Design and implementation of a microgrid power management unit using a back-to-back converter in a residential condominium connected at medium voltage

This paper presents the architecture, control and operating modes of a microgrid project under construction in a residential condominium in Fortaleza - CE, Brazil. This project covers various concepts related to smart grids, such as distributed generation, energy storage, power and energy management, power quality and demand response. Energy storage and recloser functions will be installed at medium voltage. Others equipment, for example back-to-back converter, distributed generation and demand response devices will be connect at low voltage. The main objective is generate technical information on how to behave in a utility power network environment under the influence of forming a microgrid with distributed generation and storage system in a cluster association another aim is to establish procedures, define equipment and devices capable of promoting a forced islanding or in case of outage. Among these devices is the bidirectional back-to-back converter capable of providing energy for normal loads and conditions, store energy in batteries through its central DC bus bar and to provide power transfer from the load bus, where a diesel generator is also connected, back to microgrid in islanding mode during outage. This back-to back converter will be installed at the low voltage boundary between the grid and the condominium entrance.