Design of Power Converters for Harmonic Mitigation in Smart Micro Grid

Project Title

Design of Power Converters for Harmonic Mitigation in Smart Micro Grid

Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject Summary

The sustainable energy of solar PVs can be converted into an AC signal that can be supplied to loads and the grid. But this conversion between energy needs power converters. Also, while converting solar energy from solar PVs to an AC signal, harmonics create. So, the summary of this project is to design and develop power converters that will reduce harmonic components. And the proposed design will help to increase the Solar PV lifetime.

This project includes mainly four parts. DC to DC converter, DC to AC converter/ inverter, Controller, and active power filter.

Project Objectives

As a good solution to the energy crisis and environmental pollution, solar energy has been drawing more and more attention. We can provide solar energy to a smart microgrid through converters. The aim of this project is to design power converters that will convert the DC signal of solar PV into an output AC signal. Then the AC signal can be supplied to load and Grids. While providing AC energy to smart microgrid through converters, harmonics create. These harmonics flow in the system and affect the source. So, an Active power filter will be used to reduce or eliminate these harmonics to increase solar PV lifetime.

Project Implementation Method DC to DC converter

The DC to DC converter is the boost converter, which will increase the value of input voltage coming from solar PV.

DC to AC converter/ Inverter

The DC to AC converter/ inverter will convert the output DC voltage of the boost converter into an AC signal. Then the AC signal can be supplied to the grid/ load.

Controller

There is also a controlling part, which will work to provide the desired value of the voltage at the output of the converter. So, in this way, we can achieve the desired value at the output of an inverter.

Active Power filter

When we connect the inverter with the converter, there produce some harmonics at the inverter output which travels back to the solar PV module, so the solar PV feels like the circuit is not demanding the DC signal. Which is against the PV nature, and PV cannot provide it. So, this way PV lifetime decreases and can damage before the expected time. So, to control these harmonics to increase the Solar PV lifetime we will be using an active power filer which will reduce or eliminate these harmonics.

Benefits of the Project

• The advantage of the proposed design includes increasing the Solar PV lifetime.  
• It has a great advantage related economy. 
• If we think economically, we can decrease fuel import bill by setting more and more solar-powered stations in Pakistan.
• Solar Panels will be more cost-effective.
• Solar energy is noiseless and pollution-free.
• Energy generation from fossil fuels includes combustion and carbon emission, which has an adverse effect on our environment. But Solar energy from the sun is cheap, pollutionless, and easily available.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

By the end of this project, power converters for the integration of solar PV with grid/ load will be delivered. The scope of this project mainly includes harmonics mitigation in the smart microgrid using filters. The advantage of the proposed design includes increasing the Solar PV lifetime.

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry Energy Other IndustriesCore Technology OthersOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic GrowthRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	60400
Solar Pannel	Equipment	3	6800	20400
Power MOSFET	Equipment	25	130	3250
Gate drivers	Equipment	15	290	4350
Controller (TMS320F28378D)	Equipment	2	6400	12800
Current Sensor	Equipment	6	800	4800
Voltage Sensor	Equipment	6	800	4800
Others	Miscellaneous	1	10000	10000