Abstract: Modern power grids demand exceptional reliability and power quality, necessitating minimizing issues such as voltage sags and current harmonics. Active power filters, such as Unified Power Quality Conditioners (UPQCs), effectively address these challenges and enhance system reliability. A promising advancement in this area is the integration of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) with UPQCs. SMES units offer the advantage of storing substantial amounts of energy in the DC link of the UPQC, thereby boosting the system's ability to mitigate power quality problems. By incorporating an SMES unit, the energy storage capacity is significantly increased, which in turn improves the grid's resilience to voltage sags and current harmonics. This project explores the synergistic effects of combining SMES with UPQC for power quality enhancement. Through simulations, we demonstrate how the integrated system performs under conditions of voltage sags and current harmonics. The results highlight the effectiveness of this combined approach in improving overall power quality and system reliability.
Description:Field of Invention
Efficient Energy Storage Using a Bi-Directional Converter and Supercapacitor-Based Unified Power Quality Conditioner is used for Power quality improvement and energy storage systems are the specific areas of electrical engineering that are covered by the invention. Using a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) in conjunction with cutting-edge energy storage technologies, such as supercapacitors and a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) unit, it aims to reduce power quality problems such as harmonic distortions, voltage sags, and swells. Reliability and resilience are increased by the system's use of a bi-directional converter to control energy flow between the power grid and storage devices. The integration of renewable energy sources, modern power networks, and industrial applications needing a reliable and superior power supply is the focus of this invention.
Objectives of invention
This system seeks to enhance energy storage capacity while successfully mitigating power disturbances, voltage sags, and current harmonics. Simulations show that the suggested model improves modern power networks' resilience and dependability.
Background of the Invention
Maintaining excellent power quality has become more and more important in modern power distribution systems to guarantee the grid's overall operational efficiency, safety, and dependability. The increasing penetration of nonlinear loads like variable frequency drives, the widespread integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and the proliferation of contemporary electronic devices and automation technologies are all causing a significant transformation in the power infrastructure. Although these advancements have made power systems more intelligent and flexible, they have also brought up several new problems with power quality. These days, flickers, harmonic distortions, voltage sags and swells, and imbalances in voltage and current are some of the most serious disruptions impacting the grid. Due to process delays, production halts, and energy inefficiencies, these disruptions can result in significant financial losses in addition to compromising the lifespan and performance of delicate electrical equipment. The combined impact of these disruptions calls for the use of sophisticated mitigation strategies that can instantly handle a variety of power quality problems.
By fusing the capabilities of shunt and series active power filters, unified power quality conditioners, or UPQCs, have been thoroughly researched and used as integrated solutions to improve power quality. The UPQC's shunt compensator manages current harmonics, unbalanced currents, and reactive power compensation, while its series compensator can compensate for voltage sags, swells, and interruptions. This dual compensation technique offers a comprehensive strategy for handling the complex problems of power quality deterioration in distribution networks. Conventional UPQC systems have intrinsic limitations, especially concerning their energy storage capacities, despite their shown efficacy. The majority of traditional designs are only appropriate for short-duration disruptions because they rely on DC-link capacitors, which have a limited storage capacity. When subjected to lengthy sags or outages, these systems may fail to sustain compensation, resulting in reduced performance and unpredictable power delivery.
The current invention presents an improved UPQC system that integrates a high-capacity energy storage mechanism made up of supercapacitors and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) integrated through a bi-directional DC-DC converter to overcome this significant constraint. The system's ability to handle energy is greatly increased by this architecture, allowing it to react to both prolonged disruptions and transients. Supercapacitors are ideal for handling sudden and frequent changes in load and supply circumstances because of their high power density, quick charge and discharge times, and extended cycle life. They act as an instantaneous energy buffer that can absorb or inject power in response to dynamic grid events. In parallel, the SMES unit provides ultra-fast energy exchange with little loss, improving the system's transient stability and voltage regulation capabilities. It does this by storing energy in the magnetic field created by the direct current flowing through a superconducting coil.
A bi-directional DC-DC converter makes it possible and effective to integrate these two energy storage technologies into the UPQC's DC link. This converter is essential for controlling the energy flow between the power conditioning system and the storage units, enabling smooth and regulated energy exchange in response to current grid demands. To keep the output voltage at the appropriate level during voltage sags, the converter uses energy from the supercapacitor or SMES, guaranteeing a steady and high-quality power supply to the connected loads. It helps the storage units absorb excess energy during voltage swell circumstances, regulating the voltage profile and avoiding damage to downstream equipment. The converter's versatility to work in both buck and boost modes ensures that energy exchange remains efficient regardless of the direction of power flow or the magnitude of voltage variation.
