Smart integration of Distributed Energy Resources in microgrids

This paper proposes the smart integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in microgrids through the use of Distributed Unified Power Quality Conditioners (D-UPQC). The proposed D-UPQC contains a PV and an Energy Storage System (ESS) and may be operated in grid connected, or in island mode, in case of grid failure. The control strategies are designed to guarantee that in grid connected mode the voltage applied to a set of loads (microgrid) and the current injected in the Low Voltage (LV) grid present minimum harmonic content. Also, in this operation mode, the proposed D-UPQC is able to mitigate voltage sags, improving Power Quality (PQ) in the microgrid. A simulation model of the proposed system is obtained in Matlab/Simulink. Results are obtained with the D-UPQC working as an interface between the PV System, the ESS and the LV grid. The obtained results show that the proposed system guarantees PQ enhancement in the microgrid, and guarantees nearly unitary PF in the connection to the LV grid.