A modular simulation platform for testing hybrid DC/AC future grid solutions for remote areas

Lack of electricity in remote areas has become a challenge to be solved in order to improve the welfare of people living there. The improvement of technologies based in renewable energy sources (RES) in recent years has contributed to the electrification of remote areas. Traditional fossil fuel generators have given way to micro-grids based on RES, which have been proved to be very competitive solutions. Hybrid DC/AC micro-grids are very common solutions for off-grid power infrastructures in remote or rural areas. Furthermore, it seems to be that hybrid DC/AC systems will be part of the future grid solutions due to their efficiency. This paper proposes a modular simulation platform to test such systems. The micro-grid implemented for the analyzed simulation consists on a photovoltaic array, energy storage system based on batteries and a DC load tied to the DC side whereas just an AC load is tied to the AC side. The simulation results with changing solar radiation conditions and different load requirements are presented and explained to observe that the implemented system is stable.