Distributed control for managing harmonics in microgrids

Abstract

With the increase usage of non-linear power electronic devices, power quality issue in microgrid is an important research topic. However, most of the existing distributed secondary control methods are intended for harmonic-free system. This paper focuses on using distributed control method to manage harmonic issues as well as maintaining frequency and voltage stability. Basic concepts of hierarchical control and distributed control are reviewed, a distributed control method based on consensus algorithm which aims at managing harmonics in islanded MG is proposed. This control method is implemented on a 4 DG islanded MG system through SIMULINK. Outcomes indicate that it can assure voltage and frequency stability, appropriate fundamental power sharing. Besides, harmonic reactive power can also be distributed on each DG in proportion to its power rating and harmonic components can be mitigated to some extent. It is recommended that more control methods meant for realistic problems can be designed in order to promote development of microgrid.