Mixed droop-controller performances in islanded microgrids having asymmetrical loads

Abstract

Droop control aims to achieve proportional power sharing between sources based on local measurements (de-centralized control). Modern distribution systems experience aggressive levels of imbalances/asymmetries due to not just the load connections but the increased penetration of single-phase distributed energy sources. This work is a comparative performance analysis of four popularly used droop controllers, along with a recently proposed virtual impedance shaping scheme for microgrids operating in the islanded mode. Fifteen possible controller combinations are studied through mathematical analysis, detailed off-line simulations and by experimentation on a lab-scale microgrid including the conditions involving DG plug and play. © 2023, Indian Academy of Sciences.