Ajay Krishna

Bio: Ajay Krishna is an academic researcher from Technical University of Berlin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Automatic frequency control & Microgrid. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 5 publications receiving 26 citations. Previous affiliations of Ajay Krishna include Brandenburg University of Technology.

Steady state evaluation of distributed secondary frequency control strategies for microgrids in the presence of clock drifts

Abstract: Secondary frequency control, i.e., the task of restoring the network frequency to its nominal value following a disturbance, is an important control objective in microgrids. In the present paper, we compare distributed secondary control strategies with regard to their behaviour under the explicit consideration of clock drifts. In particular we show that, if not considered in the tuning procedure, the presence of clock drifts may impair an accurate frequency restoration and power sharing. As a consequence, we derive tuning criteria such that zero steady state frequency deviation and power sharing is achieved even in the presence of clock drifts. Furthermore, the effects of clock drifts of the individual inverters on the different control strategies are discussed analytically and in a numerical case study.

A Consensus-Based Control Law for Accurate Frequency Restoration and Power Sharing in Microgrids in the Presence of Clock Drifts

Abstract: Clock drifts are a common phenomenon in distributed systems, such as microgrids (MGs). Unfortunately, if not accounted for, the presence of clock drifts can hamper accurate frequency restoration and power sharing in MGs. As a consequence, we have proposed in [1] a distributed secondary frequency control that ensures an accurate stationary control performance in the presence of clock drifts. In the present work, we extend the analysis in [1] by providing a tuning criterion for the controller parameters that guarantees robust stability of a given equilibrium point of the closed-loop dynamics with respect to uncertain bounded clock drifts. Finally, our analysis is validated via simulation.

A consensus-based voltage control for reactive power sharing and PCC voltage regulation in microgrids with parallel-connected inverters

Abstract: We consider small-scale power systems consisting of several inverter-interfaced units connected in parallel to a common bus, the point of common coupling (PCC), and sharing a joint load. This is a frequently encountered configuration in microgrid applications. In such a setting, two important control objectives are reactive power sharing and voltage regulation at the PCC. In this paper, we first show that the nonlinear equilibrium equations corresponding to the aforementioned objectives admit a unique positive solution. Then, we propose a consensus-based distributed voltage controller which renders this desired unique solution locally asymptotically stable. Finally, control performance is illustrated via a simulation example.

Energy function analysis for power system stability

Abstract: (1990). ENERGY FUNCTION ANALYSIS FOR POWER SYSTEM STABILITY. Electric Machines & Power Systems: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 209-210.

On the Secondary Control Architectures of AC Microgrids: An Overview

Abstract: Communication infrastructure (CI) in microgrids (MGs) allows for the application of different control architectures for the secondary control (SC) layer. The use of new SC architectures involving CI is motivated by the need to increase MG resilience and handle the intermittent nature of distributed generation units. The structure of SC is classified into three main categories, including centralized SC (CSC) with a CI, distributed SC (DISC) generally with a low-data-rate CI, and decentralized SC (DESC) with communication-free infrastructure. To meet the MGs’ operational constraints and optimize performance, control and communication must be utilized simultaneously in different control layers. In this survey, we review and classify all types of SC policies from CI-based methods to communication-free policies, including CSC, averaging-based DISC, consensus-based DISC methods, containment pinning consensus, event-triggered DISC, washout-filter-based DESC, and state-estimation-based DESC. Each structure is scrutinized from the viewpoint of the relevant literature. Challenges such as clock drifts, cyber-security threats, and the advantage of event-triggered approaches are presented. Fully decentralized approaches based on state-estimation and observation methods are also addressed. Although these approaches eliminate the need of any CI for the voltage and frequency restoration, during black start process or other functionalities related to the tertiary layer, a CI is required. Power hardware-in-the-loop experimental tests are carried out to compare the merits and applicability of different SC structures.

Robustness of Distributed Averaging Control in Power Systems: Time Delays & Dynamic Communication Topology

Abstract: Distributed averaging-based integral (DAI) controllers are becoming increasingly popular in power system applications. The literature has thus far primarily focused on disturbance rejection, steady-state optimality and adaption to complex physical system models without considering uncertainties on the cyber and communication layer nor their effect on robustness and performance. In this paper, we derive sufficient delay-dependent conditions for robust stability of a secondary-frequency-DAI-controlled power system with respect to heterogeneous communication delays, link failures and packet losses. Our analysis takes into account both constant as well as fast-varying delays, and it is based on a common strictly decreasing Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional. The conditions illustrate an inherent trade-off between robustness and performance of DAI controllers. The effectiveness and tightness of our stability certificates are illustrated via a numerical example based on Kundur's four-machine-two-area test system.

Robust Control Strategies for Microgrids: A Review

Abstract: Microgrids consisting of photovoltaic (PV) power plants and wind farms have been widely accepted in power systems for reliability enhancement and power loss reduction. Microgrids are capable of providing voltage and frequency support, improving power quality, and achieving proper power-sharing. To achieve such goals and deal with the nonlinear behavior in such systems, appropriate robust control strategies are required to be adopted. This article presents a comprehensive review of robust control methods for microgrids, including AC, DC, and hybrid microgrids, with different topologies and different types of interconnection to conventional power systems based on recently published research studies. The main control objectives, along with proposed control methods, are comparatively discussed for different types of microgrids. Furthermore, several research gaps in this area related to the scalability, robustness assessment, and evaluation approach are discussed. Recommendations are made that can potentially open new research lines to enhance the effectiveness of robust controllers for AC, DC, and hybrid microgrids.