Lexuan Meng

Modeling and Sensitivity Study of Consensus Algorithm-Based Distributed Hierarchical Control for DC Microgrids

Distributed control methods based on consensus algorithms have become popular in recent years for microgrid (MG) systems. These kind of algorithms can be applied to share information in order to coordinate multiple distributed generators within a MG. However, stability analysis becomes a challenging issue when these kinds of algorithms are used, since the dynamics of the electrical and the communication systems interact with each other. Moreover, the transmission rate and topology of the communication network also affect the system dynamics. Due to discrete nature of the information exchange in the communication network, continuous-time methods can be inaccurate for this kind of dynamic study. Therefore, this paper aims at modeling a complete dc MG using a discrete-time approach in order to perform a sensitivity analysis taking into account the effects of the consensus algorithm. To this end, a generalized modeling method is proposed and the influence of key control parameters, the communication topology, and the communication speed are studied in detail. The theoretical results obtained with the proposed model are verified by comparing them with the results obtained with a detailed switching simulator developed in Simulink/Plecs.

Distributed Voltage Unbalance Compensation in Islanded Microgrids by Using a Dynamic Consensus Algorithm

In islanded microgrids (MGs), distributed generators (DGs) can be employed as distributed compensators for improving the power quality in the consumer side. Two-level hierarchical control can be used for voltage unbalance compensation. Primary level, consisting of droop control and virtual impedance, can be applied to help the positive sequence active and reactive power sharing. Secondary level is used to assist voltage unbalance compensation. However, if distribution line differences are considered, the negative sequence current cannot be well shared among DGs. In order to overcome this problem, this paper proposes a distributed negative sequence current sharing method by using a dynamic consensus algorithm. In clear contrast with the previously proposed methods, this approach does not require a dedicated central controller, and the communication links are only required between neighboring DGs. The method is based on the modeling and analysis of the unbalanced system. Experimental results from an islanded MG system consisting of three 2.2-kVA inverters are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.

Next-Generation Shipboard DC Power System: Introduction Smart Grid and dc Microgrid Technologies into Maritime Electrical Netowrks

In this article, we examined dc microgrid-based maritime onboard power systems and outlined the need for and potential benefit of employing both smart grid technologies and the MVdc IPS for the future AES to enhance the controllability and efficiency of shipboard power systems. We introduced a series of technical outcomes from research on terrestrial dc microgrids, such as dc power architecture, the application of ESSs, hierarchical control, and different coordination methods. We also presented objective-oriented coordinated management methods and protective functions for future MVdc IPSs, which are to meet the specific need of maritime applications using methodologies from dc microgrids. In the last decade, there were several prototypes of ships on the low-voltage dc level, while, for the MVdc IPS, there are still technological challenges and de-risking studies to be performed. However, it is foreseeable that the advanced technologies from terrestrial dc microgrids are potentially applicable in the MVdc IPS of the future AES. Thus, such a combination will contribute to the implementation of high-performance MVdc IPSs for both commercial and mission-oriented vessels in the near future.

Dynamic consensus algorithm based distributed global efficiency optimization of a droop controlled DC microgrid

In a DC microgrid, several paralleled conversion systems are installed in distributed substations for transferring power from external grid to a DC microgrid. Droop control is used for the distributed load sharing among all the DC/DC converters. Considering the typical efficiency feature of power electronic converters, optimization method can be implemented in tertiary level for improving the overall system efficiency. However, optimization purposes usually require centralized communication, data acquisition and computation which might be either impractical or costly for dispersed systems. Accordingly, this paper proposes a dynamic consensus algorithm based distributed optimization method aiming at improving the system efficiency while offering higher expandability and flexibility when compared to centralized control. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.

Flexible System Integration and Advanced Hierarchical Control Architectures in the Microgrid Research Laboratory of Aalborg University

This paper presents the system integration and hierarchical control implementation in an inverter-based Microgrid Research Laboratory (MGRL) at Aalborg University, Denmark. MGRL aims to provide a flexible experimental platform for comprehensive studies of microgrids. The structure of the laboratory, including the facilities, configurations, and communication network, is first introduced. The complete control system is based on a generic hierarchical control scheme including primary, secondary, and tertiary control. Primary control loops are developed and implemented in digital control platform, while system supervision, advanced secondary, and tertiary management are realized in a microgrid central controller. The software and hardware schemes are described. Several example case studies are introduced and performed to achieve power quality regulation, energy management, and flywheel energy storage system control. Experimental results are presented to show the performance of the whole system.

