Distributed generation in low-voltage DC systems by wind energy in the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico

Abstract Mexico's national electric grid comprises ten regional systems, with one isolated in the south of the Baja California Peninsula. In addition, providing electricity access remains a challenge in the country. Therefore, distributed renewable energy solutions are relevant to satisfy the electricity demand and promote grid development. Distributed renewable energy access (DREA) based on a wind energy conversion system integrated into low-voltage direct current (LVDC) networks is presented. The DREA is analysed and simulated under wind speed conditions measured and recorded for one year at Baja California Sur. A representative variability is applied to five type-4 wind turbines based on wind speed turbulence intensity analysis. The generated power is transferred through a bidirectional dual active bridge converter, controlled by a novel small-signal model using a single closed-loop proportional-integral control, owing to its modularity, power density, and ability to transfer power from LVDC to high-voltage direct current. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed DREA are assessed via a complete mathematical model, corroborated by the simulation results in MATLAB-Simulink®, and validated by experimental results using the real-time simulator Opal-RT Technologies® and laboratory prototyping. The results indicate a DC-link voltage compensation and integration of a power capacity of 150 kW in the LVDC networks with an efficiency of 94%.