Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Energy
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/energy

Power quality evaluation of photovoltaic grid interfaced cascaded H-

bridge nine-level multilevel inverter systems using D-STATCOM and
UPQC
Akhil Gupta
Department of Electrical Engineering, I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar-Kapurthala Highway, Kapurthala, Punjab, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The enhancement in Power Quality (PQ) becomes essential to increase the overall performance of
Received 9 April 2020 equipment in utility-grid tied systems. To enhance PQ, this paper enumerates operational impact of
Received in revised form Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM) and Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) into a
19 July 2021
cascaded H-bridge Nine-Level Multi-Level Inverter (NL:MLI). The effectiveness of proposed topology is
Accepted 4 August 2021
evaluated at a constant 200 V DC voltage and two SPV arrays of 100 kW each. A PQ comparative analysis
Available online 11 August 2021
is presented under faulted conditions at linear load. In order that the proposed system operates effec-
tively under changing environment conditions, the implementation of a competent control techniques is
Keywords:
Multilevel
dominant. Consequently, the control approach for D-STATCOM and UPQC compensates reactive power
Inverter requirement of load and utility-grid. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and DC offset current are esti-
Power quality mated, with distortion-less current-voltage waveforms obtained at coupling points. THD levels are
Photovoltaic validated in agreement with IEEE-519 standard. Indeed, the effectiveness of UPQC is demonstrated by
Custom power feeding excess power through SPV arrays into variable DC link. Overall, the operation of UPQC interfaced
with NLMLI is effective over D-STATCOM in alleviatin g harmonics, DC-offsets, and voltage-current im-
balances during faulted conditions. The accurateness of simulation results and their comparative analysis
is found to be satisfactory.
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction are used in diverse applications. However, this necessitates quality

Over the years, the multi-level grid connected inverters have
played a pivotal role in Distributed Generation (DG) by integrating
Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) technology into the utility-grid systems
[1]. These inverters are being emerged as an enabling technology
for electric power energy conversion systems [2]. The most pre-
sentable merit of these inverters is their ability to synthesize
distortion-less output voltages with reduced harmonic content.
Also, in recent research studies [3], multifarious algorithms and
topologies for multi-level transformer-less grid connected inverters
interfaced large scale SPV systems have been developed which
optimize energy conversion, and control Power Quality (PQ) at
utility-grid. These newly build inverters are controlled to perform
low-cost operation with high efficiency to have high reliability over
a wide power range. Whilst the conventional two-level inverters
have reached sufficient maturity [4], Multi-Level Inverters (MLIs)
E-mail addresses: akhilgupta1977@gmail.com, dr.akhilgupta@ptu.ac.in.
of electric power to be improved significantly. The double-stage
topology mentioned aforesaid operates with reduced efficiency
and increases the level of harmonics significantly as compared to
cascaded transformer topology. As compared to a three-phase H-
bridge cascaded topology, the reported transformer-less and
double-stage topology are less favourable for high power applica-
tions due to the high switching losses.
Recently, another research exploits grid connected inverters for
large scale SPV installations has been investigated in Ref. [5].
Various control strategies for PQ control are reported in Ref. [6]
where the impact of parameter variations of machines on PQ issues
are explained. Also, the requirement of Maximum Power Point
Tracking (MPPT) for extracting the maximum power of a SPV array
is addressed in Ref. [7]. However, because of severity of PQ prob-
lems such as sag, swell, notch, flicker, and unbalance, several
standards have been developed and are being enforced on con-
sumers and utilities [8]. A difficult with these standards is that for
several topologies reported for MLIs, the analysis and computation
of PQ for any DG source becomes very complex. Thus to circumvent

