Power Quality Analysis in Microgrid Using Unified Power Quality Conditioner and Particle Swarm Optimization

Power quality challenges have emerged as a significant concern in the implementation of smart grid systems. Active power filters (APFs) are commonly employed to tackle these issues due to their rapid filtering capabilities and ability to provide instantaneous compensation. To address problems related to voltage irregularities and load current disturbances, the Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) has been introduced within microgrid environments. Maintaining precise control over the DC link capacitor voltage is essential to ensure the UPQC delivers optimal performance. Typically, a PI controller is utilized to maintain and regulate the voltage across the DC link capacitor. The various methods for determining PI control parameters are Ziegler-Nichols Method, Pole Placement Method, Frequency Response Methods, Optimization Techniques, State-Space Methods etc. This study presents the integration of a UPQC equipped with a Particle Swarm Optimization-based PI controller alongside renewable energy sources such as wind and solar photovoltaic systems to improve power quality. A microgrid simulation model incorporating the UPQC is developed using MATLAB 2022A, and the results are thoroughly analyzed and discussed. "