In addition to providing excellent power quality mitigation, this innovative UPQC architecture strengthens the distribution network's resilience and dependability. It is feasible to provide compensation over longer periods without depending on external power sources by increasing the system's energy support capabilities. The responsiveness of the system is greatly increased by the inclusion of SMES, enabling rapid and very precise correction of disturbances. Furthermore, the UPQC can handle frequent and changeable disturbances that are often connected to industrial activities and the integration of renewable energy sources because of the supercapacitor's capacity to manage rapid energy swings. Because of this, the suggested system is very flexible and may be used in a variety of settings where power quality and dependability are crucial, such as commercial complexes, manufacturing facilities, data centres, and renewable energy farms.
Additionally, this system satisfies the new expectations of smart grid infrastructure, which call for quick, adaptable, and intelligent solutions with real-time monitoring and control capabilities. Incorporating innovative energy storage components within the UPQC framework not only satisfies present performance standards but also prepares the system for future grid issues. The ability to independently handle disruptions and preserve power quality without exclusively depending on central control methods will be crucial as power systems become more digitalized and decentralized. The suggested architecture provides a workable and affordable way to improve grid resilience because of its scalability and modularity, which allow it to be easily incorporated into current grid configurations.
The invention of a supercapacitor and SMES-integrated UPQC system represents a substantial advancement in power quality control technology. Strong, dependable, and effective power quality improvement is provided by the suggested system, which overcomes the drawbacks of conventional UPQC systems with improved energy storage and dynamic compensating capabilities. This innovation ensures that power distribution systems stay stable, effective, and resilient in the face of rising demand and environmental instability by offering a sustainable solution to the complex problems presented by contemporary electrical loads and renewable energy sources. In the context of smart grids, where a consistent and high-quality power supply is not only necessary but also a basic expectation, this technological innovation has the potential to be widely implemented in future energy systems.
CN101807799B discloses that Modern grids are impacted by power quality problems such as reactive power imbalances, harmonics, and voltage variations, and classic compensators are ineffective. Voltage stability, increased power factor, and improved grid reliability are guaranteed when supercapacitors are integrated with power electronics.CN110943484A discloses that Grid stability is impacted by power quality problems with doubly-fed wind turbines (DFIGs), such as voltage swings and double-frequency oscillations. This innovation improves energy regulation and stability by utilizing a single power quality regulator with SSC, PSC, and SMES.CN117595284A discloses that Traditional PI controllers are inadequate for controlling SMES DC-DC converters because of load disturbances and voltage changes. An ESO-based super-spiral sliding mode controller (STSMC) is presented in this invention for enhanced voltage regulation, robustness, and response time.CN101656485A discloses that low power factor, harmonic pollution, and energy loss are problems that traditional inverters for renewable energy integration must deal with. To promote solar energy usage, stabilize grids, and increase efficiency, this invention presents a double PWM inverter with bidirectional energy flow.CN201286066Y discloses that low power factor, harmonic pollution, and energy loss are problems for traditional inverters when integrating renewable energy sources. To maximize solar energy consumption, stabilize grids, and improve efficiency, this invention presents a double PWM inverter with bidirectional energy flow.
Previous research struggled to fully mitigate harmonics, but our invention integrates a Supercapacitor with SMES for efficient energy storage. This stored energy is utilized on the load side to compensate for reactive power and effectively reduce harmonics.
Summary of the Invention
In light of the above-mentioned drawbacks in the prior art, the present invention aims to enable precise power quality improvement. This invention draws attention to important power quality issues such as voltage sags, swells, harmonics, and system disruptions, highlighting the necessity of employing cutting-edge power electronics in efficient mitigation strategies. The invention describes how UPQC works to control voltage and current disturbances by combining shunt and series active power filters. The system's energy storage capacity is greatly increased by combining SMES with supercapacitors, which enables a quicker reaction to voltage sags and current harmonics. Supercapacitors also help with fault detection and voltage regulation, which increases system stability. The performance of the suggested system was assessed using a MATLAB/Simulink model, which showed that the SMES-integrated UPQC significantly outperforms traditional UPQC systems by reducing total harmonic distortion (THD) to 0.32%.
