Thesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. / From the electric power generation perspective, the last three decades have been characterized by sustained growth in the amount of Distributed Power Generation (DPG) systems integrated into the electric grid. This trend is anticipated to continue, especially in light of the widespread acceptance of the many benefits envisaged in the increase of renewable-based power generation. The potential for grid-integrated DPG systems to significantly contribute to electric power supply reliability has consistently attracted extensive research in recent times, although concerns continue to be raised over their adverse impact on the normal grid operation at high penetration levels. These concerns largely stem from the limited controllability of most DPG systems, which tend to exhibit large output impedance variation, and non-deterministic power output characteristics. There has therefore also been a growing need to develop effective control strategies that can enhance the overall impact of the DPG systems on the grid operation, thus improving their synergistic properties, and probably also enabling an even higher penetration level into the utility grid. In line with this identified need, this thesis discusses the modeling and controller design for an inverter-based DPG system with the capability to effectively operate both in grid-connected and autonomous (i.e. independent of the utility grid) operational modes. The dual-mode operation of the DPG is made possible by incorporating into the inverter interface control scheme the means to ensure seamless transition of the DPG between the grid-connected and autonomous modes of operation. The intention is to have a grid-integrated inverter-based DPG system whose operation approximates that of an online Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system, in that it is able to sustain power supply to the local load in the absence of the grid supply, which would be desirable for critical loads, for which the level of power supply reliability guaranteed by the grid often falls short of the requirements. The work developed in this thesis considers three of the aspects associated with grid-integrated DPG systems that are equipped with autonomous-mode operation capability.

Thesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology. / Distributed Generation systems based on renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar are mostly intermittent sources, due to their dependency on the weather, whereas those based on other primary energy sources are non-intermittent. All of them are specially designed to be integrated into distribution systems, in order to improve the power demand of consumers. In the last few decades of the twentieth century, several different factors have played a key role in increasing interest in systems. Distributed Generation (DG) is gaining more and more attention worldwide as an alternative to large-scale central generating stations. The aim of this research project is to investigate the contribution of distributed generation in fault current level in a power distribution system. The simulation results indicate that DG can have a positive or negative impact, on the fault current level in distribution network systems. The DG location and size affect the fault level. The second aim of this research was to suggest a model-based method for design, and implementation of a protection scheme for power distribution systems, by establish algorithms in a hardware environment. The overcurrent relay was chosen for the model development because it is considered a simple and popular protection scheme, and it is a common scheme in relaying applications. The proposed relay model was tested for fault conditions applied on a simple power system in different scenarios. The overcurrent relay model was implemented in MATLAB/Simulink, by using MATLAB programming languages and the SimPowerSystem (SPS) Tool. MATLAB/SIMULINK software is applicable to the modelling of generation, transmission, distribution and industrial grids, and the analysis of the interactions of these grids. This software provides a library of standard electrical components or models such as transformers, machines, and transmission lines. Therefore, the modelling and simulations are executed using MATLAB/Simulink version 2014b

Thesis (DTech (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. / Fuel cells are among power generation technologies that have been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They have the potential of being one of the most widely used technologies of the 21st century, replacing conventional technologies such as gas turbines in stationary power supplies, internal combustion engines in transport applications and the lithium-ion battery in portable power applications. This research project concentrates on the performance analysis of a micro-cogeneration system based on a high temperatureproton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell through modelling and parametric analysis. A model of a 1kWe micro-cogeneration system that consists of a HT-PEM fuel cell, a methane steam reformer (MSR) reactor, a water-gas-shift (WGS) reactor, heat exchangers and an inverter was developed. The model is coded/implemented in gPROMS Model Builder, an equation oriented modelling platform. The models predictions for the HTPEM fuel cell, MSR and WGS, and the whole system were validated against experimental and numerical results from literature. The validation showed that the HT-PEM fuel cell model was able to predict the performance of a 1kWe fuel cell stack with an error of less than 6.4%. The system model is rstly used in a thermodynamic analysis of the fuel processor for a methane steam reforming process and investigated in terms of carbon monoxide produced. The combustor fuel and equivalence ratios were shown to be critical decision variables to be considered in order to keep the carbon monoxide from the fuel processor at acceptable levels for the fuel cell stack.

