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Decoupling Power Quality Issues in Grid-Microgrid Network Using Microgrid Building Blocks

Samrat Acharya, Priya Mana, Hisham Mahmood, Francis Tuffner, Alok Kumar Bharati

Abstract

Microgrids are evolving as promising options to enhance reliability of the connected transmission and distribution systems. Traditional design and deployment of microgrids require significant engineering analysis. Microgrid Building Blocks (MBB), consisting of modular blocks that integrate seamlessly to form effective microgrids, is an enabling concept for faster and broader adoption of microgrids. Back-to-Back converter placed at the point of common coupling of microgrid is an integral part of the MBB. This paper presents applications of MBB to decouple power quality issues in grid-microgrid network serving power quality sensitive loads such as data centers, new grid-edge technologies such as vehicle-to-grid generation, and serving electric vehicle charging loads during evacuation before disaster events. Simulation results show that MBB effectively decouples the power quality issues across networks and helps maintain good power quality in the power quality sensitive network based on the operational scenario.

Decoupling Power Quality Issues in Grid-Microgrid Network Using Microgrid Building Blocks

Abstract

Microgrids are evolving as promising options to enhance reliability of the connected transmission and distribution systems. Traditional design and deployment of microgrids require significant engineering analysis. Microgrid Building Blocks (MBB), consisting of modular blocks that integrate seamlessly to form effective microgrids, is an enabling concept for faster and broader adoption of microgrids. Back-to-Back converter placed at the point of common coupling of microgrid is an integral part of the MBB. This paper presents applications of MBB to decouple power quality issues in grid-microgrid network serving power quality sensitive loads such as data centers, new grid-edge technologies such as vehicle-to-grid generation, and serving electric vehicle charging loads during evacuation before disaster events. Simulation results show that MBB effectively decouples the power quality issues across networks and helps maintain good power quality in the power quality sensitive network based on the operational scenario.
Paper Structure (11 sections, 1 equation, 4 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 11 sections, 1 equation, 4 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Building Blocks for MBB-based Microgrids
  3. Power Converter Block
  4. Control Block
  5. Communication Block
  6. Integrated Block
  7. Case Study
  8. Modular Data Center Operation in MBB-based Microgrid
  9. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Operation in MBB-based Microgrid
  10. MBB-based Microgrids Operations under Disaster Events
  11. Conclusion

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Test system with an MBB-based microgrid (MG0) connected to the grid via a BTB converter at PCC, and a neighboring networked microgrid (MG1). Dashed lines with arrows represent single-phase loads and solid lines with arrows represent three-phase balanced loads.
  • Figure 2: Voltage unbalance from external feeders does not propagate to MBB-based microgrid (MG0) with power-sensitive data center load. a) Phase-wise unbalanced load switching in MG1, b) percentage voltage unbalance factor in MG0 and MG1, c) power transfer in microgrids via BTB converter, d) BTB converter DC-link voltage, e) MG1 BESS power supply to meet MG1 loads, f) frequencies at MG0 and MG1, and g) RMS voltage at Nodes 650 and 6501.
  • Figure 3: MBB-based microgrid (MG0) operating with unbalanced V2G power generation but supplying balanced power to grid due to isolation provided by the BTB converter. a) Power transferred to grid from MG0 via BTB converter, b) DC-link voltage of the BTB converter, c) V2G BESS power at nodes 645 and 646, d) BESS power at node 680, e) frequency, f) VUF, and g) Phase wise power transferred to grid via BTB.
  • Figure 4: MBB-based microgrid serving EV loads during evacuation while isolating the grid from poor power quality. a) EV charging load at bus 680 in MG0, b) power exchange between MG0 and grid via BTB converter, c) BTB DC-link voltage, d) MG0 BESS power, e) MG0 PV power, f) frequencies at MG0 and grid, g) Phase A RMS voltages at MG0 and grid.