Thesis
Stochastic power quality assessment and harmonic mitigation in distribution systems with renewable energy sources
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2026
- Thesis identifier
- T18016
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 201884807
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- This thesis investigates probabilistic power flow analysis, stochastic harmonic analysis, power quality assessment, and optimal configuration of Active Power Filters (APFs) in distribution networks with high penetration of renewable energy sources. The study addresses the combined effects of uncertainty, three-phase unbalance, and harmonic distortion on distribution network operation. Firstly, a probabilistic power flow model considering uncertainties in distributed generation and load is developed. Wind power, photovoltaic generation, and load demand are modelled using appropriate probabilistic distributions, and correlations among random input variables are handled using the Nataf transformation. A probabilistic power flow method based on the Three-Point Estimation Method is implemented and validated on a benchmark distribution system. The results show that the proposed method provides accurate statistical characteristics of system states with improved computational efficiency compared to conventional sampling-based approaches. Secondly, a three-phase stochastic harmonic power flow analysis and operational risk assessment are conducted using Monte Carlo simulation, explicitly accounting for the three-phase unbalance characteristics of distribution networks. System operational risk indices, including voltage limit violations and branch power overloads, are formulated to quantify operational risks under uncertainty. In addition, a comprehensive power quality evaluation index system is established to identify weak points associated with harmonic distortion and unbalanced operation. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed framework can effectively identify critical nodes and operating conditions with elevated power quality risks. Thirdly, an optimal configuration strategy for Active Power Filters is proposed based on an improved Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. A double-layer economic optimization model is developed to determine optimal APF placement and capacity. The improved optimization strategy enhances global search capability and solution stability. Case studies show that the optimized APF configuration effectively suppresses harmonic distortion and reduces overall harmonic mitigation costs while satisfying power quality requirements. The proposed methodologies provide a systematic framework for uncertainty analysis, power quality assessment, and harmonic mitigation in renewable-rich distribution networks. Keywords: Distributed Generation; Probabilistic Power Flow; Three-Point Estimation Method; Stochastic Harmonic Analysis; Power Quality Assessment; Risk Assessment; Active Power Filter; Improved Particle Swarm Optimization
- Advisor / supervisor
- Lo, Kwok
- Resource Type
- DOI
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PDF of thesis T18016 | 2026-07-10 | Public | Download |