Real tIme simulation of a microgrid system with distributed energy resources

Abstract

Microgrids are local groups of electricity generation, storage and loads that can operate in parallel with the grid or autonomously as a power island. Accurate and detailed microgrid simulation models are required for studying the operation, control and protection issues related to microgrids. A real-time simulation model of a medium voltage microgrid with distributed energy re-sources (DERs) was developed using the RTDS real-time digital simulator. The DERs in this microgrid include a diesel generator, a photovoltaic (PV) system, and a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine system. The average-value models for the PV and DFIG power electronic interfaces were developed to reduce the hardware requirements on the RTDS. The steady state and transient response of the microgrid when in the grid-con-nected and islanded modes of operation was shown to give satisfactory performance. The microgrid was interfaced to a protection relay to demonstrate hardware in the loop simula-tions.