Operation and Assessment of a Microgrid for Maldives: Islanded and Grid-Tied Mode

Abstract

This research work examines the prospect of a dispatch strategy governed hybrid renewable energy microgrid for the proposed location in Maldives for both off and on grid conditions. The techno-environmental-economic-power system responses of the proposed microgrid have been evaluated. The techno-environmental-economic analysis of the proposed microgrid has been conducted utilizing HOMER Pro and the power system response analysis has been conducted using DIgSILENT PowerFactory software platforms. The evaluation shows that, for both on and off grid modes, cycle charging strategy has the worst performance having net present costs (NPC) of $132,906 and $147,058 and cost of energy (COE) of 0.135 $/kWh and 0.213 $/kWh respectively. During on grid mode, generator order performs the best having NPC of $113,137, COE of 0.166 $/kWh. In off grid mode, load following strategy performs the best with NPC of $141,448 and COE of 0.024 $/kWh. The active power and voltage responses of the microgrid shows the stable operation of the proposed system by implementing dispatch techniques and voltage Q-droop and input mode P-Q controller. A comparison section is also presented for demonstrating the significance of the research work. The research work has been conducted considering a location in Maldives but provides an overall idea about establishing a microgrid in anywhere in the world having similar meteorological and load conditions.