GPS Synchronization of Smart Distributed Converters for Microgrid Applications

Abstract

In this paper, a smart distributed DC/DC converter synchronization advanced technique and phase angle optimization algorithm are proposed using to reduce the DC bus overall ripple. A global positioning system-based scheme is used to synchronize the carrier among the distributed converters. The carrier phase angle optimization among the different converters is inspired by Carrier-Sense Multiple Access protocol. The proposed system is simulated and analyzed using Matlab/Simulink program. As a proof of concept of the proposed technique, two case studies have been investigated under equal and unequal load sharing among the distributed generators. The proposed algorithm shows a significant reduction in the DC bus voltage ripple. To prove the concept, a laboratory test-bed has been built and the proposed algorithm has been implemented to validate the theoretical and simulation results. The close agreement between the experimental and simulation results demonstrates the effectiveness and validity of the proposed algorithm.

Keywords

• carrier synchronization
• DC/DC boost converter
• global positioning system
• microgrids