energies

Article
Improvements in Bidirectional Power-Flow Balancing
and Electric Power Quality of a Microgrid with
Unbalanced Distributed Generators and Loads by
Using Shunt Compensators
Wei-Neng Chang *, Chia-Min Chang and Shao-Kang Yen
Department of Electrical Engineering, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kwei-Shan,
Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan; moonlight7901@gmail.com (C.-M.C.); m0521023@stmail.cgu.edu.tw (S.-K.Y.)
* Correspondence: nchang@mail.cgu.edu.tw; Tel.: +886-3-211-8800




Received: 28 September 2018; Accepted: 20 November 2018; Published: 27 November 2018


Abstract: Improper connections of unbalanced distributed generators (DGs) and loads in a

three-phase microgrid cause unbalanced and bidirectional power flow problems. The unbalanced
DGs and loads may also aggravate the electric power quality (EPQ), such as voltage regulation,
power factor, and unbalanced current and voltage. This increases the difficulty of operation in
a microgrid. In this study, a three-phase, delta-connected, shunt-type universal compensator
was employed for achieving the bidirectional power-flow balancing and improving the EPQ
of a three-phase, distribution-level microgrid with unbalanced DGs and loads. A feedforward
compensation scheme was derived for the compensator by using the symmetrical components
method. In practical applications, the universal compensator can be implemented as static var
compensators (SVCs), static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs), or an additional function
of active filters. With the on-line compensation of the proposed compensator, the bidirectional
power-flow balancing and EPQ improvement in the microgrid were achieved. A demonstration
system was proposed to present the effectiveness of the compensator.

Keywords: bidirectional power flow; distributed generator; electric power quality; microgrid;
performance index; shunt compensator

1. Introduction
In the past few decades, due to the proliferation of renewable energy sources (RESs) and
government policies for a reduction in the use of fossil fuel resources, the microgrid has gained
attention. The concept of microgrid was introduced in 2000 to improve the reliability, sustainability,
and efficiency of modern electric power systems [1]. An increasing number of distributed generators
(DGs) have been incorporated into power distribution systems. DGs include different power generation
units such as wind power, solar power, energy storage, and biomass energy. In a small-scale three-phase
microgrid, low-capacity DGs are connected to the microgrid system in the form of single-phase devices.
Although DGs have some advantages when used in microgrids, due to the unbalance in loads and
uncertainty of power generations in DGs, some issues such as network protection, unbalanced problem,
load shedding, voltage regulation, provision of reactive power, and bidirectional power-flow balancing
should be considered [2–7]. The power generation of DGs is not very stable due to weather conditions.
For example, a wind power unit generates electricity on a windy day. A solar power unit cannot
supply a sufficient amount of electricity on a cloudy day. Therefore, the microgrid suffers the impact of
bidirectional power flow. Moreover, most of the loads mounted on distribution feeders are unbalanced.
For example, residential loads are single-phase loads with a lagging power factor. Excessive inductive

Energies 2018, 11, 3305; doi:10.3390/en11123305 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2018, 11, 3305 2 of 14

loads can cause a voltage drop in the power distribution system. Thus, a microgrid with many
unbalanced loads and DGs causes problems of unbalanced voltage and current, additional power
loss, voltage regulation, and bidirectional power-flow balancing. This increases the difficulty of
operating and managing a microgrid, especially for a microgrid with islanding operation ability.
Hence, it is crucial to maintain the electric power quality (EPQ) and bidirectional power-flow balancing
in a microgrid.
The effects of DGs on distribution systems have been the subject of many research investigations.
Authors in [8] mention the behavior of a microgrid while DGs are in terms of the location of the
connection point, and control strategies are considered for a better system performance. Much research
has been proposed to improve the reliability of microgrids. In [9], a two-stage energy management
strategy for the contributions of local wind power and plug-in electric vehicles in demand response
(DR) programs of commercial building microgrids is addressed, and the power balance can be
achieved between the power supply and the load. To enhance the resilience of a photovoltaic-based
microgrid equipped with battery storage for supplying a typical commercial building, an optimization
is achieved by solving a linear optimization programming problem while the conditional value at
risk (CVaR) is incorporated in the objective function [10]. Authors in [11] propose a heuristically
guided optimization algorithm for the optimum use of existing electrical/thermal resources in home
microgrids (H-MGs). In [12], a smart transactive energy (TE) framework is proposed to maximize the
profit and energy-balancing efficiency of H-MGs. In [13–15], authors explore a reverse power problem
and load-balancing technique in a microgrid. Authors in [16–20] have discussed reactive power control
and voltage regulation issues in microgrids. However, a compensation scheme integrating bidirectional
power-flow balancing and EPQ improvement in a three-phase microgrid is seldom seen.
SVCs and STATCOMs have been frequently used in power distribution systems as load
compensation and voltage regulation devices to enhance EPQ [21–24]. In this study, a shunt-type,
delta-connected universal compensator was developed for improving the operation performance
of a three-phase, distribution-level microgrid with unbalanced DGs and loads. The symmetrical
components method was employed to derive a feedforward compensation principle for the
compensator. For practical application, the universal compensator can be used as SVCs, STATCOMs,
active filters, and a combination of delta-connected reactors and capacitors without using an energy
storage element. The major contribution of this work is that the proposed compensator can easily
achieve the bidirectional power-flow balancing and EPQ improvement caused by unbalanced DGs
and loads in a three-phase, distribution-level microgrid.
Section 2 in this paper describes the structure of a microgrid with unbalanced DGs and loads that is
used as the test system. In Section 3, use of the symmetrical components method derived the feedward
compensation principle for the compensator. A bidirectional power-flow balancing was achieved.
The power quality of the microgrid was also improved using the compensator. Several definitions of
power quality performance indexes used in the study are introduced in Section 4. Section 5 uses the
MATLAB/SimuLink program (R2017a, The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA, USA) to implement the
microgrid as the test system. The operation performance of the microgrid with the proposed shunt
compensators was investigated. Section 6 presents the conclusion.

2. The Microgrid Circuit Model

Figure 1 presents a radial-type microgrid with unbalanced DGs and loads. The microgrid is a
three-phase, three-wire, seven buses, radial-type microgrid with unbalanced (single-phase) DGs
and loads. These single-phase DGs are connected between phase b and phase c at Bus 2, 4, 5,
and single-phase loads are connected between phase a and phase b at Bus 2, 3, 4, and 6. The proposed
shunt compensator can be installed on selected buses to improve the EPQ and achieve bidirectional
power-flow balancing.
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 15

