Plug & play operation of distributed energy resources in micro-grids

Smart grids offer a new wide application domain for power electronics. In fact, every distributed energy resource includes an electronic power processor to govern the power exchange with the grid. Such energy processors must perform cooperatively to fully exploit renewable energy sources and improve power quality and distribution efficiency. This is particularly important in low-voltage residential micro-grids, where number of active energy sources and generated power vary during daytime. A simple and effective control solution, based on a plug & play approach, is presented in the paper. It allows independent and stable operation of every EPP while providing full utilization of energy sources and reduction of distribution losses. Accordingly, residential micro-grids may perform efficiently, adapt to supply and load variations and turn automatically from grid-connected to islanded operation.