Validation of a novel approach to voltage sourced converter control for MicroGrid applications.

A novel approach for the control of voltage sourced converter (VSC) interfaced distributed energy resources (DERs) in a single-source MicroGrid environment is validated. The control approach is designed to operate in both grid-connected and islanded modes of operation, as well as the transition between the two. Control over real and reactive power in grid-connected mode is exercised through variation in the relative phase and magnitude, respectively, of the VSC terminal voltage. In islanded mode the controller becomes passive and operates to maintain nominal operation based on load characteristics. Validation is achieved through the analysis of: linearized model of the system, results obtained from the construction of a scaled down prototype system, and further results from simulations of a system with more realistic parameters. The strategy is directly compared with a well known approach for DER control in all areas of investigation for further emphasis of its viability.