In the quest for cleaner and more resilient energy systems, airports are emerging as unexpected pioneers. A recent study published in the journal “Fractal and Fractional” (translated from the original title) introduces a novel approach to managing airport microgrids (AMGs), potentially revolutionizing how these hubs of global connectivity handle power. The research, led by Amr A. Raslan from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Aswan University in Egypt, focuses on integrating renewable energy sources into AMGs while maintaining frequency stability—a critical factor for reliable operations.
Airports are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance energy resilience. However, integrating these variable energy sources into microgrids presents significant challenges, particularly in maintaining stable frequency levels. Raslan and his team have developed a hybrid controller that combines a disturbance observer-based controller (DOBC) with a fractional-order controller (FOC) to address these issues. This innovative approach, dubbed DOBC/FOC, optimizes load frequency control (LFC) and ensures peak performance under varying operational conditions.
“The proposed controller utilizes DOBC coupled with a non-integer FOC for load frequency control, optimized for peak performance under varying operational conditions,” Raslan explained. This optimization is crucial for airports, where power demands can fluctuate significantly due to the dynamic nature of airport operations.
One of the standout features of this research is the introduction of a decentralized control strategy that manages the participation of electric vehicles (EVs) and lithium-ion battery systems within the airport’s energy ecosystem. This strategy enables effective demand response and energy storage utilization, further enhancing the resilience of AMGs. The simulation results are promising, with the DOBC/FOC controller demonstrating superior performance in maintaining frequency stability and reducing fluctuations. In scenarios involving step load perturbations, the controller showed significant improvements, particularly when compared to the utilization of EVs and electric aircraft (EAC).
“The proposed DOBC/FOC controller demonstrates strong performance and reliability according to simulation outcomes, showcasing its superior performance in maintaining frequency stability, reducing fluctuations, and ensuring continuous power supply in diverse operating scenarios,” Raslan noted.
The implications of this research extend beyond the aviation industry. As airports increasingly adopt renewable energy sources and electric vehicles, the need for advanced frequency regulation and resilient microgrid systems becomes paramount. The DOBC/FOC controller offers a robust solution that can be adapted to various energy systems, contributing to more intelligent and eco-friendly infrastructure.
“This approach underlines the potential of enhancing the resilience and sustainability of AMGs and contributing to more intelligent and eco-friendly airport infrastructure,” Raslan added.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like the DOBC/FOC controller will play a crucial role in shaping the future of power management. By integrating advanced control strategies and optimizing energy storage systems, airports can lead the way in creating more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystems. The research published in “Fractal and Fractional” not only highlights the potential of these technologies but also sets the stage for further advancements in the field.