Microgrid Control: Concepts and Fundamentals

The control system must regulate the system outputs, e.g. frequency and voltage, distribute the load among Microgrid (MG) units, and optimize operating costs while ensuring smooth transitions between operating modes. This chapter provides an overview of the main control challenges and solutions for MGs. It covers all control levels and strategies, with a focus on simple and linear control solutions that are more accessible to power grids and power electronics communities. The chapter also presents different control strategies for MGs, including hierarchical control and different levels of the control hierarchy. Cascade control is a type of classical control system that uses multiple controllers in a series to achieve more precise control. The grid-forming power converters, known as voltage source converters, are represented as controllable voltage sources with low-output impedance, much like the grid-tied synchronous generators.