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.121707
0360-5442/© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A. Gupta
these majority of PQ issues, the application of Newton-Raphson
technique for producing least harmonic content for a eleven level
MLI is reported in Ref. [9]. The implemented selective harmonic
eleminiation technique has been capable to demonstrate Total
Harmonic Distortion (THD) levels of 6.06%, 6.11%, and 5.56% in line
to line voltage through analytically, simulation and experimental
methods. Clearly, these outcomes do not provide an accurate in-
formation for a three-phase H-bridge NLMLI cascaded topology
using a Newton-Raphson method. More recently, attention has
been paid to the remedial options reported for these problems
include Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM), Dynamic
Voltage Restorer (DVR) and Unified Power Quality Conditioner
(UPQC), called under the generic name of custom power devices
[10]. It is proven that when a sensitive load is connected to a system
with poor PQ then a custom power device should be used to
mitigate this deficit.
The widespread adoption of DVR for MLI applications causes
voltage unbalances and PQ issues, attributed more to the inter-
mittent nature of SPV power [11]. On this account, some research
papers also advocate the use of other custom devices available for
MLI systems. However, the increasing inclination towards MLI co-
ordinated UPQC and D-STATCOM controls to manage energy flow
depends upon the implemented control strategies. Different
compensation technqiues for improvement in PQ using UPQC
control are reported in Ref. [12]. A recursive filter digital approach
capable to generate reference grid current signals is explained in
Ref. [13]. That approach, however, appears to be unattractive
because as the phase angle between inverter voltage and grid
current increases, the real power transfer capacity to the connected
load and grid becomes decreased with high harmonic content.
Thus, various PQ aspects are controlled by harmonic-less active
power transfer between utility-grid and SPV systems under
changing levels of load and solar insolation. Although the control
scheme implemented in Ref. [14] demonstrates the minimum
consumption of volt-ampere by UPQC-quadrature control strategy,
the technique is capable to maintain harmonic isolation between
the utility-grid and connected load. The most effective strategy to
mitigate disturbances and ensuring reactive power compensation
is discussed in Ref. [15]. It is proven that cascaded asymmetric MLI
control is capable to compensate sag and swell disturbances under
high dynamic amplitude and phase range. However, the control is
not able to address concern regarding unbalanced conditions arisen
due to a sudden fault occurrence at utility-grid and load side. A six-
switch five level type topology has reduced the changing DC-link
voltage by 50% in Ref. [16]. It is validated by developing a 1.2 kVA
prototype having 97.5% conversion efficiency under dynamic load
range. Amongst various PQ aspects, the impact of unbalanced
voltage sags is mitigated by implementing a UPQC control with two
cascaded asymmetric multilevel converters in Ref. [17]. Control of
reactive power and harmonic currents is achieved in d-q co-
ordinates by back-to-back connections. An overview of various PQ
issues and challenges faced in DG systems is presented in Ref. [18].
In this research, an actual environmental data (1000 W/m2 at 8.8 A,
and 190 W) is utilized to investigate modeling of a microgrid and
study various PQ aspects. Based on the circuit configurations re-
ported in Ref. [19], it is observed that study of PQ at a linear load
and connected to utility-grid has not been carried out. At the same
time, no discussion is reported when DC source in any H-bridge
module gets replaced by any type of renewable energy technology.
No discussion of series and shunt filter is reported before which
could suppress the transients of power system during the faulted
conditions. Essentally, these hybrid MLI topologies are not able to
address the concerns regarding DC offset voltage under changing
environmental conditions. Furthermore, with the hybrid topologies
of MLIs, the inevitable use of custom power devices is rather
2
Energy 238 (2022) 121707
challenging which necessitates the mitigation of unbalanced con-
ditions present during unsymmetrical faults for DG systems.
The proposal of the paper aims to resolve various PQ issues
through a coordinated three-phase H-bridge NLMLI cascaded to-
pology and 200 kW SPV arrays into utility-grid applications. The
developed system has two transformers connected in cascade
which provides galvanic isolation. The proposed topology is
investigated as it offers great advantages such as smaller filter size,
lower THD, and improved output waveforms over a conventional
three-level Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controlled inverter.
Moreover, the system response is measured under steady-state and
transient-state conditions. A comparative analysis in PQ is con-
ducted by integrating two custom power devices: UPQC and D-
STATCOM. The dynamic behavior of developed system is evaluated
by feeding it through 200 kW SPV arrays. Both arrays are capable to
work efficiently under variable levels of solar radiation and
ambient temperature conditions. Incremental Conductance (IC)
MPPTcontrol is implemented which helps to extract the maximum
power from each SPV array. Especially, the NLMLI system is
developed so as to ensure a sinusoidal waveform at the output of
MLI with reduced harmonic content. With the emerging use of
distributed and renewable energy resources towards utility-grid
applications, key issues pertaining to PQ are reported in Ref. [20]:
DC-offset current, voltage sag, swell, transients, and harmonics.
System performance is validated in agreement with the IEEE-519
standard. In essence, simulation results and comparative analysis
are enumerated through various case studies performed in Matlab/
Simulink software [21] to derive valid conclusions.
2. Methodology
In recent times, the application of custom power devices has
played a decisive role in the mitigation of PQ issues. Amongst
available devices, D-STATCOM and UPQC plays a prominent role in
reducing harmonics and controlling real-reactive power flow for an
electric power system. Therefore, an overall objective of this
research is to analyze a PQ comparative study using two custom
power control algorithms. Both algorithms have been focussed on
PQ improvements for a SPV fed cascaded Nine-Level Multi-Level
Inverter (NLMLI) system. Besides, the enhancement in PQ is justi-
fied by implementing UPQC and D-STATCOM at Point of Common
Coupling (PCC). It is envisaged that the proposed model can be
useful for SPV professionals and can utilize it in their future
research work in various MLI topologies. Also, an efficient and a
low-cost controller can be developed for rural areas which can
harness solar power for feeding non-linear loads.
2.1. Configuration of NLMLI utility-grid tied system
Fig. 1 illustrates the schematic of a Nine Level (NL) MLI
employing a cascaded transformer. As can be seen in Fig. 1, two H-
bridge modules are inserted, each comprising a set of Insulated
Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT). Upper and lower IGBTs are
responsible for generation of positive and negative voltages. Two
SPV arrays of 100 kW are also connected which are capable to
generate power under variable conditions. Two transformers con-
nected in cascade for complete perception of the system. In this
instance, transformers are connected in cascade to reduce the
number of switches [6]. Since each secondary of both transformers
(75 KVA) is connected in series, the output voltage becomes the
instantaneous sum of secondary voltage of both transformers, as
given in Equation (1). Number of voltage levels at the output is
determined by Equation (2). Here, k means the number of trans-
formers, which have a turn-ratio of the power of three in sequence.
A. Gupta
Fig. 1. Schematic topology of a grid connected cascaded NLMLI.
X
k1
Vout ¼ 3n Vnþ1 ¼ V1 þ 3V2
n¼0
N ¼ 3k
In Equation (1), Vn can be E, 0, or -E; therefore, Vout can produce
-4E, -3E, -2E, -E, 0, E, 2E, 3E, 4E by mixing of each secondary voltage
of the transformers.
On the DC side of a NLMLI system, a SPV array [1,22] is imple-
mented the behavior of which is studied under changing environ-
mental conditions. IC-MPPT control uses the input voltage and
current signals at maximum power point where the change in IC
becomes equal to negative of IC for a SPV array [23]. NLMLI system
is developed so as to ensure a sinusoidal waveform at the output of
inverter with reduced harmonic content. In Ref. [24], a 3 kWp SPV
plant with multistage inverter system is implemented. Results
reveal the reduction of harmonics. The system is governed by phase
opposition disposition technique for the inverter switches. Recent
research reported in Refs. [16,18] shows that cascaded H-bridge
MLIs are useful in high voltage applications because of their
promising advantages such as minimum number of components,
reliability, and modularity. To obtain a sinusoidal output voltage
wave, MLIs produce a large number of output voltage levels
resulted in increasing the number of devices. It also increases
complexity and cost of overall system. To alleviate these problems,
MLIs using a cascaded transformer have been proposed in present
work. The proposed system can generate a high-quality output
voltage near to a sinusoidal wave by using trinary output voltages
produced from both transformers. Although, it can achieve galvanic
isolation between a source and loads by employing a cascaded
transformer, it may decrease the power conversion efficiency, and
Energy 238 (2022) 121707
increases volume and cost of the system. To minimize these
drawbacks, a modified circuit configuration of the conventional
(1) cascaded H-bridge MLI is implemented. It has nine output voltage
levels which employs four DC input voltage sources, two H-bridge
modules, and two bidirectional switches. It can reduce the number
of switches compared with the prior approach. Moreover, it can
(2)
improve the efficiency drop due to transformer in itself. Different
switching patterns are given and analyzed with operational
principles.
2.2. Suitable MLI configurations
For a single-phase SPV utility-grid interfaced configuration, an
optimal control system with numerous shading patterns is dis-
cussed in Ref. [25]. It also described a MPPT technique which is
based on Modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO). The con-
trol of technique is coordinated with a DC/DC boost converter and a
half-bridge active neutral point clamped inverter [26]. Validity of
the proposed artificial intelligence algorithm is highlighted through
analysis of stability and numerical simulation. Table 1 illustrates a
comparison between three algorithms in terms of output PQ. From
Table 1, it is evident that the THD of the proposed method is lower
than the other two methods, except for point(i) and point (ii).
Addressing PQ concerns, the proposed MPSO algorithm has
completely outperformed the other proposed methods.
The impact of DG systems on utility-grid and their challenges on
PQ, protection and stability are discussed in Ref. [28]. Furthermore,
negative impacts of SPV systems on utility-grid and critical PQ re-
views alongside voltage controlling and static compensation tech-
niques are elaborated in Refs. [29,30]. However, in Refs. [31,32],
authors discussed the various islanding issues and stressed a crit-
ical review of anti-islanding techniques. In Ref. [33], a simulation
model of 35 kV, 30 MW and 150 MJ comprised of 71 voltage levels
3
A. Gupta Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Table 1
Comparative analysis of switching patterns and PSO algorithms.

