An improved automated PQD classification method for distributed generators with hybrid SVM-based approach using un-decimated wavelet transform

Artificial intelligence (AI) approaches are usually coupled with the wavelet transform (WT) for feature extraction to classify the power quality disturbances (PQDs). Therefore, selecting a useful WT-based signal processing approach is required for a reliable classification, especially in real-time applications. In this study, a new hybrid, un-decimated wavelet-transform (UWT)-based feature extraction method using a support vector machine (SVM) with a “á trous” algorithm is proposed to classify PQDs in distributed generators (DGs). The proposed method was performed in a real-time application of a DG system to classify PQDs. The derived features were tested on five different machine learning (ML) models by determining the most appropriate classification technique for the proposed UWT-based feature extraction method. An experimental DG system is constituted in the laboratory using a LabVIEW environment, and the proposed method is tested under different grid conditions. Besides, other well-known and studied conventional ML methods were also tested under 25 dB, 30 dB, and 40 dB noise and compared to the developed method. The experimental and simulation results show that the features extracted with the proposed UWT-based method provide much more successful results in classification than the existing wavelet methods in the literature. Furthermore, the proposed method's noise sensitivity performance is much better than other conventional wavelet algorithms, especially in real-time applications.