This paper presents a current control method for a shunt hybrid active power filter (HAPF) using recursive integral PI algorithm. The method improves the performance of the HAPF system by reducing the influence of d...This paper presents a current control method for a shunt hybrid active power filter (HAPF) using recursive integral PI algorithm. The method improves the performance of the HAPF system by reducing the influence of detection accuracy, time delay of instruction current calculation and phase displacement of output filter. Fuzzy logic based set-point weighing algorithm is combined in the control scheme to enhance its robustness and anti-interference ability. The proposed algorithm is easy to implement for engineering applications and easy to compute. Experiment results have verified the validity of the proposed controller. Furthermore, the proposed recursive integral PI algorithm can also be applied in the control of periodic current as in AC drivers.展开更多
This paper proposes the optimum controller for shunt active filter(SAF)to mitigate the harmonics and maintain the power quality in the distribution system.It consists of shunt active filter,Voltage Source Inverter(VSI...This paper proposes the optimum controller for shunt active filter(SAF)to mitigate the harmonics and maintain the power quality in the distribution system.It consists of shunt active filter,Voltage Source Inverter(VSI),series inductor and DC bus and nonlinear load.The proposed hybrid approach is a combination of Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)and Artificial Neural Network(ANN)termed as PSOANN.The PI controller gain parameters of kp and ki are optimized with the help of PSOANN.The PSOANN improves the accuracy of tuning the gain parameters under steady and dynamic load conditions;thereby it reduces the values of THD within the prescribed limits of IEEE 519.The PSO optimizes the dataset of terminal voltage and DC voltage present in shunt active filter for different load condition.The optimized dataset acts as the input for the controller to predict the optimal gain with minimal error and to generate the optimized control signal for the SAF.The proposed methodology is modelled and simulated with the help of MATLAB/Simulink platform and illustrated the few test cases considered for exhibiting the performance of proposed hybrid controller.The experimental results are measured with developed laboratory prototype and compared with the simulation results to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control methodology.展开更多
This paper first discusses the operating principle of instantaneous reactive power theory. Then, the theory is introduced into shunt active power filter and its control scheme is studied. Finally, Matlab/Simulink powe...This paper first discusses the operating principle of instantaneous reactive power theory. Then, the theory is introduced into shunt active power filter and its control scheme is studied. Finally, Matlab/Simulink power system toolbox is used to simulate the system. In the simulation model, as the most common harmonic source, 3-phase thyristor bridge rectifier circuit is constructed. The simulation results before and after the shunt active filter was switched to the system corresponding to different firing angles of the thyristors are presented and analyzed, which demonstrate the practicability and reliability of the proposed shunt active filter scheme.展开更多
As more and more variable frequency drives (VFDs), electronic ballasts, battery chargers, and static Var compensators are installed in facilities, the problems related to harmonics are expected to get worse. As a resu...As more and more variable frequency drives (VFDs), electronic ballasts, battery chargers, and static Var compensators are installed in facilities, the problems related to harmonics are expected to get worse. As a result Active power filter (APF) gains much more attention due to excellent harmonic compensation. But still the performance of the active filter seems to be in contradictions with different control strategies. This paper presents detailed analysis to compare and elevate the performance of two control strategies for ex-tracting reference currents of shunt active filters under balanced, un-balanced and non-sinusoidal conditions by using Fuzzy controller. The well known methods, instantaneous real active and reactive power method (p-q) and active and reactive current method (id-iq) are two control methods which are extensively used in active filters. Extensive Simulations are carried out with fuzzy controller for both p-q and Id-Iq methods for different voltage conditions and adequate results were presented. Simulation results validate the superior per-formance of active and reactive current control strategy (id-iq) with fuzzy controller over active and reactive power control strategy (p-q) with fuzzy controller.展开更多
