A recent study published in “Results in Engineering” by Ashraf K. Abdelaal from the Department of Electrical Power and Machines at Suez University, Egypt, presents a significant advancement in ensuring voltage stability within electrical power distribution systems. The research highlights the application of Sliding Mode Control (SMC) in Dynamic Voltage Restorers (DVRs) to effectively counter voltage sags, which can adversely affect modern industries increasingly reliant on electric machines and devices.
Voltage sags, or temporary drops in voltage levels, are a common issue in power systems, exacerbated by the non-linear demands introduced by power electronic converters. These disturbances can lead to equipment malfunction and increased operational costs for industries. Abdelaal’s work addresses these challenges by demonstrating how SMC can enhance the performance of DVRs, making them more effective in maintaining power quality.
The study reveals that the SMC-based DVR significantly outperformed the traditional Proportional-Integral (PI) controller. Specifically, it achieved a reduction in voltage sag duration and magnitude by approximately 30%, while also decreasing total harmonic distortion (THD) in load voltage by 25%. “These improvements support the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, which often introduce variability into the power grid,” Abdelaal noted, emphasizing the growing importance of reliable power quality in the context of increasing renewable energy adoption.
For commercial stakeholders in the energy sector, this research opens up new avenues for enhancing the reliability of power systems. Industries that rely heavily on sensitive electronic equipment can benefit from the implementation of SMC-based DVRs, leading to fewer operational interruptions and reduced maintenance costs. Moreover, as renewable energy sources become more prevalent, the ability to stabilize voltage levels will be crucial for ensuring a consistent power supply.
The findings underscore the potential for innovative control strategies like SMC to improve power quality and system sustainability. As industries continue to seek solutions to mitigate power quality issues, the adoption of advanced technologies such as those presented by Abdelaal could lead to a more resilient and efficient energy landscape.
