Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid: Systematic Evaluation of Interlinking Converters, Control Strategies, and Protection Schemes: A Review

Abstract

Hybrid AC/DC microgrid architecture is emerging as an interesting and attractive approach since it combines the prominent benefits of both AC and DC networks. In Hybrid Microgrids (HMGs), AC and DC networks are interconnected with each other through power converters. Therefore, power converters play a very important role in HMG operation, as their functionality is not only limited to interconnection but also provides power flow control and improves the power quality through different ancillary services. Moreover, due to intermittency of Renewable Energy Resources (RESs), synchronization, load variation, availability of both AC and DC networks, etc., the controllability of the power converters, power management, and protection become very complex in HMG. This paper initially provides a comprehensive review of different interconnection methods and then presents an overview of different control strategies for HMG and Inter-Linking Converters (ILCs). Moreover, power management in different operating modes, including mode transition, is discussed in detail. This paper also provides a critical assessment of the available protection challenges of HMG and provide a comprehensive review of different available protection schemes and devices is provided. Moreover, the highlights and recommendation regarding interconnection methods, control, and protection schemes are presented.

Keywords

• Converter control
• hybrid AC-DC microgrid
• interlinking converter
• microgrid control
• power management
• protection challenges