Constant Power Load Stabilization in DC Microgrids Using Continuous-Time Model Predictive Control

Despite its advantages over its AC counterparts, DC microgrids present a lot of challenges. One of these challenges is the instability issues caused by constant power loads (CPLs). CPLs deteriorate the system's performance due to their incremental negative impedance characteristics. In this paper, a DC microgrid composed of a PV/battery system feeding a pure CPL was considered. A continuous-time model predictive control combined with a disturbance observer was applied to the DC-DC bidirectional converter. The purpose of the composite controller is to address the nonlinearity of the CPL and to maintain the stability of the system in a large operating region under load and PV generation variations. To show the performance of the system, several tests were performed under PV power and CPL power variations. Simulation results show good performance in terms of transient response, optimal tracking, and stability in a large operating region.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the instability issues caused by constant power loads (CPLs) in a DC microgrid powered by a PV/battery system. A continuous-time model predictive control combined with a disturbance observer is applied to address the nonlinearity of CPLs and maintain system stability in a large operating region. Simulation results demonstrate good performance in terms of transient response, optimal tracking, and stability.