Experimental Evaluation of Microgrids as an Alternative for the Improvement of Power Supply Continuity in Secondary Distribution Systems
Abstract
This paper presents proof of concept for non-isolated low-voltage microgrids, through tests using commercially available devices in an experimental microgrid at the Universidade de São Paulo (USP). The key objective is to evaluate how microgrids can be used to improve power distribution reliability by guaranteeing power supply continuity during power outages of the main distribution grid. Different topologies for microgrid integration were tested, including both static-converter and diesel genset based microgrids. Furthermore, different scenarios of penetration of distributed photovoltaic generation were evaluated, to test the system’s capabilities of voltage and frequency regulation during stressful conditions. The results indicate that commercially available grid-forming devices are capable of maintaining stable microgrid operation during power outages, even during stressful system conditions such as high photovoltaic penetration.
Keywords
Power distribution planning, Low-voltage microgrids, Experimental evaluation.