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Smart Inverters for Microgrid Applications: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Babak Arbab-Zavar

    (Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 111, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Emilio J. Palacios-Garcia

    (Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 111, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Juan C. Vasquez

    (Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 111, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Josep M. Guerrero

    (Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 111, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

Abstract

In a microgrid, with several distributed generators (DGs), energy storage units and loads, one of the most important considerations is the control of power converters. These converters implement interfaces between the DGs and the microgrid bus. In order to achieve higher functionality, efficiency and reliability, in addition to improving the control algorithms it is beneficial to equip the inverters with “smart” features. One interpretation of “smartness” refers to minimizing the requirement of communication and therefore switching from centralized to decentralized control. At the same time, being equipped with efficient and state of the art communication protocols also indicates “smartness” since the requirement of communication cannot be completely omitted. A “smart inverter” should offer some features such as plug and play, self-awareness, adaptability, autonomy and cooperativeness. These features are introduced and comprehensively explained in this article. One contribution discussed here is the possibility of achieving long-range wireless communication between inverters to empower various control schemes. Although current efforts aim to modify and improve power converters in a way that they can operate communication free, if a suitable and functional communication protocol is available, it will improve the accuracy, speed and robustness of them.

Suggested Citation

  • Babak Arbab-Zavar & Emilio J. Palacios-Garcia & Juan C. Vasquez & Josep M. Guerrero, 2019. "Smart Inverters for Microgrid Applications: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:5:p:840-:d:210774
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    11. Antonio Moreno-Munoz, 2019. "Special Issue “Nanogrids, Microgrids, and the Internet of Things (IoT): Towards the Digital Energy Network”," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-3, October.
    12. Lilia Tightiz & Hyosik Yang & Mohammad Jalil Piran, 2020. "A Survey on Enhanced Smart Micro-Grid Management System with Modern Wireless Technology Contribution," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-21, May.
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    14. Óscar Gonzales-Zurita & Jean-Michel Clairand & Elisa Peñalvo-López & Guillermo Escrivá-Escrivá, 2020. "Review on Multi-Objective Control Strategies for Distributed Generation on Inverter-Based Microgrids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-29, July.
    15. Ryuto Shigenobu & Akito Nakadomari & Ying-Yi Hong & Paras Mandal & Hiroshi Takahashi & Tomonobu Senjyu, 2020. "Optimization of Voltage Unbalance Compensation by Smart Inverter," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-22, September.
    16. Augusto M. S. Alonso & Luis De Oro Arenas & Danilo I. Brandao & Elisabetta Tedeschi & Ricardo Q. Machado & Fernando P. Marafão, 2022. "Current-Based Coordination of Distributed Energy Resources in a Grid-Connected Low-Voltage Microgrid: An Experimental Validation of Adverse Operational Scenarios," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-26, September.
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