Showing papers on "Microgrid published in 2015"

State of the Art in Research on Microgrids: A Review

Abstract: The significant benefits associated with microgrids have led to vast efforts to expand their penetration in electric power systems. Although their deployment is rapidly growing, there are still many challenges to efficiently design, control, and operate microgrids when connected to the grid, and also when in islanded mode, where extensive research activities are underway to tackle these issues. It is necessary to have an across-the-board view of the microgrid integration in power systems. This paper presents a review of issues concerning microgrids and provides an account of research in areas related to microgrids, including distributed generation, microgrid value propositions, applications of power electronics, economic issues, microgrid operation and control, microgrid clusters, and protection and communications issues.

Distributed Cooperative Control of DC Microgrids

Abstract: A cooperative control paradigm is used to establish a distributed secondary/primary control framework for dc microgrids. The conventional secondary control, that adjusts the voltage set point for the local droop mechanism, is replaced by a voltage regulator and a current regulator. A noise-resilient voltage observer is introduced that uses neighbors’ data to estimate the average voltage across the microgrid. The voltage regulator processes this estimation and generates a voltage correction term to adjust the local voltage set point. This adjustment maintains the microgrid voltage level as desired by the tertiary control. The current regulator compares the local per-unit current of each converter with the neighbors’ and, accordingly, provides a second voltage correction term to synchronize per-unit currents and, thus, provide proportional load sharing. The proposed controller precisely handles the transmission line impedances. The controller on each converter communicates with only its neighbor converters on a communication graph. The graph is a sparse network of communication links spanned across the microgrid to facilitate data exchange. The global dynamic model of the microgrid is derived, and design guidelines are provided to tune the system's dynamic response. A low-voltage dc microgrid prototype is set up, where the controller performance, noise resiliency, link-failure resiliency, and the plug-and-play capability features are successfully verified.

Overview of Power Management Strategies of Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid

Abstract: Today, conventional power systems are evolving to modern smart grids, where interconnected microgrids may dominate the distribution system with high penetration of renewable energy and energy storage systems. The hybrid ac/dc systems with dc and ac sources/loads are considered to be the most possible future distribution or even transmission structures. For such hybrid ac/dc microgrids, power management strategies are one of the most critical operation aspects. This paper presents an overview of power management strategies for a hybrid ac/dc microgrid system, which includes different system structures (ac-coupled, dc-coupled, and ac–dc-coupled hybrid microgrids), different operation modes, a thorough study of various power management and control schemes in both steady state and transient conditions, and examples of power management and control strategies. Finally, discussion and recommendations of power management strategies for the further research are presented.

Secondary Frequency and Voltage Control of Islanded Microgrids via Distributed Averaging

Abstract: In this paper, we present new distributed controllers for secondary frequency and voltage control in islanded microgrids. Inspired by techniques from cooperative control, the proposed controllers use localized information and nearest-neighbor communication to collectively perform secondary control actions. The frequency controller rapidly regulates the microgrid frequency to its nominal value while maintaining active power sharing among the distributed generators. Tuning of the voltage controller provides a simple and intuitive tradeoff between the conflicting goals of voltage regulation and reactive power sharing. Our designs require no knowledge of the microgrid topology, impedances, or loads. The distributed architecture allows for flexibility and redundancy, eliminating the need for a central microgrid controller. We provide a voltage stability analysis and present extensive experimental results validating our designs, verifying robust performance under communication failure and during plug-and-play operation.

Distributed Secondary Voltage and Frequency Restoration Control of Droop-Controlled Inverter-Based Microgrids

Abstract: In this paper, restorations for both voltage and frequency in the droop-controlled inverter-based islanded microgrid (MG) are addressed. A distributed finite-time control approach is used in the voltage restoration which enables the voltages at all the distributed generations (DGs) to converge to the reference value in finite time, and thus, the voltage and frequency control design can be separated. Then, a consensus-based distributed frequency control is proposed for frequency restoration, subject to certain control input constraints. Our control strategies are implemented on the local DGs, and thus, no central controller is required in contrast to existing control schemes proposed so far. By allowing these controllers to communicate with their neighboring controllers, the proposed control strategy can restore both voltage and frequency to their respective reference values while having accurate real power sharing, under a sufficient local stability condition established. An islanded MG test system consisting of four DGs is built in MATLAB to illustrate our design approach, and the results validate our proposed control strategy.

