PV Based Microgrid with Grid-Support Grid-Forming Inverter Control-(Simulation and Analysis)

Microgrid (MG) is a small entity of electrical network which comprises of various Distributed Generation (DG) sources, storage devices, and group of loads in various classes. MG provides reliable and secure energy supply to the critical loads of communities while operating either in on-grid or off-grid mode. In this study, a coordinated power management control strategy for a typical low voltage (LV) MG network with integration of solar Photovoltaic (PV) and storage facility has been developed and analysed in Matlab-Simu-link software environment at various modes (on-grid, off-grid, and on-grid to off-grid transition) of MG operation. Solar PV and battery power inverters are considered as grid-support grid-forming (GsGfm) Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) with the implementation of modified droop and virtual output impedance control strategies. Proposed control strategy supports coordinated control operation between PV units and battery storage, equal power sharing among the DG sources, and smooth MG mode transition with regulation of voltage and frequency level in MG network. In addition, voltage and current THD level were analysed and verified as per the standard of AS4777.

Prospects of Renewable Energy in Semi-Arid Region

Continuous usage of fossil fuels and other conventional resources to meet the growing demand has resulted in increased energy crisis and greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, it is essential to use renewable energy sources for more reliable, effective, sustainable and pollution free transmission and distribution networks. Therefore, to facilitate large-scale integration of renewable energy in particular wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, this paper presents the feasibility analysis for semi-arid climate and finds the most suitable places in North East region of Victoria for renewable energy generation. For economic and environmental analysis, Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) was used to investigate the prospects of wind and solar energy considering the Net Present Cost (NPC), Cost of Energy (COE) and Renewable fraction (RF). Six locations are selected from North East region of Victoria and simulations are performed. From the feasibility analysis, it can be concluded that Mount Hotham is one of the most suitable locations for wind energy generation while Wangaratta is the most suitable location for solar energy generation. Mount Hotham is also the best suitable locations in North East region for hybrid power systems i.e., combination of both wind and solar energy generation.

Power Quality Analysis in Microgrid: An Experimental Approach

Microgrid (MG) integrated with Distributed Generation (DG) provides several benefits like reliable, secure, and high efficient of energy supply, while minimizing power loss, deferring expansion of power distribution infrastructures, and reduced carbon emission of energy supply etc. to the communities. Despite of the several benefits, there are several challenges existing due to the integration of different characteristics and technology of DG sources in MG network. Power Quality (PQ) issue is one of the main technical challenges in MG power system. In order to provide improved PQ of energy supply, it is necessary to analyse and quantify the PQ level in MG network. This paper investigates the detail of PQ impacts in a real MG network carried out through an experimental analysis. Voltage and frequency variations/deviations are analysed in both on-grid and off-grid mode of MG operation at varying generation and varying load conditions. Similarly unbalance voltage and current level in neutral are estimated at unbalanced PV generation and uneven load distribution in MG network. Also current and voltage THD are estimated at different PV power level. Finally the results obtained from the analysis are compared to that of Australian network standard level.

Reinforcement Learning-Empowered Graph Convolutional Network Framework for Data Integrity Attack Detection in Cyber-Physical Systems

The massive integration of communication and information technology with the large-scale power grid has enhanced the efficiency, safety, and economical operation of cyber-physical systems. However, the open and diversified communication environment of the smart grid is exposed to cyber-attacks. Data integrity attacks that can bypass conventional security techniques have been considered critical threats to the operation of the grid. Current detection techniques cannot learn the dynamic and heterogeneous characteristics of the smart grid and are unable to deal with non-euclidean data types. To address the issue, we propose a novel Deep-Q-Network scheme empowered with a graph convolutional network (GCN) framework to detect data integrity attacks in cyber-physical systems. The simulation results show that the proposed framework is scalable and achieves higher detection accuracy, unlike other benchmark techniques.

Issues and mitigations of wind energy penetrated network:Australian network case study

Longest geographically connected Australian power system is undergoing an unprecedented transition,under the effect of increased integration of renewable energy systems. This change in generation mix has implications for the whole interconnected system designs, its operational strategies and the regulatory framework. Frequency control policies about real-time balancing of demand and supply is one of the prominent and priority operational challenge requiring urgent attention. This paper reviews the Australian electricity market structure in presence of wind energy and its governance. Various issues related to increased wind generation systems integration are discussed in detail. Currently applied mitigations along with prospective mitigation methods requiring new or improved policies are also discussed. It is concluded that developing prospective frequency regulation ancillary services market desires further encouraging policies from governing authority to keep pace with current grid transition and maintain its security.

A Review on Primary and Secondary Controls of Inverter-interfaced Microgrid

The demand of electricity and environmental issues associated with conventional power generation plants are increasing significantly.Modern technology has transformed the conventional power system through the integration of distributed generation(DG).With the help of modern power electronic technology,the conventional power system is able to support the integration of DGs based on renewable energy sources(RESs).The systematic combination of DGs with energy storage system forms a microgrid(MG),which can operate in islanded mode or grid-connected mode.The intermittent nature of RES and varying load pose substantial obstacles such as voltage and frequency instability,and the unreliability of RES.Unequal feeder impedances and non-linear loads are considered as present challenges in MG control.Hierarchical control has been useful in undertaking solutions to these issues.This paper covers the deep insight of different control methods applied at the primary and secondary control levels in hierarchical control.In primary control,the classification based on droop and non-droop controls is discussed.The virtual synchronization machine(VSM)based control method is reviewed.Voltage and frequency restoration control and economical operations at decentralized and centralized secondary control are analyzed in detail.Based on the existing literature,critical discussion on MG control and future trends are also presented to provide future research perspectives.