Control of Grid connected DC-coupled hybrid Microgrid

This article presents a Control Strategy for Grid connected DC-coupled hybrid Microgrid. The Microgrid consists of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Photovoltaic System, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) based on Lead-Acid Battery Technology, along with AC Load and DC Load. The BESS is charged and discharged with a constant current, based on operational constraints of Lead-Acid Batteries. The Voltage of DC Bus is controlled by bidirectional Voltage-sourced Converter. The Control Scheme is tested by variations in DC Load, AC Load and Solar Insolation. Moreover, the rules for operation of PEMFC and BESS in a Grid connected Microgrid, having Time of Use Energy Tariff, are devised and Control Strategy is tested accordingly. All simulations are carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment.