Kereczko, John (2018) AC Chopper Series Voltage Reg Applications. [USQ Project]
Abstract
Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) networks are widely used as an economical way of providing electricity for rural areas. SWER customers experience significant voltage regulation issues as a result of the obstacles caused by low cost materials, highly resistive earth and long distances the transmission lines cover. Traditionally this problem has been addressed with the use of shunt reactors which undesirably increases the voltage drop at peak demand. To provide more control, voltage regulators have been installed on the high voltage side to improve power quality issues, however SWER customers are usually supplied by several cascading regulators. As a result, the time delay between taps can cause significant issues. It is understood that voltage support equipment may be more effective placed on the customer side.
This research project investigates the design and implementation of a single-phase AC chopper low voltage regulator to be used in SWER networks. One of the main objectives was to develop a cost effective and reliable design to provide sufficient boost for a worst-case disturbance, while responding within the nominated ITIC power acceptability curve requirements. In doing so, a voltage regulator topology and control scheme have been proposed. Mathematical models of the automatic voltage regulator were developed to aid the design and implementation of a prototype. The simulation was then verified by experimental results. It was confirmed that voltage regulation of approximately 45% with low THD was achieved. Direct AC to AC conversion and appropriate selection of components increased the operating limit to exceed designs with a DC link. A new voltage detection method was proposed to provide an RMS voltage measurement at any time instant on the waveform. This enabled fast voltage detection for a disturbance. The results and outcomes from this dissertation have the potential to assist in improving power quality using a cost-effective design for the identified voltage sag conditions in a SWER network.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Bowtell, Les |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic) |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Sep 2022 03:21 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Jun 2023 01:48 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) networks; voltage; AC chopper |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40750 |
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