Smart Loads Management Using Droop-Based Control in Integrated Microgrid Systems

Demand response (DR) management is a promising strategy in the future power systems as it allows for better resource utilization. Droop control is a widely used method to perform autonomous power management among sources in microgrids (MGs). This paper proposes an approach to adjust loads using droop control to achieve autonomous demand management. This approach has the potential to improve system reliability and ease of management. The proposed droop-based demand response (DB-DR) scheme operates in grid-connected as well as islanded mode of operation. To develop highly effective droop relations, all relevant variables such as MG operating frequency, power flow from the grid, and the load status are included. The proposed DB-DR scheme enables the loads to participate in maintaining supply/demand balance without a need for communication systems. The development of appropriate relations for a DB-DR system is presented and its performance is verified through simulation studies and hardware experiments.