Superimposed Component based Fault Detection Scheme for Multi-port DC Microgrid

Abstract

DC microgrid is gaining importance owing to the shift of conventional grids towards renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV), fuel cell, etc. and to the use of power electronics-based DC loads. DC microgrids have advantage of low energy conversion stages, leading to highly efficient systems. However, the power electronic converters are susceptible to huge losses in case of DC faults, and it is important to protect DC microgrids against such fault scenario. This paper therefore proposes a method for fault detection based on superimposed components of the fault present. A circuit breaker is then used to isolate the faulty section. Simulation study results are presented to show the performance of the proposed detection scheme. The results of the simulation show that the proposed detection scheme works quickly enough to prevent damage to sensitive electronic devices, as per expectations.