Inverter-Based Layered Volt-VAR Control Scheme for High-Penetration Microgrids

Inverter-based microgrid control architectures hold immense significance in addressing future power system stability challenges of distribution systems. As our energy landscape transitions towards greater reliance on intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind, advanced layered inverter-based volt-var control schemes offer localized and economical distributed voltage transient stability. The transient scenario test results conducted at the Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Microgrid Testbed identify a practical approach to achieve stability without requiring major infrastructure upgrades on distribution feeders. Our research findings illustrate the impact of inverter-based volt-var controls with a localized battery energy storage system (BESS) to provide flexibility and fast transient response during voltage transients typically introduced from large load changes. Utilizing standard photovoltaic PV installations consisting of a BESS with layered volt-var control methodology can provide flexible voltage and power charge and discharge support to local consumers and connected utilities to create a sustainable distribution grid, mitigating interconnection disturbances.