Integrated Microgrid Laboratory System

TLDR

The study introduces an integrated microgrid laboratory system featuring a flexible multimicrogrid architecture with distributed generation, energy storage, a diesel generator backup, and flywheel storage for fast balancing to deliver uninterrupted power supply. The system employs a master‑slave control strategy enabling seamless transition between grid‑connected and islanded modes, automatic disconnection during faults or poor power quality, and bi‑directional inverters, allowing small microgrids to operate independently or as a unified grid via switching. Experimental results demonstrate that the laboratory system satisfies IEEE 1547 and power‑quality standards, operating stably and reliably across mode transitions and fault events.

Abstract

The paper presents an integrated microgrid laboratory system with a flexible and reliable multimicrogrid structure; it contains multiple distributed generation systems and energy storage systems and integrates with a diesel generator that serves as a back-up power source and flywheel energy storage for fast balancing to provide uninterruptible power-supply services in cooperation with the diesel generator. The microgrid system, by adopting the master-slave control strategy, can be transited flexibly between grid-connected and islanded modes and can be disconnected from the utility when a fault occurs or the power quality falls below specified standards. The developed bi-directional inverter which is applied in the system plays an important role. The small microgrids of this system are intended to operate separately or in the form of one large microgrid with a certain switch status. Furthermore, experiments on control, protection, and other technologies have been carried out. The results show that the operation conditions meet the related IEEE Standard 1547 and power quality requirements. The integrated microgrid laboratory system is able to operate stably and reliably under different conditions, including mode transition and fault events.