Type of control scheme THD (%)

Based on switching pattern

 a-a-2a-a-a (a ¼ 18) [27] 30.81
 a-2a-4a-2a-a (a ¼ 18) 21.17
 a-2a-6a-2a-a (a ¼ 15) 17.07
Solar radiation levels and load resistance [25,26]: P&O PSO modified PSO
(i): 250 W/m2, 500 W/m2 & rload ¼ 20U 40.59 47.16 47.18
(ii): 250 W/m2, 800 W/m2 & rload ¼ 17U 41.67 46.11 45.69
(iii): 500 W/m2, 800 W/m2 & rload ¼ 08U 41.20 34.81 34.79
(iv): 1000 W/m2, 250 W/m2 & rload ¼ 15U 52.88 45.98 44.91
(v): 1000 W/m2, 500 W/m2 & rload ¼ 6.5U 41.77 56.13 35.31
(vi): 1000 W/m2, 800 W/m2 & rload ¼ 05U 41.55 33.77 33.68

Grid
Grid
̊
̊
̊

Fig. 2. Inverter schematic for a (a) half-bridge diode clamped three-level [34,35] (b) full-bridge single leg switch clamped [34, 36] (c) transformer-less cascaded [34, 38e42].

and revealed that DC output power can be smoothen with an en-
ergy management.
Today, the efficiency of existing utility-grid tied SPV inverters is
majorly linked to the reduction of overall cost of DG systems. For
instance, note that the reported efficiency of a utility-grid tied SPV
inverter is more than 98% [34]. Fig. 2 (a) depicts a half-bridge diode
clamped three-level inverter [35]. As proposed in Ref. [36], its
operation has been coordinated with a single-phase transformer-
less utility-grid integrated SPV system. A positive voltage can be
created at the output of inverter terminals with simultaneous
switching of switches S1 and S2. Also, a zero-output voltage can be
generated through switching of switches S2 and S3 while a negative
voltage can be generated through switching of switches S3 and S4.
Additionally, in Ref. [37], the operation of a full-bridge single leg
clamped inverter has been reported for residential SPV systems. As
shown in Fig. 2 (b), this topology is comprised of a conventional
full-bridge (composed of switches S3, S4, S5 and S6). At this
instance, a bi-directional switch realized by S1, S2, D1 and D2
controls flow of current from midpoint of DC bus. Also, Fig. 2 (c)
illustrates a transformer-less grid connected SPV system, alongside
a cascaded inverter [38,39] used for DC-AC conversion. This to-
pology consists of two full-bridges with AC outputs connected in
series. Modular character is the important advantage of this
topology. In Ref. [40], the architecture of a multilevel utility-grid
tied inverter is proposed. It mainly accounts interconnection of
SPV systems with utility-grid and can improve PQ at both user and
utility-grid side. A brief summary of the observations for these
inverters specifications is also presented in Table 2.
Fig. 3 displays the simulink schematic of a NLMLI employing two
cascaded transformers. It also has a constant DC voltage source of
200 V, alongside two H-bridge cells.
Fig. 4 depicts the DC source at input side of NLMLI system is
replaced with two variable SPV arrays, 100 kW each. SPV array is
based on a single-diode SPV cell. The evaluation of the proposed
system is analyzed at a linear load of 90 kW. Also, it can be seen that
a SLG fault is introduced during the simulation period t ¼ 0.030 s to
t ¼ 0.080 s. Total simulation time is t ¼ 0.20 s.
2.3. MPPT techniques
Over the years, several MPPT techniques are introduced which
help to increase efficiency of SPV technology. Among these,
Perturbation and Observe (P&O) algorithm is the simplest MPPT
technique which normally tracks variably iterated step-size oper-
ating point at maximum power. The output voltage of any SPV
module is mainly dependent on ambient temperature and

4
A. Gupta Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Table 2
Evaluation of different MLI topologies [34e42].

Category of inverter topology Power rating Switch/ Power de-coupling Type of transformer Expected lifetime/
diode interconnection cost

½-bridge diode clamped 3-level inverter (Fig. 2 (a)) >3 kW 4/2 Large input electrolytic Transformer-less Moderate/
capacitor moderate
Full-bride single leg switched clamped inverter >1.5 kW 6/2 Large input electrolytic Transformer-less Moderate/high
(Fig. 2 (b)) capacitor
Cascaded inverter (Fig. 2 c)) High power 8/– Large input electrolytic Transformer-less Moderate/high
application capacitor

Fig. 3. Simulink implementation of a NLMLI system.

insolation levels. In past, several appropriate techniques and algo-
rithms for efficient SPV power conversion and tracking maximum
power have been identified [43,44]. In this direction, a unique
maximum power tracking method projected for matching perfor-
mance of a SPV module with batteries and load has been elaborated
in Ref. [45]. In order to achieve this, MPPT devices are integrated
into an electric power conversion system that enhances efficient
current-voltage conversion and regulates different loads, including
batteries. Here particularly, analog multipliers have not been uti-
lized to estimate analysis of aforesaid technique. Rather, a detailed
comparison and investigation of several MPPT techniques has been
illustrated through a relatively simple Proportional Integrator (PI)
compensator [46]. The reported increase in efficiency through this
method is 45% [47]. In another approach, KC85T SPV module has
been implemented with IC-MPPT control and a DC-DC Cuk con-
verter [48]. Further, to track exact Maximum Power Point (MPP), IC
or Hill-climbing techniques with improved steps have been
implemented. The proposed algorithms operate at fast convergence
rate to track MPP. A modified fixed algorithm can also be used to
design a SPV system, boost converter and Improved (IeP&O) MPPT.
The algorithm in voluntarily adjusts the hysteresis bandwidth and
reference step size for effective transfer of power [49,50].
The attainment of MPP in SPV systems has made it necessary to
have efficient MPPT algorithms [51]. The original P&O algorithm
faces many difficulties in acquiring MPP. Furthermore, difficulty
arises in estimating the accurate values of diode saturation current
and quality factor through this method. Hence, a new combined
P&O technique is used to determine accurate values of parameters.
It effectively increases the tracking speed. In Ref. [52], a new
strategy is undertaken which uses Buck converter topology for
analyzing the practical tests performed. Thus, the system could be
operated at only one power maxima.
2.4. Modeling of D-STATCOM control
A D-STATCOM is a shunt compensation device which is used for

5
A. Gupta Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Fig. 4. Simulink implementation of NLMLI system with a SPV array and connected load.

Fig. 5. Schematic of a D-STATCOM control.

