Load sharing and power quality enhanced operation of a distributed microgrid

Abstract

Control methods for proper load sharing between parallel converters connected in a microgrid and supplied by distributed generators (DGs) are described. It is assumed that the microgrid spans a large area and it supplies loads in both in grid-connected and islanded modes. A control strategy is proposed to improve power quality and proper load sharing in both islanded and grid-connected modes. It is assumed that each of the DGs has a local load connected to it which can be unbalanced and/or non-linear. The DGs compensate the effects of unbalance and non-linearity of the local loads. Common loads are also connected to the microgrid, which are supplied by the utility grid under normal conditions. However, during islanding, each of the DGs supplies its local load and shares the common load through droop characteristics. Both impedance and motor loads are considered to verify the system response. The efficacy of the controller has been validated through simulation for various operating conditions using PSCAD. It has been found through simulation that the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the microgrid voltage is ∼10% and the negative and zero sequence components are ∼20% of the positive sequence component before compensation. After compensation, the THD remains <0.5%, whereas negative and zero sequence components of the voltages remain <0.02% of the positive sequence component.