A Novel Embedded Muti-port Flexible Alternative Current Interconnector for Distribution Network

The widespread utilization of distributed energy resources including distributed generations, energy storage and controllable loads has posed threats to distribution network (DN) in terms of voltage violation, feeder congestion and bidirectional power flow issues. To mitigate the aforementioned problems, flexible AC interconnector (FACI) can be exploited to interconnect feeders in the place of normally open points. FACI can provide functions of continuous active power control and reactive power compensation to enhance the control capability of DN. This paper proposes a novel embedded multi-port FACI (eM-FACI) based on static synchronous compensator, which has advantages of modularity, low cost, high power density, flexible scalability and is capable of decoupled regulation of power flow in multiple feeders. First, topological configuration and operating principles are analyzed. Then inner energy balance mechanism is established and control strategy is proposed. Finally, theoretical analysis and feasibility of eMFACI are validated by a 3.3 kVA protype.