VSG-Based Dynamic Frequency Support Control for Autonomous PV–Diesel Microgrids

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the use of a novel virtual synchronous generator (VSG) to provide dynamic frequency support in an autonomous photovoltaic (PV)–diesel hybrid microgrid with an energy storage system (ESS). Due to the lack of enough rotating machines, PV fluctuation might give rise to unacceptable frequency excursions in the microgrid. The VSG entails controlling the voltage-source inverter (VSI) to emulate a virtual inertial and a virtual damping via power injection from/to the ESS. The effect of the VSG on the frequency is investigated. The virtual inertia decreases the maximum frequency deviation (MFD) and the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF), but in exchange for raising the virtual inertia, the system is more oscillating. Meanwhile, raising the virtual damping brings reductions in the amplitude of the oscillations of frequency. However, the dynamic frequency support provided by them is lagging behind. In this regard, an improved VSG based on the differential feedforward of the diesel generator set (DGS) output current is proposed to further mitigate the MFD and the RoCoF. Simulations and experimental results from an autonomous microgrid consisted of a 400 kW DGS, and a 100 kVA VSG are provided to validate the discussion.

Keywords

• virtual synchronous generator
• dynamic frequency support
• autonomous microgrid
• virtual inertia
• virtual damping
• differential feedforward