P DG 2  jQ DG 2 P DG 4  jQ DG 4 P DG 5  jQ DG 5
Energies 2018, 11, 3305 3 of 14
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW bc DG bc DG bc DG 3 of 15
Bus 0 Bus 1 Bus 2 Bus 3 Bus 4 Bus 5 Bus 6
Three-Phase abc abc abc abc abc abc
DG 5
Power
P DG 2  jQ DG 2 P DG 4  jQ DG 4 P  jQ DG 5
Source Cable ab DG
bc ab DG
bc bc DG
Bus 0 Bus 1Line Bus 2 Bus 3ab Bus 4 Bus 5 Bus 6ab
Three-Phase abc abc abc abc abc abc
Power P L 2  jQ L 2 P L 3  jQ L 3 P L 4  jQ L 4 P L 6  jQ L6
Source Cable ab ab
ab ab
Figure 1. Radial-type, three-phase
Line microgrid with unbalanced distributed generators (DGs) and
loads. L2 L2 L3 L3 L4 L4 L6 L6
P  jQ P  jQ P  jQ P  jQ
The
Figure symmetrical
1. Radial-type, components method with
three-phase microgrid can unbalanced
simplify the unbalanced
distributed microgrid
generators (DGs) andsystem
loads. for
Figure 1. Radial-type, three-phase microgrid with unbalanced distributed generators (DGs) and
conducting
loads.
a steady-state analysis. The required compensation principle of the proposed shunt
The symmetrical components method can simplify the
compensator can also be derived. Figure 2 presents the equivalent circuit model between two unbalanced microgrid system for
conducting
neighboring a steady-state
buses in Figure analysis.
1. Equation The required
(1) can compensation principle of the proposed shunt
The symmetrical components method canbesimplify
obtained theby applying
unbalanced Kirchhoff’s
microgrid Voltage
system Law.for
compensator can also be derived. Figure 2 presents the equivalent circuit model between l twol
Equation
conducting (2) apresents the impedance
steady-state analysis. The matrix of the three-phase
required compensation distribution
principle lines,
of thewhere Zaa , shunt
proposed Z bb ,
neighboring buses in Figure 1. Equation (1) can bel obtained by applying Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.
compensator
and Zccl are can also be derived.
and Zab Figure
l 2 presents
Zbcl , and arethe
Zca three-phaseequivalent circuit model between two
Equation (2) self-impedance
presents the impedance , matrix of the mutual impedance.
distributionInlines,
general,
wheretheZmutual
l
aa , Zbb ,
l
neighboring
l arecan buses in Figure 1. Equation
l (1) can
l distribution
lbe obtained by applying Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.
impedance
and Zcc be neglected and
self-impedance in a Z power system [25]. By combining Equations (1) and
ab , Zbc , and Zca are mutual impedance. In general, the lmutual l
Equation
(2), (2)
Equationcan
impedance presents
(3)be the
is neglected impedance
obtained. in Byausing
powerthe matrix of the
symmetrical
distribution three-phase
[25]. distribution
components
system By method,
combining lines,
the where (1)
sequence
Equations
Zaaand, Z(2),
networks bb ,

are
EquationZccl (3)
andderived by
are using Equation
isself-impedance
obtained. and
By using Zabl Equation
(4). In
the Zbcl , and
,symmetrical
l
(4),ZTcomponents
is the symmetrical
ca are mutual
components
impedance.
method, transformation
In general,
the sequence the mutual
networks are
matrix
derived
impedance and T
by using−1 is the inverse symmetrical components transformation matrix, as presented in
can be Equation
neglected(4). in
In aEquation (4), T is the symmetrical
power distribution system [25].components
By combining transformation
Equations (1) matrix
and
Equation
and T −1 is(5).
the inverse symmetrical components transformation matrix, as presented in Equation (5).
(2), Equation (3) is obtained. By using the symmetrical components method, the sequence networks
are derived by using Equation (4). In Equation (4), T is the symmetrical components transformation
1 Bus 1 l 2 Bus 2
V a inverseZ aa
matrix and T−1 is the I a2
symmetrical V acomponents transformation matrix, as presented in
Equation (5). l 2 L2
l 1l
Z ca Z bb Z ab I 2 Vb Ia
Vb b

2 Bus
1 Bus 1 Zl l 2 DG 2 2
Z ccl aa Z bc II a2 VVc a I b
2
V1 I aDG 2  0
V ca c
l 2
1 Z cal Z bbl Z ab I b2 Vb I aL 2
Vb I cL 2  0
I cDG22 DG 2 I bL 2
1
Z l Z bcl 2 V I b I DG 2 I aDG 2  0
V c cc I c DGc bc Load I abL 2

Figure 2. Equivalentcircuit
2. Equivalent I cL 2 two
circuit model between  0 buses.
Figure I cDG 2 model between two buses.I bL 2
DG 2
DG I bc Load I abL 2
22 11 l 22
a ,b , c=
VVa,b,c  V a,b,c −ZZal ,a,b,c
a ,b ,c  I ,c
b , c I a , ba,b,c
(1)
(1)
Figure 2. Equivalentcircuit model between
 two buses.
lll
Zlaa l l
ZZab
  Z aalab ZZ ac
ac
l l l 
Za,b,cl 2=  Z1lba Zl bb Zl2bc (2)
ZVaa,b,b,c,c VZabal,b,c
ZZZ l Z
bc 

(2)
(1)
a ,b , c IZal, b, c
bbl
 Zlca
Z ca Z cb Z cc 
l cb l cc

 2   1   l l l  2 
Va Va Z aaZ l Z ab Zab lZ ac Z l Ia
 aa  ac
 2  2  Z 1l 1   Z l
l Z bbl
lZ bcl
l 2  2  (2)
 =   , b , c − ba Z
 V b  V a  VVb a   l ba l bb l  bcI a  I b 
a Z Z   (3)
2    1   Z laa l Zlab l Zlac l  2
V c V 2  VVc 1   ZZcal ZcaZZcbl ZcbZZccl ZccI 2  I c
b
   
b
 ba bb bc 
  
b (3)
V c22 V1V 1c1  Z ca ZZcbl ZZccl   I Z
 2  l  l l 2  2 
Va c2
l Ia
 
−V1  
a
 a 
1 Va − l
aa
l ab 
l  I a  
ac
−1  2      Z 1aa Zlab Z ac l   l  −1  2 
T  Vb  = T  2
V b 1 − T  Zba Zbb Z2bc  TT  I b  (4)
2 2 V b   1V 1   Zl Zlbbl l Z l  IZb l  2 
l
2
Vc  V a   VcV a b   balZ l Zca
 Zbccb l  cc I a Ic (3)
  2    1   Z aa Z lZ ab Z lZ ac  2   
2 V V1 c  ca  cb cc   
T 11V b 1  cT11 V  b  T 1  Z bal 1 Z bbl 1 Z bcl1ITT c 1  2 
 I b

     
(4)
  2 2 1 −1 1
 Z ca 1 Z cb a Z cca2 , a=2 e j2π/3
l l l
T =  1 V ca2 a V, c1T
  = 



(5)
IIc a
2
V  V 
3Z aa
 
l l 2 l
1  aa a2  a  1 Z ab a Zaac   
2 1   2
T 1 V b   T 1 V b   T 1  Z bal Z bbl Z bcl  TT 1  I b  (4)
     
V c2  V 1c   Z cal Z cbl Z ccl   I c2 
 
     
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 15

1 1 1  1 1 1 
 1 1 2 1   11 1 1 2 
T 1 a a , T =1 1 a a , a  e j 2π 3
1
(5)
T  1 a 2 a 2 , T 1 = 31 a 2 a 2  , a  e j 2π 3 (5)
Energies 2018, 11, 3305

