As the world transitions to cleaner energy systems, the need for smarter, more efficient power distribution solutions is growing. Hybrid AC/DC microgrids (HMGs) have emerged as a cutting-edge innovation, blending the strengths of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) grids into one versatile system. A recent study unveils a novel power management strategy for HMGs, showcasing its potential to revolutionise energy reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.
What Makes Hybrid Microgrids Unique?
AC and DC grids each offer distinct advantages. AC grids dominate traditional power networks due to their ability to transmit electricity over long distances. DC grids, however, excel in energy efficiency and simplicity, especially when integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels and battery storage. By combining these systems, hybrid microgrids can leverage the best of both worlds, enabling dynamic and efficient energy sharing.
The Innovation: Virtual Synchronous Generators
The study introduces a Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG)-based power management system, which mimics the behaviour of traditional synchronous generators. This approach solves one of the biggest challenges in hybrid microgrids – the lack of physical inertia, which is essential for stabilising voltage and frequency during power fluctuations.
Using interlinking converters (ILCs) equipped with VSG controllers, the system ensures smooth energy exchange between AC and DC sub-grids while maintaining stability. The converters act as flexible bridges, seamlessly transferring power and regulating the DC link voltage to prevent energy losses.
Key Features of the System
- Energy Storage Integration:
- The system incorporates energy storage devices (ESDs), such as lithium-ion batteries, for added reliability. These batteries absorb surplus power during peak production and supply energy during high demand or grid disruptions.
- Two-Stage Interlinking Converters:
- A unique two-stage design ensures precise power sharing and voltage regulation. The system includes bidirectional DC/DC converters for balancing energy flows and mitigating the risk of overloading.
- Hierarchical Control Strategy:
- The system employs a multi-layer control strategy that optimises power sharing between AC and DC sub-grids while compensating for reactive power – a crucial step in maintaining grid efficiency.
Real-World Benefits
The proposed system’s efficiency and adaptability were validated through simulations. It demonstrated:
- Improved Energy Reliability: The dual-path power flow ensured uninterrupted energy supply, even during power surges or fluctuations.
- Lower Energy Losses: Precise voltage regulation prevented the need for constant voltage adjustment, reducing energy wastage.
- Reactive Power Compensation: By balancing reactive power demands, the system achieved a near-perfect power factor, ensuring stable grid operation.
Towards a Smarter Energy Future
The hybrid AC/DC microgrid, enhanced by VSG-based interlinking converters, represents the next leap in energy management. It offers a scalable, sustainable solution for integrating renewable energy sources into modern power systems.
As urban areas grow and energy demands rise, this technology provides a pathway for building resilient, low-carbon grids capable of adapting to diverse energy profiles. By blending the strengths of AC and DC systems, hybrid microgrids could become the backbone of future smart grids, powering cities with efficiency and sustainability.
In a world where innovation meets necessity, this study lights the way to a smarter, greener energy future – proving that the union of alternating and direct currents can lead to extraordinary possibilities.
Source
A novel strategy to enhance power management in AC/DC hybrid microgrid using virtual synchronous generator based interlinking converters integrated with energy storage system, Energy Reports, 2024-12
Boˆreal 