A novel energy management algorithm for reduction of main grid dependence in future smart grids using electric springs

This work presents a new energy management algorithm suitable for micro grids which are dependent on main grids during generation uncertainties in the micro sources. The proposed control algorithm tries to reduce the dependence of micro grids on main grid by adjusting the power supplied to the non-critical loads. The presented methodology is implemented on a micro grid system which consists of renewable power sources and loads, which are broadly classified as critical and non-critical loads. The micro grid system considered for the study is dependent on main grid during generation deficits in the micro sources. In order to implement the proposed technique the non-critical loads present in the system are connected in series with A.C. electric springs. Application of A.C. electric springs in the micro grid system to reduce the dependence on main grid is a different way of looking at the problem of reducing the main grid dependence and is probably the first attempt. The micro grid system considered for the study is designed in MATLAB and simulations are carried out to implement the proposed energy management algorithm. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.