Experimental Implementation of a Single-Phase Microgrid: A Flexible Resource for Research and Educational Activities

Abstract

Control of power electronic inverters in AC microgrids is a challenging research field, and the deployment of control strategies to real-life implementations requires intensive theoretical and experimental prior assessment. Moreover, teaching in the microgrid field is not trivial due to the complexity of demonstrating the integrated operation of multiple power electronic devices. Thus, this paper aims at discussing the flexible layout of a 10 kVA single-phase microgrid comprising multiple inverters and operationalities, which was assembled at a research laboratory. Such microgrid prototype holds a modular feature that intends to support diverse experimental assessments of control strategies, also serving as an educational resource for teaching and technical training. The equivalent circuit of the microgrid, the multiple possibilities of use, prototype pictures, as well as experimental results are shown to depict its operation flexibilities, serving as a possible reference for the development of new microgrid setups, as well as to be replicated for use in research and educational purposes.