Utilizing multi-energy renewable microgrids is a promising approach for a decentralized electric power generation. To form a multi-energy microgrid and integrate different renewable energy sources, grid-forming inverters are the core elements. Therefore, the performance of such inverters has to be tested and validated to increase performance and reliability of a power supply scheme.
The present paper investigates the suitability of a specifically designed and implemented grid-forming inverter on laboratory-scale as the central component in a standalone microgrid system. The main features that have been validated are black-start behavior, frequency and voltage regulation, transient response, energy efficiency, harmonic distortion, power factor control, synchronization and phase alignment (for integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage devices e.g. photovoltaic array and lithium-ion battery bank), fault-ride through capability and resilience to fluctuations imposed by loads.
The study focuses on the parameters essential for ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of the grid-forming inverter in dynamic and multi-energy environments, especially its adaptability to varying load profiles and its resilience in managing intermittent energy inputs.
The findings from this comprehensive performance evaluation contribute insights for engineers, researchers, and industry professionals involved in the design, deployment, and optimization of multi-energy microgrids.