LAPSE:2023.32651
Published Article
LAPSE:2023.32651
Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants
Henry Bory, Jose L. Martin, Iñigo Martinez de Alegria, Luis Vazquez
April 20, 2023
Micro-hydro power plants (μHPPs) are a major energy source in grid-isolated zones because they do not require reservoirs and dams to be built. μHPPs operate in a standalone mode, but a continuously varying load generates voltage unbalances and frequency fluctuations which can cause long-term damage to plant components. One method of frequency regulation is the use of alternating current-alternating current (AC-AC) converters as an electronic load controller (ELC). The disadvantage of AC-AC converters is reactive power consumption with the associated decrease in both the power factor and the capacity of the alternator to deliver current. To avoid this disadvantage, we proposed two rectifier topologies combined with symmetrical switching. However, the performance of the frequency regulation loop with each topology remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of the frequency regulation loop when each topology, with a symmetrical switching form, was inserted. A MATLAB® model was implemented to simulate the frequency loop. The results from a μHPP case study in a small Cuban rural community called ‘Los Gallegos’ showed that the performance of the frequency regulation loop using the proposed topologies satisfied the standard frequency regulation and increased both the power factor and current delivery capabilities of the alternator.
Keywords
dump load, electronic load controller, frequency regulation, symmetrical switching
Suggested Citation
Bory H, Martin JL, Martinez de Alegria I, Vazquez L. Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants. (2023). LAPSE:2023.32651
Author Affiliations
Bory H: Electrical Engineering Faculty, University of Oriente, Av. Las Americas s/n, Santiago de Cuba 90400, Cuba
Martin JL: Department of Electronic Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ing. Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain [ORCID]
Martinez de Alegria I: Department of Electronic Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ing. Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
Vazquez L: Electrical Engineering Faculty, University of Oriente, Av. Las Americas s/n, Santiago de Cuba 90400, Cuba
Journal Name
Energies
Volume
14
Issue
11
First Page
3201
Year
2021
Publication Date
2021-05-30
Published Version
ISSN
1996-1073
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PII: en14113201, Publication Type: Journal Article
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doi:10.3390/en14113201
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Apr 20, 2023
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