The Master's Thesis research focuses on analyzing the possibilities of using Direct Current distribution systems to distribute power to end users. Considering the shift in load types in the past few decades and also a growing demand of distributed generation, DC distribution can potentially offer higher efficiencies and cost savings to utilities. The incorporation of DC distribution offers the opportunity to eliminate multiple conversion stages for devices which are powered using DC electricity. The integration of power sources such as photovoltaics and fuel cells, which produce DC power, offer further incentives to consider the use of DC systems. Using DC systems can help eliminate the conversion losses associated with rectifiers and inverters which would be part of the infrastructure if AC distribution was used. In the literature, the study of DC distribution has been limited to customized systems. The objective of this research is to analyze DC distribution when applied to systems based on standard IEEE test feeder systems. The IEEE 13 node test feeder and the IEEE 37 node test feeder will be used as the basis for the analysis. Issues such as associated costs, protection and integration of appliances will also be addressed.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are distributed energy sources that are an environmentally friendly and renewable source of energy. However, solar PV power fluctuates due to variations in radiation and temperature levels. Furthermore, when the solar panel is directly connected to the load, the power that is delivered is not optimal. A maximum peak power point tracker is therefore necessary for maximum efficiency. A complete PV system equipped maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system includes a solar panel, MPPT algorithm, and a DC-DC converter topology. Each subsystem is modeled and simulated in a Matlab/Simulink environment; then the whole PV system is combined with the battery load to assess the overall performance when subjected to varying weather conditions. A PV panel model of moderate complexity based on the Shockley diode equation is used to predict the electrical characteristics of the cell with regard to changes in the atmospheric parameter of irradiance and temperature. In this dissertation, five MPPT algorithms are written in Matlab m-files and investigated via simulations. The standard Perturb and Observe (PO) algorithm along with its two improved versions and the conventional Incremental Conductance (IC) algorithm, also with its two-stage improved version, are assessed under different atmospheric operating conditions. An efficient two-mode MPPT algorithm combining the incremental conductance and the modified constant voltage methods is selected from the five ones as the best model, because it provides the highest tracking efficiencies in both sunny and cloudy weather conditions when compared to other MPPT algorithms. A DC-DC converter topology and interface study between the panel and the battery load is performed. This includes the steady state and dynamic analysis of buck and boost converters and allows the researcher to choose the appropriate chopper for the current PV system. Frequency responses using the state space averaged model are obtained for both converters. They are displayed with the help of Bode and root locus methods based on their respective transfer functions. Following the simulated results displayed in Matlab environment for both choppers, an appropriate converter is selected and implemented in the present PV system. The chosen chopper is then modeled using the Simulink Power Systems toolbox and validates the design specifications. The simulated results of the complete PV system show that the performances of the PV panel using the improved two-stage MPPT algorithm provides better steady state and fast transient characteristics when compared with the conventional incremental conductance method. It yields not only a reduction in convergence time to track the maximum power point MPP, but also a significant reduction in power fluctuations around the MPP when subjected to slow and rapid solar irradiance changes. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

This research addresses some of the difficulties faced when operating voltage controlled inverters with synchronous generators in microgrids. First, an overview of microgrid value propositions is provided, and the problems faced when attempting to use microgrids to provide improved power quality are discussed. Design considerations for different types of microgrids are provided to enable microgrids to deliver the desired functionality without adding unnecessary cost. The main body of this research investigates the poor transient load sharing encountered between voltage controlled inverters and synchronous generators in islanded operation. Poor transient load sharing results in high peak inverter rating requirements and high cost. The tradeoff between power quality and power sharing is highlighted, and methods to improve transient load sharing are proposed. The use of current limiting to protect inverters during faults and overloads is also investigated. Stability problems are identified when using simple inverter current limiting methods when operating in parallel with synchronous generators. Virtual impedance current limiting is proposed to improve transient stability during current limiting. The methods proposed in this thesis for mitigating inverter overloads and faults will allow for more reliable and cost effective application of inverter based distributed energy resources with synchronous generators in microgrids.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Mississippi State University. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

O incentivo a geração distribuída é uma tendência mundial, no sentido de diversificar e reforçar a malha de geração de energia elétrica. A normativa número 482, de 2012, desburocratiza o acesso de micro e mini geradores distribuídos à rede elétrica monofásica, possibilitando que os consumidores residenciais passem a atuar também como elementos geradores de energia elétrica. Dentre as formas de energia primária renováveis disponíveis na natureza, a eólica e a solar são as mais promissoras para unidades de geração residenciais. Este trabalho apresenta uma abordagem unificada da conexão de uma unidade de microgeração à rede monofásica fraca através de conversor CA-CC-CA. É definida uma estrutura de conexão que permite a regulação da tensão do barramento CC e da corrente de saída. É proposta uma estrutura de controle no referencial síncrono (d-q), cuja referência é fixada na tensão no ponto comum de conexão. A sincronização das grandezas em d-q é obtida por meio de um estimador baseado no Filtro de Kalman com ganhos fixos. O modelo matemático da etapa de conexão com a rede monofásica no domínio do tempo é determinado, tanto no referencial estático quanto no referencial síncrono. A abordagem matemática no domínio complexo também é considerada. Baseando-se no princípio da superposição, a resposta em frequência das grandezas do sistema de geração proposto é determinada. A parametrização dos controladores é realizada considerando-se um sistema dinâmico de ordem reduzida, baseado no modelo no referencial síncrono. As equações de estado dos controladores são inseridas no modelo da planta, e uma noção da análise de estabilidade é apresentada. Resultados de simulação são apresentados, para as etapas de conexão com carga isolada e para a sincronização com a rede da concessionária. Uma plataforma multi-uso para validação experimental é desenvolvida, e os resultados experimentais são mostrados. Resultados experimentais da estrutura de controle proposta são apresentados, de forma a validá-lo. / Encouraging distributed generation is a worldwide trend to diversify and strengthen the network of power generation. The normative number 482, 2012, reduces bureaucracy in accessing micro and mini single phase distributed generators to the power grid, allowing residential consumers act as electric power generators elements. Among the forms of renewable primary energy available in nature, wind and solar are the most promising for generating residential units. This paper presents a unified approach to connecting a unit of micro generation to the single-phase weak grid via AC-DC-AC converter. A structure of connection allows the adjustment of the DC bus voltage and the output current is defined. It is proposed a control structure in the synchronous reference frame (dq), whose reference voltage is fixed at the common connection point. The dq magnitudes synchronization is obtained by means of an estimator based on Kalman filter with fixed gains. The mathematical model of the single phase connection step in the time domain is determined, both in static as in the synchronous reference frame. The mathematical approach in the complex domain is also considered. Based on the principle of superposition, the frequency responses of the variables of the proposed generation system are determined. The parameterization of the controllers is performed considering a dynamic system of reduced order model based in the synchronous reference frame. The state equations of the controllers are included in the plant model, and a sense of the stability analysis is presented. Simulation results are presented for connection with isolated load and synchronization with the utility single phase grid. A multi-purpose platform for experimental validation is performed, and the experimental results are shown. Experimental results of the proposed control structure is presented in order to validate it.

