Optimising Load Management: A Contention-Based Block Approach in a Stand-Alone Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid System Analysis

Abstract

In microgrid, maintaining the power balance among the different resources as well as keeping it to at high efficiency is a crucial task. In this paper we explored how to operate a stand-alone hybrid AC/DC microgrid in an optimized power generation mode by contention-based block technique. The four quadrant 3 phase AC/DC converters and transformers are used in this paper to meet the required features. The design is suitable for seamless power exchange/transfer for various power sources and loads within the AC and DC part of the microgrid. The DC/DC boost converters are used to connect various DC sources that generate DC power like photovoltaic cells, fuel cell stacks to connect to a common DC bus and different DC loads. To incorporate the energy storage elements like super capacitors and batteries in dc part of hybrid microgrid bidirectional DC/DC converters are essential. The microgrid and utility grids are connected together by linking transformers. In this approach, the AC part of microgrid is allowed to operate at standard voltage levels of 200 or 400 volts while, at the same time the DC part of hybrid microgrids operates at flexible voltage levels as adjusted by contention-based optimization principles. The suggested approach effectively increases the efficiency and power flow in the hybrid microgrid. The mathematical model for optimization function is developed in the paper which results in better load management and system performance enhancement.