Detailed Description of the invention
The invention, "Efficient Energy Storage Using Bi-Directional Converter and Supercapacitor-Based Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC)," was developed to improve power quality in modern electrical grids. Power quality issues such as imbalances, harmonics, sags, and swells in voltage have a significant influence on commercial and industrial applications. Traditional methods, such as passive filters and basic active power filters, are not very good at solving these problems. This invention combines a supercapacitor-based UPQC with a bi-directional converter to boost energy storage capacity and provide a more reliable power quality solution.
One of the key components of the proposed system is a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC), which combines shunt and series active power filters to lessen disruptions caused by current and voltage. A Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) unit is incorporated to rapidly correct for transient voltage sags and fluctuations. A supercapacitor bank also provides fast-response energy storage support for power adjustment. A bi-directional converter acts as a power electronic interface, regulating energy flow between storage units and the grid. The DC-link capacitor ensures the efficient operation of the UPQC by regulating the DC bus voltage. An intelligent control system that uses techniques like proportional-integral (PI) controllers and synchronous reference frame (SRF) theory optimizes the system's performance.
The system operates in a variety of modes to efficiently modify power quality. During normal operation, the UPQC continuously monitors voltage and current waveforms to spot and fix power quality problems. The series active power filter compensates for voltage sags and swells, while the shunt filter corrects reactive power and current harmonics. To compensate for abrupt changes in load, the bi-directional converter uses power from the supercapacitor and SMES when in energy storage mode. To prevent disruptions and maintain a constant output voltage, discharge mode discharges stored energy. By enabling the converter to recharge the supercapacitor and SMES when excess energy is available, the regeneration mode guarantees continuous system availability.
Improving power quality is one of the many advantages this technology provides by effectively reducing total harmonic distortion and voltage and current disruptions. Together, SMES and supercapacitors improve energy storage and ensure a more reliable power source. The system responds quickly and minimizes downtime thanks to supercapacitors, which provide instantaneous energy compensation during transient mistakes. Efficiency is significantly raised since the bi-directional converter maximizes power flow and reduces energy losses. The system is also extensible and flexible, making it suitable for usage in industrial, commercial, and renewable energy applications, particularly in smart grid systems.
Numerous sectors can benefit from this technology. For industrial power systems that require constant voltage and current control, its enhanced performance is beneficial. It can ensure the consistent integration of alternative energy sources by managing power fluctuations in renewable energy systems. Electric vehicle charging stations require a consistent power source, which this technology helps to ensure. Increased operational stability benefits vital infrastructure, such as data centres and hospitals, in addition to ensuring continuous electricity transmission.
The suggested UPQC system's incorporation of intelligent control algorithms creates new opportunities for automation and self-adaptation in power quality control. Machine learning models built on historical grid data can be used to improve the system even more by predicting disruptions and dynamically modifying operational modes. The UPQC can foresee power quality problems before they become fully apparent and take preventative action by implementing adaptive control techniques like fuzzy logic systems or model predictive control. In addition to allowing for real-time correction of voltage and current aberrations, this innovative control approach also lessens component wear and boosts overall energy efficiency. In smart grids, where load fluctuations and renewable energy inputs are extremely unpredictable and need for clever balancing solutions, this predictive capability is extremely beneficial.
Furthermore, the suggested UPQC system's modular design guarantees simple integration and scalability into both new and existing power systems. Because the control logic of the bi-directional converter may be modified to accommodate varying voltage levels and power ratings, the innovation is adaptable to a variety of deployment situations, ranging from small-scale commercial installations to massive industrial complexes. Because of the system's modular design, individual parts like the control circuits, SMES units, and supercapacitor banks can be changed or replaced separately without affecting the setup as a whole. As technology advances, this not only minimizes maintenance downtime but also facilitates affordable upgrades. This gives utilities and facility managers a piece of infrastructure that is ready for the future and can change as storage or grid communication methods do.
The invention's effects on the environment are likewise significant. The technology helps create a more sustainable and greener grid by decreasing energy losses, lowering harmonic pollution, and enhancing power factor correction. The invention is in line with environmentally beneficial energy practices because supercapacitors and SMES units have far longer life cycles, require less maintenance, and have a lesser chance of producing toxic waste than ordinary batteries. Additionally, by stabilizing the variable output from solar or wind generators, the innovation facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources and guarantees seamless delivery to the end user. By doing this, the UPQC tackles sustainability objectives and environmental issues that are essential to contemporary energy policies in addition to promoting technical performance.
