Power flow controller based on bipolar direct PWM AC/AC converter operation with active load

The uncontrolled power flow in the AC power system caused by renewable energy sources (restless sources, distributed energy sources), dynamic loads, etc., is one of many causes of voltage perturbation, along with others, such as switching effects, faults, and adverse weather conditions. This paper presents a three-phase voltage and power flow controller, based on direct PWM AC/AC converters. The proposed solution is intended to protect sensitive loads against voltage fluctuation and problems with power flow control in an AC power system. In comparison to other solutions, such as DVR, UPFC, the presented solution is based on bipolar matrix choppers and operates without a DC energy storage unit or DC link. The proposed solution is able to compensate 50% voltage sags, in the case of three-phase symmetrical voltage perturbation, and single phase voltage interruptions. Additionally, by means of a voltage phase control with a range of +/- 60 degrees in each phase, it is possible to control the power flow in an AC power system. The paper presents an operational description, a theoretical analysis based on the averaged state space method and four terminal descriptions, and the experimental test results from a 1 kVA laboratory model operating under active load.