Impact of load type on microgrid stability

Abstract

Microgrids show great promise as a means of integrating distributed generation sources into the public grid distribution system. In order to provide uninterrupted,high quality power to local loads, microgrids must have the ability to operate independently of or in parallel with the local utility. Transitioning between independent operation, also called "islanded" operation, and utility connected operation can induce stability problems in the microgrid, especially when islanding is fault induced. Software simulation suggests that induction motor loads on the microgrid significantly decrease stability during fault induced islanding. To validate the software simulations and to investigate the impact of load type on microgrid stability, we have built a hardware system that simulates the operation of a microgrid.