Controlling Non-Synchronous Microgrids for Load Balancing of Radial Distribution Systems

This paper proposes a novel control strategy such that downstream non-synchronous microgrids can perform load balancing functions. The proposed method can eliminate (or reduce) the unbalance of currents at the substation transformer of radial distribution systems. The load balancing ability of microgrids has been studied for two different scenarios: 1) using communications between the microgrid and the substation; and 2) using only local measurements at the microgrid. The limitations posed by the availability of measurements and system topology requirements for the success of the process are discussed. Two numerical examples are provided to validate the proposed control scheme using time domain and time-sequence power-flow simulations.