ABSTRACT Designing Anti-Islanding Detection Using the Synchrophasor Vector Processor Ruth Huang The need for distributed generation (DG) has become more and more popular because of the adverse effects of fossil fuels and the fear of running out of fossil fuels. By having DG, there are less transmission losses, voltage support, controllability of the system, decreased costs in transmission and distribution, power quality improvement, energy efficiency, and reduced reserve margin. The adverse effects of DG are voltage flicker, harmonics, and islanding. Islanding occurs when the DG continues to energize the power system when the main utility is disconnected. Detecting islanding is important for personnel safety, speedy restoration, and equipment protection. This paper describes the different islanding methods currently used and the benefits of combining two passive islanding detection methods, under/over voltage detection and voltage phase jump detection methods, using the synchrophasor vector processor (SVP).

Within recent years, interest in the installation of solar-based, wind-based, and various other renewable Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Energy Storage (ES) systems has risen; in part due to rising energy costs, demand for cleaner power generation, increased power quality demands, and the need for additional protection against brownouts and blackouts. A viable solution for these requirements consists of installation of small-scale DER and ES systems at the single-phase (1Φ) distribution level to provide ancillary services such as peak load shaving, Static-VAr Compensation (STATCOM), ES, and Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) capabilities through the creation of microgrid systems. To interconnect DER and ES systems, power electronic converters are needed with not only control systems that operate in multiple modes of operation, but with islanding detection and resynchronization capabilities for isolation from and reclosure to the grid. The proposed system includes control architecture capable of operating in multiple modes, and with the ability to smoothly transfer between modes. Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs), islanding detection schemes, and resynchronization protocols are developed to support the control functionality proposed. Stationary frame PLL developments proposed in this work improve upon existing methods by eliminating steady-state noise/ripple without using Low-Pass Filters (LPFs), increasing frequency/phase tracking speeds for a wide range of disturbances, and retaining robustness for weakly interconnected systems. An islanding detection scheme for the stationary frame control is achieved through the stability of the PLL system interaction with the converter control. The proposed detection method relies upon the conditional stability of the PLL controller which is sensitive to grid-disconnections. This method is advantageous over other methods of active islanding detection mainly due to the need for those methods to perturb the output to test for islanding conditions. The PLL stability method does not inject signal perturbations into the output of the converter, but instead is designed to be stable while grid-connected, but inherently unstable for grid-disconnections. Resynchronization and reclosure to the grid is an important control aspect for microgrid systems that have the ability to operate in stand-alone, backup modes while disconnected from the grid. The resynchronization method proposed utilizes a dual PLL tracking system which minimizes voltage transients during the resynchronization process; while a logic-based reclosure algorithm ensures minimal magnitude, frequency, and phase mismatches between the grid and an isolated microgrid system to prevent inrush currents between the grid and stand-alone microgrid system. / Ph. D.

This dissertation covers several issues related to the ac-dc bus-interface bi-directional converters in renewable energy systems. The dissertation explores a dc-electronic distribution system for residential and commercial applications with a focus on the design of an ac-dc bi-directional converter for such application. This converter is named as the "Energy Control Center" due to its unique role in the system. First, the impact of the unbalanced power from the ac grid, especially the single-phase grid, on the dc system operation is analyzed. Then, a simple ac-dc two-stage topology and an advanced digital control system is proposed with a detailed design procedure. The proposed converter system significantly reduces the dc-link capacitor volume and achieves a dynamics-decoupling operation between the interfaced systems. The total volume of the two-stage topology can be reduced by upto three times compared with the typical design of a full-bridge converter. In addition, film capacitors can be used instead of electrolytic capacitors in the system, and thus the whole system reliability is improved. A set of ac passive plus active filter solutions is proposed for the ac-dc bus-interface converter which significantly reduces the total power filter volume but still eliminate the total leakage current and the common-mode conducted EMI noises by more than 90%. The dc-side low-frequency CM voltage ripple generated by the unbalanced ac voltages can be eliminated as well. The proposed solution features a high reliability and fits three types of the prevalent low-voltage ac distribution systems. Grid synchronization, a critical interface control in ac-dc bus-interface converters, is discussed in detail. First, a novel single-phase grid synchronization solution is proposed to achieve the rejection of multiple noises as well as the capability to track the ac voltage amplitude. Then, a comprehensive modeling methodology of the grid synchronization for three-phase system is proposed to explain the output frequency behaviors of grid-interface power converters at the weak grid, at the islanded condition, and at the multi-converter condition. The proposed models provide a strong tool to predict the grid synchronization instabilities raised from industries under many operating conditions, which is critical in future more-distributed-generation power systems. Islanding detection issues in ac-dc bus-interface converters are discussed in detail. More than five frequency-based islanding detection algorithms are proposed. These solutions achieve different performances and are suitable for different applications, which are advantageous over existing solutions. More importantly, the detailed modeling, trade-off analysis, and design procedures are given to help completely understand the principles. In the end, the effectiveness of the proposed solutions in a multiple-converter system are analyzed. The results drawn from the discussion can help engineers to evaluate other existing solutions as well. / Ph. D.