A novel control strategy for three-phase shunt active power filter (SAPF) was proposed to improve its performance under non-ideal mains voltages. The approach was inspired by our finding that the classic instantaneous...A novel control strategy for three-phase shunt active power filter (SAPF) was proposed to improve its performance under non-ideal mains voltages. The approach was inspired by our finding that the classic instantaneous reactive power theory based algorithm was unsatisfactory in terms of isolating positive sequence fundamental active components exactly under non-ideal mains voltages. So, a modified ip-iq reference current calculation method was presented. With usage of the new method, not only the positive sequence but also the fundamental active current components can be accurately isolated from load current. A deadbeat closed-loop control model is built in order to eliminate both delay error and tracking error between reference voltages and compensation voltages under unbalanced and distorted mains voltages. Computer simulation results show that the proposed strategy is effective with better tracking ability and lower total harmonic distortion (THD). The strategy is also applied to a 10 kV substation with a local electrolysis manganese plant injecting a large amount of harmonics into the power system, and is proved to be more practical and efficient.展开更多
The open-circuit fault of the power switches in shunt active power filter(SAPF) would exacerbate the harmonic pollution of power grid, and degrade the reliability of the devices and system. A fault diagnosis method is...The open-circuit fault of the power switches in shunt active power filter(SAPF) would exacerbate the harmonic pollution of power grid, and degrade the reliability of the devices and system. A fault diagnosis method is proposed based on reference model and an over-modulation strategy under hardware fault tolerance for SAPF. First, a mathematic model is established for SAPF. Second, the residuals are generated by comparing the outputs of reference model and those of actual model, and open-switch fault is detected and diagnosed by residual evaluation. After that, hardware fault tolerance is performed with the three-phase four-switch(TPFS) topology to isolate the faulty phase. Finally, the over-modulation strategy is proposed to increase the voltage transfer ratio of the TPFS topology. Simulation and experimental results verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.展开更多
The aim of this work is to comparatively study two types of control of a three-phase shunt active filter (TSAF) in order to realize a system of depollution of electrical networks so as to improve the quality of electr...The aim of this work is to comparatively study two types of control of a three-phase shunt active filter (TSAF) in order to realize a system of depollution of electrical networks so as to improve the quality of electrical energy. We used two TSA control models which differ in the method of disturbed currents detection, one linear and the other non-linear. The results show that the non-linear control method, although with high calculation blocks, gives more promising results than the linear control method. When connecting a non-linear load (televisions, lamps, variable speed drives, etc.) directly to the public distribution network, the non-linear nature of the load causes the source current to be deformed due to the presence of harmonic currents and voltages. These harmonics thus generate a high reactive power, and therefore considerable electrical losses in the network. One of the solutions to reduce losses on the electricity grid is to incorporate an electronic circuit called a filter into the electricity grid. This work carried out a comparative study of two types of control of a three-phase shunt active filter (TSAF) in order to carry out a system for cleaning up electricity networks in order to improve the quality of electrical energy. We used two TSA control models that differ in the method of detecting disturbed currents, one linear and the other non-linear. The results show that the non-linear control method, although with high calculation blocks, gives better results than the linear control method.展开更多
Due to environmental conditions, the wind power generation is fluctuating in nature. This affects the electrical network interconnected with these systems. When the wind power generators are connected to the nonlinear...Due to environmental conditions, the wind power generation is fluctuating in nature. This affects the electrical network interconnected with these systems. When the wind power generators are connected to the nonlinear loads, there is distortion in the waveform. These distortions should be within limits according to national and international guidelines framed for power quality. This paper presents a mitigation technique with a shunt active filter, which reduces harmonic distortion to the permitted limit. Sine pulse width modulation (SPWM) control scheme is used to control shunt active filter. This technique eliminates harmonic distortion and maintains unity power factor. The simulation for proposed method is carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK and results are validated.展开更多
This research work brings out the unique predictive current control method for attaining an efficient grid connected Photo Voltaic (PV) system by Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF) as grid connected converter. The major...This research work brings out the unique predictive current control method for attaining an efficient grid connected Photo Voltaic (PV) system by Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF) as grid connected converter. The major objective of the research work is to address the presence of Direct Current (DC) component, frequency improvement, quicker theta response, voltage magnitude estimation in the input signal of the Phase Locked Loop (PLL) which is challenging. This work focuses on tuning the PLL block (K<sub>p</sub>, K<sub>i</sub>, K<sub>v</sub> and K<sub>o</sub>) through Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) optimization algorithm. The proposed ABC based modified three-phase PLL method is based on adding a new loop inside the PLL structure. In power converters, ABC algorithm is used to select the optimal switching states. The voltage vector which minimizes a cost optimization function is selected. Simulation is carried out for both balanced and unbalanced system and the results validate that the performance of the proposed approach is better in terms of harmonic compensation as per the IEEE standards within ±5%, power factor improvement of the system, quicker theta tracking and suppression of frequency jump with the interconnection of PV system.展开更多
