Reducing three-phase power imbalance with electric springs

Abstract

Electric springs have been used previously in stabilizing mains voltage fluctuations in power grid fed by intermittent renewable energy sources. This paper describes a new three-phase electric spring circuit and its new operation in reducing power imbalance in the three-phase power system of a building. Based on government energy use data for tall buildings, the electric loads are classified as critical and non-critical loads so that tall building energy model can be developed. The proposed electric spring is connected in series with the non-critical load to form a new generation of smart load. A control scheme for such smart building load to reduce power imbalance within the building is evaluated in a simulation study. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the new three-phase electric springs in reducing power imbalance. © 2014 IEEE.