Intelligent AC Distribution Panel for real-time load analysis and control in small-scale power grids with distributed generation

Abstract

The focus of this paper is a novel Intelligent Distribution Panel (IDP) for controlling and monitoring power quality in small-scale ac power grids. A prototype ten-channel IDP capable of managing up to 38 kW is demonstrated. Each channel includes a relay and supports high-frequency current monitoring for smart metering. The ac current's fundamental and harmonic content up to the 7th harmonic are precisely measured and the state of each channel can be controlled. A low-power single-board computer is used to perform data acquisition and facilitate energy management. Tasks such as frequency locking and real-time power monitoring are implemented using a digital Multiple Second Order General Integrator - Frequency Locked Loop (MSOGI-FLL) algorithm. The measured frequency and the extracted real and reactive power have an accuracy within 1% for the majority of the operating conditions.