Decoupling Power Quality Issues in Grid-Microgrid Network Using Microgrid Building Blocks

TL;DR

This paper introduces Microgrid Building Blocks (MBB), a modular approach to improve power quality in grid-microgrid networks, especially for sensitive loads and new grid-edge technologies, through simulation-based validation.

Contribution

The paper proposes the use of Microgrid Building Blocks with back-to-back converters to decouple power quality issues, enabling faster and broader microgrid deployment for sensitive applications.

Findings

MBB effectively decouples power quality issues in various scenarios.

Simulation results demonstrate improved power quality with MBB.

MBB supports critical loads during evacuation and grid-edge operations.

Abstract

Microgrids are evolving as promising options to enhance reliability of the connected transmission and distribution systems. Traditional design and deployment of microgrids require significant engineering analysis. Microgrid Building Blocks (MBB), consisting of modular blocks that integrate seamlessly to form effective microgrids, is an enabling concept for faster and broader adoption of microgrids. Back-to-Back converter placed at the point of common coupling of microgrid is an integral part of the MBB. This paper presents applications of MBB to decouple power quality issues in grid-microgrid network serving power quality sensitive loads such as data centers, new grid-edge technologies such as vehicle-to-grid generation, and serving electric vehicle charging loads during evacuation before disaster events. Simulation results show that MBB effectively decouples the power quality issues across networks and helps maintain good power quality in the power quality sensitive network based on the operational scenario.