Optimal allocation of ELC in microgrid using droop controlled load flow

The increased renewable‐based sources penetration in the microgrid (MG) has given rise to issues related to the voltage (V) and frequency (f) surpassing their tolerance limits, especially during off‐peak hours. The fluctuations in V and f could be handled by available real‐time control schemes within a specified range. Owing to the wide generation‐load mismatch in the high‐penetration scenario, deviations in V and f cannot be sorted out using available real‐time control schemes and seeks further developments. An electronic load controller (ELC) in the MG can consume excess generation to regulate V and f. Hence, this work presents an analytical study to understand the significance of ELC in highly penetrated MGs in V and f regulation at off‐peak hours. The problem is formulated as single‐ and multiple‐optimisation problems, which are solved using heuristic techniques viz. particle swarm optimisation and non‐dominated sorted genetic algorithm‐II. To incorporate the effect of P–f and Q–V droop characteristics as exhibited by distributed generations in the power flow, a special load flow method is used. The analysis is conducted on IEEE 33‐and 69‐bus test systems modified as autonomous MGs. The results show that proposed method is capable of minimising V and f deviation.