Microgrid Control System for Rural Electrification - Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
A microgrid is a localized group of electricity sources and loads that can operate independently from the traditional grid. This project involves the design and control of a microgrid system for rural electrification, integrating renewable energy sources and energy storage to provide reliable electricity in off-grid or weak-grid areas.
2. Objectives
- Design a microgrid incorporating solar, wind, and/or
biomass sources.
- Develop a control system to manage generation, storage, and load.
- Simulate system behavior using software tools.
- Evaluate performance under different load and generation conditions.
3. Components Required
- Solar panels
- Wind turbines or biomass generator
- Battery storage system
- Inverters and converters
- Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi) for control
- Sensors (voltage, current, temperature, irradiance, wind speed)
- Simulation software (MATLAB/Simulink, HOMER Pro)
4. System Architecture
The microgrid is composed of distributed generation units (DGUs), energy storage, and loads interconnected through a DC or AC bus. Power flow is controlled to ensure energy balance and stability. A control algorithm manages generation, battery charging/discharging, and load prioritization.
5. Control Strategy
- Real-time monitoring of generation and load.
- Battery state-of-charge (SOC) based control logic.
- Load shedding under low generation conditions.
- Demand response and scheduling for critical vs. non-critical loads.
6. Simulation and Analysis
Use MATLAB/Simulink or HOMER Pro to model the microgrid. Key
performance indicators include:
- Energy generation from each source
- Battery utilization and depth of discharge
- Load coverage and blackout frequency
- Economic analysis (Levelized Cost of Energy - LCOE)
7. Implementation Guidelines
- Site survey for resource availability (solar insolation,
wind speed).
- Selection of appropriate generation and storage components.
- Controller programming and integration with hardware.
- Testing and commissioning in phases to ensure reliability.
8. Conclusion
A well-designed microgrid can provide sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective electricity to rural communities. This project helps in understanding system integration, control strategies, and performance optimization for decentralized power systems.