Distributed Virtual Inertia Implementation of Multiple Electric Springs Based on Model Predictive Control in DC Microgrids

Smartload with series-connected dc electric spring (ES) and noncritical load (NCL) structure can compensate for load voltage and improve the power quality. In this article, a distributed virtual inertial control framework based on model predictive control is proposed for low inertia in the dc microgrid. First, the current prediction model of the ES bidirectional full-bridge dc/dc converter is presented. Based on the virtual inertia control, model predictive control is used to optimize virtual capacitance during the operation. When the system suffers from disturbance, virtual capacitance increases to slow down the change of the dc bus voltage. When disturbance happens, the system can be stabilized quickly by reducing the virtual capacitance. Then, the consensus algorithm based on distributed control is established after defining the NCL voltage deviation rate, which can achieve the balance of NCL voltage deviations, and effectively avoid the more significant voltage deviation in one of NCLs. Furthermore, the small-signal model of the proposed control method is developed, and the influence of the proposed controller on the small-signal stability is described by employing the eigenvalue analysis method. Finally, based on the RT-Lab hardware-in-the-loop simulation system, comparisons and analysis are made to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method under power step conditions.