A two-level control strategy with fuzzy logic for large-scale photovoltaic farms to support grid frequency regulation. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thao, Nguyen Gia Minh; Uchida, Kenko
• Is Part Of: Control engineering practice. Volume 59(2017)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Coordinated control strategy -- Fuzzy logic controller -- Grid frequency regulation -- Large-scale PV farm -- Battery state-of-charge control -- Multi-area power system; Automatic control -- Periodicals; 629.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conengprac.2016.11.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-0661

Abstract

Abstract: This study proposes a two-level coordinated control strategy with fuzzy logic for appropriately adjusting the total active power supplied to a grid by large-scale photovoltaic (PV) farms in order to regulate grid frequency. For a solar farm, the strategy includes a central coordinating controller and many local controllers at PV power assemblies, treated as agents. In detail, the central controller uses a frequency regulation module based on a new automatic-tuning fuzzy-logic controller scheme to compute the appropriate reference values according to the total power needed. Then, the individual reference value for each local controller is determined. Each local controller governs all power-electronic converters installed at the PV agent to inject power into the grid according to the individual reference value received. Additionally, each local controller uses an algorithm to manage the state-of-charge of the battery bank installed at the agent so that it remains in the safe range of 20–80% while operating and close to the desired idle value of 50% at the steady state. Besides, a special control mode is developed and integrated into the overall strategy to aid rapid recovery of the grid frequency under emergency conditions. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the suggested strategy has the good response in terms of injecting an appropriate amount of power into the grid to regulate the frequency deviation into acceptable ranges of ±0.2 (Hz) in the transient state and ±0.05 (Hz) at the steady state, even when the weather conditions (solar radiation, air temperature), AC system load, and important control parameters of the grid suddenly change. Furthermore, the effectiveness in improving the grid-frequency stabilization by using the proposed strategy is validated within a four-area power system, where four PV farms are connected and the operating parameters of the grids at the areas are fairly different. Highlights: A two-level coordinated strategy for large-scale PV farms to regulate grid frequency. New automatic-tuning fuzzy logic controller with changeable output scaling factor. An algorithm is used to manage state-of-charge of battery bank in safe value range. A special control mode to stabilize rapidly grid frequency under emergency cases. Efficacy against changes of weather and AC load, and in multi-area power system.