Abstract

The main objective of this research is to model and characterize power systems with a large share of distributed energy resources. The effect of integrating distributed energy resources such as wind farms, photovoltaic arrays, fuel cell stacks and micro-hydroelectric generators on the power quality and voltage stability of power systems is investigated and characterized. A comprehensive power system model was developed in Matlab/Simulink environment. Stand-alone and grid-connected models of distributed energy resources were developed and integrated into the system under investigation. Several characteristics such bus voltage profiles, voltage transients, power flow, and total harmonic distortion are captured and investigated. The integration of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices such as Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSST), Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC), Static VAR Compensator (SVC), and Static Compensator (STATCOM) into power systems was also studied. Models of common FACTS devices were developed and integrated into the power system model. The effect of installing FACTS devices on the power quality and voltage stability of power systems with a significant component of distributed energy resources was investigated. Power system characteristics with and without FACTS devices were determined and investigated. From the simulation results, it is observed that there is a significant improvement in the power quality by integrating FACTS device. Future research into the feasibility and optimal location of FACTS devices to improve power system performance and operation will be needed.

Date of publication

Spring 4-30-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Language

english

Persistent identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10950/66

Download

Share

COinS