1 a a 
 3  2 1 a a 
 4 of 14
1 a a 2  1 a a 
A sequence circuit equation is obtained by solving Equation (4). The sequence circuit equation
A sequence
is presented circuit equation
in Equation (6), which is obtained
can alsoby by solving
besolving Equation
used toEquation represent (4). The sequence
sequence networkscircuit equation
between two
A sequence circuit equation is obtained (4). The sequence circuit equation
isneighboring
presented inbusesEquation
in Figure (6), which
1. can also be used to represent sequence networks between two
is presented in Equation (6), which can also be used to represent sequence networks between two
neighboring buses in Figure 1.
neighboring buses in Figure 1. V 02  V 10   2
  2
    1
   Z 0l 0 0   2I 0 
 2  V V  l 0 l 0   I 0 2 2 
 V 2 V1 V 1   Z
0 0
V0 0 l  
2 0 1   0Z0 Zl 0 0 0 2I   I 0 (6)
 2  V  
 
  V
1 1   
 0 Z l Z l 0I  2  2 
0 (6)
 V+  =  V2 V +  V−   00 0Z+ I (6)
 
 
l  I
 
  + 
2 V 2   1V 1    0 0 0 0 Z  ZlI 2   2
V−   V −   −  I−
As presented in Figure 2, the three-phase load side current comprises currents of the
As presented
presented
single-phase DG inandin Figure
Figure
load 2,
thatthe2,are the
three-phasethree-phase
connected load
between side loadcurrent
phasesidebcomprises
current
and phase comprises
currents of currents
c, and phase and of theb,
the asingle-phase
phase
single-phase
DGrespectively. Hence, the sequence currents are expressed as a combination of the two currents, b,
and load DG
that and
are load that
connected are connected
between phase between
b and phase
phase c,b and
and phase
phase c,
a and
and phase
phase a
b, and phase
respectively. as
respectively.
Hence, the in
presented Hence,
sequence
Equation the sequence
currents
(7). Figure 3currents
are expressed
shows the are expressed
assequence
a combination as a of
circuit combination
the two
models of the
currents,
of Figure 2, two currents,
as presented
which were usedas
in
presented
Equation in
theEquation
to derive(7). Figure (7). Figure
3 shows
compensation 3 shows
the sequence
principle of the the
circuitsequence
compensatormodelscircuit of
inFigure models
Section of Figure
2,3.which were2,used
which to were
deriveused
the
to derive the compensation
compensation principle of the principle
compensator of the compensator
in Section 3. in Section 3.
I 2  I 2   I aDG 2  I aL 2    I 0DG 2
 IL02L 2 
 2   I 20   2 I2a  DG 2 L 2 L2 DG 2
1 I I a IL 2   I0 DG 2IIDG2   I L2 
 DG2
 I DG 2 +
I0 0 L2 +
  I2+   TI1 a  I2b   T1  aIDG
0 2 1 a 2
ba 2  ILb2 a    IDG  2 0 IL2   0 (7)
 2   I+ −1 T 2 I b  TT−1  IbI DG2
DG 2 + I b ILL22  
I  DG 2 IDG2 L2  (7)
 I +  = IT2  I b  I 2=  I b  I 
b  =I I
 +
 L
I 2+ I + (7)
 IcDG c 
  IDG L2  
  
2   2  2  2c 
c 2
DG2 I L 2 L2
 2
IIDG2
 I +
L2
I −I  I  Ic  c
c I
c  c
 + I
− −

I 2 I 2
I 2 l I 2
Z  Z l
2 Z l 2 Z l
V 2 
V2 
V 
I DG 2 I L 2 V I DG 2 I L 2
I DG 2 I L 2 I DG 2 I L 2
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 3. Sequence circuit models of Figure 2. (a) Positive sequence; (b) negative sequence.
Figure 3.
Figure Sequence circuit
3. Sequence circuit models
models of
of Figure
Figure 2. (a) Positive
2. (a) Positive sequence;
sequence; (b)
(b) negative
negative sequence.
sequence.

3.3.Compensation
CompensationPrinciple
Principle
3. Compensation Principle
Figure44presents
Figure presentsthe
themain
maincircuit
circuitstructure
structureand
andthe thecorresponding
correspondingsequence
sequencecircuit
circuitmodels
modelsofof
Figure
theproposed 4 presents
proposedcompensator the main
compensatorininthe circuit
thepaper. structure
paper.Figure and the
Figure4a4aisisthe corresponding
thethree-phase, sequence
three-phase,delta-connected circuit
delta-connectedmain models
maincircuit of
circuit
the
the proposed
modelofof compensator in the paper. Figure 4a is the three-phase, delta-connected main circuit
model thethe
shuntshunt compensator,
compensator, whichwhich
can becan be converted
converted into sequence
into sequence circuit
circuit models, models, as
as illustrated
model of the shunt 4b.
compensator, which can be for
converted into sequencecompensation
circuit models, as
in Figure 4b. Figure 5 shows the system for deriving the real-time compensation scheme scheme
illustrated in Figure Figure 5 shows the system deriving the real-time of the
illustrated in Figure 4b.
of the compensator. Figure 5side
shows the system for deriving the ofreal-time compensation scheme
compensator. The loadThe
sideload current
current comprises comprises
the currentstheofcurrents the single-phase
the single-phase DG and load DG and
connectedload
ofconnected
the compensator.
between The load
differentside current
phases. comprises
The shunt the currents
compensator of
is the
usedsingle-phase
to DG
compensate and load
for the
between different phases. The shunt compensator is used to compensate for the unbalanced load
connected
unbalanced between
load sidedifferent
current. phases. The shunt compensator is used to compensate for the
side current.
unbalanced load side current.
c a b
c a a0C aC aC
I cC I aC b I bC a0C aC aC
I cC I aC I bC
jQcaC C
jQab I 0C I C I C
jQcaC C
jQab I 0C I C I C
jQbcC
jQbcC

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure4.4. Main
Figure Main circuit
circuit structure
structure and
and corresponding
corresponding sequence sequence circuit
circuit models
models ofofthe
theproposed
proposed
Figure 4.
compensator.Main
compensator. (a)circuit
(a) Main structure and
Main circuit structure corresponding
structure in
in the sequence
thea,a,b,b,c cframe;
frame;(b)(b) circuit
sequence
sequence models
circuit
circuit of theinproposed
models
models in the
the 0, +,0,−
compensator.
+, − frame. (a) Main circuit structure in the a, b, c frame; (b) sequence circuit models in the 0, +, −
frame.
frame.
Energies 2018, 11, 3305 5 of 14
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 15

S
Za S L
S Ia Va Ia , Pa  jQa
Va
S L
Zb S L
Ib , Pb  jQb Iab
S Ib Vb
Vb
S DG
Zc S L Ic , Pc  jQc Ibc
S Ic Vc
Vc
C C C
Ic Ia Ib Unbalnced Load
C C and DG
jQ ca jQ ab
a Load side
c b
C
jQbc
Delta-Connected
Shunt Compensator

Figure5.5.System
Figure Systemfor
forderiving
derivingthe
thecompensation
compensationscheme.
scheme.