Optimization in microgrids with hybrid energy systems – A review

Abstract: Fast depleting fossil fuels and the growing awareness for environmental protection have led us to the energy crisis. Hence, efforts are being made by researchers to investigate new ways to extract energy from renewable sources. ‘Microgrids’ with Distributed Generators (DG) are being implemented with renewable energy systems. Optimization methods justify the cost of investment of a microgrid by enabling economic and reliable utilization of the resources. This paper strives to bring to light the concept of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) and state of art application of optimization tools and techniques to microgrids, integrating renewable energies. With an extensive literature survey on HRES, a framework of diverse objectives has been outlined for which optimization approaches were applied to empower the microgrid. A review of modelling and applications of renewable energy generation and storage sources is also presented.

Analysis of Phase-Locked Loop Low-Frequency Stability in Three-Phase Grid-Connected Power Converters Considering Impedance Interactions

Abstract: Synchronous reference frame (SRF) phase-locked loop (PLL) is a critical component for the control and grid synchronization of three-phase grid-connected power converters. The PLL behaviors, especially its low-frequency dynamics, influenced by different grid and load impedances as well as operation mode have not been investigated yet, which may not be captured by conventional linear PLL models. In this paper, we propose a state-feedback quasi-static SRF-PLL model, which can identify and quantify the inherent frequency self-synchronization mechanism in the converter control system. This self-synchronization effect is essentially due to the converter interactions with grid impedance and power flow directions. The low-frequency nonlinear behaviors of the PLL under different grid impedance conditions are then analyzed, which forms the framework of evaluating the impacts of the large penetration level of distributed generation units, weak grid, microgrid, and large reactive power consumption in terms of the frequency stability of PLL. Specifically, the PLL behavior of the converter system under islanded condition is investigated to explain the PLL instability issues and the related islanding-detection methods in early publications and industry reports.

Distributed Optimal Energy Management in Microgrids

Abstract: Energy management in microgrids is typically formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem. Solving it in a centralized manner does not only require high computational capabilities at the microgrid central controller (MGCC), but may also infringe customer privacy. Existing distributed approaches, on the other hand, assume that all generations and loads are connected to one bus, and ignore the underlying power distribution network and the associated power flow and system operational constraints. Consequently, the schedules produced by those algorithms may violate those constraints and thus are not feasible in practice. Therefore, the focus of this paper is on the design of a distributed energy management strategy (EMS) for the optimal operation of microgrids with consideration of the distribution network and the associated constraints. Specifically, we formulate microgrid energy management as an optimal power flow problem, and propose a distributed EMS where the MGCC and the local controllers jointly compute an optimal schedule. We also provide an implementation of the proposed distributed EMS based on IEC 61850. As one demonstration, we apply the proposed distributed EMS to a real microgrid in Guangdong Province, China, consisting of photovoltaics, wind turbines, diesel generators, and a battery energy storage system. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and fast convergence of the proposed distributed EMS.

AC and DC technology in microgrids: A review

Abstract: Microgrids are a suitable, reliable and clean solution to integrate distributed generation into the mains grid. Microgrids can present both AC and DC distribution lines. The type of distribution conditions the performance of distribution line and implies different features, advantages and disadvantages in each case. This paper analyses, in detail, all this parameters for AC and DC microgrids in order to identify and describe the available alternatives for building and configuring a microgrid. Elements and issues involved in the implementation and development, such as protections, power converters, economic analysis, and availability are discussed and described. This analysis constitutes a tool for selecting a suitable configuration of a microgrid adapted to the needs in each situation. In addition, the paper provides a picture of the current situation of microgrids, and identifies and proposes future research lines.

