Soft Synchronization of a Microgrid

Abstract

In today’s energy scenario microgrid concept has emerged as an extremely important as it is expected to provide multiple advantages such as financial and environmental along with power reliability and superiority of power system. Inverter based distributed generation is yet to prove a lot but alternator-based CHP and diesel plants have been established and are high in terms of reliability and efficiency. However it is necessary to match the synchronization criteria (i.e. difference of voltage phase-angle and frequency of the grid system and alternator output) and control the breaker. In such cases traditional synchronization may generate high short circuit current, vibrations and may ultimately lead to trip condition if there is any operator malfunction. In this paper, an alternative to traditional synchronization is proposed. A case study of a local sugar industry is taken up and effectiveness and applicability of the proposed algorithm is proved with results. A test system is simulated and studied using MATLAB/Simulink and SimPowerSystems. Traditional methods of synchronization are studied and compared and advantages of the proposed strategy are highlighted using results from MATLAB.