Design, Implementation and Evaluation of a Microgrid in Island and Grid Connected Modes with a Fuel Cell Power Source

The ability to connect a microgrid to the grid is an important step in the development and evolution of the modern power system. The principle objectives of this research are (1) to simulate a simple microgrid consisting of a PEM hydrogen fuel cell, load and connection to the grid and (2) to evaluate the resulting microgrid control system on a corresponding experimental microgrid. The microgrid simulation demonstrated that the control algorithms can operate the microgrid in both islanded (VSC with voltage and frequency regulation) and grid connected (VSC with current control for power transfer). The experimental laboratory microgrid was constructed and operated in real-time performing its black start and managed transitions between island and grid connected modes of operation. The synchronization method adjusted the island microgrid to become in phase with the grid and tracked well under steady state and load changing conditions. The synchronization process brought the island in phase with the grid within 400 ms. Passive island detection was demonstrated with the restoration to grid operation. The grid connected voltage and current THD were under 1%.

Name thesis:degree_name

M Eng Sci

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Western Ontario

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Moore, Andrew T

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jin Jiang

• Microgrid
• Interconnection
• Synchronization
• Voltage Source Converter
• PEM Fuel Cell

Language dc:language.iso

en_ca

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14721/27605

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwo.scholaris.ca:20.500.14721/27605