6
A. Gupta
Fig. 6. Isolated VSC based 3P3W D-STATCOM topology: (a) three single-phase VSC, (b) three-leg VSC, (c) two-leg VSC and (d) three-leg VSC with flywheel [61].
reactive power compensation and improves PQ in distribution
systems at medium voltage [53e55]. Observing Fig. 5, it depicts the
schematic of a D-STATCOM configuration as a function of reactive
power compensator. It is composed of a Voltage Source Converter
(VSC) as an inverter, and a DC-link capacitor at input side with a
coupling inductor. The design of D-STATCOM implies the selection
of appropriate values of coupling inductor, determining the
capacitor value and its operating voltage level. In general, for me-
dium voltage applications, IGBTs are used as power electronic
switches.
From Fig. 6 (a), it is observed that an isolated VSC-based three-
phase three-wire D-STATCOM topology is reported in Ref. [56].
Here, VSC is isolated from the supply system through a transformer.
It contains a bank of three single-phase VSC units connected to a
common DC storage capacitor. Each VSC unit is connected to supply
system through an isolating transformer which provides isolation
between the converters. Transformer also prevents the storage of
DC capacitor being shorted through controlled switches in different
converters. Controlled switch is a power semiconductor device and
anti-parallel diode combination. As reported in Ref. [57], three-leg
and two-leg VSC-based isolated topologies of 3P3W D-STATCOM
using star/delta transformer are depicted in Fig. 6 (b) and Fig. 6 (c)
respectively. Transformer topology in T-connection, zig-zag, and
star/hexagon modes are appropriately implemented. Furthermore,
7
Energy 238 (2022) 121707
for wind power applications [39,58e60], three-leg VSC based iso-
lated topology and flywheel energy storage incorporated is depic-
ted in Fig. 6 (d). Here the permanent magnet synchronous machine
allows power exchange between flywheel and power electronic
interface at DC bus of D-STATCOM.
Literature survey reveals that there are different control tech-
niques reported for deriving the reference control signals for D-
STATCOM operation. Prominent among them are the instantaneous
reactive power theory (p-q theory) [62], synchronous reference
frame theory [63], power balance theory [64], and space vector
PWM [65]. All have been proposed to control D-STATCOM for three-
phase four wire systems [66].
Another important aspect of proposed H-bridge NLMLI topology
is its ability to interface with a SPV array and D-STATCOM. As
described in Fig. 7, the PQ evaluation of proposed system is elab-
orated using D-STATCOM. D-STATCOM is connected at utility-grid
side to alleviate the impact of dynamic fault under the unbal-
anced conditions.
2.5. Modeling of UPQC control
UPQC is an appropriate protection for sensitive loads from
sources with inadequate PQ. UPQC is envisaged to become an
important shunt-series type of custom power device to solve all
A. Gupta Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Fig. 7. Simulink implementation of NLMLI system with a SPV array, connected load and D-STATCOM.

major PQ problems. Observing Fig. 8, it is found that it is the

combination of back-to-back connected shunt and series compen-
sators through a common DC link. The compensators attempt to
influence the voltage vontrol with real and reactive power control
[67]. Additionally, a DC link storage capacitor is connected between
two voltage source inverters for operation as the combination of
shunt and series compensators. In general, UPQC has the capability
of improving PQ at the point of installation on power distribution
systems and industrial power systems.
The performance criterion of UPQC is achieved by implementing
it at utility-grid side as depicted in Fig. 9. Discrete PWM generator
ensures for firing the IGBT based VSC.

3. Results analysis and discussion

The capabilities of proposed NLMLI system are evaluated

Fig. 8. Schematic of a UPQC control [53].
through simulations during steady-state and transient conditions.
PQ estimation is justified through conducting various case studies

8
A. Gupta
Fig. 9. Simulink implementation of NLMLI system with a SPV array, connected load and UPQC.
in Matlab environment using Simulink and Sim power system
toolbox. UPQC combines the functioning of a D-STATCOM and DVR
and mitigates voltage sag, swell, harmonics and DC-offsets [68]. In
present times, the evaluation and elimination of harmonics has
necessarily becomes an area of interest for researchers [69,70].
Observing this, a real time implementation using hall-effect current
and voltage sensors for sensing current and voltages at various
PCCs is implemented. A prototype of self-tuning filter coordinated
with adaptive fuzzy control is implemented for D-STATCOM using
dSPACE 1114. In order to ensure feasibility of proposed NLMLI to-
pology, the valid conclusions are obtained through the consider-
ation of the following case studies:
 Case I evaluates the effectiveness of proposed system with 200 V
DC input voltage source under two different conditions: R and
RL load.
 Case II analyses the Case I when two SPV arrays are connected at
the input side.
 Both arrays are controlled by IC-MPPT with a 90 kW load of real
power. SPV arrays are capable to generate 200 kWp of real
power.
 Case III and Case IV presents the application of D-STATCOM and
UPQC during the faulted grid side, respectively.
9
Energy 238 (2022) 121707
 Finally, a comparative analysis in THD and DC-offset current is
presented and discussed for both D-STATCOM and UPQC
controls.
Following sections report the impact of Resistance (R),
Resistance-Inductance (RL) and Resistance-Inductance-Capacitance
(RLC) loads on the performance of proposed NLMLI system at: a
constant DC voltage source and two hardware validated SPV arrays
as inputs. Specifications of two SPV arrays are taken from the
validated manufacturer data sheets-SunPower SPR-305-WHT.
Simulated waveforms at various PCCs are compared and analyzed
to reach at valid conclusions. Finally, PQ analysis is thoroughly
studied. Simulation results are compared with the implementation
of D-STATCOM/UPQC controls and validated.
3.1. Analysis at R and RL load
The study mainly describes the impact of arrays on PQ for
proposed NLMLI system under stochastically changing levels of
solar radiation and ambient temperature. Eventually, it differenti-
ates both cases when a constant 200 V DC input source is replaced
with two SPV arrays. As anticipated, it is revealed that H-bridge
topology of NLMLI system generates distorted AC voltage and cur-
rent at its output with harmonics at PCC. In addition, the real and
A. Gupta
Fig. 10. Without D-STATCOM, UPQC and a SPV array, (a) DC input voltage to NLMLI system (b) load current (c) NL output voltage across T1 (d) NL output voltage across T2 (e) load
voltage, at R load.
reactive power exchange are demonstrated by using a cascaded
transformer at output of H-bridge NLMLI system. Implemented IC-
MPPT technique is capable to extract the maximum real power
from two SPV arrays, even under stochastically variable levels of
ambient temperature and solar radiation levels.
Case I.
To reduce the number of switches, a MLI using a cascaded
transformer is proposed in Ref. [6].
Fig. 10 (a) depicts the waveform of constant DC voltage (200 V)
10
Energy 238 (2022) 121707
applied at input of NLMLI system. Fig. 10 (b) depicts the NL load
current around 300 A flowing through the R load (1 U). Fig. 10 (c)
and Fig. 10 (d) illustrate waveform for output voltage of 150 V of
both three-winding linear transformers T1 and T2, respectively.
Since both the transformers are connected in cascade, the overall
voltage is the instantaneous sum of both voltages. It results in total
output NL voltage of 300 V as described by Fig. 10 (e). It is evident
that both overall voltage and load current are in phase with each
other due to resistive load connected at output side.
A. Gupta Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Fig. 11. Without D-STATCOM, UPQC and a SPV array, (a) load current (b) NL output voltage across T1 (c) NL output voltage across T2 (d) load voltage, with RL load connected.