The
The three-phase
three-phase lineline voltages
voltages of of thethe compensator
compensator presented presented in in Figure
Figure 55 areare expressed
expressed inin
Equation (8). Phase a to neutral was selected as the phase angle reference. L
Vn is the effective
L
Equation (8). Phase a to neutral was selected as the phase angle reference. Vn is the effective value
value of the line-to-neutral voltage. The three-phase line currents of the load side are expressed
of the line-to-neutral voltage. The three-phase∗ line currents of the load side are expressed in
in Equation (9), in which the relationship of *
V · I = P − jQ is used. By using the symmetrical
Equation (9), in which the relationship
components method, the positive- and negative-sequenceof V  I  P  jQ is used. By using the
components of the symmetrical components
load side currents are
obtained in Equations (10)–(12). The zero-sequence component is zero in a three-phase, obtained
method, the positive- and negative-sequence components of the load side currents are three-wirein
Equations
power (10)–(12) The zero-sequence component is zero in a three-phase, three-wire power
system.
system.  L  
V ab
 
1 −1 0 1
 L L   2  L
 V bc V ab=  0 1 -1 1 −01  a V (8)
 1  n
L   − 1 0 1   a
V ca V L  0  
1 -1  a 2  VnL
 bc  (8)
  L     
 -1 0 1  a
  
Ia 1Vca 0 0 L DG L
( Pa + Pa ) − j( Q a + Q a ) DG
1 
 I b  = V L  0 a 0  ( PbL + PbDG ) − j( QbL + QbDG ) 
2
   
n L DG L DG
Ia  01 0 0 a 0   ( P (aP L+ Pa P DG) )j−(Qja( QQ
L )  DG )
Ic
  1   L c DGc  c a+ Q c
2  L DG  (9)
 I b   V L10 0 a 0 0   ( PPba −  Pb )  j (Qb  Qb ) 
 
jQ a
 I c  1  n 0 2 0 a ( PcL  PcDG )  j (QcL  QcDG ) 
 = V L  0 a 0  Pb − jQb  
n (9)
01 0 0 a 0   PaPc−jQjQ 
a c
1  
 L 0 a 2 0   Pb  jQb  
Vn I 0 I a
0 I0 a = PTc −1 jQcI   (10)
 +   b 
I− Ic
 I0  Ia 
I + = 3V1 L [( Pa − jQaI) +  ( P −  
1 jQ ) + ( P − jQ )]
n 
  Tb  I b b c c (10)
= ( Pa + Pb + Pc I/3V  nL − j Qa + Qb + Qc )/3VnL (11)
     I c 
= Re I + + jIm I +
1
I − I= 3V 1 L [(LP[(a P−a jQ jQ a ) a+) a( Pbb − jQjQbb))+( Pac2 (PcjQ
−c )]
jQc )]
3Vn
n √ √ 
Pb Pc 3Qb 3Qc (11)
= [( P (Pa − P 2b − P2c )+/ 3Vn2L  − j (Qa 2 Qb +  Qc ) / 3VnL (12)
√ a √
3Pb I } 3Pjc Im{I } Qb
j  Re{
Qc L
2 − 2 − Q a + 2 + 2 )] /3Vn
 

1
The three arm currentsI and
 the L
[(synthesized
Pa  jQa )  aline jQb )  a 2of
( Pb currents ( Pcthe compensator
 jQ c )]
are expressed in
3V
Equations (13) and (14), respectively.n By using Equations (13) and (14), the sequence components of the

synthesized compensator line currents are P obtained

P 3Qusing Qc
3Equation (15). By substituting Equation (14)
 [( Pa  b  c  b
 ) (12)
into Equation (15), the positive- and negative-sequence
2 2 2 components
2 of the compensator line currents
3Pb 3Pc Q Q
j(   Qa  b  c )]/ 3VnL
2 2 2 2
The three arm currents and the synthesized line currents of the compensator are expressed in
Equations (13) and (14), respectively. By using Equations (13) and (14), the sequence components of
Energies 2018, 11, 3305 6 of 14

can be rewritten as Equations (16) and (17), respectively. In Equation (15), the zero-sequence component
of the line currents is zero in a delta-connected compensator.

C
I ab = − jQCab /(1 − a)VnL


C
I bc = − jQC 2 L


bc
/ ( a − a )Vn
(13)
C
I ca = − jQC 2
ca / ( a − 1)Vn
L

 C    C 
Ia 1 0−1 I ab
 C  C 
 Ib  =  −1 10  I bc  (14)
 
C 0 −1
1 C
Ic I ca
 C   C 
I0 Ia
 C −1  C 
 I+  = T  Ib  (15)

C C
I− Ic
C
I+ = 1
3VnL
∠ − 90◦ [ QCab + QCbc + QCca ]
(16)
= [− j( QCab + QCbc + QCca )]/3VnL
C 1 ◦ C C 2 C
I− = L ∠ − 30 [ Q ab + aQ bc + a Q ca ]
3Vn√
√  
(17)
3QC C QC QC
= [( 2 ab − 3Q 2
ca
− j 2ab − QCbc + ca L
2 )] /3Vn

For unbalanced-load current compensation, the compensator should eliminate the entire
negative-sequence component and the imaginary part of the positive-sequence component of the
load current, as shown in Equations (18) and (19) [26,27]. By combining Equations (18) and (19),
the compensation command of the delta-connected compensator is obtained for each arm, as presented
in Equation (20). The rating of the compensator can also be determined from Equation (20).

C
I− + I− = 0 (18)
n o
 C
Im I + + Im I + =0 (19)
∗
QCab = Qc − Q a − Qb
∗
QC
bc∗ = Q a − Qb − Qc
(20)
QC
ca = Qb − Qc − Q a

Figure 6 displays the positive- and negative-sequence circuits presented in Figure 1, where the
proposed compensator is installed at Bus 1. Equation (21) presents the positive- and negative-sequence
load side currents at each bus including the DG’s contribution. The compensator connected at Bus
n can compensate for the imaginary part of the positive-sequence load side current and the entire
negative-sequence load side current. For example, if the compensator is connected at Bus 1, then the
compensator executes the compensation rule presented in Equations (18) and (19). Thus, the power
source side only supplies a balanced three-phase current with a unity power factor, and the power
quality is improved.

n L, n DG,n n +1 n L, n DG,n n +1
I+ = I+ + I+ + I+ , I− = I− + I− + I− (21)

where, n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Energies 2018, 11, 3305 7 of 14
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 15

Z S I 2 Z l1 I 3 Z l 2 Z l 3 Zl 4 Z l 5
I S 1 2 3 4 5 6

S
V I +C
I DG 2 I L 2 I L 3 I DG 4 I L 4 I DG 5 I L 6

(a)

