Hybrid ac/dc microgrids. Part II : Review and classification of control strategies

Microgrids are envisioned as one of the most suitable alternatives for the integration of distributed generation units in the utility grid, as they efficiently combine generation, energy storage and loads in the same distribution network. In this context, hybrid ac/dc microgrids are arising as an interesting approach as they combine the advantages of ac and dc networks and do not require excessive modifications in the distribution network. However, they require more complex control strategies as they need to control the ac and dc networks and the interface power converter simultaneously. This paper identifies and analyses the control strategies that can be implemented in hybrid microgrids for an adequate power management in grid-tied and islanded modes of operation. The review is focused on hierarchical controls as they are the most extended approach in the literature. A classification has been elaborated, which covers the three main levels of hierarchical control strategies (primary, secondary and tertiary). Each of the levels has been independently studied in order to provide a comprehensive analysis of the alternatives found in the literature. The future trends related to this topic show that a higher research effort is required regarding the control of the interface device and the ancillary services that the management strategy must provide—e.g. blackstart, transition between islanded and grid-connected modes of operation, interconnection of microgrids, etc

Centralized and Decentralized control of Microgrids

ABSTRACT Microgrid can be seen as an important controllable sub-system in future power systems. As a part of distribution network, the microgrid can operate in grid-connected or islanded mode to supply its local loads, and it consists of different renewable and non-renewable distribution generations that are connected to the system through power electronics (PE) interfaces. However, the control of microgrids is one of the important issues to focus on in order to overcome the challenges raised by high penetration of of renewable energy sources (RES). Depending on the responsibilities assumed by the different control levels, the microgrid can be controlled in centralized or decentralized modes. In centralized approach, the microgrid central controller (MGCC) is mainly responsible for the maximization of the microgrid value and optinization of its operation, and the MGCC determines the amount of power that the microgrid should import or export from the upstream distribution system by optimizing the local production or consumption capabilities. However, the MGCC should always consider the market prices of electricity, grid security concerns and ancillary services requested by the DSO when taking decisions. In this case an optimized operating scenario is realized by controlling the microsources and controllable loads within the microgrid, where non-critical, flexible loads can be shed, when profitable. Furthermore, the actual active and reactive power of the components are monitored. When a full decentralized control is implemented, the Management Center (MC) takes responsibilities and it competes or collaborates to optimize the production, satisfy the demand and provide the maximum possible export to the grid but all is done by considering the real time market prices. This thesis discusses the concepts of centralized and decentralized control of MG, where the main chapters introduce different control methods and PE interfaces that are involved in the microgrid control, while the final work presents simulation models that demonstrate how microgrids are controlled through inverters and the results. Using MATLAB/Simulink environment, PQ and V/f control modes of inverter are simulated and the results are discussed to point out their significant effect on balancing the voltage magnitude, maintaining the frequency and power sharing

A review of microgrid development in the United States – A decade of progress on policies, demonstrations, controls, and software tools

Microgrids have become increasingly popular in the United States. Supported by favorable federal and local policies, microgrid projects can provide greater energy stability and resilience within a project site or community. This paper reviews major federal, state, and utility-level policies driving microgrid development in the United States. Representative U.S. demonstration projects are selected and their technical characteristics and non-technical features are introduced. The paper discusses trends in the technology development of microgrid systems as well as microgrid control methods and interactions within the electricity market. Software tools for microgrid design, planning, and performance analysis are illustrated with each tool's core capability. Finally, the paper summarizes the successes and lessons learned during the recent expansion of the U.S. microgrid industry that may serve as a reference for other countries developing their own microgrid industries

Performance evaluation of secondary control policies with respect to digital communications properties in inverter-based islanded microgrids

A key challenge for inverted-based microgrids working in islanded mode is to maintain their own frequency and voltage to a certain reference values while regulating the active and reactive power among distributed generators and loads. The implementation of frequency and voltage restoration control policies often requires the use of a digital communication network for real-time data exchange (tertiary control covers the coordi- nated operation of the microgrid and the host grid). Whenever a digital network is placed within the loop, the operation of the secondary control may be affected by the inherent properties of the communication technology. This paper analyses the effect that properties like transmission intervals and message dropouts have for four existing representative approaches to secondary control in a scalable islanded microgrid. The simulated results reveals pros and cons for each approach, and identifies threats that properly avoided or handled in advance can prevent failures that otherwise would occur. Selected experimental results on a low- scale laboratory microgrid corroborate the conclusions extracted from the simulation study.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft