In the evolving landscape of energy distribution, a novel control strategy for hybrid AC/DC microgrids is making waves, promising enhanced stability and resilience. This innovation, detailed in a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal “IEEE Access,” could significantly impact the future of distributed energy resources (DERs) and grid-forming converters.
At the heart of this research is Mehdi Baharizadeh, a researcher at the Centre for Industrial Electronics, Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Denmark. Baharizadeh and his team have developed a dual-port grid-forming control method for double-stage interlinking converters (ILCs) in islanded hybrid AC/DC microgrids. These microgrids, which combine both AC and DC systems, are interconnected through ILCs, acting as the critical bridge between the two.
The novel control strategy employs a PI controller to obtain a single relative power reference for both AC and DC DERs, based on the energy content of the DC link capacitor. This relative power is then translated into references for the output voltage angular frequency at the AC side of the ILC and the output voltage at its DC side. “This method ensures global power sharing among AC and DC DERs, enhancing the overall stability and performance of the microgrid,” Baharizadeh explains.
One of the standout features of this approach is its improved resiliency. The system remains stable even if all DC DERs are disconnected or all AC DERs are disconnected. Moreover, the stability margin and voltage transients are improved thanks to the PLL-less design and adaptation of the voltage-controlled method (VCM) in the inner control loops.
The practical implications of this research are substantial. Hybrid AC/DC microgrids are increasingly being adopted in both urban and remote areas, offering a flexible and efficient way to integrate various DERs. The enhanced stability and resilience provided by this novel control strategy could accelerate the adoption of these microgrids, benefiting the energy sector as a whole.
Baharizadeh’s work also underscores the importance of ongoing research in grid-forming converters and interlinking converters. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, innovations like these will be crucial in shaping a more stable, efficient, and resilient grid.
The study, titled “Dual-Port Grid-Forming Control of Double-Stage Interlinking Converters in Islanded Hybrid AC/DC Microgrids,” was published in the journal “IEEE Access,” a highly respected publication in the field of electrical engineering and computer science. The research not only demonstrates theoretical advancements but also provides hardware-in-the-loop test results, showcasing the practical applicability of the proposed method.
As the energy sector continues to grapple with the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources and ensuring grid stability, innovations like Baharizadeh’s offer a beacon of hope. By enhancing the resilience and performance of hybrid AC/DC microgrids, this research paves the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy future.