This paper describes the mitigation of harmonics in source and neutral current in three phase four wire system based on 4-leg shunt active power filter under balanced and unbalanced load conditions. Particle Swarm Opt...This paper describes the mitigation of harmonics in source and neutral current in three phase four wire system based on 4-leg shunt active power filter under balanced and unbalanced load conditions. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and conventional Proportional Integral (PI) controller are used as control techniques to analyze the control performance of 4-leg shunt active power filter. The synchronous reference frame (SRF) method is used to extract reference current in 4-leg shunt active filter. The Hysteresis Current Controller (HCC) is used to generate gate pulses for Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) based 4-leg shunt active power filter. The proposed PSO technique gives less percentage of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) value in source and neutral current and settling time of the DC capacitor voltage compared to conventional PI controller technique. The model of the proposed system performance was validated using MATLAB/Simulink environment.展开更多
This paper presents a fuzzy logic based three phase four wire four-leg shunt active power filter to suppress harmonic currents. Modified instantaneous p-q theory is adopted for calculating the compensating current. Fu...This paper presents a fuzzy logic based three phase four wire four-leg shunt active power filter to suppress harmonic currents. Modified instantaneous p-q theory is adopted for calculating the compensating current. Fuzzy-adaptive hysteresis band technique is applied for the current control to derive the switching signals for the voltage source inverter. A fuzzy logic controller is developed to control the voltage of the DC capacitor. Computer simulations are carried out on a sample power system to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed control strategy, for harmonic reduction under three different conditions namely, ideal, unbalance, unbalance and distorted source voltage conditions. The proposed control strategy is found to be effective to reduce the harmonics and compensate reactive power and neutral current and balance load currents under ideal and non-ideal source voltage conditions.展开更多
Performance of a three-phase shunt active power filter(SAPF)relies on the capability of the controller to track the reference current.Therefore,designing an accurate current controller is crucial to guarantee satisfac...Performance of a three-phase shunt active power filter(SAPF)relies on the capability of the controller to track the reference current.Therefore,designing an accurate current controller is crucial to guarantee satisfactory SAPF operation.This paper presents a model predictive current controller(MPCC)for a low-cost,four-switch,shunt active power filter for power quality improvement.A four-switch,B4,converter topology is adopted as an SAPF,hence offering a simple,robust,and low-cost solution.In addition,to further reduce overall cost,only two interfacing filter inductors,instead of three,are used to eliminate switching current ripple.The proposed SAPF model MPCC is detailed for implementation,where simulation and experimental results validate effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm showing a 20%improvement in total harmonic distortion compared with a conventional hysteresis band current controller.展开更多
In this paper the topology of a four-leg shunt active-power filter (APF) is given. The APF compensates har-monic and reactive power in a three-phase four-wire system. The scheme adopted for control of the four-leg act...In this paper the topology of a four-leg shunt active-power filter (APF) is given. The APF compensates har-monic and reactive power in a three-phase four-wire system. The scheme adopted for control of the four-leg active power filter,a 3-Dimensional Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique,is presented. The theoretical deduction of a space vector PWM (SVPWM) algorithm is given in this paper. The paper also analyzes the distribution of the volt-age-space vector of the four-leg converter in αβγ coordinates and describes methods to determine the location of the voltage-space vector and to calculate duration time. Finally,the algorithm is implemented in simulation; the results show that the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the three phase-current waveforms is reduced. The neutral wire current,after compensation,is about 0 A showing that the topology of the four-leg shunt APF is feasible and the proposed scheme is effective.展开更多
