Online Weight Factor Tuning for MPC Regulated Power Quality Compensators

Literature on power quality compensators (PQC) was shown to increase the reliability of the power system. While finite control set model predictive control (MPC) achieves high fidelity tracking for multi-objective cost functions, it results in high switching frequency, which increases losses and device stresses and reduces the overall converter reliability. Additionally, cost function weight factors assignment is not an entirely solved issue, as it is mostly based on trial and error and little expertise in the system. This paper develops a case for both high-fidelity harmonic compensation performance and reliability-oriented performance of a distribution power quality compensator (PQC). A lookup table for the weight factor tuning strategy, adaptable to diverse grid requirements was developed. The significance of the developed approach is in allowing the converter to deliver high-fidelity harmonic compensation performance during periods of elevated renewable energy penetration, and then transition to reliability-oriented operation during other periods, thereby extending the service life of the converter.