This concept offers a novel and practical approach to enhancing the quality of power through the use of state-of-the-art energy storage technologies. Combining a bi-directional converter with a supercapacitor-based UPQC ensures high-quality, consistent power delivery. This system is an essential piece of technology for modern electrical networks because of its improved energy storage, fast reaction time, and optimized power flow, which effectively address power quality issues and increase grid resilience overall.
Brief Description of Drawings
The invention will be described in detail concerning the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures wherein:
Figure 1 MATLAB/Simulation Model for the proposed system
Figure 2 Block diagram of an overall proposed system
Detailed Description of Drawing
To improve power quality, a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) coupled with a Supercapacitor and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) system was examined using the MATLAB/Simulink simulation as shown in Figure 1. A bi-directional converter, a DC bus for energy storage, and series and shunt active power filters were all included in the model. While the shunt filter reduced current harmonics and enhanced power factor, the series filter adjusted for voltage sags and swells. While the SMES guaranteed long-term voltage stability, the Supercapacitor quickly compensated for transitory disturbances. Simulation findings indicated a 57% improvement in energy storage, enabling effective compensation for voltage sags, and reducing SMES current from 70A to 56A. With an RL-load of only 0.32% and an R-load of 21.83%, the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) was greatly decreased. In the hybrid system, the DC bus's stored energy grew from 12.25 J in a traditional UPQC to 698.25 J, enabling longer voltage sag compensation. The technology was perfect for contemporary power distribution networks since it efficiently regulated voltage, decreased harmonic distortion, and guaranteed dependable power delivery. , Claims:Claims:
1. The claims of Efficient Energy Storage Using Bi-Directional Converter and Supercapacitor-Based UPQC comprising:
a) A supply voltage source (1) configured to provide a stable input voltage to the system, ensuring continuous operation of power quality enhancement mechanisms. A three-phase V-I measurement unit (2) configured to monitor voltage and current waveforms in real-time, enabling precise system control and performance evaluation. A linear transformer (3) designed to ensure voltage regulation, electrical isolation, and improved stability in the power distribution network.
b) A Supercapacitor-based energy storage system (4) designed for rapid charge-discharge cycles, ensuring high-power energy delivery and transient stability. A DSTATCOM (5) (Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator) is incorporated to enhance reactive power compensation, stabilize supply voltage, and mitigate power factor issues in the grid. A three-phase circuit breaker (6) integrated for fault detection and system protection, ensuring safe operation during abnormal conditions.
c) A thyristor-based converter (7) configured to regulate power flow and efficiently convert AC-DC power, enabling smooth energy transfer between components. A Power GUI (8) (Graphical User Interface) embedded within the Simulink model to facilitate real-time monitoring, parameter tuning, and performance visualization of the system.
2. As mentioned in claim 1, the supply voltage source (1) provides the required input power for the system, while the thyristor-based converter (7) ensures smooth AC-DC conversion for proper integration with the storage systems. The three-phase V-I measurement unit (2) continuously monitors system parameters, enabling dynamic power quality assessment and corrective actions. The linear transformer (3) plays a crucial role in voltage stabilization and load isolation, ensuring efficient energy transfer in power distribution networks.
3. As mentioned in claim 1, As mentioned in claim 1, As mentioned in claim 1, the Supercapacitor-based energy storage system (4) provides high power density and rapid response, supporting mitigation of voltage fluctuations and transient disturbances. the DSTATCOM (5) enhances the reactive power compensation capability of the system, improving power factor and minimizing voltage fluctuations in the distribution network. the three-phase circuit breaker (6) ensures system protection by detecting and isolating faults, preventing damage to critical components. the Power GUI (8) allows real-time monitoring, parameter tuning, and performance evaluation of the Simulink-based model, ensuring precise control over power quality enhancement mechanisms.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202541068717-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |
| 2 | 202541068717-FORM-9 [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |
| 3 | 202541068717-FORM FOR STARTUP [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |
| 4 | 202541068717-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |
| 5 | 202541068717-FORM 1 [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |
| 6 | 202541068717-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |
| 7 | 202541068717-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |
| 8 | 202541068717-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |
| 9 | 202541068717-DRAWINGS [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |
| 10 | 202541068717-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [18-07-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-07-18 |