Modelling, Design and Control of a Standalone Hybrid PV-Wind Micro-Grid System

Abstract

The problem of electrical power delivery is a common problem, especially in remote areas where electrical networks are difficult to reach. One of the ways that is used to overcome this problem is the use of networks separated from the electrical system through which it is possible to supply electrical energy to remote areas. These networks are called standalone microgrid systems. In this paper, a standalone micro-grid system consisting of a Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) based Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) is being designed and controlled. Fuzzy logic-based Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is being applied to a boost converter to control and extract the maximum power available for the PV system. The control system is designed to deliver the required energy to a specific load, in all scenarios. The excess energy generated by the PV panel is used to charge the batteries when the energy generated by the PV panel exceeds the energy required by the load. When the electricity generated by the PV panels is insufficient to meet the load’s demands, the extra power is extracted from the charged batteries. In addition, the controller protects the battery banks in all conditions, including normal, overcharging, and overdischarging conditions. The controller should handle each case correctly. Under normal operation conditions (20% < State of Charge (SOC) < 80%), the controller functions as expected, regardless of the battery’s state of charge. When the SOC reaches 80%, a specific command is delivered, which shuts off the PV panel and the wind turbine. The PV panel and wind turbine cannot be connected until the SOC falls below a safe margin value of 75% in this controller. When the SOC goes below 20%, other commands are sent out to turn off the inverter and disconnect the loads. The electricity to the inverter is turned off until the batteries are charged again to a suitable value.