Comparative Analysis of Communication Assisted Grid Synchronization Methods in Microgrids

Microgrid, an entity of localized power generation, is capable of being connected to the traditional centralized power grid. Stability, power quality, and protection are the major topics of concern for optimal operation of microgrids. The critical element in grid synchronization is the current control strategy meeting the standards for connection to the grid. Communication assisted grid synchronization methods employing optimal current control strategy need to be applied to attain both voltage and frequency stabilities after the interconnection. The objective is to simulate, analyze, and compare communication assisted current control techniques namely natural reference frame control and proportional reference frame control techniques in three-phase grid connected converters. The best control strategy is selected to achieve secure and smooth synchronization of the microgrid. The conventional control techniques have been modified to achieve load compensation, power quality, and stability. Two microsources are synchronized to the ac distribution system, wherein the phase template of the grid is passed through the reliable, fast, and fault tolerant controller area network. The performance of the two schemes is compared based on the power quality standards, stability, computational burden, and implementation difficulties. The test system is simulated in a KVASER configured CAN network in MATLAB software.