Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
06:04
Experimental Investigation of the Hierarchical Control in DC Microgrids Using a Real-time Simulator
Published on: February 14, 2025
Scalable distributed control for hybrid AC-DC microgrids with adaptive load management.
Satyaveer Singh Negi1, Adel Rawea2, Prakash Dwivedi1
1Department of Electrical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Uttarakhand, Srinagar Garhwal, India.
Scientific Reports
|June 3, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a scalable hybrid AC-DC microgrid that integrates solar lighting systems for enhanced efficiency. The proposed system ensures stable operation and seamless transitions between grid-connected and islanded modes.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Smart Grids
Background:
- Hybrid AC-DC microgrids are crucial for integrating diverse energy resources and loads efficiently.
- Isolated solar lighting systems offer untapped potential for distributed energy generation and storage.
- Existing microgrid architectures face challenges in seamless islanded operation and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a scalable hybrid AC-DC microgrid architecture leveraging distributed solar lighting systems.
- To enhance system reliability and efficiency by minimizing power conversion stages.
- To demonstrate stable islanded-mode operation and seamless grid transition capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a hybrid microgrid with a 50 kW solar PV plant and 50 solar lighting units (200 W PV, 48 V, 2 kWh battery each).
- Utilization of a virtual impedance-based droop control for distributed converters to improve current sharing and stability.
- Application of a hierarchical control architecture (primary and secondary) with a 60 kW bidirectional interlinking converter.
- Management of excess power in islanded mode using an electronic load controller and intensity control of solar LED lights.
Main Results:
- Stable microgrid voltage and proportional current sharing among distributed converters demonstrated through MATLAB simulations.
- Seamless transition from grid-connected to islanded operation, with system restoration within 2 cycles after unintentional islanding.
- Validation of the control strategy's effectiveness in managing power flow and enhancing system stability.
Conclusions:
- The proposed hybrid AC-DC microgrid architecture effectively integrates distributed solar lighting systems.
- The implemented control strategy ensures stable operation, reliable power sharing, and robust islanded-mode performance.
- The system demonstrates significant potential for enhancing microgrid efficiency, reliability, and grid support capabilities.
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