A DC Microgrid System for Powering Remote Areas

Abstract

DC microgrid has been gaining popularity as solution as a more efficient and simpler power system especially for remote areas, where the main grid has yet to be built. This paper proposes a DC microgrid system based on renewable energy sources that employs decentralized control and without communication between one grid point and another. It can be deployed as an individual isolated unit or to form an expandable DC microgrid through DC bus for better reliability and efficiency. The key element of the proposed system is the power conditioner system (PCS) that works as an interface between energy sources, storage system, and load. PCS consists of modular power electronics devices and a power management unit, which controls power delivery to the AC load and the grid as well as the storage system charging and discharging sequence. Prototypes with 3 kWp solar PV and 13.8 kWh energy storage were developed and adopt a pole-mounted structure for ease of transportation and installation that are important in remote areas. This paper presents measurement results under several conditions of the developed prototypes. The evaluation shows promising results and a solid basis for electrification in remote areas.

A bidirectional power converter connecting electric vehicle battery and DC microgrid

“…The state-space averaging of each A-part and B-part in Figure 3 can be done separately. The state-space averaging of A-part when the switch is ON and OFF is given by (3) and (5). Similarly, the state space averaging of B-part when the IGBT is ON and OFF is provided by ( 4) and (6).…”

“…DC grid and microgrid can be combined into DC microgrid, which solves the distributed nature of RESs and energy losses due to DC to AC conversion stage [2]- [4]. Moreover, other advantages of DC microgrid have been resumed in [5]. One of them is easier to achieve good power quality than AC microgrid does, thanks to the absence of reactive power problems in DC microgrid [2].…”

A Review on Challenges in DC Microgrid Planning and Implementation

“…Table VIII and Table IX [242]- [244] depicts a comparison between DC and AC microgrids, and DC and hybrid AC-DC microgrids, respectively, on the basis of a list of of value streams of microgrids including economics, efficiency, reliability, PQ, and protection. Converter cost [246] Control complexity [247] Supply reliability [248] Protection system [249] Integration with existing grid [250] Transmission efficiency X. MICROGRID PROJECTS AROUND THE WORLD Various DC microgrids have been established to supply power, or have been developed at the research centers to analyze the working and performance of DC microgrids. A large portion of the studies conducted by researchers focus on control, reliability, and protection, while operating in islanded or grid-connected mode.…”

Design and implementation of Hybrid Renewable energy (PV/Wind/Diesel/Battery) Microgrids for rural areas.

“…As exemplified in the study conducted by the authors [41], a novel DC microgrid technology has been proposed, enabling electricity provision to remote locations not connected to the main power grid. The design of this system was specifically tailored to cater to the needs of remote and rural locations, hence incorporating modularity, portability, and adaptability as its key features.…”