Table 3 spectrum, the THD simulation block measures the THD of a periodic
THD analysis of a NLMLI at RL load (without SPV array, D-STATCOM & distorted signal. THD has a null value for a pure sinusoidal voltage
UPQC).
or current. It is defined as Root Mean Square (RMS) value of total
Name of parameter THD (%) harmonics of signal, divided by RMSvalue of its fundamental signal.
Voltage at transformer-1 11.43 It is evaluated in terms of current as, THD/IIhf where
Voltage at transformer-2 11.43 qffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
Overall transformer voltage 11.43 Ih ¼ 2 I22 þ I32 þ I42 þ ……In2 A, Ih ¼ RMS value of fundamental current
Load current 1.45
(A).
Case II.
To ensure a fair evaluation of Case I, For validation, the specifi-
As illustrated by Fig. 11 (a), the amplitude of total load current cations of a SPV array are taken from manufacturer datasheet of
flowing through the RL load is decreased up to 250 A. As antici- SunPower SPR-305-WHT. Its key parameters are summarized in
pated, this is due to addition of inductive load (corresponding to Table 4.
inductance of 1500 mH) into the system. Fig. 11 (b) and Fig. 11 (c) It is clear from Fig. 12 (a) that the VSC current becomes zero
depicts the output voltage of 150 V each from the three-winding during the faulted period. Fig. 12 (b) depicts the nature of utility-
linear transformers T1 and T2, respectively at RL load. Since both grid current at 440 V, 50 Hz at unity power factor. Although,
the transformers are connected in cascade, the overall voltage is the
instantaneous sum of both voltages. It results in total NL output
voltage of 300 V as displayed in Fig. 11 (d). Non-uniformity can be
Table 4
observed in the voltage waveforms, which is due to the presence of Specifications adopted for a SPV array (SunPower SPR-305-WHT).
inductance at the connected load. Quality of waveform also in-
System name with components and symbol Rating values
dicates the presence of harmonics in the voltages of both trans-
formers. Level of harmonics at each PCC is summarized in Table 3. It No. of solar cells per module 96
is observed that the level of THD in each transformer voltage is No. of series connected modules 5
per string
11.43%, whereas the THD of load current is 1.45%. Targeted 5th, 7th, No. of parallel strings 66
11th and 13th harmonics as reported in Ref. [71], are absent from Module specifications under STC [64.2 V, 5.96 A, 54.7 V, 5.58 A]
the output waveforms. The harmonic analysis is carried out for a [Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp]
seven-level asymmetrical cascaded H-bridge MLI system under Model parameters for one module [0.038 U, 993.5 U, 1.1753e-008 A,
[Rs, Rp, Isat, Iph, Qd] 5.9602 A, 1.3]
unequal DC voltage conditions. Using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)
Maximum power Pmp 66  5  54.7  5.58 ¼ 100.7 kW

11
A. Gupta
Fig. 12. Results of (a) VSC current (b) utility-grid current (c) load current.
there is no physical connection of phase Y, waveform shows the
sinusoidal nature of grid current at PCC. From Fig. 12 (c), note the
impact of SLG fault on load current during the faulted period. It is
obvious that the nature of the NL load current remains sine wave
before and after fault. However, the nature of VSC current and
utility-grid current becomes distorted before and after fault.
Similarly, Fig. 13 (a), Fig. 13 (b) and Fig. 13 (c) show the NL
waveforms for VSC voltage, utility-grid voltage and load voltage,
respectively. Notably, the real power drawn by the load (as shown
by red waveform) decreases during the faulted period, Fig. 13 (d).
Similarly, the real power generated by utility-grid and solar PV
arrays is decreased shown by green and blue line, respectively.
Similarly, Fig. 13 (e) describes the nature of reactive power being
absorbed by connected load. This power is being generated by SPV
array through VSC and utility-grid. Table 5 summarizes the THD
analysis and DC offset current. DC offset current is the DC compo-
nent of the total AC current that is injected into the utility-grid. It is
seen that the impact of SLG fault introduced is maximum on the
VSC side and grid side.
3.2. Analysis using D-STATCOM & UPQC control
To further investigate the accuracy of proposed system, this sub-
section presents the impact of SLG fault on H-bridge MLI system
which is capable to generate NL voltage and current at its output.
Mainly presents a comparative analysis through case studies with
12
Energy 238 (2022) 121707
the application of D-STATCOM and UPQC controls. Relative com-
parisons are summarized and analyzed according to aforesaid
citeria. Efforts are made to justify and validate the implemenation
of custom power devices to generate the distortion-less current-
voltage waveforms at PCC output. Real and reactive power ex-
change are demonstrated among SPV array (through VSC), utility-
grid and connected load. A PQ comparative analysis is also pre-
sented and analyzed by calculating values of THD and DC offset
current using FFT spectrum. SPV arrays are used in conjunction
with UPQC by feeding their excess power into the variable DC link
[72,73].
In order to validate the effectiveness of proposed system in PQ
estimation, two case studies are presented in this sub-section. Case
III presents the application of D-STATCOM and Case IV presents the
application of UPQC during the faulted utility-grid side. It is
apparent that in order to produce distortion-less and harmonics
free waveforms at the output [5,10], D-STATCOM and UPQC controls
are implemented at PCC. A SLG fault is introduced during the
simulation period t ¼ 0.030 s to t ¼ 0.080 s. Total simulation time is
t ¼ 0.20 s. Key controlling parameters of D-STATCOM and UPQC are
summarized in Table 6 and Table 7, respectively.
Case III.
Referring to Fig. 14 (a), Fig. 14 (b) and Fig. 14 (c), the nature of the
VSC current, utility-grid current and load current is illustrated,
respectively. It is evident that the current is injected by the appli-
cation of D-STATCOM grid side. However, the load current attains a
A. Gupta Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Fig. 13. Results of (a) VSC voltage (b) utility-grid voltage (c) load voltage (d) real power (e) reactive power.

Table 6
Table 5 Control parameters of D-STATCOM.
THD and DC offset current analysis of a NLMLI with a RLC load and SPV array.
Name of parameter Values
Name of the parameter THD (%) DC offset current (A) Coupling transformer 25 kV, 125 kV
VSC voltage 6.25 0.06279 PWM inverter switching frequency: 1.68 kHz
VSC current 34.93 0.1364 DC voltage source 1000 mF capacitor
Grid voltage 6.25 0.06279 DC voltage controller 2.4 kV
Grid current 29.26 0.216
Load voltage 6.25 0.06279
Load current 6.44 0.07963

13
A. Gupta Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Table 7 illustrates the per unit nature of AC voltage and AC current being
Control parameters of UPQC. injected at the PCC by D-STATCOM.
Name of parameter Values Case IV.
Three-phase AC source 25 kV, 50 Hz
Fig. 17 (a), Fig. 17 (b) and Fig. 17 (c) illustrates the nature of the
Type of voltage source inverter IGBT, 3-arm, 6-pulse, 0.9 power factor VSC current, utility-grid current and load current, respectively. It is
Transformer-1 Y/D 25 kV/600 V observed that the VSC current is not a pure sine wave which is due
Transformer-2 D/Y 600 V/600 V to that fact that this current is being analyzed through a three
Shunt parameters voltage ¼ 600 V, Lsh ¼ 1 mH, Csh ¼ 1 mF
windings linear transformer. The utility-grid side current however,
Series parameters voltage ¼ 600 V, Lse ¼ 1 mH, Cse ¼ 1 Mf
achieves a pure sinusoidal NL wave by the impact of shunt filter of
UPQC. Nevertheless, the harmonics are contained at the load side
and VSC side voltage-current waveforms due to the application of
perfect NL sine waveform.
semiconductor applications.
Apart from this, Fig. 15 (a), Fig. 15 (b) and Fig. 15 (c) shows the
Fig. 18 (a), Fig. 18 (b) and Fig. 18 (c) indicates the sine waveform
resulting sine waveform nature of the VSC voltage, utility-grid
nature of VSC voltage, utility-grid voltage current and load voltage,
voltage current and load voltage, respectively. It is observed that
respectively. It is evident that the utility-grid voltage obtained is a
these voltages are NL and distortion-less with reduced harmonic
pure NL regulated voltage and doesnot contain any distortion at its
content. Additionally, Fig. 15 (d) illustrates that the real power is
output. It is worthy to that the effectiveness and dynamic response
regularized and absorbed by the connected load (shown by red
are improved because the proposed NLMLI system ensures the fast
waveform). Note that it becomes constant even during the faulted
settling time of the output waveforms.
period. The real power of 0.5  105 W and 1.2  105 W is being
generated by the VSC and utility-grid, respectively. Alike in Fig. 15
4. PQ comparative analysis
(e), the reactive power of sine nature is being generated by the
VSC and utility-grid, respectively. Fig. 16 (a) and Fig. 16 (b)
A comparative study of THD and DC offset current is

Fig. 14. With D-STATCOM, results of (a) VSC current (b) utility-grid current (c) load current.

