Microgrid to Microgrid Synchronization with Grid-Forming Inverters: Challenges and Solution

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Research on network microgrids has primarily focused on control and optimization. However, application aspects such as microgrid-to-microgrid synchronization have not been fully addressed in existing literature. This paper first addresses the challenges of networking microgrids with grid-forming inverter in droop control. Then, it proposes a pre-synchronization algorithm to improves the synchronization speed and transient stability. To improve the speed, the phase difference between adjacent microgrids is minimized. Transients such as inrush current and oscillations are effectively mitigated by increasing the virtual impedance during interconnection. The proposed strategy allows smooth transitions when reconfiguration of the microgrids is needed. The applicability of this strategy to today's microgrid systems is demonstrated through a validation in a 480V three-phase network microgrid testbed with commercial-grade inverters, protective devices, and switchgear.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2024 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2024 - Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages779-783
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9798350376067
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Event2024 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2024 - Phoenix, United States
Duration: Oct 20 2024Oct 24 2024

Publication series

Name2024 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2024 - Proceedings

Conference

Conference2024 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition, ECCE 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix
Period10/20/2410/24/24

Funding

This manuscript has been authored by UT-Battelle, LLC, under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity. The US government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the US government retains a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this manuscript, or allow others to do so, for US government purposes. DOE will provide public access to these results of federally sponsored research in accordance with the DOE Public Access Plan (https://www.energy.gov/doepublic-access-plan).

Keywords

  • Grid-Forming
  • Microgrids
  • Network Microgrids
  • Protection
  • Synchronization
  • Virtual Impedance

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