Design Method for Improving Power Quality in Urban Public Spaces Using Wind Energy

ABSTRACT In urban public spaces, maintaining high power quality is very much needed for reliable and efficient energy consumption. This study aims to develop and validate an effective design method focused on improving urban power quality through the integration of renewable wind energy. This research proposes a novel and unique design method for enhancing and improving power quality in urban areas by connecting the wind energy through the utilization of vertical‐axis wind turbines (VAWTs). The whole concept of the proposed methods involves a structured methodology comprising system modeling, integration of VAWTs with a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC), and experimental validation to measure voltage stability, total harmonic distortion (THD) and reactive power performance. The UPQC, an advanced power electronic device, operates by combining series and shunt compensators to address a wide range of power quality disturbances simultaneously. The series compensator handles the whole voltage‐related problem and the shunt compensators fully manage and coordinate the current‐related issue. This dual compensation approach ensures synchronized mitigation of both voltage and current disturbances, thereby maintaining consistent grid performance. By utilizing wind energy harnessed from VAWTs, the recommended system provides an alternative and renewable source of power, minimizing dependencies on the conventional grids and improving the overall energy efficiencies. The vertical turbines are chosen due to their excellent adaptability and suitability for all urban environments, where space limitations and varying wind directions at all positions face significant challenges. The research contains a detailed analysis of the performance enhancement brought about by the UPQC in parallel with VAWTs, leading on key power quality metrics. Experimental results show a significant minimization in voltage sags and swells, with the normalized sag values improving by up to 75% and swell values by up to 65%. The method improves power stability and promotes sustainability by combining renewable energy with advanced power electronic solutions in urban areas.