Droop Control Methods for PV-Based Minigrids

Different droop control methods for PV-based communal grid networks (minigrids and microgrids) with different line resistances (R) and impedances (X) are modelled and simulated in MATLAB to determine the most efficient control method for a given network. Results show that active power-frequency (P-f) droop control method is the most efficient for low voltage transmission networks with low X/R ratios while reactive power-voltage (Q-V) droop control method is the most efficient for systems with high X/R ratios. For systems with complex line resistances and impedances, i.e. near unity X/R ratios, P-f or Q-V droop methods cannot individually efficiently regulate line voltage and frequency. For such systems, P-Q-f droop control method, where both active and reactive power could be used to control PCC voltage via shunt-connected inverters, is determined to be the most efficient control method. Results also show that shunt-connection of inverters leads to improved power flow control of interconnected communal grids by allowing feeder voltage regulation, load reactive power support, reactive power management between feeders, and improved overall system performance against dynamic disturbances.