Accurate Reactive Power Sharing in an Islanded Microgrid Using Adaptive Virtual Impedances

Abstract: In this paper, a reactive power sharing strategy that employs communication and the virtual impedance concept is proposed to enhance the accuracy of reactive power sharing in an islanded microgrid. Communication is utilized to facilitate the tuning of adaptive virtual impedances in order to compensate for the mismatch in voltage drops across feeders. Once the virtual impedances are tuned for a given load operating point, the strategy will result in accurate reactive power sharing even if communication is disrupted. If the load changes while communication is unavailable, the sharing accuracy is reduced, but the proposed strategy will still outperform the conventional droop control method. In addition, the reactive power sharing accuracy based on the proposed strategy is immune to the time delay in the communication channel. The sensitivity of the tuned controller parameters to changes in the system operating point is also explored. The control strategy is straightforward to implement and does not require knowledge of the feeder impedances. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategy are validated using simulation and experimental results from a 2-kVA microgrid.

Adaptive Droop Control Strategy for Load Sharing and Circulating Current Minimization in Low-Voltage Standalone DC Microgrid

Abstract: This paper addresses load current sharing and cir- culating current issues of parallel-connected dc-dc converters in low-voltage dc microgrid. Droop control is the popular technique for load current sharing in dc microgrid. The main drawbacks of the conventional droop method are poor current sharing and drop in dcgrid voltage due tothe droop action. Circulating current issue will also arise due to mismatch in the converters output voltages. In this work, a figure of merit called droop index (DI) is introduced in order to improve the performance of dc microgrid, which is a function of normalized current sharing difference and losses in the output side of the converters. This proposed adaptive droop con- trol method minimizes the circulating current and current sharing difference between the converters based on instantaneous virtual resistance Rdroop .U singRdroop shifting, the proposed method also eliminates the tradeoff between current sharing difference and voltage regulation. The detailed analysis and design procedure are explained for two dc-dc boost converters connected in paral- lel. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by detailed simulation and experimental studies.

Microgrid Planning Under Uncertainty

Abstract: This paper presents a model for the microgrid planning problem with uncertain physical and financial information. The microgrid planning problem investigates the economic viability of microgrid deployment and determines the optimal generation mix of distributed energy resources (DERs) for installation. Net metering is considered for exchanging power with the main grid and lowering the cost of unserved energy and DER investments. A robust optimization approach is adopted for considering forecast errors in load, variable renewable generation, and market prices. The microgrid islanding is further treated as a source of uncertainty. The microgrid planning problem is decomposed into an investment master problem and an operation subproblem. The optimal planning decisions determined in the master problem are employed in the subproblem to examine the optimality of the master solution by calculating the worst-case optimal operation under uncertain conditions. Optimality cuts sent to the master problem will govern subsequent iterations. Numerical simulations exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed model and further analyze the sensitivity of microgrid planning results on variety levels of uncertainty.

Real-Time Energy Storage Management for Renewable Integration in Microgrid: An Off-Line Optimization Approach

Abstract: Microgrid is a key enabling solution to future smart grids by integrating distributed renewable generators and storage systems to efficiently serve the local demand. However, due to the random and intermittent characteristics of renewable energy, new challenges arise for the reliable operation of microgrids. To address this issue, we study in this paper the real-time energy management for a single microgrid system that constitutes a renewable generation system, an energy storage system, and an aggregated load. We model the renewable energy offset by the load over time, termed net energy profile, to be practically predictable, but with finite errors that can be arbitrarily distributed. We aim to minimize the total energy cost (modeled as sum of time-varying strictly convex functions) of the conventional energy drawn from the main grid over a finite horizon by jointly optimizing the energy charged/discharged to/from the storage system over time subject to practical load and storage constraints. To solve this problem in real time, we propose a new off-line optimization approach to devise the online algorithm. In this approach, we first assume that the net energy profile is perfectly predicted or known ahead of time, under which we derive the optimal off-line energy scheduling solution in closed-form. Next, inspired by the optimal off-line solution, we propose a sliding-window based online algorithm for real-time energy management under the practical setup of noisy predicted net energy profile with arbitrary errors. Finally, we conduct simulations based on the real wind generation data of the Ireland power system to evaluate the performance of our proposed algorithm, as compared with other heuristically designed algorithms, as well as the conventional dynamic programming based solution.