Under the envisioned smart city paradigm, there is an increasing demand for the coordinated operation of our infrastructure networks. In this context, this thesis puts forth a comprehensive toolbox for the optimization of electric power and water distribution networks. On the analytical front, the toolbox consists of novel mixed-integer (non)-linear program (MINLP) formulations; convex relaxations with optimality guarantees; and the powerful technique of McCormick linearization. On the application side, the developed tools support the operation of each of the infrastructure networks independently, but also towards their joint operation. Starting with water distribution networks, the main difficulty in solving any (optimal-) water flow problem stems from a piecewise quadratic pressure drop law. To efficiently handle these constraints, we have first formulated a novel MINLP, and then proposed a relaxation of the pressure drop constraints to yield a mixed-integer second-order cone program. Further, a novel penalty term is appended to the cost that guarantees optimality and exactness under pre-defined network conditions. This contribution can be used to solve the WF problem; the OWF task of minimizing the pumping cost satisfying operational constraints; and the task of scheduling the operation of tanks to maximize the water service time in an area experiencing electric power outage. Regarding electric power systems, a novel MILP formulation for distribution restoration using binary indicator vectors on graph properties alongside exact McCormick linearization is proposed. This can be used to minimize the restoration time of an electric system under critical operational constraints, and to enable a coordinated response with the water utilities during outages. / Master of Science / The advent of smart cities has promoted research towards interdependent operation of utilities such as water and power systems. While power system analysis is significantly developed due to decades of focused research, water networks have been relying on relatively less sophisticated tools. In this context, this thesis develops Advanced efficient computational tools for the analysis and optimization for water distribution networks. Given the consumer demands, an optimal water flow (OWF) problem for minimizing the pump operation cost is formulated. Developing a rigorous analytical framework, the proposed formulation provides significant computational improvements without compromising on the accuracy. Explicit network conditions are provided that guarantee the optimality and feasibility of the obtained OWF solution. The developed formulation is next used to solve two practical problems: the water flow problem, that solves the complex physical equations yielding nodal pressures and pipeline flows given the demands/injections; and an OWF problem that finds the best operational strategy for water utilities during power outages. The latter helps the water utility to maximize their service time during power outages, and helps power utilities better plan their restoration strategy. While the increased instrumentation and automation has enabled power utilities to better manage restoration during outages, finding an optimal strategy remains a difficult problem. The operational and coordination requirements for the upcoming distributed resources and microgrids further complicate the problem. This thesis develops a computationally fast and reasonably accurate power distribution restoration scheme enabling optimal coordination of different generators with optimal islanding. Numerical tests are conducted on benchmark water and power networks to corroborate the claims of the developed formulations.