With the widespread application of power electronic equipment in the power grid,the harmonic problem of the power grid becomes more pronounced,reducing the efficiency of power production,transmission,and utilization,a...With the widespread application of power electronic equipment in the power grid,the harmonic problem of the power grid becomes more pronounced,reducing the efficiency of power production,transmission,and utilization,and interfering with the normal operation of the power grid.Based on the requirements of harmonic suppression and power system protection,a shunt active power filter(SAPF)is proposed as an effective harmonic suppression method.However,there are problems with impulse current and impulse voltage in the starting process of SAPF.Impulse current and impulse voltage cause the power grid and switchgear to bear greater current stress and voltage stress,which seriously affect the security and reliability of the power grid and may damage the switchgear.To effectively solve the problem of impulse current and impulse voltage,the starting process of SAPF is divided into the uncontrolled rectification stage and the transition stage.The mathematical model of the DC side of APF is established.The causes of impulse current and impulse voltage in the uncontrolled rectifier and transition phases are analyzed.By introducing voltage square,a new starting impulse suppression strategy of active power filter based on the slow rising curve is proposed,fundamentally solving the problems of impulse current and impulse voltage.Simulation results verify the effectiveness and feasibility of this method.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.60774043)
文摘This paper presents a current control method for a shunt hybrid active power filter (HAPF) using recursive integral PI algorithm. The method improves the performance of the HAPF system by reducing the influence of detection accuracy, time delay of instruction current calculation and phase displacement of output filter. Fuzzy logic based set-point weighing algorithm is combined in the control scheme to enhance its robustness and anti-interference ability. The proposed algorithm is easy to implement for engineering applications and easy to compute. Experiment results have verified the validity of the proposed controller. Furthermore, the proposed recursive integral PI algorithm can also be applied in the control of periodic current as in AC drivers.
文摘This paper proposes the optimum controller for shunt active filter(SAF)to mitigate the harmonics and maintain the power quality in the distribution system.It consists of shunt active filter,Voltage Source Inverter(VSI),series inductor and DC bus and nonlinear load.The proposed hybrid approach is a combination of Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO)and Artificial Neural Network(ANN)termed as PSOANN.The PI controller gain parameters of kp and ki are optimized with the help of PSOANN.The PSOANN improves the accuracy of tuning the gain parameters under steady and dynamic load conditions;thereby it reduces the values of THD within the prescribed limits of IEEE 519.The PSO optimizes the dataset of terminal voltage and DC voltage present in shunt active filter for different load condition.The optimized dataset acts as the input for the controller to predict the optimal gain with minimal error and to generate the optimized control signal for the SAF.The proposed methodology is modelled and simulated with the help of MATLAB/Simulink platform and illustrated the few test cases considered for exhibiting the performance of proposed hybrid controller.The experimental results are measured with developed laboratory prototype and compared with the simulation results to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control methodology.
文摘This paper first discusses the operating principle of instantaneous reactive power theory. Then, the theory is introduced into shunt active power filter and its control scheme is studied. Finally, Matlab/Simulink power system toolbox is used to simulate the system. In the simulation model, as the most common harmonic source, 3-phase thyristor bridge rectifier circuit is constructed. The simulation results before and after the shunt active filter was switched to the system corresponding to different firing angles of the thyristors are presented and analyzed, which demonstrate the practicability and reliability of the proposed shunt active filter scheme.
文摘As more and more variable frequency drives (VFDs), electronic ballasts, battery chargers, and static Var compensators are installed in facilities, the problems related to harmonics are expected to get worse. As a result Active power filter (APF) gains much more attention due to excellent harmonic compensation. But still the performance of the active filter seems to be in contradictions with different control strategies. This paper presents detailed analysis to compare and elevate the performance of two control strategies for ex-tracting reference currents of shunt active filters under balanced, un-balanced and non-sinusoidal conditions by using Fuzzy controller. The well known methods, instantaneous real active and reactive power method (p-q) and active and reactive current method (id-iq) are two control methods which are extensively used in active filters. Extensive Simulations are carried out with fuzzy controller for both p-q and Id-Iq methods for different voltage conditions and adequate results were presented. Simulation results validate the superior per-formance of active and reactive current control strategy (id-iq) with fuzzy controller over active and reactive power control strategy (p-q) with fuzzy controller.
