ERI: Control Algorithm for Active Compensation of Reactive and Unbalanced Currents in Induction Motors Under Voltage Unbalance

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $181,856 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This NSF ERI project aims to develop a control algorithm that allows Active Power Filters to compensate the unwanted components of currents drawn by three‑phase induction motors when their supply voltages are unbalanced - a condition where the constituent voltages of a three-phase supply differ in magnitude or phase displacement. The project will bring transformative changes to how industry and utilities manage energy delivery losses during voltage unbalance, which is an ever-growing challenge due to the rapid increase of single‑phase electric vehicle chargers, single‑phase solar power inverters, and other unevenly distributed loads. This will be achieved by applying the Currents’ Physical Components (CPC) Power Theory which enables precise identification and compensation of the reactive and unbalanced components of the load current – components that do not contribute to energy delivery but nevertheless increase energy losses – otherwise delivered by the source through power lines. The intellectual merits of the project include advancing fundamental understanding of induction motors’ operation during voltage unbalance, delivering the first algorithm that guarantees full compensation under said conditions, and providing a comparative benchmark against established control methods. The broader impacts of the project include lowering energy delivery losses and costs, improving power quality for residential and industrial customers, enhancing grid resiliency, and providing hands-o

Key facts

NSF award ID
2502269
Awardee
Louisiana Tech University (LA)
SAM.gov UEI
PAMDY6DMVVE7
PI
Prashanna D Bhattarai
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$181,856
Funds obligated
$181,856
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2027