Experimental setup of a microgrid with wind and solar power emulators

Abstract

The application of renewable energy technologies has significantly increased in recent years and this leads to educating future engineers in this field. This paper outlines a simple experimental setup of a microgrid (MG) that can be operated at both stand-alone and grid-connected modes. The setup includes updated generation technologies like permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) and doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), wind turbine and photovoltaic emulators, batteries and programmable loads. It provides an opportunity to explore the connection of renewable and low carbon energy resources to the network, and to understand some of the limitations and the challenges associated with the interconnection of renewables. In a higher education environment, this experimental setup not only serves as a platform for undergraduate teaching but also serves as a base for research students to test their innovative controllers.