SIMULATION, OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS, AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS TO ENSURE VOLTAGE QUALITY OF A MICROGRID IN ISLANDED MODE

Abstract

This paper presents the simulation and analysis of a Microgrid operating in islanded mode. The study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of integrating compensation capacitors to improve voltage quality within the system.

A detailed simulation model of the Microgrid is developed using the MATLAB-Simulink, employing components from the Simscape Electrical library to accurately represent key physical elements such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), diesel generators, loads, and power converters. A notable feature of the model is its inclusion of multiple nodes at both medium-voltage and low-voltage levels, interconnected through distribution lines, thereby more closely reflecting the structure of real-world distribution networks than models used in previous studies. The Microgrid is simulated under various loading scenarios in islanded mode, with a particular focus on assessing the performance of compensation capacitors under peak load conditions.

Simulation results indicate that, under peak load in islanded operation, voltage levels at several buses tend to drop below acceptable limits. However, the addition of shunt capacitors at heavily loaded buses significantly mitigates voltage drops and restores voltage to permissible levels. This compensation approach also reduces the reactive power burden on the diesel generator, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the system