Transient Analysis of Distributed Generation AC Microgrid using ETAP

Abstract

Amicrogrid is a combination of clusters of distributed generators connected to fulfill the requirement of dedicated load. A microgrid can be operated with standalone or grid connected mode. A microgrid when operated in standalone mode with a limited voltage and power rating is more likely prone to a serious damage due to its unpredictable faults. Load flow, voltage stability & short circuit analysis of a micro-grid is essential for both design and performance monitoring and to ensure reliable microgrid operations. The faults with a continuously varying in nature affects the normal operation of buses and so to the peripherals associated to the micro-grid. The cause and severity of such faults plays a vital role while designing protection scheme in standalone micro-grid as standalone mode has confined generation. In this paper, electrical model of a 52.3 kW Photo-voltaic based micro-grid is developed on Electrical Transient Analysis Program (ETAP) and various transient conditions such as load flow, loss of DG & short circuit analyses are performed. A detailed short circuit analysis puts light on various short circuit conditions and provides useful analysis. ETAP is the most comprehensive analysis platform for the design, simulation, operation, and automation of generation, distribution, and industrial power systems. ETAP also provides the industry leading transient analysis of power system and micro-grid so chosen for this transient analysis study. A short circuit analysis is calculated based onIEC Std. 60909 using ETAP. This paper presents a simulated model of micro-grid with actual system oriented results and analyzes responses of system during fault conditions and various contingencies.