Demand Responsive Power Flow Controller Providing Resistive Load Perspective Regulation in Cooperation with Small Generation Units

Abstract

The paper deals with a concept of power flow controller which regulates active power flow at point of connection by pulse-width modulated switching of resistive load in installations with small scale power generation and non-simultaneously fitted consumption. The controller prototype employs a commercially available DC solid-state relay and the design describes limiting factors of its operation from power quality and reliability point of view. The prototype performance is compared to other commercial solutions, utilizing AC solid-state relays equipped with zero-cross switching control strategy, in terms of its impact on supply voltage variations and control dynamics. As it is demonstrated, the developed controller providing heating element input power regulation exhibits promising features for future technically mature demand response solutions.