Developing Control Strategy for PV-Based Distributed Generator for Enhancing Frequency Regulation of Microgrid

Abstract

This paper presents a control strategy for a photovoltaic (PV)-based distributed generator (DG) to enhance the frequency regulation of a microgrid. A microgrid is a small-scale power system that integrates distributed energy sources and interconnected loads, which can operate independently or in parallel with the main grid. However, the high integration of DGs poses stability problems, particularly the frequency regulation under contingencies in the microgrid. For example, the shutdown of one generating unit or the reduction of system inertia owing to the high integration of converter-based DGs will increase the risk of instability of the microgrid and the main grid. Therefore, maintaining and increasing the frequency regulation capability is crucial in microgrid operation. This paper focuses on developing a controller for PV DG based on virtual inertia control combined with the conventional control method of a converter in order to regulate the microgrid frequency under contingency. The proposed control strategy for a PV-based DG is then verified through simulation of the 14-bus microgrid model using MATLAB/Simulink, showing regulation in frequency under island mode operation of the microgrid. In addition, comparisons between the original and proposed control strategy microgrid model are then carried out.