O incentivo a geração distribuída é uma tendência mundial, no sentido de diversificar e reforçar a malha de geração de energia elétrica. A normativa número 482, de 2012, desburocratiza o acesso de micro e mini geradores distribuídos à rede elétrica monofásica, possibilitando que os consumidores residenciais passem a atuar também como elementos geradores de energia elétrica. Dentre as formas de energia primária renováveis disponíveis na natureza, a eólica e a solar são as mais promissoras para unidades de geração residenciais. Este trabalho apresenta uma abordagem unificada da conexão de uma unidade de microgeração à rede monofásica fraca através de conversor CA-CC-CA. É definida uma estrutura de conexão que permite a regulação da tensão do barramento CC e da corrente de saída. É proposta uma estrutura de controle no referencial síncrono (d-q), cuja referência é fixada na tensão no ponto comum de conexão. A sincronização das grandezas em d-q é obtida por meio de um estimador baseado no Filtro de Kalman com ganhos fixos. O modelo matemático da etapa de conexão com a rede monofásica no domínio do tempo é determinado, tanto no referencial estático quanto no referencial síncrono. A abordagem matemática no domínio complexo também é considerada. Baseando-se no princípio da superposição, a resposta em frequência das grandezas do sistema de geração proposto é determinada. A parametrização dos controladores é realizada considerando-se um sistema dinâmico de ordem reduzida, baseado no modelo no referencial síncrono. As equações de estado dos controladores são inseridas no modelo da planta, e uma noção da análise de estabilidade é apresentada. Resultados de simulação são apresentados, para as etapas de conexão com carga isolada e para a sincronização com a rede da concessionária. Uma plataforma multi-uso para validação experimental é desenvolvida, e os resultados experimentais são mostrados. Resultados experimentais da estrutura de controle proposta são apresentados, de forma a validá-lo. / Encouraging distributed generation is a worldwide trend to diversify and strengthen the network of power generation. The normative number 482, 2012, reduces bureaucracy in accessing micro and mini single phase distributed generators to the power grid, allowing residential consumers act as electric power generators elements. Among the forms of renewable primary energy available in nature, wind and solar are the most promising for generating residential units. This paper presents a unified approach to connecting a unit of micro generation to the single-phase weak grid via AC-DC-AC converter. A structure of connection allows the adjustment of the DC bus voltage and the output current is defined. It is proposed a control structure in the synchronous reference frame (dq), whose reference voltage is fixed at the common connection point. The dq magnitudes synchronization is obtained by means of an estimator based on Kalman filter with fixed gains. The mathematical model of the single phase connection step in the time domain is determined, both in static as in the synchronous reference frame. The mathematical approach in the complex domain is also considered. Based on the principle of superposition, the frequency responses of the variables of the proposed generation system are determined. The parameterization of the controllers is performed considering a dynamic system of reduced order model based in the synchronous reference frame. The state equations of the controllers are included in the plant model, and a sense of the stability analysis is presented. Simulation results are presented for connection with isolated load and synchronization with the utility single phase grid. A multi-purpose platform for experimental validation is performed, and the experimental results are shown. Experimental results of the proposed control structure is presented in order to validate it.

M. Tech. Electrical Engineering. / This study analyses the technologies with potential to generate this much needed power and transmit the electricity from the point of generation to the end use location. South Africa has abundant supplies of indigenous primary energy resources such as coal, wind, and solar. The global shift from regulation of electricity and other energy markets, community awareness of environmental impact caused by large conventional power plants, and advances in renewable and high efficiency technologies have led to greater interest in DG technologies based on Renewable Energy Sources (RES). In this study, DG based on renewable energy sources (wind, solar and energy from the waste) is considered. Their potential contribution within Tshwane is assessed.This research project presents a technical analysis of the Tshwane Electricity Network incorporating distributed renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind, solar and small-hydro. Their sizing and placement within the distribution systems is analysed in order to minimise the electrical network losses and to guarantee acceptable voltage profile. The optimisation process is a load flow based algorithm.