Z S I 2 Z l1 I 3 Z l 2 Z l 3 Z l 4 Z l 5
I S 1 2 3 4 5 6

I C
I DG 2 I L 2 I L 3 I DG 4 I L 4 I DG 5 I L 6

(b)
Figure 6. Sequence networks of Figure 1 with the proposed compensator installed at Bus 1.
Figure 6. Sequence networks of Figure 1 with the proposed compensator installed at Bus 1. (a)
(a) Positive-sequence network; (b) negative-sequence network.
Positive-sequence network; (b) negative-sequence network.
4. Power Quality Indexes
4. Power Quality Indexes
Four power quality performance indexes—including voltage and current unbalance ratios, voltage
Four power
regulation, quality
and power performance
factor—were indexes—including
employed voltage
for evaluating the and current
performance of the unbalance ratios,
microgrid [28–30].
voltage regulation, and power factor—were employed for evaluating the performance of the
4.1. Voltage[28–30].
microgrid Unbalance Ratio (VUR)
The three-phase voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) should be maintained at a
4.1.
satisfactoryUnbalance
Voltage Ratio (VUR)
balance condition to meet the power quality requirement. Equation (22) presents the
calculation of the phase
The three-phase voltageatunbalance
voltage the point ratio (PVUR).coupling (PCC) should be maintained at a
of common
satisfactory balance condition to meet  the power   quality requirement.
  Equation (22) presents the
calculation of the phase voltage Max (Va − Vratio
unbalance
 Vb − Vavg , Vc − Vavg )
avg , (PVUR).
PVUR = × 100% (22)
Vavg
Max( Va  Vavg , Vb  Vavg , Vc  Vavg )
where, Vavg = (Va + Vb + VPVUR c ) /3 .
  100% (22)
Vavg
The symmetrical components method can also be employed for evaluating the degree of unbalance.
In thewhere,
IEC 61000
Vavg and
(Va IEEE
 Vb 1159
Vc )/3standard, the three-phase voltage unbalance ratio (VUR) is defined
as theTheratio of the negative-sequence
symmetrical components method voltagecantoalso
the be
positive-sequence voltage, asthe
employed for evaluating presented in
degree of
Equation (23) [31,32]. The generally used limitation value of VUR in a power
unbalance. In the IEC 61000 and IEEE 1159 standard, the three-phase voltage unbalance ratio (VUR) distribution system
is 2.5%.
is VUR
defined asisthe
usedratio
in this
of study.
the negative-sequence voltage to the positive-sequence voltage, as
presented in Equation (23) [31,32]. The generally  used

 V−  limitation value of VUR in a power
VURin=this
distribution system is 2.5%. VUR is used =
d2 study.
  × 100% (23)
V+ 
V
4.2. Current Unbalance Ratio (CUR) 100% VUR  d 2  (23)
V
Similarly, the CUR is presented in Equation (24) and is defined as the ratio of the negative-sequence
current to the positive-sequence current.
4.2. Current Unbalance Ratio (CUR)
 
 I− 
Similarly, the CUR is presentedCUR in Equation (24) and is defined as the ratio of (24)
=   × 100% the
I+
negative-sequence current to the positive-sequence current.
4.3. Voltage Regulation (VR) I
CUR    100% (24)
I  are connected to a power system, the resulting
According to the IEEE 1547 standard, when DGs
voltage fluctuation should not exceed ±5% [33]. Equation (25) presents the calculation of voltage
4.3. Voltage Regulation (VR)
According to the IEEE 1547 standard, when DGs are connected to a power system, the
resulting voltage fluctuation should not exceed ±5% [33]. Equation (25) presents the calculation of
Energies 2018, 11, 3305 8 of 14
voltage regulation (VR), which is used to evaluate the degree of voltage fluctuation in a power system.
The VR in a power distribution system should not exceed the nominal voltage by 5% at full load.
regulation (VR), which is used to evaluate the degree
V  VFLof voltage fluctuation in a power system. The VR
in a power distribution system should not  NL the
VRexceed 100% voltage by 5% at full load.
nominal (25)
VFL
VNL − VFL
VR = × 100% (25)
4.4. Power Factor VFL

4.4. Power Factor factor is the ratio of the active power to the apparent power, as presented in
The power
Equation (26), and is used to evaluate the efficiency of power utilization. Adequately correcting the
The power factor is the ratio of the active power to the apparent power, as presented in
power factor of a power system can improve the system operation performance.
Equation (26), and is used to evaluate the efficiency of power utilization. Adequately correcting
the power factor of a power system can improve PF the
 Psystem
/S operation performance. (26)

PF = P/S (26)
5. Simulation Result
5. Simulation Resultthe study system with four single-phase DGs and loads, as presented in Figure
Figure 7 shows
1. This created
Figure an extreme
7 shows the study operating situation
system with in the microgrid.
four single-phase DGs and Theloads,
power quality problem
as presented and
in Figure 1.
power-flow characteristics were examined at each bus. The effects of installing
This created an extreme operating situation in the microgrid. The power quality problem andthe compensator
were also observed.
power-flow Table 1were
characteristics lists the system parameters
examined at each bus.ofThe
the test system.
effects The evaluation
of installing is divided
the compensator
into the
were alsofollowing four
observed. cases:
Table 1 lists the system parameters of the test system. The evaluation is divided
into
Casethe
1. following foursingle-phase
System with cases: loads;
Case 2. System with single-phase loads and DGs;
Case 1. System with single-phase loads;
Case 3. Case 1 system with two compensators connected at Bus 1 and Bus 4;
Case 2. System with single-phase loads and DGs;
Case 4. Case 2 system with two compensators connected at Bus 1 and Bus 4.
Case 3. Case 1 system with two compensators connected at Bus 1 and Bus 4;
Case Four
4. Case 2 system indexes—VUR
performance with two compensators
and CUR,connected at Bus factor—were
VR and power 1 and Bus 4. employed to evaluate
the Four
power quality improvement
performance indexes—VUR and effects
CUR,ofVRthe microgrid
and power with the
factor—were compensators.
employed to evaluateThe
the
MATLAB/SimuLink program was used to construct the test system presented in Figure
power quality improvement effects of the microgrid with the compensators. The MATLAB/SimuLink7 with the
assigned shunt
program compensators.
was used Thethe
to construct four cases
test werepresented
system simulated,inand the results
Figure 7 withwere
the compared in the
assigned shunt
following sections.
compensators. The four cases were simulated, and the results were compared in the following sections.

