Optimizing Hybrid Microgrid Power Systems for Local Power Distribution: A Study on Combined Photovoltaic and Fuel Cell Systems in the Philippines

Godfrey Anthony T. Rivadulla, Gerard Francesco D. G. Apolinario () and Michael C. Pacis
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Godfrey Anthony T. Rivadulla: Electrical Engineering Department, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Manila 1001, Philippines
Gerard Francesco D. G. Apolinario: Electrical Engineering Department, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Manila 1001, Philippines
Michael C. Pacis: School of EECE, Mapua University, Manila 1002, Philippines

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 16, 1-27

Abstract: In pursuit of energy self-sufficiency and meeting the growing energy demand, the Philippine government has formulated its Energy Road Map for the year 2040, aiming to strengthen, continue, and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy (RE) across the archipelago. This paper presents a proposed multiple microgrid system integrated into an existing distribution system, utilizing renewable energy sources. The proposed model involves the conversion of a section of the distribution system into a microgrid setup, comprising photovoltaic (PV) energy and fuel cell (FC) technologies connected to a 13.2 kV distribution grid. A modified three-phase three-level voltage-sourced converter (VSC) is employed to control the inverter. The proposed modifications result in improved operational efficiency compared to conventional approaches. Various operating cases are considered, each with a designated power source operating according to a predefined schedule. A unified controller is employed across all operating cases, ensuring system stability. Simulation and experimental results conducted through MATLAB/Simulink demonstrate the impact of VSC in terms of voltage regulation, frequency stability, and accumulated power losses. They revealed that voltage regulation for understudy cases ranged from 0.1 to 4.5%, microgrid frequencies were between 59.1 and 60.08 Hz, and power distribution losses were at 1.2–3.3% of the generated power.

Keywords: hybrid microgrid power system; local power distribution system; renewable energy; distribution system; photovoltaic energy; fuel cell; voltage-sourced converter; load forecast; Taguchi method; IEEE-14 bus test system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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