A robust consensus algorithm for current sharing and voltage regulation in dc microgrids

In this paper a novel distributed control algorithm for current sharing and voltage regulation in Direct Current (DC) microgrids is proposed. The DC microgrid is composed of several Distributed Generation units (DGus), interfaced with Buck converters, and current loads. The considered model permits an arbitrary network topology and is affected by unknown load demand and modelling uncertainties. The proposed control strategy exploits a communication network to achieve current sharing using a consensus-like algorithm. Voltage regulation is achieved by constraining the system to a suitable manifold. Two robust control strategies of Sliding Mode (SM) type are developed to reach the desired manifold in a finite time. The proposed control scheme is formally analyzed, proving the achievement of current sharing, while guaranteeing that the average voltage of the microgrid is identical to the average of the voltage references. The latter objective is often desired in practical implementations, but difficult to obtain, even with advanced control methodologies, rendering the proposed solution relevant for the further deployment of DC microgrids.