Enhancing Voltage Control in HESS-Based DCMG: A Comparative Analysis of SMC and PI Controllers

Rising environmental awareness and reducing fossil fuel supplies are driving a move towards renewable energy sources. Microgrids, like DCMGs, offer a cost-effective way to improve energy stability and efficiency. It incorporates control algorithms to manage parameters like reliability and fault tolerance, aligning its operation with global standards. This study is conducted on the implementation and performance evaluation of a Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) to regulate voltage in a PV based DC microgrid. The aim is to improve the system's voltage stability and overall performance. Non-linear controllers offer superior adaptability and performance for fluctuating conditions in photovoltaic systems, compared to linear controllers. In this procedure, MATLAB/Simulink was employed to develop precise digital models for a HESS-based DC Microgrid, with a particular emphasis on SMC and PI controllers for bus voltage management. Both supercapacitors and batteries are employed for energy storage. Supercapacitors excel in rapid charge cycles and power density, while batteries offer superior long-term energy storage. The model was tested under varying load conditions at different time intervals to assess its adaptability and performance. In the study, SMC was developed and compared to conventional PI controllers for performance benchmarking. Through comparative evaluations, it was observed that SMC yielded a more consistent and stable voltage output than PI controller. This thorough analysis helps to explain the reason of using each control method in regulating the system.