基金Project(JC200903180555A) supported by Shenzhen City Science and Technology Plan, China
文摘A novel control strategy for three-phase shunt active power filter (SAPF) was proposed to improve its performance under non-ideal mains voltages. The approach was inspired by our finding that the classic instantaneous reactive power theory based algorithm was unsatisfactory in terms of isolating positive sequence fundamental active components exactly under non-ideal mains voltages. So, a modified ip-iq reference current calculation method was presented. With usage of the new method, not only the positive sequence but also the fundamental active current components can be accurately isolated from load current. A deadbeat closed-loop control model is built in order to eliminate both delay error and tracking error between reference voltages and compensation voltages under unbalanced and distorted mains voltages. Computer simulation results show that the proposed strategy is effective with better tracking ability and lower total harmonic distortion (THD). The strategy is also applied to a 10 kV substation with a local electrolysis manganese plant injecting a large amount of harmonics into the power system, and is proved to be more practical and efficient.
基金Project(2012AA051601)supported by the High-Tech Research and Development Program of China
文摘The open-circuit fault of the power switches in shunt active power filter(SAPF) would exacerbate the harmonic pollution of power grid, and degrade the reliability of the devices and system. A fault diagnosis method is proposed based on reference model and an over-modulation strategy under hardware fault tolerance for SAPF. First, a mathematic model is established for SAPF. Second, the residuals are generated by comparing the outputs of reference model and those of actual model, and open-switch fault is detected and diagnosed by residual evaluation. After that, hardware fault tolerance is performed with the three-phase four-switch(TPFS) topology to isolate the faulty phase. Finally, the over-modulation strategy is proposed to increase the voltage transfer ratio of the TPFS topology. Simulation and experimental results verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
文摘The aim of this work is to comparatively study two types of control of a three-phase shunt active filter (TSAF) in order to realize a system of depollution of electrical networks so as to improve the quality of electrical energy. We used two TSA control models which differ in the method of disturbed currents detection, one linear and the other non-linear. The results show that the non-linear control method, although with high calculation blocks, gives more promising results than the linear control method. When connecting a non-linear load (televisions, lamps, variable speed drives, etc.) directly to the public distribution network, the non-linear nature of the load causes the source current to be deformed due to the presence of harmonic currents and voltages. These harmonics thus generate a high reactive power, and therefore considerable electrical losses in the network. One of the solutions to reduce losses on the electricity grid is to incorporate an electronic circuit called a filter into the electricity grid. This work carried out a comparative study of two types of control of a three-phase shunt active filter (TSAF) in order to carry out a system for cleaning up electricity networks in order to improve the quality of electrical energy. We used two TSA control models that differ in the method of detecting disturbed currents, one linear and the other non-linear. The results show that the non-linear control method, although with high calculation blocks, gives better results than the linear control method.
文摘Due to environmental conditions, the wind power generation is fluctuating in nature. This affects the electrical network interconnected with these systems. When the wind power generators are connected to the nonlinear loads, there is distortion in the waveform. These distortions should be within limits according to national and international guidelines framed for power quality. This paper presents a mitigation technique with a shunt active filter, which reduces harmonic distortion to the permitted limit. Sine pulse width modulation (SPWM) control scheme is used to control shunt active filter. This technique eliminates harmonic distortion and maintains unity power factor. The simulation for proposed method is carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK and results are validated.
文摘This research work brings out the unique predictive current control method for attaining an efficient grid connected Photo Voltaic (PV) system by Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF) as grid connected converter. The major objective of the research work is to address the presence of Direct Current (DC) component, frequency improvement, quicker theta response, voltage magnitude estimation in the input signal of the Phase Locked Loop (PLL) which is challenging. This work focuses on tuning the PLL block (K<sub>p</sub>, K<sub>i</sub>, K<sub>v</sub> and K<sub>o</sub>) through Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) optimization algorithm. The proposed ABC based modified three-phase PLL method is based on adding a new loop inside the PLL structure. In power converters, ABC algorithm is used to select the optimal switching states. The voltage vector which minimizes a cost optimization function is selected. Simulation is carried out for both balanced and unbalanced system and the results validate that the performance of the proposed approach is better in terms of harmonic compensation as per the IEEE standards within ±5%, power factor improvement of the system, quicker theta tracking and suppression of frequency jump with the interconnection of PV system.
