Performance Analysis of Distributed Energy Resource-Based LV Distribution Grid

Abstract

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are mostly low-power-generating units. In order to augment the energy demands, integration of such energy sources with LV distribution grid is a viable option. A good-quality power from DER ensures safe operation of distribution grid. In this work, an integrated DER consisting of a photovoltaic system, a wind energy conversion system and a micro-hydro system is proposed and coupled to a common DC bus through appropriate power electronic interfacing circuits. A grid interfacing inverter is implemented as an inter-tie between DC-coupled DER and LV distribution grid. The DER supports the DC link voltage of the interfacing inverter. The performance of the distribution grid is examined via connection of a 3-phase nonlinear load onto the distribution grid. The interfacing inverter incorporates the features of DSTATCOM. The effectiveness of DSTATCOM-DER topology in mitigating the power quality problems of nonlinear load is realized through Icosφ control strategy. The results obtained are adequately explained. The quality of power at the point of common coupling is analyzed using total harmonic distortion and total demand distortion and is found to be within IEEE Std. 519-2014. The complete system is modeled and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink.