Development of grid-connected inverter experiment modules for microgrid learning

Abstract

New paradigms in the modern power system should be introduced to student of electrical engineering, or engineer in training, as early as possible. Besides class-room study, experimental exercise may be introduced to help the student understand the concept of microgrid. One main challenge is the power electronics converter, which connects the distributed energy source to the existing power grid. This study modeled and developed a grid-connected inverter that is useful for providing a close to real application for a student or engineer in training. This development is important for microgrid learning to give practical perspective to the student. A grid-connected inverter for distributed generation was developed at laboratory scale. The grid-connected inverter was developed modularly to make it easier for the student to understand the basic concept of grid-connected inverter building blocks, as well as its function as a whole. The developed grid-connected inverter was intended to be able to operate on two different mode: grid-forming mode and grid-injecting mode. Experiments were conducted to verify the results.