Researchers devise algorithm to improve PV microgrid performance
The inertia of PV systems connected to microgrids can be controlled by altering the charging of the direct current, according to scientists from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Chinese Association of Automation. An algorithm is able to copy the microgrid's inertia, which can be changed as required by means of the direct current. According to the researchers, the algorithm can make the microgrid work like a large power grid with large inertia.
A group of scientists from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Chinese Association of Automation is proposing to increase the inertia of PV systems connected to micro-grids through inertia emulation, in order to improve the reliability and stability of the micro-grids.

The research team claims it has developed a computer-based algorithm that can be integrated with distributed generation setting algorithms to improve dynamic performance and lower implementation requirements.

According to the scientists, the algorithm is able to mirror the microgrid's inertia as needed by alternating the system's direct current over specific ranges.

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“The inertia emulation is realized by controlling the charging/discharging of the direct current (DC)-link capacitor over a certain range and adjusting the PV generation when it is feasible and/or necessary,” the researches said in their paper, which was published in IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica (JAS).

The algorithm, the researchers said, can make the microgrid work like a large power grid with large inertia. Simulations performed by the scientists seem to confirm that the solution does work as intended.