Realizing a System of Coupled Microgrids using a Single-phase AC Power Exchange Link

Overloading and renewable-based excessive generation can be observed in autonomous microgrids (MGs) and this can lead to unacceptable voltage or frequency deviation. Such problems can be alleviated by mechanisms, such as load-shedding or curtailment of renewable sources. Alternatively, provisional power exchange among the neighboring MGs, can improve the situation in a more economic and effective way. The power exchange link between the MGs can be in the form of a three-phase ac but a single-phase ac link is more cost-effective. This approach requires power electronics-based converters to convert a three-phase ac microgrid into a single-phase power exchange link and control the power-sharing amongst them. This paper has proposed a decentralized approach to control the neighboring MGs to realize power-sharing through such a structure. The performance of the proposed control mechanisms is evaluated through simulation studies in PSIM^®.