Potential-Function Based Control of a Microgrid in Islanded and Grid-Connected Modes

• Published in: IEEE transactions on power systems Vol. 25; no. 4; pp. 1883 - 1891
• Main Authors: Mehrizi-Sani, Ali, Iravani, Reza
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.11.2010; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Centralized control; Communication system control; Computer programs; Conferences; Control systems; Density estimation robust algorithm; Distributed generation; Dynamics; Electric potential; Feasibility; Feeders; gradient descent method; Intelligent sensors; microgrid; potential function; Power system management; PSCAD; secondary control; Sensor arrays; Smart grids; Software; Stability; Voltage; Voltage control
• ISSN: 0885-8950; 1558-0679
• DOI: 10.1109/TPWRS.2010.2045773

This paper introduces the potential-function based method for secondary (as well as tertiary) control of a microgrid, in both islanded and grid-connected modes. A potential function is defined for each controllable unit of the microgrid such that the minimum of the potential function corresponds to the control goal. The dynamic set points are updated, using communication within the microgrid. The proposed potential function method is applied for the secondary voltage control of two microgrids with single and multiple feeders. Both islanded and grid-connected modes are investigated. The studies are conducted in the time-domain, using the PSCAD/EMTDC software environment. The study results demonstrate feasibility of the proposed potential function method and viability of the secondary voltage control method for a microgrid.