Summary Microgrid is a recently developed concept for future power systems. The main characteristics of the microgrid are the capability of integration of renewable energy sources and the ability to operate in two grid‐connected and islanded modes. A significant challenge of microgrid implementation is developing comprehensive control methods to ensure efficient, stable, and reliable operation. Real‐time studies are a promising approach in this case. In this paper, various real‐time energy management approaches have been thoroughly explained following a new categorization of them. A significant literature review of real‐time simulation and modeling methods has also been presented. A review of different applications of hardware‐in‐the‐loop testing of the microgrid is included in the present study. Finally, a discussion on demand for further research has been made. The presented work is organized to allow a reader to understand the importance of real‐time studies of microgrids and highlight trends in literary works without delving deeply into each one.

Summary This paper proposes a new control strategy to consider the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind generation contribution in frequency control and regulation of multi‐area interconnected power system when the wind power is the main generation of one area. Based on frequency requirements and system conditions, the proposed control approach determines whether to switch the wind generation into the maximum power tracking mode or the frequency regulation mode. In the frequency regulation mode, the output power of the wind power plant is controlled through a PID controller. At this mode of operation, the input signal of the PID controller is the system frequency. Finally, the PID performance is optimized by tuning its parameters through fuzzy and Zigler–Nicholes methods. The proposed control strategy is applied to a multi‐area control system including thermal and wind power generations. The simulation results indicate that the proposed control scheme works desirably and thereby wind generation can effectively participate in load frequency control (LFC). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This work analyzes interlinking converter control in hybrid AC/DC microgrids. The paper addresses the state-of-the-art general hybrid microgrid structure. The key power electronics topologies are used as bidirectional interface converters in the AC and DC parts. Different control structures of hybrid microgrids are categorized, followed by the classification of the main control functions, their control strategies, and the control techniques and a summary of their positive and negative aspects and applications. Control functions, their strategies and techniques are classified in the interlinking-converter based. Finally, overall control objectives, time-scaled control structures, and their strategies are outlined. The prospects, main challenges, research gaps, and the trend of the hybrid microgrid structure and control are reviewed and summarized in the conclusions.

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There are some environmental factors, such as ambient temperature, dust, etc., which cause a reduction in the efficiency of Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Installation of PV panels on the water surface, commonly known as Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) systems, is one solution to employ PV panels in a cooler environment, achieve higher efficiency, and reduce water evaporation. FPV systems open up new opportunities for scaling up solar generating capacity, especially in countries with high population density and valuable lands, as well as countries with high evaporation rates and water resources deficiency. Since the FPV system is an almost new concept, its cleaning techniques have not been comprehensively studied. While FPV systems are located on the surface of water resources and reservoirs, the water quality can limit the application of different cleaning techniques. Therefore, this paper investigates different techniques of FPV systems cleaning and categorizes them into water-based and water-free approaches. In addition, their cleaning frequencies, as well as economic aspects, are presented and discussed to determine their merits and demerits for using them in FPV systems.