Distributed control strategy of a microgrid community with an energy router

In this study, a 'microgrid community' (MGC) consisting of multiple microgrids (MGs) is investigated. Each MG is a self-governed entity and independently decides how much power is in need or can provide. Neighbouring MGs are aggregated by a multi-terminal energy router (ER), forming a MGC, which is then connected to the distribution network at one terminal. Other terminals are connected to those MGs and all terminals share a common DC link. A concise trading mechanism is proposed to coordinate the involved MGs. Every MG submits its power requirement to the ER in real time and the ER decides how much to accept, fully or with a discount, according to the DC-link voltage level. Meanwhile, a price stimulation mechanism based on the DC-link voltage deviation is designed to exploit the potential of the MGs in power generation and consumption. The ER has no central controllers and the proposed bargaining process is achieved at each terminal without mutual communications. The control strategy is fully distributed and will benefit the scalability and plug-and-play of such an MGC. Simulation results are provided to validate the proposed solution for the operation of multi-microgrid systems.