Islanding occurs when a connected load to the grid is disconnected from the grid and energized solely by local generators. Islanding can result in frequency and voltage instability, changes in current, and overall poor power quality. Poor power quality can interrupt industrial operations, damage sensitive electrical equipment, and induce outages upon the resynchronization of the island with the grid. This study proposes an islanding detection method employing Duffing oscillators to analyze fluctuations at the point of common coupling (PCC) under a high-noise environment, focusing on decreasing detection period, zero power mismatch nondetection zone, and power quality degradation. Unlike existing methods, which overlook the noise effect, this study mitigates noise impact on islanding detection. Power system noise in PCC measurements arises from switching transients, harmonics, grounding issues, voltage sags, voltage swells, electromagnetic interference, and power quality issues that affect islanding detection. Transient events, like lightning-induced traveling waves can also introduce noise levels exceeding the voltage amplitude, disturbing conventional detection techniques~cite{IEEE1313}. The noise interferes with measurements and increases the nondetection zone (NDZ), causing failed or delayed islanding detection. Duffing oscillator nonlinear dynamics enable detection capabilities at a high noise level. The proposed methods are designed to detect the PCC measurement fluctuations based on the IEEE standard 1547 through the Duffing oscillator. The basic idea is that the Duffing oscillator phase trajectory changes from periodic to chaotic mode and sends an islanded operation command to the inverter. The proposed islanding detection method can distinguish switching transients and faults from an islanded operation. / Master of Science / This study introduces a method to detect one of the important power grid issues, called islanding. Islanding occurs when a power grid section becomes isolated and continues to operate independently, leading to power quality problems and safety hazards. The method is developed using a Duffing oscillator that can detect special signals under a high-noise environment. The proposed method monitors electrical characteristics for islanding detection, including frequency, phase angle, and voltage amplitude. The method can quickly and accurately identify when an islanded operation occurs by analyzing these signals. This method combines the advantages of passive and active detection methods while avoiding common drawbacks, such as failed and delayed detection and power quality degradation. The proposed method is tested on a setup and meets IEEE standard 1547 criteria for safety and performance. The method is important because it detects islanded operations in a high-noise environment when the other methods cannot detect islanded operations correctly. The method maintains accuracy with decreased power quality degradation in noise. This method is a cost-effective solution for modern power grids increasingly integrating renewable energy resources.

A conexão de geradores distribuídos em sistemas de distribuição deve ser cuidadosamente avaliada para que os mesmos auxiliem efetivamente na melhoria do desempenho das redes elétricas, buscando reduzir ou eliminar eventuais situações que causem a degradação da qualidade da energia elétrica fornecida aos consumidores, entre outros aspectos. Neste contexto, existem vários trabalhos que analisam a influência da conexão de geradores distribuídos no perfil de tensão da rede elétrica, frequência, desequilíbrio de fases e distorção harmônica. No entanto, há poucos trabalhos analisando os efeitos da desconexão de geradores distribuídos na qualidade da energia fornecida aos consumidores. Uma vez operando em paralelo com a rede de distribuição, esses geradores influenciam o perfil de tensão e o comportamento dos dispositivos reguladores de tensão. Como consequência, sua desconexão pode provocar variações de tensão intensas causando danos ou mau funcionamento às cargas. A desconexão pode ser repentina ou devido à atuação da proteção anti-ilhamento, seguida dos procedimentos de religamento automático do alimentador, se houver. Visando estudar este problema, o qual tende a se tornar uma nova preocupação das concessionárias de energia elétrica, e no intuito de minimizar e/ou eliminar os possíveis efeitos negativos dessas variações de tensão, esta pesquisa propõe o desenvolvimento de um método de controle dos taps dos reguladores de tensão. Neste método, o controle dos taps foi modelado como um problema de otimização, minimizando as violações de tensão mencionadas anteriormente e também a quantidade de operações dos reguladores de tensão ao longo de um dia típico. A otimização foi solucionada com um Algoritmo Genético e os resultados obtidos indicaram que é possível minimizar as variações de tensão usando a curva de carga do sistema para planejar a operação dos reguladores de tensão. / The connection of distributed generators in an electric power system should be evaluated carefully to ensure that they effectively assist in improving the performance of electrical networks, reducing or eliminating any situations that cause degradation of the power quality of the consumers, and other issues. In this context, there are several studies that analyze the influence of generators connected to distribution systems and how they affect the frequency, cause variations in voltage magnitude, voltage unbalance and harmonic distortion. However, there are a few studies analyzing the effects that the disconnection of distributed generators induces to the power quality of consumers. Once operating in parallel with the distribution network, these generators have an effect on voltage variations and voltage regulator devices. As a result, disconnection can cause severe voltage variations causing damage or malfunction to the loads. The disconnection may be sudden or due to the action of anti-islanding protection, followed by the procedure to reconnect the substation, if it is possible. In order to study this problem, which tends to become a new power quality concern for electric utilities, and in order to minimize and / or eliminate the possible side effects of the voltage variations, this research proposes the development of a control method of voltage regulators\' taps. In this method, the control of taps was modeled as an optimization problem which aimed to minimize these voltage variations aforementioned and also the amount of voltage regulator operations over a typical day. The optimization was solved by a Genetic Algorithm and the results obtained demonstrate that it is possible to minimize the voltage variation by using the system load curve to plan the operation of voltage regulators.

