Minimizing neutral currents in distribution microgrids using smart loads

•An original control strategy for mitigating neutral currents using smart loads.•A simple and low complexity, model-based, dual-loop control design.•Systematic and intuitive synthesis of control gains solving LMI constraints.•Effective mitigation of neutral currents under both linear and nonlinear l...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of electrical power & energy systems 2019-12, Vol.113, p.436-448
Main Authors: Sabir, Adeel, Javaid, M.S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Distribution system
Electric spring
Microgrid
Neutral current
Smart grid
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Summary:•An original control strategy for mitigating neutral currents using smart loads.•A simple and low complexity, model-based, dual-loop control design.•Systematic and intuitive synthesis of control gains solving LMI constraints.•Effective mitigation of neutral currents under both linear and nonlinear loads. This article presents a strategy for minimizing neutral current in distribution microgrids using electric spring-based smart loads. A dual loop control scheme is proposed – the outer loop generates reference voltages for the individual electric spring in each phase using a simple voltage division concept that results in zero neutral current, while in the inner loop, the output voltage and current of the electric spring are controlled using repetitive controllers. The control system features a simple structure and systematic design and is minimally reliant on exact knowledge of parameters, making it robust in the presence of uncertainties. The electric spring in each phase is controlled independently and identical to the other phases without requiring any axis transformation. Detailed design of the proposed solution is presented and its performance is tested by simulating it on a benchmark low-voltage distribution microgrid to show its effectiveness and validity.
ISSN:0142-0615
1879-3517
DOI:10.1016/j.ijepes.2019.05.058