Microgrid for Remote Areas with Water Pumping, based on Wind-Diesel DER and Energy Storage

In remote regions were a main distribution grid is not available, the implementation of Microgrids with Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are very useful. In this context, a Stand-Alone Wind/Diesel Microgrid with modular architecture is proposed. The main scope is to feed Residential loads and a Water Pumping System through a local AC BUS. The random characteristics of the wind makes necessary to smooth the fluctuating supply in order to minimize disturbances in the pump and diesel generator. To overcome this problem, a compensation control strategy based in the power control of a Storage Energy System and the Water Pumping System is employed. An appropriate and reliable communication network is used to supervise and balance generation and loads, to maintain the correct functioning of the Microgrid. The system structure, operation and mathematical models for simulation and validation are presented.