Este trabalho estuda a interação entre os métodos anti-ilhamento aplicados em sistemas fotovoltaicos residenciais, operando simultaneamente em uma rede de distribuição de baixa tensão. Os sistemas fotovoltaicos em geral interagem entre si, com a rede de distribuição da concessionária e com outras fontes de geração distribuída. Uma consequência importante dessa interação é a ocorrência do ilhamento, que acontece quando as fontes de geração distribuída fornecem energia ao sistema elétrico de potência mesmo quando esta se encontra eletricamente isolada do sistema elétrico principal. A função anti-ilhamento é uma proteção extremamente importante, devendo estar presente em todos os sistemas de geração distribuída. Atualmente, são encontradas diversas técnicas na literatura. Muitas delas oferecem proteção adequada quando um inversor está conectado à linha de distribuição, mas podem falhar quando dois ou mais funcionam simultaneamente, conectados juntos ou próximos entre si. Dois destes métodos são analisados detalhadamente nesse estudo, avaliados em uma rede de distribuição residencial de baixa tensão. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a influência de um método sobre o outro é dependente da predominância de cada um deles dentro do sistema elétrico. Contudo, nas condições analisadas o ilhamento foi detectado dentro do limite máximo estabelecido pelas normas pertinentes. / This work studies the interaction between islanding detection methods applied in residential photovoltaic systems, operating simultaneously in a low voltage distribution network. Photovoltaic systems, in general, interact with themselves, with the utility grid and other distributed generation sources. An important consequence of this interaction is the islanding occurrence, which happens when distributed generation sources supply energy to the electrical power system even when it is electrically isolated from the main electrical system. The anti-islanding function is an extremely important protection, and should be present in all distributed generation systems. Actually, many techniques are found in the literature. Most of them provide suitable protection when one inverter is connected to the distribution line, but can fail when two or more work simultaneously, connected at the same point or close to each other. Two of these methods are analyzed in detail in this study and evaluated in a residential low voltage distribution line. The obtained results show that the influence of a method over another one is dependent of the predominance of each one within the electrical system. However, in the analyzed condition the islanding was detected within the maximum allowed time established by applicable rules.

A conexão de geradores distribuídos em sistemas de distribuição deve ser cuidadosamente avaliada para que os mesmos auxiliem efetivamente na melhoria do desempenho das redes elétricas, buscando reduzir ou eliminar eventuais situações que causem a degradação da qualidade da energia elétrica fornecida aos consumidores, entre outros aspectos. Neste contexto, existem vários trabalhos que analisam a influência da conexão de geradores distribuídos no perfil de tensão da rede elétrica, frequência, desequilíbrio de fases e distorção harmônica. No entanto, há poucos trabalhos analisando os efeitos da desconexão de geradores distribuídos na qualidade da energia fornecida aos consumidores. Uma vez operando em paralelo com a rede de distribuição, esses geradores influenciam o perfil de tensão e o comportamento dos dispositivos reguladores de tensão. Como consequência, sua desconexão pode provocar variações de tensão intensas causando danos ou mau funcionamento às cargas. A desconexão pode ser repentina ou devido à atuação da proteção anti-ilhamento, seguida dos procedimentos de religamento automático do alimentador, se houver. Visando estudar este problema, o qual tende a se tornar uma nova preocupação das concessionárias de energia elétrica, e no intuito de minimizar e/ou eliminar os possíveis efeitos negativos dessas variações de tensão, esta pesquisa propõe o desenvolvimento de um método de controle dos taps dos reguladores de tensão. Neste método, o controle dos taps foi modelado como um problema de otimização, minimizando as violações de tensão mencionadas anteriormente e também a quantidade de operações dos reguladores de tensão ao longo de um dia típico. A otimização foi solucionada com um Algoritmo Genético e os resultados obtidos indicaram que é possível minimizar as variações de tensão usando a curva de carga do sistema para planejar a operação dos reguladores de tensão. / The connection of distributed generators in an electric power system should be evaluated carefully to ensure that they effectively assist in improving the performance of electrical networks, reducing or eliminating any situations that cause degradation of the power quality of the consumers, and other issues. In this context, there are several studies that analyze the influence of generators connected to distribution systems and how they affect the frequency, cause variations in voltage magnitude, voltage unbalance and harmonic distortion. However, there are a few studies analyzing the effects that the disconnection of distributed generators induces to the power quality of consumers. Once operating in parallel with the distribution network, these generators have an effect on voltage variations and voltage regulator devices. As a result, disconnection can cause severe voltage variations causing damage or malfunction to the loads. The disconnection may be sudden or due to the action of anti-islanding protection, followed by the procedure to reconnect the substation, if it is possible. In order to study this problem, which tends to become a new power quality concern for electric utilities, and in order to minimize and / or eliminate the possible side effects of the voltage variations, this research proposes the development of a control method of voltage regulators\' taps. In this method, the control of taps was modeled as an optimization problem which aimed to minimize these voltage variations aforementioned and also the amount of voltage regulator operations over a typical day. The optimization was solved by a Genetic Algorithm and the results obtained demonstrate that it is possible to minimize the voltage variation by using the system load curve to plan the operation of voltage regulators.