Bus 0 Bus 1 Z l1 I 2 Bus 2 Bus 3 Z al 3 Bus 4 Bus 6

I aS a a Z al 2 Z al 4 Bus 5 Z al 5
S
V a
2
I bS Z bl1 I b Z bl 2 Z bl 3 Z bl 4 Z bl 5
S
V b
2
I cS Z cl1 I c Z cl 2 Z cl 3 Z cl 4 Z cl 5
S
Vc
S
Z a ,b ,c V Bus1
a ,b ,c

SbcDG 2 S abL 2 S abL 3 SbcDG 4 S abL 4 SbcDG 5 SabL 6

Figure
Figure 7. Microgrid study
7. Microgrid study system
system with
with unbalanced
unbalanced DGs
DGs and
and loads.
loads.
Energies 2018, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 15

Energies 2018, 11, 3305 Table 1. Test system parameters. 9 of 14

Item Parameter
22.8 kV; 60 Hz
Table 1. Test system parameters.
Power Source
Source impedance: 0.03249 + j 0.51984 () ; X/R: 16
Item Parameter
Type: 25 kV 500 MCM; Length: 3 km/Per Section
Distribution line 22.8 kV; 60 Hz (Ω/km)
Power Source Line impedance: 0.02536 j 0.1241
Source impedance: 0.03249+ j0.51984 (Ω); X/R: 16
DGs and loads Capacity Power Factor
Type: 25 kV 500 MCM; Length: 3 km/Per Section
Distribution line
Load 2 5 MVA j0.1241 (Ω/km )
0.85+lagging
Line impedance: 0.02536
DGs andLoad
loads 3 2.5 MVACapacity 0.85 lagging
Power Factor
phase a-b
Load 4 2
Load 2 MVA 5 MVA 0.85 lagging
0.85 lagging
Load
Load 6 3 1.5 MVA2.5 MVA 0.85 lagging
0.85 lagging
phase a-b
Load 4
DG 2 4.0 MW 2 MVA 0.85 lagging
Load 6 1.5 MVA 0.85 lagging
phase b-c DG 4 2.0 MW 1.0 for all DGs
DG 2 4.0 MW
phase b-c DGDG
5 4 2.0 MW 2.0 MW 1.0 for all DGs
DG 5 2.0 MW
5.1. Case 1. System with Single-Phase Loads
5.1. Case 1. System
In Case with Single-Phase
1, all DGs Loadsturned-off. The power source supplies unbalanced powers
in Figure 7 were
to fourIn single-phase
Case 1, all DGsloads. Figure7 8were
in Figure shows the power
turned-off. Theflow in Case
power 1, and
source Tableunbalanced
supplies 2 summarizes the
powers
test results.
to four The power
single-phase flowFigure
loads. to Bus8 6shows
is slightly lower flow
the power than in
theCase
assigned
1, andload demand
Table due to the
2 summarizes the
voltage drop caused by line impedance. The VR along the microgrid is within the
test results. The power flow to Bus 6 is slightly lower than the assigned load demand due to the limitation range.
Equations
voltage drop (11)caused
and (12)
by were used to calculate
line impedance. The VRthe sequence
along currents is
the microgrid flowing
within to
theeach bus. Inrange.
limitation each
bus, the (11)
Equations negative-sequence
and (12) were used current causedtheby
to calculate these currents
sequence single-phase
flowingloads
to eachis bus.
equal to bus,
In each the
positive-sequence current, which obtains a CUR value of 100% and produces unbalanced
the negative-sequence current caused by these single-phase loads is equal to the positive-sequence voltage
on a bus.which
current, Hence, the VURs
obtains a CUR ofvalue
Bus 2ofto100%
Bus and
6 areproduces
over 2.5%, which violate
unbalanced voltagetheongenerally used
a bus. Hence,
industrial
the VURs limit
of Busvalue.
2 to Bus 6 are over 2.5%, which violate the generally used industrial limit value.

S a1  6.05  j 0.38 S a2  6.03  j 0.23 S a3  3.26  j 0.11 S a4  1.89  j 0.06 S a5  0.81  j 0.02 S a6  0.81  j 0.02
S b1  2.59  j 5.38 Sb2  2.58  j 5.23 Sb3  1.37  j 2.80 Sb4  0.79  j1.62 Sb5  0.33  j 0.69 S b6  0.33  j 0.69
S c1  0.00+j 0.00 S c2  0.00+j 0.00 S c3  0.00+j 0.00 S c4  0.00+j 0.00 S c5  0.00+ j 0.00 S c6  0.00  j 0.00

Bus 0 Bus 1 Bus 2 Bus 3 Bus 4 Bus 5 Bus 6

Three-Phase abc abc abc abc abc abc
Power
Source
ab ab ab ab

(Units : MVA, MW , MVAr )

5MVA 2.5MVA 2.0MVA 1.5MVA
0.85 lagging 0.85 lagging 0.85 lagging 0.85 lagging

Figure 8. Power flow of Case 1.

Figure 8. Power flow of Case 1.
Table 2. Test result of Case 1.
Table 2. Test result of Case 1.
Bus No. VR (%) VUR (%) CUR (%) Power Factor
Bus No. VR (%) VUR (%) CUR (%) Power Factor
Bus 1 0.65 1.07 100.00 0.83
Bus 2 Bus 1 0.65
1.59 1.072.54 100.00 100.00 0.83 0.84
Bus 3 Bus 2 1.59
2.10 2.543.35 100.00 100.00 0.84 0.85
Bus 4 Bus 3 2.39
2.10 3.353.83 100.00 100.00 0.85 0.85
Bus 5 2.52 4.03 100.00 0.85
Bus 4 2.39 3.83 100.00 0.85
Bus 6 2.65 4.24 100.00 0.85
Bus 5 2.52 4.03 100.00 0.85
Bus 6 2.65 4.24 100.00 0.85
5.2. Case 2. System with Single-Phase Loads and DGs
In Case 2, all DGs were turned-on. The power source and three single-phase DGs supplied powers
to four single-phase loads at the same time. Figure 9 shows the power flow in Case 2, and Table 3
summarizes the test results. The VR along the microgrid is within the limit range. In Bus 4 and 5,
5.2. Case 2. System with Single-Phase Loads and DGs
In Case 2, all DGs were turned-on. The power source and three single-phase DGs supplied
Energies 2018, 11, 3305 10 of 14
powers to four single-phase loads at the same time. Figure 9 shows the power flow in Case 2, and
Table 3 summarizes the test results. The VR along the microgrid is within the limit range. In Bus 4
and 5, unbalanced
unbalanced activeflows
active power powerto flows to the
the power power
source source
side side were Hence,
were observed. observed. Hence, power-flow
the reverse the reverse
power-flow
balancing balancingThe
is required. is required. The power
power factors of Bus 1factors
to Bus of Busvery
6 are 1 tolow.
BusThe
6 are veryoflow.
VURs Bus The VURs
2 to Bus of
6 are
Bus 2 to Bus 6 are higher than 2.5%, which violates the industrial limit value. When
higher than 2.5%, which violates the industrial limit value. When the active power of DG supplies the the active
power
load of DG the
demand, supplies the load demand,
net positive-sequence the is
current netreduced.
positive-sequence current
In this situation, theisnegative-sequence
reduced. In this
situation,
current the negative-sequence
is larger current is current.
than the positive-sequence larger than the
Thus, positive-sequence
a CUR current.
value higher than 100%Thus, a CUR
is observed,
value
as higher in
presented than 100%
Table is observed,
3. This as presented
also aggravates in Table
the VUR on a 3. This also aggravates the VUR on a bus.
bus.

