Improving the Reliability of Renewable Energy in Microgrids

Far from the major power grids, many isolated communities generate their own electricity using diesel. Integrating wind and solar power would reduce this dependence, but doing so puts the grid’s stability to the test: generators must maintain a constant frequency and voltage, renewable energy systems can disconnect at the wrong moment, and energy storage must be managed cost-effectively.

To address this challenge, we conducted a series of studies on our research microgrid—a real-world test bed that combines wind, solar, diesel generators, and energy storage—coupled with the OPAL-RT real-time simulation platform.

We first characterized the performance of the diesel generators, then improved their control: load sharing, frequency and voltage regulation, and load resumption. We then developed and validated a battery storage management algorithm based on weather forecasts, implemented using WPred. Finally, we tested the resilience of renewable energy installations in the event of outages, with the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy that a microgrid can accommodate without compromising reliability.

Conducted as part of the Opten research program, this work was subsequently presented at three conferences in Canada and abroad.

By sharing these findings, we are empowering those who operate independent power systems to integrate more renewable energy—reliably and cost-effectively—for the benefit of the communities they serve.