14
A. Gupta
Fig. 15. With D-STATCOM, results of (a) VSC voltage (b) utility-grid voltage (c) load voltage (d) real power (e) reactive power.
summarized in Table 8 when the systems proposed in Figs. 7 and 9
are simulated in Matlab environment. This study is estimated
through the FFT spectrum of simulations. By implementing D-
STATCOM, the calculated value of THD through FFT spectrum for
VSC voltage and grid voltage is found to be 213.29% and 0%,
respectively. THD value for VSC current and grid current is 36.71%
and 31.94%, respectively. On similar patterns, THD value for both
VSC voltage and grid voltage is 0% by implementing UPQC. Simi-
larly, THD value for VSC current and grid current is 16.52% and
0.28%, respectively. Clearly, the operation of UPQC interfaced with
NLMLI is effective over D-STATCOM in the mitigation of harmonic
levels. This is more evident from the fact that the harmonics
15
Energy 238 (2022) 121707
injection from load voltage and load current into the system is
effectively 0%. Satisfactory performance of MLI controlled UPQC is
obtained because estimated THDs are less than 5% according to
IEEE-519 standard limit. Thus, results reported in Ref. [74] show
that there is satisfactory performance of MLI controlled UPQC
because estimated THDs are less than 5% according to IEEE-519
standard limit.
An experimental validation is obtained by using a laboratory
prototype of recursive based filters implementing OPAL-RT based
controllers in Ref. [13]. THDs of 3.4% and 28% are estimated for
utility-grid and load currents (consisting of a non-linear load
R ¼ 80 U, and L ¼ 170 mH), respectively. Solar radiation is varied
A. Gupta Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Fig. 16. Results of (a) D-STATCOM voltage (b) D-STATCOM current.

Fig. 17. With UPQC, results of (a) VSC current (b) utility-grid current (c) load current.

between 600 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2. In another important work [23],
a control algorithm using 1103-dPSACE implementing current and
voltage is developed whereby, a real power of 1.8 kW is fed into
utility-grid. Computed levels of THDs are 3.6% and 2.6%, for utility-
grid voltage and current, respectively in normal utility-grid con-
ditions. However, a THD of 21.9% in utility-grid voltage is consid-
ered under the distorted conditions. THD levels obtained are 21.9%
and 1.4%, respectively for utility-grid voltage and current,
respectively. On close observations in reference paper [68], THDs
for PCC voltage, source-current, source-voltage, load current and
compensator voltage in zero-voltage regulation mode are 1.07%,
2.27%, 0.91%, 28.87%, and 0.11, respectively. In power-factor
correction mode, the levels are 1.04%, 2.24%, 1.04%, 25.74%, and
1.40%, respectively. Using D-STATCOM control in Ref. [69], the THD
levels at PCC are 14.59%, 4.42% &, and 31.91% for PCC voltage,
source-current, and load current, respectively under unbalanced

16
A. Gupta Energy 238 (2022) 121707

Fig. 18. With UPQC, results of (a) VSC voltage (b) utility-grid voltage (c) load voltage.

Table 8
Comparative analysis of THD and DC-offset.

Name of parameter D-STATCOM UPQC

THD (%) DC-offset current (A) THD (%) DC-offset current (A)

VSC voltage 213.29 0% 0 1.114  105

VSC current 36.71 0.0001638 16.52 2.691  105
Grid voltage 0 0% 0 0%
Grid current 31.94 0.0001638 0.28 0.007971
Load voltage 213.29 1.114  105 0 0%
Load current 18.17 1.704  105 0 0%

