Microgrid Power QualityXu Le

How important is power quality in microgrids?

However, ensuring appropriate power quality (PQ) in microgrids is challenging. High PQ is crucial for achieving energy efficiency and proper operation of equipment. This comprehensive review paper offers an overview of PQ issues in microgrids, covering various types of PQ disturbances, their key features, and the most relevant PQ standards.

What causes power quality issues in microgrids?

The majority of power quality issues, accounting for 80% of cases, are caused by harmonics, flickers, and voltage sag and swell. The inclusion of a voltage source inverter within the microgrid results in the production of harmonics (Dhara et al. 2022), which subsequently degrades the power quality of the system.

What are the characteristics of distributed energy resources forming a microgrid?

The most desirable characteristics of today’s power systems with distributed energy resources (DER) forming a microgrid are reliability of the power supply and immunity to various power quality (PQ) issues. It is important to examine PQ issues arising from the introduction of DER and the behavior of microgrids with penetration of various loads.

Are harmonics affecting the power quality of a microgrid?

Power quality issues are a serious challenge in microgrids due to the increasing complexity, with deep penetration of linear and non-linear loads and numerous Distributed Energy Sources. Harmonics are found to have deteriorating effects on the microgrid. The ever-increasing complexity of the microgrid poses a serious challenge for both large users and utilities.

Why are energy storage devices used in a microgrid?

Energy storage devices are used in a microgrid to maintain power balance during the transition period. This is necessary to ensure that the phase sequence and voltage magnitude can be synchronized with the grid once normal mode is restored. As power stations have a slow dynamic response, energy storage devices play a crucial role in mitigating power quality issues.

Does integrating multiple power electronics converters in a microgrid affect power quality?

The integration of multiple power electronics converters in a microgrid typically increases total harmonic distortion (THD), which in turn results in power quality issues.