Microgrid unbalance compensator - Mitigating the negative effects of unbalanced microgrid operation

A shunt connected three-phase four-leg power electronic-based compensator is proposed which allows the microgrid to behave as a “good citizen” from the viewpoint of the utility even though the microgrid itself is operating under highly unbalanced conditions. The same compensator when interfaced to a synchronous generator-based micro-generation unit can also be utilized to significantly reduce the double system frequency (100 Hz) power oscillation component arising due to unbalanced loading which can accelerate generator wear. This paper presents the compensation strategies, control algorithm and structure of the compensator. In addition, experimental results are presented which validate the compensator design.