S a1  5.96  j 0.31 S a2  5.94  j 0.16 S a3  3.20  j 0.06 S a4  1.86  j 0.03 S a5  0.79  j 0.01 S a6  0.79  j 0.01
S b  0.61  j 7.19 S b  0.63  j 6.97 S b   0.19  j 3.56 S b   0.73  j 2.38 S b5   0.41  j1.06 S b6  0.30  j 0.67
1 2 3 4

S c1   3.33  j1.84 S c2  3.34  j1.90 S c3   1.56  j 0.95 S c4   1.56  j 0.97 S c5   0.77  j 0.48 S c6  0.00  j 0.00

Bus 0 Bus 1 Bus 2 Bus 3 Bus 4 Bus 5 Bus 6

Three- abc abc abc abc abc abc
Phase
Power
Source ab bc ab ab bc bc ab
DG DG DG
(Units : MVA, MW , MVAr )
5MVA 4MW 2.5MVA 2.0MVA 2MW 2MW 1.5MVA
0.85 lagging 1.0 0.85 lagging 0.85 lagging 1.0 1.0 0.85 lagging

Figure 9.
Figure Power flow
9. Power flow of Case 2.
of Case 2.
Table 3. Test result of Case 2.
Table 3. Test result of Case 2.
Bus No. VR (%) VUR (%) CUR (%) Power Factor
Bus No. VR (%) VUR (%) CUR (%) Power Factor
Bus 1 0.61 1.68 262.08 0.33
Bus 2
Bus 1 0.61
1.44
1.683.99 262.08 262.08 0.33 0.35
Bus 3 Bus 2 1.44
1.88 3.995.20 262.08 242.54 0.35 0.48
Bus 4 Bus 3 1.88
2.11 5.206.08 242.54 325.83 0.48 0.29
Bus 5 Bus 4 2.21
2.11 6.086.49 325.83 322.40 0.29 0.55
Bus 6 2.33 6.69 100.00 0.85
Bus 5 2.21 6.49 322.40 0.55
Bus 6 2.33 6.69 100.00 0.85
5.3. Case 3. Case 1 System with Two Compensators Connected at Bus 1 and Bus 4
5.3. Case 3. Case
Figure 1 System
10 shows thewith
powerTwo Compensators
flow in Case 3, Connected
and Table at Bus 1 and Busthe
4 summarizes 4 test results, respectively.
Compared
Figurewith10 Case
shows 1, with
the the assistance
power flow ofinthe compensators,
Case 3, and Tablethe VURs of all buses were
4 summarizes significantly
the test results,
improved
respectively. Compared with Case 1, with the assistance of the compensators, the VURs ofwere
to be within the industrial limit value. The VRs and power factors of all buses also
all buses
improved. It is observed
were significantly improved in Figure 10 thatthe
to be within theindustrial
two compensators
limit value.at The
Bus 1VRs
andand
Buspower
4 regulated
factorsthe
of
unbalanced power flows between the unbalanced load/DG and the power source
all buses were also improved. It is observed in Figure 10 that the two compensators at Bus 1 and side. As a result,
Energies
the 4 2018,
Buspower 11, x FOR
source
regulated thePEER
side REVIEW
offered balanced
unbalanced power three-phase powers the
flows between withunbalanced
unity powerload/DG
factor at and and11
Bus 1the of 15
Bus
power 4.
source side. As a result, the power source side offered balanced three-phase powers with unity
1
 j 0.00 S a2  5.27  j 0.19 Sa3  2.45  j 0.08 S a4  1.05  j 0.00 S a5  0.82  j 0.03 S a6  0.83  j 0.02
powerSfactor
a  3.05at
1
Bus 1 and Bus 4.
Sb  2.99  j 0.00 Sb2  2.83  j3.88 Sb3  1.54  j1.40 Sb4  0.97  j 0.00 S b5  0.37  j 0.73 Sb6  0.37  j 0.72
Sc1  2.95+j 0.00 Sc2  0.88  j 0.03 Sc3  0.88  j 0.02 S c4  0.88  j 0.00 S c5  0.00  j 0.00 S c6  0.00  j 0.00

Bus 0 Bus 1 Bus 2 Bus 3 Bus 4 Bus 5 Bus 6

Three-
Phase abc abc abc abc abc abc
Power
Source abc
abc ab ab SaC 2  0.91  j 0.03 ab ab
S aC 1  2.22  j 0.30
SbC 2  0.03  j1.52
SbC1  0.15  j 3.89
Compensator 5MVA 2.5MVA S cC 2  0.88  j 0.02 2.0MVA 1.5MVA
ScC1  2.08  j 0.04
0.85lagging 0.85 lagging Compensator 0.85 lagging 0.85lagging
(Units : MVA, MW , MVAr )

Figure 10.
Figure Power flow
10. Power flow of
of Case
Case 3.
3.

Table 4. Test result of Case 3.

Bus No. VR (%) VUR (%) CUR (%) Power Factor

Bus 1 0.07 0.02 2.00 1.00
Bus 2 0.79 1.08 76.58 0.91
Bus 3 1.08 1.46 53.18 0.96
 Source abc
abc ab ab SaC 2  0.91  j 0.03 ab ab
S aC 1  2.22  j 0.30
SbC 2  0.03  j1.52
SbC1  0.15  j 3.89
Compensator 5MVA 2.5MVA S cC 2  0.88  j 0.02 2.0MVA 1.5MVA
ScC1  2.08  j 0.04
0.85lagging 0.85 lagging Compensator 0.85 lagging 0.85lagging
(Units : MVA, MW , MVAr )
Energies 2018, 11, 3305 11 of 14
Figure 10. Power flow of Case 3.

Table4.
Table 4. Test
Test result
result of Case
Case 3.
3.

Bus No.Bus No. VR

VR (%)
(%) VUR (%)(%)CUR (%)
VUR CURPower
(%) Factor
Power Factor
Bus 1 0.07 0.02 2.00 1.00
Bus 1 0.07 0.02 2.00 1.00
Bus 2 Bus 2 0.79
0.79 1.081.08 76.58 76.58 0.91 0.91
Bus 3 Bus 3 1.08
1.08 1.461.46 53.18 53.18 0.96 0.96
Bus 4 Bus 4 1.15
1.15 1.501.50 10.73 10.73 1.00 1.00
Bus 5 Bus 5 1.28
1.28 1.711.71 100.00 100.00 0.85 0.85
Bus 6 Bus 6 1.41
1.41 1.911.91 100.00 100.00 0.85 0.85

5.4.5.4.
Case 4. 4.
Case Case
Case2 2System
Systemwith
withTwo
TwoCompensators
Compensators Connected at Bus
Connected at Bus 11and
andBus
Bus44
Figure
Figure11 11
shows the power
shows the powerflow flow
in Casein 4,Case
and 4,
Table
and5 summarizes the test results,
Table 5 summarizes respectively.
the test results,
respectively.
Compared withCompared
Case 2, thewith
VURs Case
of all2, buses
the VURs
were of all buses
improved to were improved
be within to be within
the industrial the
limit value.
industrial
The limit
VRs of all value.
buses Thealso
were VRscompensated
of all buses were also compensated
to satisfactory to satisfactory
ranges. ranges. These two
These two compensators were
compensators were used in unbalanced operations for improving the power quality.
used in unbalanced operations for improving the power quality. The power flow in Figure 11 also The power
flow inthat
indicates Figure 11 also
reverse power indicates
balancingthatwithreverse power
a unity balancing
power withachieved
factor was a unity atpower
Bus 4 factor wasthe
by using
achieved at installed
compensator Bus 4 by using
at Busthe4. compensator installed at Bus 4.

