In a significant advancement for energy management in microgrids, researchers have developed a new approach to enhance frequency stability in two-area microgrid systems. Led by Farhad Amiri, a post-doctoral researcher at the Department of Electrical Engineering at Bu-Ali Sina University, the study addresses the challenges posed by load disturbances and the integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
Microgrids are small-scale energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the traditional grid. However, their reliance on variable renewable energy sources makes them susceptible to frequency fluctuations, which can disrupt the balance between energy supply and demand. To counteract these fluctuations, effective load-frequency control (LFC) systems are essential. The research proposes a streamlined approach that reduces the number of controllers involved, simplifying the control structure while maintaining performance.
Amiri’s team utilized Model Predictive Control (MPC) for LFC, optimizing the controller’s weight parameters using a novel technique called Craziness-based Particle Swarm Optimization (CRPSO). This method was compared against other control strategies, including PID controllers optimized with Social Spider Optimization (SSO) and Fractional Order Fuzzy PI (FOFPI). The results were promising; the proposed MPC method showed superior performance in terms of response speed and reduced overshoot and undershoot during load variations.
“The proposed method significantly improves the frequency stability of the two-area microgrid,” Amiri stated, emphasizing the importance of this research for future energy systems. By enhancing the responsiveness and efficiency of microgrids, this work opens up commercial opportunities for energy companies looking to integrate more renewable resources into their operations.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the energy sector moves towards decarbonization and increased reliance on renewables, the ability to maintain stable microgrid operations becomes critical. This development could lead to more resilient energy systems that can better accommodate the fluctuating nature of renewable sources, ultimately benefiting consumers with more reliable energy access.
This research was published in the “International Journal of Industrial Electronics, Control and Optimization,” highlighting the ongoing efforts to optimize industrial control systems for modern energy challenges. For more information on Farhad Amiri’s work, you can visit the Department of Electrical Engineering at Bu-Ali Sina University.
