Real-Time HIL Implementation of a Single-Phase Distribution Level THSeAF Based on D-NPC Converter Using Proportional-Resonant Controller for Power Quality Platform

In this paper a single-phase transformer-less hybrid series active filter (THSeAF) based on duo-neutral-point-clamped (D-NPC) converter to address distribution level power quality is proposed to investigate experimentally the efficiency of the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) implementation for power electronics applications. This benchmark contributes to demonstrating the capability and efficiency of such real-time implementation for smart grid power quality (PQ) analysis which requires fast switching process with small sampling time. Such applications require the compensator to address major power quality issues related to a nonlinear load. This compensator presents an efficient and reliable solution for future grid applications to overcome voltage and current related issues as well as assisting the integration of renewables for a sustainable supply. The controller extracts voltage and current harmonics to be compensated. A proportional and resonant (P + R) regulator produces switching signals for the D-NPC converter. The paper demonstrates the reliability of the HIL simulation for power electronic applications assessing power quality related issues where a wide range of switching frequency is under study. A combination of simulation and real-time results are carried out to validate the performance and viability of the HIL implementation.