Advanced control methods for power converters in distributed generation systems and microgrids

The twenty-Two papers in this special section focus on flexible control of power converters which serve as interfaces between the distributed generation (DG) units and the legacy alternating current (ac) grid or the ac or direct current (dc) microgrid (MG), is the key to realization of high penetration of renewable energy in a safe and stable fashion.

When connected to the ac legacy grid, these power converters need to provide ancillary services such as frequency and voltage support, harmonic compensation, as well as synthetic inertia emulation. Another emerging solution is to interface the DG units with the ac legacy grid through an intermediate entity called anMG.

MG can be based either on ac and dc architecture and can work in both stand-Alone and grid-connected modes. Since it is responsible for multiple power converters, an MG has higher operational flexibility than individual units.However, due to a lack of stiff voltage reference source and natural inertia, control of MGs is generally more challenging than control of individual grid-connected power converters.