Flexible hardware for teaching and research in renewable energy and off-grid microgrids

IF 2 Q3 ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC

HardwareX Pub Date : 2025-03-18 DOI:10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00636

Cristian Escudero-Quintero, Juan Pablo Guzman-Rodriguez, Juan Pablo Villegas-Ceballos, Elkin Edilberto Henao-Bravo, Daniel Gonzalez-Montoya

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Abstract

Microgrids are an active research field due to their integration of renewable and non-renewable energy sources alongside energy storage systems to supply both DC and AC loads. While existing studies extensively explore hierarchical control structures, focusing on algorithm design and optimization, practical implementation remains challenging due to system complexity. This paper presents the development of a low-power microgrid hardware platform based on power converters and controllers, enabling experimental validation of the second and third levels of hierarchical control. The platform enables real-time energy management using FPPT algorithms while providing an intuitive graphical interface for data visualization and system monitoring. Experimental results confirm the system’s capability of dynamically managing energy flows, ensuring stable operation under varying load conditions. The system demonstrates reliable operation handling loads of up to 100 W, with scalability to 200 W, providing an effective tool for testing and research in microgrid control strategies.

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来源期刊

HardwareX Engineering-Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

CiteScore

4.10

自引率

18.20%

发文量

124

审稿时长

24 weeks

期刊介绍： HardwareX is an open access journal established to promote free and open source designing, building and customizing of scientific infrastructure (hardware). HardwareX aims to recognize researchers for the time and effort in developing scientific infrastructure while providing end-users with sufficient information to replicate and validate the advances presented. HardwareX is open to input from all scientific, technological and medical disciplines. Scientific infrastructure will be interpreted in the broadest sense. Including hardware modifications to existing infrastructure, sensors and tools that perform measurements and other functions outside of the traditional lab setting (such as wearables, air/water quality sensors, and low cost alternatives to existing tools), and the creation of wholly new tools for either standard or novel laboratory tasks. Authors are encouraged to submit hardware developments that address all aspects of science, not only the final measurement, for example, enhancements in sample preparation and handling, user safety, and quality control. The use of distributed digital manufacturing strategies (e.g. 3-D printing) is encouraged. All designs must be submitted under an open hardware license.