Tertiary Control of Voltage Unbalance Compensation for Optimal Power Quality in Islanded Microgrids

In multibus islanded microgrids, the power quality requirements for different areas and buses can be different. This paper proposes a hierarchical control to realize optimal unbalance compensation for satisfying the power quality requirements in different areas. Primary and secondary controllers are applied to realize unbalance compensation for critical bus, and at the same time, to make distributed generators (DGs) equally share the compensation efforts. Tertiary control, which inherently is an optimization method, is implemented to adjust the compensating effort of each DG considering the voltage unbalance limits in local buses and DG terminals. This method realizes multipower-quality-level control in a multibus islanded system by optimally utilizing DGs as distributed compensators and saves the investment for additional compensation equipment. Hardware-in-the-loop results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.

Optimization with system damping restoration for droop controlled DC-DC converters

The parallel operation of dc-dc converters is widely used in distribution systems and uninterruptable power supply systems. Droop control along with virtual resistance (VR) is considered a simple and reliable method for achieving wireless power sharing among converters. In order to enhance the efficiency of the conversion system, this paper implements tertiary level optimization control on the basis of hierarchical control. As the efficiency of each converter changes with output power, VRs are set as decision variables for adjusting power sharing proportion among converters. Genetic algorithm is used in searching for global efficiency optimum. However system dynamic is affected when shifting VRs. Therefore, the stability of a parallel buck converter system is analyzed to examine the influence of VR changing on system dynamics. Based on the stability analysis, a system damping secondary restoration (SDSR) is implemented to readjust the optimization results so as to ensure system stability. Simulation results are shown to demonstrate the improvement of system efficiency and effectiveness of the method.

Tertiary and Secondary Control Levels for Efficiency Optimization and System Damping in Droop Controlled DC–DC Converters

Droop control by means of virtual resistance (VR) control loops can be applied to paralleled dc-dc converters for achieving autonomous equal power sharing. However, equal power sharing does not guarantee an efficient operation of the whole system. In order to achieve higher efficiency and lower energy losses, this paper proposes a tertiary control level including an optimization method for achieving efficient operation. As the efficiency of each converter changes with the output power, VR values are set as decision variables for modifying the power sharing ratio among converters. A genetic algorithm is used in searching for a global efficiency optimum. In addition, a secondary control level is added to regulate the output voltage drooped by the VRs. However, system dynamics is affected when shifting up/down the VR references. Therefore, a secondary control for system damping is proposed and applied for maintaining system stability. Hardware-in-the-loop simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of this method. The results show that the system efficiency is improved by using tertiary optimization control and the desired transient response is ensured with system damping secondary control.

Review on Control of DC Microgrids and Multiple Microgrid Clusters

This paper performs an extensive review on control schemes and architectures applied to dc microgrids (MGs). It covers multilayer hierarchical control schemes, coordinated control strategies, plug-and-play operations, stability and active damping aspects, as well as nonlinear control algorithms. Islanding detection, protection, and MG clusters control are also briefly summarized. All the mentioned issues are discussed with the goal of providing control design guidelines for dc MGs. The future research challenges, from the authors’ point of view, are also provided in the final concluding part.

Distributed Active Synchronization Strategy for Microgrid Seamless Reconnection to the Grid Under Unbalance and Harmonic Distortion

Microgrids can operate in both grid-connected and islanded modes. In order to seamlessly transfer from islanded to grid-connected modes, it is necessary to synchronize microgrid voltage and frequency, and phase to the main grid. However, since the microgrid is often based on power electronic converters, the synchronization process is quite different compared with the quasi-synchronism control in conventional power systems. First, in order to address this concern, the microgrid synchronization criteria are derived. Based on these criteria, a novel distributed active synchronization strategy is proposed, which takes into account not only the fundamental component, but also positive and negative sequences of the harmonic components. This way, a seamless reconnection to the main grid can be performed. The proposed method is implemented in the secondary control level of a hierarchical control structure. Real-time hardware-in-the-loop results show the feasibility of the proposed technique.