Control of the Transformer Phase Powers Using a Single-Phase Voltage Source

Abstract

Power flow in three-phase distribution grids containing single-phase prosumer voltage sources strongly depends on the RMS value of the voltage of these sources and their phase shifts in relation to the grid voltage. The ideal way to control single-phase prosumer sources should guarantee no return active power to the MV grid through a distribution transformer and no additional reactive power flows in the LV grid. This means that the active power of the one-phase voltage source is consumed by other single-phase customers (in the same phase or in other phases) and the reactive power of this source is equal to zero. The paper presents the results of the investigations of the dynamic control system of a single-phase voltage source that allows meeting these conditions. On the basis of steady-state calculations, the static characteristics of the above-mentioned control, needed to determine of the proper working point of a prosumer source were also obtained. The control process involves the control of the RMS value and phase angle of the voltage source against the phase voltage of the LV grid, to which the source is connected, with simultaneous control of the current phase angle issued by the power source against voltage. The result of the research is the confirmation of the necessity of using a zig–zag connection of the secondary side of distribution transformers. The developed control system of the prosumer voltage source does not fully control the active power of individual phases of the distribution transformer. The paper shows that the power losses in a distribution transformer strongly depend not only on the active power of the prosumer source, but also on its effective voltage and phase in relation to the transformer voltage.