Emerging trends and advances in techniques in power electronics, Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) has a superior performance compared to other methods. The paper proposes the application of a ANN based UPQC to enhance the power quality of a three-phase Low-voltage network connected to a hybrid distribution generation (DG) system. The proposed work emphases the detailed performance analysis of a distributed generation system that integrates a solar PV and wind energy system by utilizing Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) with an artificial neural network (ANN) controller with respect to proportional-integral (PI) controller. The core objective of the proposed ANN is to offer good steady and dynamic state performance compared to the PID controller. The system called UPQC-ANN-RE feeds energy generated by a photovoltaic array and a wind turbine into the electrical grid and loads attached to a system of 3-phase 4-wire electrical distribution. In addition to inserting active/real power in the utility grid, the system of UPQC-ANN-RE functions as a UPQC, improving power quality signs e.g., voltage and current harmonics and power factor. A detailed analysis of the active-real power flow by converters is carried out to allow a good understanding of the operation of the UPQC-ANN-RE. The simulation outcomes are presented to assess the dynamic and steady state performance of the system of UPQC-ANN-RE connected to an electrical distribution system and to compare the consequences with the PI controller.

This work presents a distributed generation system (DG) that combines system of a wind turbine (WT) and photovoltaic (PV) using a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC). Along with providing active power (AP) to the utility grid, Wind‐PV‐UPQC improves PQ indicators, for example, voltage drops/surges, harmonics of grid voltages, and PF. Since Wind‐PV‐UPQC depends on dual compensation scheme, the parallel converter works as a sinusoidal voltage source, while the series converter works as a sinusoidal current source. In this way, a smooth transition from grid operation to island operation and vice versa can be achieved without load voltage transitions. In addition, in order to overcome the problems through abrupt solar radiation or wind speed variations, a faster power balance is achieved between the wind turbines, the PV array, and the grid, as FFCL pursue the production of the current references of series converter. Consequently, the dynamic reactions of the converter currents and the voltage of dc bus are enhanced. A comprehensive analysis of flow of the AP through the converters is done to ensure a proper understanding of how Wind‐PV‐UPQC works. Finally, the simulation results are shown to estimate the dynamic and static performance of Wind‐PV‐UPQC in conjunction with the power distribution system.

This paper presents a comprehensive study that includes the sizing and power flow by series and parallel inverters in a distributed generation system (DGs) that integrates the system of hybrid wind photovoltaic with a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC). In addition to supplying active power to the utility grid, the system of hybrid wind photovoltaic functions as a UPQC, compensating reactive power and suppressing the harmonic load currents. Additionally, the load is supplied with harmonic-free, balanced and regulated output voltages. Since PVWind-UPQC is established on a dual compensation scheme, the series inverter works like a sinusoidal current source, while the parallel inverter works like a sinusoidal voltage source. Consequently, a smooth alteration from interconnected operating modes to island operating modes and vice versa can be achieved without load voltage transients. Since PV-Wind-UPQC inverters handle the energy generated through the hybrid wind photovoltaic system and the energy demanded through the load, the converters should be sized cautiously. A detailed study of the flow of power via the PV-Wind-UPQC is imperative to gain a complete understanding of the system operation and the proper design of the converters. Thus, curves that allow the sizing of the power converters according to the power flow via the converters are presented and discussed. Simulation results are presented to assess both steady state and dynamic performances of the grid connected hybrid system of PV-Wind-UPQC. This investigation is verified by simulating and analyzing the results with Matlab/Simulink.

The global climate protection policy aimed at achieving a zero greenhouse gas emissions target has led to the fast incorporation of large-scale photovoltaics into the power network. The conventional AC grid was not modeled to be incorporated with large-scale non-synchronous inverter-based energy resources (IBR). Incorporating inertia-free IBR into the grid leads to technical issues such as the degradation of system strength and inertia, therefore affecting the safety and reliability of the electrical power system. This research introduced a new solution to incorporate a flywheel in the rotor of a synchronous machine to improve the dynamic inertia control during a system disruption and to maintain the constancy of the system. The objective of this work is to enhance large-scale photovoltaic systems in such a way that they can avoid failures during a fault. A model of transient constancy with two synchronous generators and a LSPV is established in PowerWorld modeling software. A line-to-ground and three-phase fault are simulated in a system with up to 50% IBR penetration. The outcomes showed that the power network was able to ride through faults (RTFs) and that the stability of frequency and voltage are enhanced because of a flywheel that improved grid inertia and strength.

The management of electricity distribution faces numerous challenges, including energy losses arising from technical and non-technical issues such as electricity theft. Energy losses due to theft have a significant global impact, including in South Africa (SA). SA rural areas are suffering from poor voltage, and technical and non-technical losses due to old power system systems. Hence, this research project is a proposal for the upgradation of an old and technically weak network of Nottingham Road, Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa. To reduce non-technical losses, this research examines the influence and potential solutions of using smart meters. The paper focuses on modeling real low voltage (LV) distribution systems and the energy meters that measure various parameters of the smart meters. This research also examines the effect of illegal links on the network. However, implementing the smart metering technology for lesser power consumers in developing countries such as South Africa can be challenging because of the greater initial costs. Therefore, this paper investigates the possibility of various technology choices and their return on investment in both urban and rural regions.