Recent Advances in Control, Analysis and Design of DC Distribution Systems and Microgrids

The evolution of the power electronics technology is changing the overall power grid structure. Much more renewables are integrated into the electric power grid system as the cost of produced kWh is dropping fast, new ways of ensuring power transmission and distribution are emerging and many loads incorporate power electronics as the interface to the grid. We see also energy storage systems being planned and connected to the grid on a large scale. Also the cost of power electronics is dropping rapidly and, combined with a steady development aimed at improving the reliability of both components and systems, has enabled in recent years DC distribution architectures at both high and low power level. These DC structures may have higher efficiency and reliability, better current carrying capacity and faster response in comparison with conventional AC systems. The DC distribution has also advantages in terms of non-existent reactive power flows, power quality issues and frequency regulation, resulting in a simpler control architecture and better stability. For such reasons, DC systems are expected to be more and