EMI issues in LVDC-Microgrids due to Power Electronic Converters

Energy experts and planners are focusing on the decarbonization of power systems as a potential solution to challenges currently faced by the grid operators, customers, and regulatory authorities. DC Microgrids are a secure, clean, green, and low carbon-option for applications in many rural and urban locations. Due their resilient, self-reliant, and robust nature, they are preferred against the AC grids. DC grids require fewer power converting stages relative to the AC grids, thereby reducing the AC-DC conversion losses. DC microgrids, unlike the AC microgrids, do not have to synchronize their generators and can provide connection of various types of distributed energy resources such as the PV panels and DC loads through their common DC bus. However, the DC Microgrids are susceptible to the EMI radiation due to the high switching operations of the DC-DC buck converters. This research provides an overview of the MATLAB/Simulink model of the DC microgrid system and presents key results from its simulation study undertaken to estimate the conducted Electromagnetic Interference arising from the interactions between the Buck converters. A standalone Low Voltage (LV) DC Microgrid model was built and simulated with and without the presence of EMI filters. Spectrum analysis was performed on the DC-DC buck converter under both conditions which confirmed that the EMI filters are useful in reducing the EMI effects.