A Study of Interconnection Methods between a Microgrid and a Distribution System using a Power-Electronics Converter

Abstract

Towards carbon neutrality, microgrids (MGs) attract attention for the utilization of distributed energy resources including renewable energy sources. Since the scales and the structures of MGs heavily depend on their objectives and local requirements, interconnecting an MG to a distribution system in general increases uncertainty. To minimize the uncertainty, this paper adds a study of interconnection methods using a power-electronics converter in terms of protection and control. The power-electronics converter called an interlinking converter (IC) in this paper interconnects an MG to a distribution system via a common DC bus, and the MG and the distribution system are therefore electrically-isolated. This paper first presents an electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation model of ICs. Then, a simulation case where an MG is connected to a distribution system via an IC is created, and the effectiveness of the IC interconnection method is demonstrated using the simulation case.