S a1  0.53  j 0.00 S a2  3.89  j 0.19 Sa3  1.07  j 0.11 S a4  0.33  j 0.00 Sa5  0.84  j 0.02 S a6  0.83  j 0.02
Sb1  0.50  j 0.00 Sb2  0.18  j 4.86 Sb3  0.31  j1.14 Sb4  0.32  j 0.00 Sb5  0.48  j1.31 Sb6  0.37  j 0.72
Sc1  0.48  j 0.00 Sc2  2.22  j 0.93 Sc3  0.21  j 0.01 Sc4  0.34  j 0.00 Sc5  0.97  j 0.47 Sc6  0.00  j 0.00

Bus 0 Bus 1 Bus 2 Bus 3 Bus 4 Bus 5 Bus 6

Three-
abc abc abc abc abc abc
Phase
Power bc
Source abc
abc ab bc ab S aC 2  2.28  j 0.02 bc ab
S aC 1  3.37  j 0.25 DG ab
S bC 2  0.54  j 2.98 DG DG
Compensator
S bC 1  0.67  j 4.92 S cC 2  1.74  j 0.93
5MVA 4MW 2.5MVA 2.0MVA 2MW 2MW 1.5MVA
S cC1  2.70  j 0.91
0.85 lagging 1.0 0.85 lagging Compensator 0.85 lagging 1.0 1.0 0.85 lagging
(Units : MVA, MW , MVAr )

Figure 11. Power

Figure11. flow of
Power flow of Case
Case4.4.

Table 5. Test result of Case 4.

Table 5. Test result of Case 4.
Bus No. VR (%)
Bus No. VR (%) VUR
VUR (%)(%)
CUR (%) CUR
Power (%)Factor Power Factor
Bus 1 Bus 1 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 5.13 5.131.00 1.00
Bus 2 Bus 2 0.62 0.62 1.501.50 236.09 236.090.34 0.34
Bus 3 Bus 3 0.82 0.82 1.811.81 126.76 126.760.68 0.68
Bus 4
Bus 4 0.80 0.80 1.78
1.78 28.44 28.441.00
1.00
Bus 5 0.92 2.23 286.01 0.58
Bus 5 0.92 2.23 286.01 0.58
Bus 6 1.05 2.43 100.00 0.85
Bus 6 1.05 2.43 100.00 0.85

5.5. Comparison of All Cases

Table 6 presents the compensation commands of compensators in cases 3 and 4, which reveal that
these two compensators were in unbalanced operations.

Table 6. Compensation commands of compensators.

Item Bus No. QC*

ab QC*
bc QC*
ca
Bus 1 −4.18 −3.66 3.58
Case 3
Bus 4 −1.67 −1.56 1.56
Bus 1 −6.10 −3.76 5.58
Case 4
Bus 4 −3.89 −2.07 3.93
Note: MVAr.
 Item Bus No. Qab Qbc Qca
Bus 1 -4.18 −3.66 3.58
Case 3
Bus 4 −1.67 −1.56 1.56
Bus 1 −6.10 −3.76 5.58
Case 4
Bus 4 −3.89 −2.07 3.93
Energies 2018, 11, 3305 12 of 14
Note: MVAr.

Figure 12 presents the power quality indexes of all cases. The test results revealed that the
Figure 12 presents the power quality indexes of all cases. The test results revealed that the
powerpower
quality waswas
quality significantly improved
significantly improvedininCases
Cases 33 and 4,and
and 4, andbidirectional
bidirectional power-flow
power-flow balancing
balancing
was achieved in Case
was achieved 4. 4.Ideally,
in Case Ideally,a acompensator can be
compensator can be installed
installedforfor
allall buses
buses to optimize
to optimize the the
microgrid performance.
microgrid performance.

3.0 7
Case 1
Case 2
2.5 6
Case 1
2.0 5

VUR (%)
Case 2
VR (%)

Case 3 4
1.5
3 Case 4
1.0
2
Case 4
0.5 1 Case 3
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Bus Number Bus Number
(a) (b)
350 1.0 Case 3
Case 2
300
0.8
250 Power Factor
CUR (%)

Case 1 Case 4
200 0.6
Case 1 Case 4
150 0.4
100 Case 2
0.2
50
Case 3
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Bus Number Bus Number
(c) (d)
(Case 1: Blue; Case 2: Brown; Case 3: Yellow; Case 4: Green)

Figure
Figure 12. Comparison
12. Comparison of all
of all cases.(a)
cases. (a)Voltage
Voltage regulation;
regulation; (b)
(b)voltage
voltageunbalance
unbalanceratio; (c) current
ratio; (c) current
unbalance
unbalance ratio;ratio; (d) power
(d) power factor.
factor.

6. Conclusions
6. Conclusions
Improper
Improper connections
connections of unbalanced
of unbalanced DGs DGs and loads
and loads in a three-phase
in a three-phase microgrid
microgrid may
may deteriorate
deteriorate system performance and increase the difficulty of operation. In this study,
system performance and increase the difficulty of operation. In this study, a shunt compensator was a shunt
compensator was used in a three-phase, radial-type microgrid with unbalanced DGs and loads to
used in a three-phase, radial-type microgrid with unbalanced DGs and loads to achieve bidirectional
achieve bidirectional power-flow balancing and improve the electrical power quality. The test
power-flow balancing and improve the electrical power quality. The test results revealed that the
results revealed that the proposed compensator provides satisfactory effects for enhancing the
proposed compensator
operational provides
performance satisfactory
of a microgrid witheffects for enhancing
unbalanced the operational
DGs and loads. For practicalperformance
applications, of a
microgrid
the universal compensator can be implemented as SVCs, STATCOMs, or as an additionalcompensator
with unbalanced DGs and loads. For practical applications, the universal function
can be implemented as SVCs, STATCOMs, or as an additional function of active filters. If necessary,
an optimization method can be employed to determine the installation sites of the compensator for
optimizing the operational performance of a microgrid.

Author Contributions: W.-N.C. conceived this article and designed the study system; C.-M.C. and S.-K.Y.
conducted the theoretical study and software simulation; all authors wrote the paper.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the reviewers for valuable comments.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Nomenclature
General
S apparent power
P active power
Q reactive power
V voltage
Energies 2018, 11, 3305 13 of 14

I current
Z impedance
R resistance
X reactance
Superscripts
S source
DG distributed generator
L load
l line
C compensator
C* compensation command
n bus number
* complex conjugate
Subscripts
0, +, − zero-, positive-, negative-component
a, b, c phase a, b, c
ab, bc, ca line a-b, b-c, c-a
NL no load
FL full load

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