Impact of Communication Delays on Secondary Frequency Control in an Islanded Microgrid

Abstract: Low-bandwidth communication channels are used to support the information exchange between a microgrid centralized controller and local controllers in the secondary frequency control of an islanded microgrid. However, the impact of the inherent time delay in these communication channels on the microgrid performance has not been taken into account when the secondary frequency controller is designed. This paper investigates the effect of the communication delays on the secondary frequency control of an islanded microgrid with multiple distributed generators. A small-signal model-based method is introduced for the microgrid to find delay margins below which the microgrid can remain stable. By performing a series of trial studies, the relationships between secondary frequency control gains and delay margins are obtained. A gain scheduling approach is also proposed to compensate the effect of the communication delay on the secondary frequency control. Results from the Canadian urban distribution system have verified that communication delays can adversely affect the microgrid secondary frequency control, and the proposed gain scheduling approach can improve the robustness of the microgrid secondary frequency controller to communication delays.

Computational optimization techniques applied to microgrids planning: A review

Abstract: Microgrids are expected to become part of the next electric power system evolution, not only in rural and remote areas but also in urban communities. Since microgrids are expected to coexist with traditional power grids (such as district heating does with traditional heating systems), their planning process must be addressed to economic feasibility, as a long-term stability guarantee. Planning a microgrid is a complex process due to existing alternatives, goals, constraints and uncertainties. Usually planning goals conflict each other and, as a consequence, different optimization problems appear along the planning process. In this context, technical literature about optimization techniques applied to microgrid planning have been reviewed and the guidelines for innovative planning methodologies focused on economic feasibility can be defined. Finally, some trending techniques and new microgrid planning approaches are pointed out.

A Survey on Control of Electric Power Distributed Generation Systems for Microgrid Applications

Abstract: The introduction of microgrids in distribution networks based on power electronics facilitates the use of renewable energy resources, distributed generation (DG) and storage systems while improving the quality of electric power and reducing losses thus increasing the performance and reliability of the electrical system. The hierarchical control structure, which consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels for microgrids that mimic the behavior of the mains grid, is reviewed. The main objective of this article is to give a description of state of the art for distributed power generation systems (DPGS) based on renewable energy and explore the power converters connected in parallel to the grid which are distinguished by their contribution to the formation of the grid voltage and frequency and are accordingly classified in three classes. This analysis is extended focusing mainly on the three classes of configurations: grid-forming, grid-feeding, and grid-supporting. The article ends up with an overview and a discussion of the control structures and strategies to control distribution power generation system (DPGS) units connected to the network.

Hierarchical Coordination of a Community Microgrid With AC and DC Microgrids

Abstract: In this paper, a community microgrid with multiple ac and dc microgrids is introduced and analyzed. Individual microgrids with different frequency and voltage requirements would operate as self-controlled entities, which could also cooperate with neighboring microgrids for providing back-up operations in the community microgrid. A hierarchical coordination strategy with primary, secondary, and tertiary coordination is proposed for the economic operation of an islanded community microgrid. The hierarchical strategy is also applied to a grid-connected community microgrid and the results are discussed. The simulation results verify that the proposed hierarchical coordination strategy is an effective and efficient way for coordinating microgrid flows in an islanded community microgrid, while maintaining the rated frequency and voltage with each microgrid. The simulation results also demonstrate the economic operation of a grid-connected community microgrid in which individual microgrids operate as autonomous agents, while satisfying the community objectives.

