Search

The paper presents the experimental results of a research project focus on the development of smart DC microgrids for residential applications. A single-phase laboratory-scale prototype of a DC microgrid, named by the authors Smart User Network, is illustrated in details. It is realized in the Laboratory of Electrical Energy Systems and Renewable Energy of University of Calabria. It can represent several type of users, such as consumers, producers and so-called prosumers (producer and consumer at the same time). For highly efficient integration, several type of micro sources, storage systems and loads are connected to the same DC bus and interfaced to LV grid via appropriate power converters. The power management of the Smart User Network is based on the DC bus signaling control logic to guarantee safe operation both in grid-connected that in stand-alone mode, as proposed by the authors in a previous paper. A technical description of the laboratory-scale prototype components and of the control concepts are reported. Experimental results from the operation of the laboratory-scale prototype demonstrates the validity of the DBS as decentralized control for DC microgrid highlighting all the necessary steps to shift the technology from laboratory-scale to real industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous paper the authors optimally sized a combined heat and power distributed generator for an agro-industrial microgrid using expected demand profiles; in this paper, the effectiveness of such a generator is further investigated using measured demand profiles. A number of comparison are performed, including the calculation of the economic benefits, the evaluation of the impact of the generator by the grid point of view and the calculation of the imbalance reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deployment of distributed generation into the existing passive distribution networks is reaching a critical point whereby it can no longer be installed in the typical "fit and forget" fashion without influencing network operation and stability. The operating practice of distribution networks will need to change from a passive to an active role. In this context, in the paper a power management control strategy with grid-ancillary services for a novel configuration of a microgrid, defined by the authors as a Smart User Network, characterized by different types of micro-sources and storage systems interconnected by a common DC bus, is proposed. Several numerical results have been performed using a model of Smart User Network implemented in Matlab/Simulink environment and the most significant ones are illustrated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deployment of distributed generation into the existing passive distribution networks is reaching a critical point whereby it can no longer be installed in the typical "fit and forget" fashion without influencing network operation and stability. The operating practice of distribution networks will need to change from a passive to an active role. In this context, in the paper a power management control strategy with grid-ancillary services for a novel configuration of a microgrid, defined by the authors as a Smart User Network, characterized by different types of micro-sources and storage systems interconnected by a common DC bus, is proposed. Several numerical results have been performed using a model of Smart User Network implemented in Matlab/Simulink environment and the most significant ones are illustrated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a microgrid inspired by the needs and the potentials of its application in the agro-industrial field where the biomass and its derivatives are primary energy sources together with the solar irradiance. An optimization problem is also proposed to optimal size all generators, including stirling engines, micro gas turbines and solid oxide fuel cells for the simultaneous and combined on-site production of heat and power. In order to preliminarily consider the role of the energy management in dispatching power and heat, an operational strategy of distributed generators based on priority criteria is set and implemented as constraints in the optimization problem. Numerical experiments on a real case of a farm placed in the southern Italy confirm the feasibility of the proposed microgrid together with the optimization problem, quantifying both the economic and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]