Este trabalho estuda a interação entre os métodos anti-ilhamento aplicados em sistemas fotovoltaicos residenciais, operando simultaneamente em uma rede de distribuição de baixa tensão. Os sistemas fotovoltaicos em geral interagem entre si, com a rede de distribuição da concessionária e com outras fontes de geração distribuída. Uma consequência importante dessa interação é a ocorrência do ilhamento, que acontece quando as fontes de geração distribuída fornecem energia ao sistema elétrico de potência mesmo quando esta se encontra eletricamente isolada do sistema elétrico principal. A função anti-ilhamento é uma proteção extremamente importante, devendo estar presente em todos os sistemas de geração distribuída. Atualmente, são encontradas diversas técnicas na literatura. Muitas delas oferecem proteção adequada quando um inversor está conectado à linha de distribuição, mas podem falhar quando dois ou mais funcionam simultaneamente, conectados juntos ou próximos entre si. Dois destes métodos são analisados detalhadamente nesse estudo, avaliados em uma rede de distribuição residencial de baixa tensão. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a influência de um método sobre o outro é dependente da predominância de cada um deles dentro do sistema elétrico. Contudo, nas condições analisadas o ilhamento foi detectado dentro do limite máximo estabelecido pelas normas pertinentes. / This work studies the interaction between islanding detection methods applied in residential photovoltaic systems, operating simultaneously in a low voltage distribution network. Photovoltaic systems, in general, interact with themselves, with the utility grid and other distributed generation sources. An important consequence of this interaction is the islanding occurrence, which happens when distributed generation sources supply energy to the electrical power system even when it is electrically isolated from the main electrical system. The anti-islanding function is an extremely important protection, and should be present in all distributed generation systems. Actually, many techniques are found in the literature. Most of them provide suitable protection when one inverter is connected to the distribution line, but can fail when two or more work simultaneously, connected at the same point or close to each other. Two of these methods are analyzed in detail in this study and evaluated in a residential low voltage distribution line. The obtained results show that the influence of a method over another one is dependent of the predominance of each one within the electrical system. However, in the analyzed condition the islanding was detected within the maximum allowed time established by applicable rules.

This study concerns frequency relays and voltage relays applied to the protection of synchronous distributed generators operating in reactive power control mode without a frequency regulation function. The effect of active and reactive powers combination, load power factor, and reactive power imbalance are investigated for their implication for the anti-islanding setting of the frequency relay. Results reveal that the effect of these factors must be considered when setting the relay for islanding detection. For the voltage relay, results reveal that the effect of active and reactive powers combination, load power factor, and active power imbalance must be considered when setting the relay for islanding detection. The effect of multi-stage tripping on the frequency relay ability to detect island was also investigated. Results show that multistage tripping can improve the anti-islanding performance of the frequency relay. / Electrical Engineering / M. Tech. (Electrical Engineering)