conditions. Thus, a satisfactory performance is obtained using
hybrid-fuzzy control implemented for multilevel UPQC, because
the THD levels are contained within IEEE-519 standard limit. For
the sake of completeness, the analysis on DC-offset is also pre-
sented following the approach shown in Figs. 7 and 9. Under UPQC
control, harmonic and DC-offset levels are absent for load due to
linear RLC load. DC current component is reduced to zero at PCC of
VSC voltage and utility-grid voltage under D-STATCOM control. It is
worthy to note that DC-offset component is reduced at utility-grid
side voltage by an application of custom power devices.
5. Conclusion
This work has investigated the role of D-STATCOM and UPQC
controls on the operation of a proposed three-phase cascaded H-
bridge NLMLI configuration. Here, the galvanic isolation is provided
by two transformers connected in cascade. Four case studies are
17
undertaken which elaborate the PQ concerns during faulted con-
ditions. Impact of the presence of a DC voltage source is examined
at R and RL load. Harmonic patterns at various PCC are studied. It is
proven that targeted harmonics of order 5th, 7th, 11th and 13th are
mitigated as presented by case studies I and II. Further, the impact
of SLG fault is studied at load side when a DC voltage source is
replaced with hardware validated two SPV arrays of 100 kW each.
FFT interface indicated the high levels of DC offset and harmonics
are sufficient to make voltage and current unbalanced. Control
scheme is implemented that it controls the flow of real and reactive
power during the faulted period. The main objective of reactive
power requirement is accomplished through the utility-grid during
the faulted period. Contributions of D-STATCOM and UPQC are
discussed through case studies III and IV, respectively. Purity of NL
voltage and current waveforms at output at various PCCs is advo-
cated by UPQC, as compared to D-STATCOM. Shunt filter of UPQC
has demonstrated its effectiveness and improved the dynamic
A. Gupta
response because the proposed NLMLI system ensures the fast
settling-time of output waveforms. Important contributions of this
work are enlisted below:
 A comparative PQ study is presented by measuring THD levels
and DC offset currents. THD is considered as a major perfor-
mance index to examine the efficacy of proposed system.
 Control approach has compensated the reactive power
requirement and alleviated harmonic currents.
 DC-offset is reduced at utility-grid voltage through custom po-
wer devices.
 Harmonics injection from load voltage and load current into the
system is mitigated effectively.
 Harmonic levels of all voltages at PCC are mitigated completely
with UPQC control.
 Satisfactory performance of MLI controlled UPQC is demon-
strated over D-STATCOM because estimated THDs are less than
5% according to IEEE-519 standard limit.
Overall, the contribution of UPQC control and its integration
with proposed H-bridge NLMLI system is satisfactory over D-
STATCOM control in controlling PQ at all levels.
Credit statement
Akhil Gupta: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Vali-
dation, Formal analysis, Resources, Data curation, Writing e orig-
inal draft. Visualization, Investigation. Supervision, Software,
Validation, writing-reviewing and editing.
Declaration of competing interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing
financial interests or personal relationships that could have
appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
References
[1] Buresch M. Photovoltaic energy systems design and installation. New York:
McGraw-Hill; 1983.
[2] Solanki CS. Solar photovoltaics-fundamentals, technologies and applications.
second ed. New Delhi: PHI Learning; 2011.
[3] Khajehoddin AA, Bakhshai A, Jain P. The application of the cascaded multilevel
converters in grid connected photovoltaic systems. In: Proceedings of IEEE
electrical power conference. Canada; 2007. p. 296e301.
[4] Khan MNH, Forouzesh M, Siwakoti YP, Li L, Kerekes T, Blaabjerg F. Trans-
formerless inverter topologies for single-phase photovoltaic systems: a
comparative review. IEEE J Emerg Select Topic Power Elect 2020;8(1):805e35.
[5] Rashid MH. Power electronics: circuits, devices and applications. third ed.
USA: Academic Press; 2003.
[6] Bose BK. Modern power electronics and AC drives. USA: Prentice-hall; 2002.
[7] Mohan N, Undeland TM, Robbins WP. Power electronics: converters, appli-
cations and design September. Wiley; 2003.
[8] IEEE recommended practices and requirements forharmonics control in
electric power systems. IEEE Standard 1992;519.
[9] Kumar J, Das B, Pramod A. Selective harmonic elimination technique for a
multilevel inverter. In: Proceedings of 15th national power systems confer-
ence. Bombay, India: NPSC); 2008. p. 608e13.
[10] Ghosh A, Ledwich G. Power quality enhancement using custom power de-
vices. London: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 2002.
[11] Gonzalez SA, Valla MI. A DVR built with a 5-level cascade asymmetric
multilevel converter. In: Proceedings of IEEE international conference on in-
dustrial technology (ICIT), South Africa; 2013. p. 438e43.
[12] Khadkikar V. Enhancing electric power quality using UPQC: a comprehensive
overview. IEEE Trans Power Electron 2012;5:2284e97.
[13] Shukl P, Singh B. Recursive digital filter based control for power quality
improvement of grid tied solar PV system. In: Proceedings of IEEE India in-
ternational conference on power electronics. Jaipur, India: IICPE); 2018.
p. 1e6.
[14] Basu M, Das SP, Dubey G. Investigation on the performance of UPQC-Q for
voltage sag mitigation and power quality improvement at a critical load point.
IET Gener, Transm Distrib 2008;3:414e23.
[15] Khadkikar V, Chandra A. UPQC-S: a novel concept of simultaneous voltagesag/
18
Energy 238 (2022) 121707
swell and load reactive power compensations utilizing series inverter of
UPQC. IEEE Trans Power Electron 2011;9:2414e25.
[16] Siwakoti YP, Palanisamy A, Mahajan A, Liese S, Long T, Blaabjerg F. Analysis
and design of a novel six-switch five-level active boost neutral point clamped
inverter. IEEE Trans Ind Electron 2019.
[17] Gonzalez SA, Valla MI. UPQC implemented with cascade asymmetric multi-
level converters. Elec Power Syst Res 2015;124:144e51.
[18] Gayatri MTL, Parimi AM, Kumar AVP. A review of reactive power compensa-
tion techniques in microgrids. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2018;81(1):1030e6.
[19] Gandoman FH, Ahmadi A, Sharaf AM, etal. Review of FACTS technologies and
applications for power quality in smart grids with renewable energy systems.
Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2018;82(1):502e14.
[20] 7.10 Matlab/simulink, the mathworks, inc.. 2015. p. 499 [http://
www.mathworks.com].
[21] Gayithri C, Dhanalakshmi R. Analysis of power quality on a renewable energy
micro grid conversion system with current and power controller. In: Pro-
ceedings of IEEE 2016 international conference on advanced communication,
control and computing technologies. United States: ICACCCT); 2016. p. 1e6.
[22] Altas H, Sharaf AM. A photovoltaic array simulation model for Matlab-
Simulink GUI environment. In: Proceedings of IEEE international conference
on clean electrical power. Capri; 2007. p. 341e5.
[23] Kumar N, Hussain I, Singh B, Panigrahi BK. Normal harmonic search
algorithm-based mppt for solar PV system and integrated with grid using
reduced sensor approach and PNKLMS algorithm. IEEE Trans Ind Appl
2018;54(6):6343e52.
[24] Alexander SA. Development of solar photovoltaic inverter with reduced har-
monic distortions suitable for Indian sub-continent. Renew Sustain Energy
Rev 2016;56:694e704.
[25] Mao M, Zhang L, Duan Q, Chong B. Multilevel DC-link converter photovoltaic
system with modified PSO based on maximum power point tracking. Sol
Energy 2017;153:329e42.
[26] Abdalla I, Corda J, Zhang L. Optimal control of a multilevel DC-link converter
photovoltaic system for maximum power generation. Renew Energy 2016;92:
1e11.
[27] Kavali J, Mittal A. Analysis of various control schemes for minimal total har-
monic distortion in cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter. J Elect Syst Inform
Technol 2016;3:428e41.
[28] Mahmud N, Zahedi A. Review of control strategies for voltage regulation of
the smar t distribution network with high penetration of renewable distrib-
uted generation. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2016;64:582e95.
[29] Kow KW, Wong YW, Rajkumar RK, Rajkumar RK. A review on performance of