An Enhanced Islanding Microgrid Reactive Power, Imbalance Power, and Harmonic Power Sharing Scheme

Abstract: To address inaccurate power sharing problems in autonomous islanding microgrids, an enhanced droop control method through online virtual impedance adjustment is proposed. First, a term associated with DG reactive power, imbalance power, or harmonic power is added to the conventional real power-frequency droop control. The transient real power variations caused by this term are captured to realize DG series virtual impedance tuning. With the regulation of DG virtual impedance at fundamental positive sequence, fundamental negative sequence, and harmonic frequencies, an accurate power sharing can be realized at the steady state. In order to activate the compensation scheme in multiple DG units in a synchronized manner, a low-bandwidth communication bus is adopted to send the compensation command from a microgrid central controller to DG unit local controllers, without involving any information from DG unit local controllers. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified by simulated and experimental results from a low-power three-phase microgrid prototype.

Consensus + Innovations Approach for Distributed Multiagent Coordination in a Microgrid

Abstract: Distributed energy resources and demand-side management are expected to become more prevalent in the future electric power system. Coordinating the increased number of grid participants in an efficient and reliable way is going to be a major challenge. A potential solution is the employment of a distributed energy management approach, which uses intelligence distributed over the grid to balance supply and demand. In this paper, we specifically consider the situation in which distributed resources and loads form microgrids within the bulk power system in which the load is supplied by local generation. A distributed energy management approach based on the consensus + innovations method is presented and used to coordinate local generation, flexible load, and storage devices within the microgrid. The approach takes advantage of the fact that, at the optimal allocation settings, the marginal costs given as a function of the power output/consumption need to be equal for all nonbinding network resources. Solutions for single time step, as well as multitime step optimization including intertemporal constraints, are presented.

Dynamic Energy Management of Renewable Grid Integrated Hybrid Energy Storage System

Abstract: In this paper, a unified energy management scheme is proposed for renewable grid integrated systems with battery–supercapacitor hybrid storage. The intermittent nature of renewable-energy resources (RES), coupled with the unpredictable changes in the load, demands high-power and high-energy-density storage systems to coexist in today's microgrid environment. The proposed scheme dynamically changes the modes of renewable integrated systems based on the availability of RES power and changes in load as well. The participation of battery–supercapacitor storage to handle sudden/average changes in power surges results in fast dc link voltage regulation, effective energy management, and reduced current stress on battery. In addition, the proposed energy management scheme enables the real power transfer along with ancillary services such as current harmonic mitigation, reactive power support, and power factor improvement at the point of common coupling. The proposed scheme is validated through both simulation and experimental studies.

Distributed Optimal Resource Management Based on the Consensus Algorithm in a Microgrid

Abstract: A microgrid is a promising approach to provide clean, renewable, and reliable electricity by integrating various distributed generations and energy storage systems into power systems. However, highly intermittent renewable generations and various load demands pose new challenges to the optimal resource management in a microgrid. This paper proposes a fully distributed control strategy based on the consensus algorithm for the optimal resource management in an islanded microgrid. The proposed strategy is implemented through a multiagent system framework, which only requires information exchange among neighboring agents through a local network. The objective is achieved through a two-level control strategy. The upper control level is a consensus-based optimization algorithm that discovers the reference of optimal power generation or demand while maintaining the supply–demand balance. The lower control level is responsible for reference tracking of the associated component. Simulation results in the IEEE 14- and 162-bus systems are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

Optimal Economical Schedule of Hydrogen-Based Microgrids With Hybrid Storage Using Model Predictive Control

Abstract: The electricity market rules determine the energy prices in the day-ahead market, matching offers from generators to bids from consumers. The unpredictability of renewable energy combined with the penalty deviations used in the regulation market makes it difficult for clean energy to play an important role in the electricity market. The high density of hydrogen as an energy storage system (ESS) appears to be one solution to the problems outlined. There is still not a perfect ESS, everyone has different limitations from the point of view of time autonomy, time response, degradation issues, or acquisition cost. The design of a hybrid energy storage management system emerges as a technological solution to the problems commented. The development of an optimal control for renewable energy microgrids with hybrid ESS is carried out using model predictive control (MPC). The MPC techniques allow maximizing the economical benefit of the microgrid, minimizing the degradation causes of each storage system, and fulfilling the different system constraints. In order to capture both continuous/discrete dynamics and switching between different operating conditions, the plant is modeled with the framework of mixed logic dynamic. The MPC problem is solved within mixed-integer quadratic programming.

