Microgrids interconnection to support mutually during any contingency

This paper discusses how two islanded microgrids, when connected together, can support each other during contingencies. Nominally, each microgrid supplies local loads connected to it. However, during any overloading in one of the microgrids, the other supplies power to support it, if possible. The microgrids are interconnected through a back to back converter so that each of them can operate independently. The power exchange through these converters takes place only when there is a shortfall in one of the microgrids. In this paper, it is shown how such a collaborative scheme can work satisfactorily. Some important strategies, such as overload detection and excess power calculation are required for this type of interconnection and are proposed in this paper. The proposals are validated through extensive PSCAD/EMTDC simulation studies. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.