artificial intelligence and conventional method in mitigating PV grid-tied
related power quality events. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2016;56:334e46.
[30] Singh B, Mittal N, Verma KS, Singh D, Singh SP, Dixit RL, Singh M, Baranwa A.
Multi-level inverter: a literature survey on topologies and control strategies.
Int J Rev Comput 2012;10:1e16.
[31] Karimi M, Mokhlis H, Naidu K, Uddin S, Bakar AH. Photovoltaic penetration
issues and impacts in distribution network-A review. Renew Sustain Energy
Rev 2016;53:594e605.
[32] Xue Y, Chang L, Kjaer SB, Bordonau J, Shimizu T. Topologies of single-phase
inverters for small distributed power generators: an overview. IEEE Trans
Power Electron 2004;19(5):1305e14.
[33] Guo J, Jiang D, Zhou Y, Hu P, Lin Z, Liang Y. Energy storable VSC-HVDC system
based on modular multilevel converter. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst
2016;78:269e76.
[34] Jana J, Saha H, Bhattacharya KD. A review of inverter topologies for single-
phase grid-connected photovoltaic Systems. Renew Sustain Energy Rev
2017;72:1256e70.
[35] Burger B, Kranzer D. Extreme high efficiency PV power converters. In: Pro-
ceedings of 13th European conference power electronics and applications,
barcelona, Spain; 2009. p. 1e13.
[36] Hinz H, Mutschler P. Single phase voltage source inverters without trans-
former in photovoltaic applications. In: Proceedings of power electronics and
motion control (PEMC) conference, budapest, Hungary. vol. 3; 1996. p. 161e5.
[37] Agelidis V, Baker D, Lawrence W, Nayar C. A multilevel PWM inverter to-
pology for photovoltaic applications. In: Proceedings of international sym-
posium on industrial electronics (ISIE), Portugal; 1997. p. 589e94.
[38] Lee SS, Bak Y, Kim SM, Joseph A, Lee KB. New family of boost switched-
capacitor seven-level inverters (BSC7LI). IEEE Trans Power Electron
2019;34(11):10471e9.
[39] Sridhar V, Umashankar S. A comprehensive review on CHB MLI based PV
inverter and feasibility study of CHB MLI based PV-STATCOM. Renew Sustain
Energy Rev 2017;78:138e56.
[40] Malinowski M, Gopakumar K, Rodriguez J, Perez M. A survey on cascaded
multilevel inverters. IEEE Trans Ind Electron 2010;57(7):2197e206.
[41] Shah P, Singh B. Low-voltage ride-through operation of grid interfaced solar
PV system enabling harmonic compensation capabilities. IET Renew Power
Gener 2019.
[42] Latran MB, Teke A. Investigation of multilevel multifunctional grid connected
inverter topologies and control strategies used in photovoltaic systems.
Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2015;42:361e76.
[43] Esram T, Chapman PL. Comparison of photovoltaic array maximum power
point tracking techniques. IEEE Trans Energy Convers 2007;22(2):439e49.
[44] Hohm DP, Ropp ME. Comparative study of maximum power point tracking
algorithms. Prog Photovoltaics Res Appl 2003;11:47e62.
A. Gupta
[45] Shah R, Mithulananathan N, Bansal R. Influence of large-scale PV on voltage
stability of sub-transmission system. Int J Elect Eng Inform 2012;4(1):148e61.
[46] Han K, Shin D, Choi Y. Efficiency of solar cell at relatively high temperature. Int
J Emerg Technol Adv Eng 2012;2(12):607.
[47] Koul S, Tiwari S. Model predictive control for improving small signal stability
of a UPFC equipped SMIB system. In: Proceedings of 2011 international con-
ference on engineering, Gujarat, India; 2011. p. 382e481.
[48] Hong T, Hijie C. UPFC control algorithm and implementation scheme in lab-
oratory. In: Proceedings of 2005 IEEE/PES transmission and distribution
conference & exposition: asia and pacific dalian, China; 2005.
[49] Obulesu D, Kodad SF, Sankar BV. Novel development of a fuzzy control
scheme with UPFC’S for damping of oscillations in multi-machine power
systems. Int J Rev Comput 2009:25e40.
[50] Elkholy A, Fahmy FH, Anou El-Ela AA. Power system stability enhancement
using the unified power flow controller. In: Proceedings of 14th international
Middle East power systems conference. Egypt: MEPCON); 2010. p. 578e83.
[51] Marlin S, Sundarsingh SD, Jebaseelan B, Padmanabhan P, Nagarajan G. Power
quality improvement for thirty bus system using UPFC and TCSC. Indian J Sci
Technol 2014;7(9):1316e20.
[52] Ghahremani E, Kamwa I. Joint improvement of system loadability and sta-
bility through a multi-stage planning of a UPFC with a PMU-based supple-
mentary damping control. In: Proceedings of 2013 IEEE power and energy
society general meeting, Canada; 2013. p. 1e6.
[53] Hingorani N. Introducing custom power. IEEE Spectrum 1995;32(6):41e8.
[54] Kumara J, Agarwala P, Dasa B. Implementation of cascade multilevel inverter-
based STATCOM. IETE J Res 2010;56(2):119e28.
[55] Kumar K, Sharma N, Gupta A. D-STATCOM investigation in power quality for
grid tied solar photovoltaic through Matlab simulation. Int J Recent Trend Eng
Res 2016;2(7):190e8.
[56] Zaveri T, Bhalja B, Zaveri N. Load compensation using DSTATCOM in three-
phase, three-wire distribution system under various source voltage and
delta connected load conditions. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 2012;411:
34e43.
[57] Singh B, Jayaprakash P, Kothari D, Chandra A, Al Haddad K. Comprehensive
study of DSTATCOM configurations. IEEE Trans Indus Inform 2014;102:
854e70.
[58] Suvire G, Mercado P. Combined control of a distribution static synchronous
compensator/flywheel energy storage system for wind energy applications.
IET Gener, Transm Distrib 2012;6(6):483e92.
[59] Gahtani SA, Nelms RM. A modified IRPT control method for a shunt active
power filter for unbalanced conditions. Proceedings of IEEE 28th international
symposium on industrail electronics (ISIE). Canada; 2019. p. 720e7.
19
Energy 238 (2022) 121707
[60] Suvire G, Mercado P. Active power control of a flywheel energy storage sys-
tem for wind energy applications. IET Renew Power Gener 2012;6(1):9e16.
[61] Mahela OP, Shaik AG. A review of distribution static compensator. Renew
Sustain Energy Rev 2015;50:531e46.
[62] Akagi H, Watanabe EH, Aredes M. Instantaneous power theory and applica-
tions to power conditioning. New Jersey, USA: John Wiley & Sons; 2007.
[63] Benhabib MC, Saadate S. New control approach for four-wire active power
filter based on the use of synchronous reference frame. Elec Power Syst Res
2005;73(3):353e62.
[64] Mahato B, Majumdar S, Chandra JK. Reduction in controlled power switches
for a single-phase novel multilevel inverter. Int J Electron 2019;106:1200e15.
[65] Juan Z, Xiao W, Yi G, Peng D. Simulation research on a SVPWM control al-
gorithm for a four-leg active power filter. J China Univ Min Technol
2007;17(4):590e4.
[66] Singh B, Jayaprakash P, Kothari DP. New control approach for capacitor sup-
ported DSTATCOM in three-phase four wire distribution system under non-
ideal supply voltage conditions based on synchronous reference frame the-
ory. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 2011;33:1109e17.
[67] Ali MS, Haque MM, Wolfs P. A review of topological ordering based voltage
rise mitigation methods for LV distribution networks with high levels of
photovoltaic penetration. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 2019;103:463e76.
[68] Nagireddy VV, Kota VR, Kumar DVA. Hybrid fuzzy back-propagation control
scheme for multilevel unified power quality conditioner. Ain Shams Enin-
eering Journal 2018;9:2709e24.
[69] Singh B, Dube SK, Raj AS. An improved control algorithm of DSTATCOM for
power quality improvement. Int J Electr Power Energy Syst 2015;64:493e504.
[70] Tejas Z, Bhalja B, Zaveri N. Comparison of control strategies for DSTATCOM for
power quality in three-phase four-wire distribution system for power quality
improvement under various source voltage and load conditions. Int J Electr
Power Energy Syst 2012;43(1):582e94.
[71] Ahmad S, Meraj M, Iqbal A, Ashraf I. Selective harmonics elimination in
multilevel inverter by a derivative-free iterative method under varying
voltage condition. ISA (Instrum Soc Am) Trans 2019;92:241e56.
[72] Obeidat F. A comprehensive review of future photovoltaic systems. Sol Energy
2018;163:545e51.
[73] Geibel D, et al. Improvement of power quality and reliability with multi-
functional PV-inverters in distributed energy systems. In: Proceedings of 10th
IEEE international conference on electrical power quality and utilisation.
Poland: EPQU); 2009.
[74] Eigeles EA. Summary of IEEE standard 1459: definitions for the measurement
of electric power quantities under sinusoidal, nonsinusoidal, balanced, or
unbalanced conditions. IEEE Trans Ind Appl 2004;40(3):869e76.