An approach for the integration of renewable distributed generation in hybrid DC/AC microgrids

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of a hybrid DC/AC integration paradigm to establish microgrids (MGs) by using a conventional three-phase local power delivery system. This approach adds an additional DC power line to the local power distribution system in order to collect energy generated by distributed domestic renewable sources. The local renewable distributed generation (DG) works in conjunction with the conventional grid utility to reduce the power draw from the grid. Researchers designed an energy conversion station to mix energy from the local DGs with energy from the grid utility. This approach, therefore, uses a continuous energy mixing strategy for DC integration of local generation and grid energy to supply energy to MG consumers via the conventional three-phase power distribution system. Thus, local distributed renewable generators do not have to contend with AC integration problems, such as AC stability and line synchronization. This approach can facilitate the transformation of conventional local power distribution systems into reliable MGs in an affordable way for stakeholders and it is a step towards construction of future smart grids. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.