Stability Enhancement Based on Virtual Impedance for DC Microgrids With Constant Power Loads

Abstract: In this paper, a converter-based dc microgrid is studied. By considering the impact of each component in dc microgrids on system stability, a multistage configuration is employed, which includes the source stage, interface converter stage between buses, and common load stage. In order to study the overall stability of the above dc microgrid with constant power loads (CPLs), a comprehensive small-signal model is derived by analyzing the interface converters in each stage. The instability issue induced by the CPLs is revealed by using the criteria of impedance matching. Meanwhile, virtual-impedance-based stabilizers are proposed in order to enhance the damping of dc microgrids with CPLs and guarantee the stable operation. Since droop control is commonly used to reach proper load power sharing in dc microgrids, its impact is taken into account when testing the proposed stabilizers. By using the proposed stabilizers, virtual impedances are employed in the output filters of the interface converters in the second stage of the multistage configuration. In particular, one of the virtual impedances is connected in series with the filter capacitor, and the other one is connected at the output path of the converter. It can be seen that by using the proposed stabilizers, the unstable poles induced by the CPLs are forced to move into the stable region. The proposed method is verified by the MATLAB/Simulink model of multistage dc microgrids with three distributed power generation units.

An Improved Droop Control Strategy for Reactive Power Sharing in Islanded Microgrid

Abstract: For microgrid in islanded operation, due to the effects of mismatched line impedance, the reactive power could not be shared accurately with the conventional droop method. To improve the reactive power sharing accuracy, this paper proposes an improved droop control method. The proposed method mainly includes two important operations: error reduction operation and voltage recovery operation. The sharing accuracy is improved by the sharing error reduction operation, which is activated by the low-bandwidth synchronization signals. However, the error reduction operation will result in a decrease in output voltage amplitude. Therefore, the voltage recovery operation is proposed to compensate the decrease. The needed communication in this method is very simple, and the plug-and-play is reserved. Simulations and experimental results show that the improved droop controller can share load active and reactive power, enhance the power quality of the microgrid, and also have good dynamic performance.

Hybrid ac/dc microgrids—Part I: Review and classification of topologies

Abstract: Microgrids have been widely studied in the literature as a possible approach for the integration of distributed energy sources with energy storage systems in the electric network. Until now the most used configuration has been the ac microgrid, but dc-based microgrids are gaining interest due to the advantages they provide over their counterpart (no reactive power, no synchronization, increasing number of dc devices, etc.). Therefore, hybrid ac/dc microgrids are raising as an optimal approach as they combine the main advantages of ac and dc microgrids. This paper reviews the most interesting topologies of hybrid ac/dc microgrids based on the interconnection of the ac and dc networks and the conventional power network. After performing a description and analysis of each configuration, a comparative evaluation has been performed to highlight the most important features of each one. The future trends identified during the study also show that several features such as the scalability, modeling or design require further research towards the integration of hybrid microgrids in the power network.

Cooperative Control of Distributed Energy Storage Systems in a Microgrid

Abstract: Energy storage systems (ESSs) are often proposed to support the frequency control in microgrid systems. Due to the intermittency of the renewable generation and constantly changing load demand, the charging/discharging of various ESSs in an autonomous microgrid needs to be properly coordinated to ensure the supply-demand balance. Recent research has discovered that the charging/discharging efficiency of ESSs has remarkable dependence on the charging/discharging rate and state-of-charge of the ESS. This paper proposes a distributed cooperative control strategy for coordinating the ESSs to maintain the supply-demand balance and minimize the total power loss associated with charging/discharging inefficiency. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated by simulation results.