Simulation of load-sharing in standalone distributed generation system

• Published in: IOP conference series. Earth and environmental science Vol. 154; no. 1; pp. 12014 - 12021
• Main Authors: Ajewole, Titus O, Craven, Robert P M, Kayode, Olakunle, Babalola, Olufisayo S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.05.2018
• Subjects: Distributed generation; Electric power systems; Electric utilities; Electrical loads; Emulators; Energy; Meteorological data; Reactive power; Renewable energy; Renewable resources; Scale models; Simulation; Stress concentration; Topology
• ISSN: 1755-1307; 1755-1315
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/154/1/012014

This paper presents a study on load-sharing among the component generating units of a multi-source electric microgrid that is operated as an autonomous ac supply-mode system. Emerging trend in power system development permits deployment of microgrids for standalone or stand-by applications, thereby requiring active- and reactive power sharing among the discrete generating units contained in hybrid-source microgrids. In this study, therefore, a laboratory-scale model of a microgrid energized with three renewable energy-based sources is employed as a simulation platform to investigate power sharing among the power-generating units. Each source is represented by a source emulator that captures the real operational characteristics of the mimicked generating unit and, with implementation of real-life weather data and load profiles on the model; the sharing of the load among the generating units is investigated. There is a proportionate generation of power by the three source emulators, with their frequencies perfectly synchronized at the point of common coupling as a result of balance flow of power among them. This hybrid topology of renewable energy-based microgrid could therefore be seamlessly adapted into national energy mix by the indigenous electric utility providers in Nigeria.