Efficiency optimization of a variable bus voltage DC microgrid

Abstract

A variable bus voltage DC microgrid (MG) is simulated in Simulink for optimization purposes. It is initially controlled with a Voltage Event Control (VEC) algorithm supplemented with a State of Charge Event Control (SOCEC) algorithm. This control determines the power generated/consumed by each element of the MG based on bus voltage and battery State of Charge (SOC) values. Two supplementary strategies are proposed and evaluated to improve the DC-DC converters’ efficiency. First, bus voltage optimization control: a centralized Energy Management System (EMS) manages the battery power in order to make the bus voltage follow the optimal voltage reference. Second, online optimization of switching frequency: local drivers operate each converter at its optimal switching frequency. The two proposed optimization strategies have been verified in the simulations.