
It corrects the dc microgrid bus voltage to the desired value. This voltage restoration controller is common to all power converters within the dc microgrid. However, droop control creates voltage deviations in the microgrid, which creates a need for a voltage restoration controller within the secondary control. Droop control also prevents circulating currents between the power converters. Conventional droop control works by adding virtual resistance in various lines to equalize the currents. These control systems are generally organized in a hierarchical control system consisting of three levels: primary control local to each converter in the microgrid, including current and voltage control based on what’s called a droop control system secondary control which restores deviations caused by the primary control, and tertiary control which handles the power flow between the microgrid and any outside electrical distribution system.ĭroop control is basically a way of equalizing current sharing among converters-it is analogous to reactive power sharing in an ac grid. Different control systems within the microgrid system take care of the voltage, sharing of load current between the power converters, as well as charging and discharging of energy storage systems like batteries and supercapacitors. One of the main challenging aspects of microgrids is their internal controls. 2, Microgrid primary, secondary, and tertiary control schemes. However, dc microgrids in particular are attracting a lot of research because they have lower conversion losses and fewer power conversion stages, no synchronization issues, and independence from power quality issues that arise on the ac grid. Different scenarios call for different ac or dc microgrid configurations. Of course, islanded mode operation is a great feature to have if the electrical grid fails. An attractive aspect of microgrids is the ability to connect with the grid as well as operate completely alone and autonomously in islanded mode. Microgrids can be ac, dc, or a combination of both. Energy management within dc microgrids is also a popular research topic. Researchers also are trying to establish common standards with regard to control strategies, stabilization techniques, and standardization issues. Research in the field of dc microgrids spans topics ranging from control algorithms to improve load sharing among converters within the microgrid to algorithms that reduce operational costs. The levels of control involved in a typical microgrid present challenges, giving rise to research opportunities aimed at perfecting the control systems that handle power converter integration in microgrid systems. photovoltaic systems, wind generation systems, and so forth) and loads which together form a self sustainable electrical supply system, basically a small electrical grid. A typical microgrid consists of distributed electrical power sources (e.g. Microgrids get a fair amount of press coverage these days thanks to their role in distributed power generation. Research there has produced an innovative control system that shares current well within a dc microgrid.

of Industrial Electrical Power Conversion, University of Malta Experimental dc microgrid setups under investigation at the University of Malta. Microgrids are a great way to power locations where grid connections are unreliable, though it can be tricky to control them in robust ways.ĭaniel Zammit, Dept.
