Experimental validation of a multiobjective strategy to coordinate multifunctional converters in AC low-voltage microgrids

Abstract

The dense presence of power converters in modern electric systems, such as AC low-voltage microgrids with significant decentralization of energy generation, requires the adoption of techniques able to coordinate their operation in order to provide adequate operational conditions for the system. Several requirements in regard to robustness, system's stability, as well as the compliance with power quality standards, ought to be taken into consideration on the microgrid's management and operational control of dispersed power converters. As a consequence, multiobjective strategies are demanded to be developed to coordinate such converters focusing on not only attending a global goal, such as power flow control at the microgrid's point of common coupling, but also offering power quality enhancement in secondary electrical nodes. This internship proposal aims at performing experimental validations related to the methodological studies being carried by the student, which concerns a multiobjective approach that provides the coordination of multifunctional power converters in regard to active and reactive current injection, and additionally, distributed compensation of harmonics circulating within the microgrid. A laboratory scale prototype of a low-voltage AC microgrid should be assembled at the host institution, considering multiple dispersed converters operating under different voltage conditions imposed by an interconnected distribution grid. Diversified operational features in regard to the microgrid topology, under single- or three-phase architecture, should be assessed upon normative requirements recognized worldwide, beyond taking into consideration some particularities demanded on the Brazilian codes for electrical power systems. (AU)