A harmonic power market framework for compensation management of DER based active power filters in microgrids

Harmonic distortions are going to be more important in the near future due to widespread employing of power electronic based devices. The quality of power may get degraded without using proper mitigation methods. On the other hand, new paradigms of deregulated markets which make the power a competitive product as well as customer inclinations to pay for a high-quality power, inspire distribution companies to enhance the power quality level. Hence, various investigations should be considered to meet the power quality standards in electric networks. In this paper, a market-based framework is proposed for central management of harmonic compensation actions in microgrids (MGs). Since distributed energy resources (DERs) are prevalent in MGs, the compensations actions could be based on DERs activities in addition to conventional active power line conditioners (APLCs). Hence, a detailed investigation of harmonic filtering capabilities of various DERs is firstly represented. Afterward, a global model is proposed for various harmonic active power filters (APFs) either based on DERs or APLCs. To comply with the obligations of deregulated power markets, a new concept named as harmonic power market (HPM) is proposed for economic management of various APF resources participating in harmonic mitigation actions. Furthermore, a distortion power expexted payment function (DEPF) is introduced for each APF participating in the HPM. The HPM framework is modeled as an optimization model subject to various standards, technical and systematic constraints implemented in some case studies. Simulation results show the capability and performance of the proposed model for optimal management of various APF resources in harmonic compensation. Increasing in harmonic filtering capability, deferring the requirements for installation of new APLCs as well as a decrease in harmonic compensation costs are the main advantages of using DER based APFs in the HPM.