Distribution loss minimization by token ring control of power electronic interfaces in residential micro-grids

Smart grids offer a new application domain for power electronics. In fact, every Distributed Energy Resource (DER) includes an Electronic Power Processor (EPP) to govern the power exchange with the grid. Such distributed EPPs should perform cooperatively to take full advantage of smart grid potentiality (exploitation of renewable energy sources, power quality and transmission efficiency). In low-voltage residential micro-grids, where number and type of DERs and loads is unpredictable and may vary during daytime, cooperative operation can be achieved by simple cross-communication among neighbor EPPs, without centralized supervisor or additional control units. The paper describes the principles of such cooperative operation together with a communication and control architecture which allows exploitation of micro-grid capabilities without infrastructural investments.