Reactive Power Distribution Strategy using Power Factor Correction Converters for Smart Home Application

Abstract

Multiple unit of PFC converters can be utilized for better power quality in the residential applications. It is important to set proper amount of reactive power contribution from each unit of PFC converter to reduce power loss and increase stability. To set the referenced amount of reactive power contribution for each PFC converter, a dynamic supervisory controller is necessary. In this paper, a wireless based supervisory controller is introduced to mitigate the problem. Multiple unit of unidirectional bridgeless ac-dc boost PFC converters were used as reactive power resources in a smart home application. The supervisory controller is comprised of a discrete Proportional-Integral controller and distributor which sets the reactive power references for each PFC converter. The controller was designed based on the systems identification method. The controller was designed and simulated considering different communication delays. In the ideal condition, the system had no communication delay. However, actual practical system had some reasonable delay. The effect of the use of supervisory controller was observed for dynamic load changing conditions. The simulation was done by using SIMULINK. Reactive power consumption from grid becomes 0VAR within 0.25 second for ideal condition. However, for the actual condition this become 9.35 seconds.