Control of Power Converters in AC Microgrids | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

Control of Power Converters in AC Microgrids


Abstract:

The enabling of ac microgrids in distribution networks allows delivering distributed power and providing grid support services during regular operation of the grid, as we...Show More

Abstract:

The enabling of ac microgrids in distribution networks allows delivering distributed power and providing grid support services during regular operation of the grid, as well as powering isolated islands in case of faults and contingencies, thus increasing the performance and reliability of the electrical system. The high penetration of distributed generators, linked to the grid through highly controllable power processors based on power electronics, together with the incorporation of electrical energy storage systems, communication technologies, and controllable loads, opens new horizons to the effective expansion of microgrid applications integrated into electrical power systems. This paper carries out an overview about microgrid structures and control techniques at different hierarchical levels. At the power converter level, a detailed analysis of the main operation modes and control structures for power converters belonging to microgrids is carried out, focusing mainly on grid-forming, grid-feeding, and grid-supporting configurations. This analysis is extended as well toward the hierarchical control scheme of microgrids, which, based on the primary, secondary, and tertiary control layer division, is devoted to minimize the operation cost, coordinating support services, meanwhile maximizing the reliability and the controllability of microgrids. Finally, the main grid services that microgrids can offer to the main network, as well as the future trends in the development of their operation and control for the next future, are presented and discussed.
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics ( Volume: 27, Issue: 11, November 2012)
Page(s): 4734 - 4749
Date of Publication: 15 May 2012

ISSN Information:


I. Introduction

Centralized power generation, unidirectional power flow, passive electricity distribution, and demand-driven operation are concepts coined more than one century ago, when the first power systems were designed. In the last decades, modern solutions such as distributed generation (DG), mainly based on renewable energies, electrical energy storage (EES), flexible ac transmission systems, active demand management (ADM), microgrids, and smart control and management based on information and communication technologies (ICTs), have made it possible to plan new horizons for conventional power systems. However, not all the work for planning the future power systems is concluded yet, as an intensive research effort should be still conducted to make such advanced systems a reality today.

References

References is not available for this document.