Utilizing Soft Open Points for Effective Voltage Management in Multi-Microgrid Distribution Systems

To enhance stability and reliability, multi-microgrid systems have been developed as replacements for conventional distribution networks. Traditionally, switches have been used to interconnect these microgrids, but this approach often results in uncoordinated power sharing, leading to economic inefficiencies and technical challenges such as voltage fluctuations, delay in response, etc. This research, in turn, introduces a novel multi-microgrid system that utilizes advanced electronic devices known as soft open points (SOPs) to enable effective voltage management and controllable power sharing between microgrids while also providing reactive power support. To account for uncertainties in the system, the two-point estimate method (2PEM) is applied. Simulation results on an IEEE 33-bus network with high renewable energy penetration reveal that the proposed SOP-based system significantly outperforms the traditional switch-based method, with a minimum voltage level of 0.98 p.u., compared to 0.93 p.u. in the conventional approach. These findings demonstrate the advantages of using SOPs for voltage management in forming multi-microgrid systems.