In the rapidly evolving landscape of renewable energy, power quality (PQ) has emerged as a critical concern, especially with the increasing integration of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and other non-linear loads. A groundbreaking study led by Koganti Srilakshmi, from the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Sreenidhi University, has introduced a novel hybrid control technique that promises to revolutionize the way we manage power quality in grid-connected and standalone renewable energy systems.
The research, published in Discover Applied Sciences, focuses on the Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC), a device designed to enhance power quality by mitigating disturbances, voltage swell/sag, and grid voltage imbalances. The study addresses the significant distortions that EVCS experience, whether connected to the grid or operating independently on battery energy storage devices (BESD) and solar energy.
At the heart of this innovation is a hybrid control approach that combines a Fractional Order Proportional Integral Controller (FOPIDC) for the shunt filter of the UPQC with an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). This combination aims to maintain steady voltage across the DC capacitor (SVDC) during variations in load and solar irradiation. “The primary goal of the UPQC is to ensure stable and reliable power delivery, which is crucial for the efficient operation of EVCS and other sensitive loads,” Srilakshmi explains.
The study evaluates the performance of the developed model in both grid-connected and islanding scenarios across four distinct test cases. The results are compelling: the proposed system reduces Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to levels as low as 2.23%, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving power quality. While the methodology shows slight limitations compared to some existing methods, it offers a significant advancement in the field.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, so does the need for reliable and efficient charging infrastructure. By enhancing power quality, this hybrid control technique could pave the way for more stable and efficient EVCS operations, reducing downtime and improving user experience. Moreover, the ability to maintain steady voltage across the DC capacitor during variations in load and solar irradiation could lead to more robust and resilient renewable energy systems.
The study also highlights the potential for commercial applications. Energy providers and EVCS operators could benefit from this technology by reducing maintenance costs and improving the overall reliability of their systems. “This research opens up new possibilities for the energy sector, particularly in the context of renewable energy integration and electric vehicle adoption,” Srilakshmi notes.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this hybrid control technique will play a crucial role in shaping the future of power quality management. By addressing the challenges posed by non-linear loads and renewable energy sources, this research sets a new standard for efficiency and reliability in the energy sector. The findings, published in Discover Applied Sciences, underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex energy challenges.