文摘This paper describes the mitigation of harmonics in source and neutral current in three phase four wire system based on 4-leg shunt active power filter under balanced and unbalanced load conditions. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and conventional Proportional Integral (PI) controller are used as control techniques to analyze the control performance of 4-leg shunt active power filter. The synchronous reference frame (SRF) method is used to extract reference current in 4-leg shunt active filter. The Hysteresis Current Controller (HCC) is used to generate gate pulses for Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) based 4-leg shunt active power filter. The proposed PSO technique gives less percentage of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) value in source and neutral current and settling time of the DC capacitor voltage compared to conventional PI controller technique. The model of the proposed system performance was validated using MATLAB/Simulink environment.
文摘This paper presents a fuzzy logic based three phase four wire four-leg shunt active power filter to suppress harmonic currents. Modified instantaneous p-q theory is adopted for calculating the compensating current. Fuzzy-adaptive hysteresis band technique is applied for the current control to derive the switching signals for the voltage source inverter. A fuzzy logic controller is developed to control the voltage of the DC capacitor. Computer simulations are carried out on a sample power system to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed control strategy, for harmonic reduction under three different conditions namely, ideal, unbalance, unbalance and distorted source voltage conditions. The proposed control strategy is found to be effective to reduce the harmonics and compensate reactive power and neutral current and balance load currents under ideal and non-ideal source voltage conditions.
文摘Performance of a three-phase shunt active power filter(SAPF)relies on the capability of the controller to track the reference current.Therefore,designing an accurate current controller is crucial to guarantee satisfactory SAPF operation.This paper presents a model predictive current controller(MPCC)for a low-cost,four-switch,shunt active power filter for power quality improvement.A four-switch,B4,converter topology is adopted as an SAPF,hence offering a simple,robust,and low-cost solution.In addition,to further reduce overall cost,only two interfacing filter inductors,instead of three,are used to eliminate switching current ripple.The proposed SAPF model MPCC is detailed for implementation,where simulation and experimental results validate effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm showing a 20%improvement in total harmonic distortion compared with a conventional hysteresis band current controller.
文摘In this paper the topology of a four-leg shunt active-power filter (APF) is given. The APF compensates har-monic and reactive power in a three-phase four-wire system. The scheme adopted for control of the four-leg active power filter,a 3-Dimensional Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique,is presented. The theoretical deduction of a space vector PWM (SVPWM) algorithm is given in this paper. The paper also analyzes the distribution of the volt-age-space vector of the four-leg converter in αβγ coordinates and describes methods to determine the location of the voltage-space vector and to calculate duration time. Finally,the algorithm is implemented in simulation; the results show that the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the three phase-current waveforms is reduced. The neutral wire current,after compensation,is about 0 A showing that the topology of the four-leg shunt APF is feasible and the proposed scheme is effective.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 61863023.
文摘With the widespread application of power electronic equipment in the power grid,the harmonic problem of the power grid becomes more pronounced,reducing the efficiency of power production,transmission,and utilization,and interfering with the normal operation of the power grid.Based on the requirements of harmonic suppression and power system protection,a shunt active power filter(SAPF)is proposed as an effective harmonic suppression method.However,there are problems with impulse current and impulse voltage in the starting process of SAPF.Impulse current and impulse voltage cause the power grid and switchgear to bear greater current stress and voltage stress,which seriously affect the security and reliability of the power grid and may damage the switchgear.To effectively solve the problem of impulse current and impulse voltage,the starting process of SAPF is divided into the uncontrolled rectification stage and the transition stage.The mathematical model of the DC side of APF is established.The causes of impulse current and impulse voltage in the uncontrolled rectifier and transition phases are analyzed.By introducing voltage square,a new starting impulse suppression strategy of active power filter based on the slow rising curve is proposed,fundamentally solving the problems of impulse current and impulse voltage.Simulation results verify the effectiveness and feasibility of this method.