Design of Universal Control Structure for Regulation of Voltage and Frequency in Hybrid Microgrid

Abstract

Hybrid microgrid (HMG) control strategies reveal several critical research gaps that must be addressed. Current approaches often fall short in efficiency and reliability due to the inherent complexities of transitioning between grid-connected mode (GCM) and islanded mode (IM), resulting in increased losses and operational difficulties. Additionally, managing overloads, especially in IM, poses significant challenges for maintaining stable voltage and frequency regulation. This paper seeks to address these issues by introducing a novel universal control structure (UCS) for HMGs, which includes a frequency compensation unit (FCU) and a three-stage bidirectional AC/DC droop. It presents a streamlined yet robust solution for handling overloads, maintaining power balance, and ensuring precise voltage and frequency regulation while promising smooth maneuver in both GCM and IM. The proposed UCS provides flexible and reliable operation, allowing for the versatile placement of DC and AC sources and loads. This will reduce power transformation stages thereby lowering cost and increasing efficiency of system. Through experimental validation, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed control in addressing these critical research gaps and advancing the field of HMG control strategies.

Keywords:

• Distributed generation
• FCU
• Grid operation
• Hybrid microgrid
• Islanding
• Power flow control
• Universal control structure

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Narayan Prasad Gupta

Narayan Prasad Gupta received his BE in electrical engineering in 2003 and his Mtech in power systems in 2012, both from RGPV Bhopal. He completed his PhD in electrical engineering in 2021 from MANIT Bhopal, India. Currently, he is serving as an assistant professor at UIT-RGPV Bhopal. With numerous publications in reputable journals, his research interests include power systems and drives, distributed generation, microgrids, and power quality. Additionally, he serves as a reviewer for various esteemed journals.

Preeti Gupta

Preeti Gupta completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in electrical engineering in 2004 and 2010, respectively. She earned her PhD from MANIT Bhopal in 2020. Currently, she is employed at RGPV Bhopal. She has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering, with numerous publications in esteemed national and international journals and conferences. Her research interests include distributed generation, microgrids, renewable energy integration, and intertied hybrid power systems. Additionally, she serves as a reviewer for various reputed journals. Email: [email protected]

Priyanka Paliwal

Priyanka Paliwal received her BE in electrical engineering from Nagpur University, India, in 1998 and her Mtech (HEE) and PhD degrees in 2005 and 2013, respectively, from MANIT Bhopal, India. She is currently working as an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at MANIT Bhopal. She has published several papers in national and international journals and conferences and is a senior member of IEEE. Her research interests include distributed generation, microgrids, smart grids, renewable energy integration, and power system planning. Additionally, she serves as a reviewer for various reputed journals. Email: [email protected]

Nishant Thakkar

Nishant Thakkar received his BE in electrical and electronic engineering and MTech in power electronics from RGPV, India, and his PhD in power systems from MANIT Bhopal. Presently, he is working as a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Amrita School of Engineering, Bengaluru, India. His research interests primarily include distributed generation, renewable energy integration, and power system planning. Email: [email protected]

K. Deepa

K Deepa currently serves as an associate professor (research track) in the Department of Electrical and Electronics at Amrita School of Engineering, Bengaluru. She also leads the thrust area group “E-mobility”. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she has authored more than 60 international journal papers and over 100 international conference papers. Additionally, she has written two books: control system and electrical machines. Dr. Deepa is a senior member of IEEE and IEEE-PES, and a life member of IETE and ISTE. She also serves as the advisor for the IEEE-PES and IAS student branch joint chapter, and she was previously the advisor for IEEE-WIE. Email: [email protected]