Analysing integration issues of the microgrid system with utility grid network

Abstract

Abstract Generation of renewable energy sources and their interfacing to the main system has turn out to be most fascinating challenge. Renewable energy generation requires stable and reliable incorporation of energy to the low or medium voltage networks. This paper presents the microgrid modeling as an alternative and feasible power supply for Institute of Technology, Hawassa University, Ethiopia. This microgrid consists of a 60 kW photo voltaic (PV) and a 20 kW wind turbine (WT) system; that is linked to the electrical distribution system of the campus by a 3-phase pulse width modulation scheme based voltage source inverters (VSI) and supplying power to the university buildings. The main challenge in this work is related to the interconnection of microgrid with utility grid, using 3-phase VSI controller. The PV and WT of the microgrid are controlled in active and reactive power (PQ) control mode during grid connected operation and in voltage/frequency (V/F) control mode, when the microgrid is switched to the stand-alone operation. To demonstrate the feasibility of proposed microgrid model, MATLAB/Simulink software has been employed. The performance of fully functioning microgrid is analyzed and simulated for a number of operating conditions. Simulation results supported the usefulness of developed microgrid in both mode of operation.