtering inductance have supply maintain a constant voltage of 200 V to the sensitive load of 800
voltage at one end and pole voltage of H bridge inverter at the VA. Two inverter stack available in the research laboratory is
other end. In conventional UPQC, the pole voltages continuously connected as H-bridge for D-STATCOM and DVR. Each leg is
switch between +V dc/2 and −V dc/2 in a PWM manner. However, controlled in DMs. Gating pulses are obtained from PWM
the pole voltage in the case of the differential inverter is a generator with MATLAB and D-Space controller.
sinusoidal wave with a very small amount of ripple superimposed. The injection transformer of 1 kVA rating and inductors 8 (Nos)
The magnitude of this ripple can be reduced with an increase in are designed by us and made locally. Two current transformers
switching frequency. With the advent of wide bandgap switching (20/1 A) were purchased locally from a reputed manufacturer. Its
devices, one can go up to switching frequencies of MHz range. secondary inputs were given to the ADC of D- Space Controller for
This may practically result in almost sinusoidal voltage at the pole current measurement. Filter capacitors were also purchased locally.
voltage. In this case, this filtering inductance is not at all necessary Two numbers (230/1 V) transformers for taking secondary voltage
in the circuit. Very low values of leakage inductance in the to the ADC of D-Space Controller were designed by us and made
injection transformers will be capable of filtering action. In locally. One of the secondary voltages of the transformer was given
addition to the above, the advantages and limitations of proposed to ADC as the input of the PLL used for grid synchronisation. The
UPQC are summarised below. second voltage transformer was used for measuring load-voltage.
The photograph of the hardware set up is shown in Fig. 19
i. A near sinusoidal waveform is obtained with only four The waveform showing the experimental results of the
switches per phase when compared with numerous switches prototype model are shown in Figs. 20–25. Fig. 20 shows the
required in multilevel inverters. reference load voltage of 200 V obtained using an auto transformer
ii. The buck operation of individual buck circuits in the in the single-phase supply. Fig. 21 shows the waveform of source
differential inverter is not passing through the zero cross over voltage and source current. The power factor is unity. Fig. 22
the region. Hence, the cross over distortion associated with shows the D-STATCOM voltage and current before compensation.
similar buck inverter-based topologies is absent here. The current waveform is not sinusoidal due to non-linear loads.
iii. In total, 100% ripple cancellation is possible by proper The current is slightly lagging due to the Inductive loading. Fig. 23
synchronisation of triggering of both legs of the inverter. shows the waveform of the non-linear load alone. Fig. 24 shows
iv. Active power decoupling facility can be implemented in the the load voltage waveform of sag mitigation by the DVR. A sag of
DC side without any additional switches or devices. Due to 20 V is initiated after a delay time using a delay timer and insertion
this, there will not be any second-order AC current and voltage of pre-determined resistance load in the load circuit. The DVR
in the dc side. So the life of BESS/battery is increased. injects 20 V to the system and the voltage is maintained at 200 V.
Fig. 25 shows the load voltage waveform of swell mitigation by the

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 Fig. 24 Waveform of load votage, first portion normal 200 V, second
portion sag (180 V) and third portion DVR injection (200 V)

Fig. 25 Waveform of load voltage first portion normal 200 V, second

Fig. 19 Photograph of the hardware setup control of prototype model of portion swell (220 V) and third portion DVR absorption (200V)
UPQC at Resesrch Laboratory, GEC, Thrissur
8 Conclusion
The study simulates a 20 kVA, single-phase UPQC (using a PV-
integrated distribution system for design) with a reduced DC link
voltage of 360 V in MATLAB R2016a using ode23tb solver. The
total load was 22 kVA in the system and the voltage is maintained
at 226 V. To reduce THD, reactive load compensation of 10 kVAR
and taking away the unwanted harmonics from the source were
found to be sufficient. The source draws only active power, and the
simulation results validated the input power factor as unity. The
development of a prototype model of the UPQC of 800 VA
Fig. 20 Waveform showing reference load voltage
capacity took place in our laboratory, by incorporating a 10 kW PV
power into the grid and using a D-SPACE controller. The model
achieved a load voltage of 200 V irrespective of sag and swell, with
an economic model. This new design would find application in PV-
integrated distribution systems and PV generating companies
which need to integrate the PV generation to the utility grid for
maintaining PQ standards. We have to limit the load in the line to
the thermal limit of the conductor, therefore a higher capacity
UPQC will be a limitation. We are planning to design and develop
a three-phase, four-wire UPQC of 100 kVA rating, which is
Fig. 21 Waveform of source voltage and current after compensation optimal for a healthcare facility/hospital.

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