Design and Development of AC Microgrid Power Conditioning Unit for Renewable Energy Integration

A substantial increase in the inclusion of renewable energy sources (RES) with the grid has increased the difficulties of keeping grid stability. Hybridization of RES with power storage sources (ESS) such as batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc. through the deployment of microgrids has resolved problems of grid stability to a large extent. In this context, the Power Conditioning Unit (PCU) used to integrate RES & ESS with the grid plays a very important role. Most PCUs on the market have grid synchronization with anti-islanding functionality. These PCUs do not synchronize with the local generator used as backup in the case of grid failure. The suggested study work is aimed at the design and development of PCUs, which are equipped for both grid-tied and islanded operation. This work also verifies its ability to synchronize a PCU with a local backup generator to extract available power from the connected RES. The control algorithm enables a smooth transition from one working mode to another, making it appropriate for microgrid applications. The paper provides some of the significant simulation and hardware outcomes to confirm the functioning of the suggested PCU control algorithm,