DESIGN OF DROOP CONTROL AND VIRTUAL INERTIA BASED SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR CONTROL FOR THE PARALLEL OPERATION OF DERS IN AN ISLANDED MICROGRID

Abstract

Enabling microgrids in the distribution grid can distribute electricity and provide services on the grid during grid operation, as well as provide power to the islands in case of fault and emergencies,thus improving the efficiency and reliability of the power. This project report investigates the implementation of primary and secondary control strategies using droop control and Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) control in power systems. Droop control is traditionally used for primary control to manage the active power and frequency by adjusting the output power of generators in response to changes in system frequency. VSG control, on the other hand, emulates the behavior of synchronous generators, providing inertial response and damping to improve system stability. Primary control, facilitated by droop control, ensures load sharing among multiple generators by adjusting the generator output based on frequency deviations. Secondary control further refines this approach by restoring the system frequency to its nominal value and redistributing the power among generators to maintain balanced operations. VSG control enhances these processes by introducing virtual inertia, which helps in damping frequency oscillations and maintaining stability during transient events. The comparative analysis presented in this report highlights the strengths and limitations of both control methods. The integration of VSG control into existing droop control frameworks shows promise in enhancing the stability and resilience of power systems, particularly in scenarios with high penetration of renewable energy sources. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these control strategies can be effectively combined to improve the dynamic performance and reliability of modern power grids.