Addressing LV network power quality issues through the implementation of a microgrid

Abstract

The  results  of  the  implementation  of  an  actual microgrid in the Netherlands are  presented.  This microgrid has photovoltaic  panels  as  microsources,  energy  storage,  and  a flexible  AC  distribution  system  (FACDS)  that  can  operate connected to the public grid or autonomously where it regulates the  site’s  voltage  and  frequency.  In  this  paper,  the  potential  of the  microgrid  in  improving  power  quality  issues  of  the  site, specifically  harmonic  distortions,  is  demonstrated.    Results show that the system was able to compensate voltage harmonics when the  microgrid was operating connected to the public grid and  when  operating  autonomously.  Other  tests  such  as  short-circuit,  synchronization  and  blackstart  were  also  conducted. The  improvement  in  power  quality  and  positive  results  of  the other  tests  demonstrate  that  a  self-supporting,  reliable  and efficient operation of the microgrid can be achieved.