An optimized fractional order virtual synchronous generator with superconducting magnetic energy storage unit for microgrid frequency regulation enhancement

The Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) provides inertia and damping virtually, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the frequency stability of the microgrid. However, the virtual inertia added in the VSG increases the order of the system, which increases the likelihood of output real power fluctuations in the transient state, which is potentially dangerous for system stability. Hence, this paper introduces a new approach for frequency regulation in an isolated microgrid using a Fractional Order Virtual Synchronous Generator (FOVSG) which involves more degrees of freedom, integrated with a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) unit. The parameters of the FOVSG and Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative (FOPID) controllers are optimized by the African Vulture Optimization Algorithm (AVOA) using the Integral Time Absolute Error criterion. The suggested system is simulated using MATLAB for multiple scenarios, and the outcomes are compared with the frequency regulation model using the traditional VSG with SMES unit. The performance of the suggested controller is confirmed further by utilizing a classical proportional integral derivative controller. From the results, the proposed frequency regulation model using an FOVSG and SMES unit combination with FOPID controller has superior system dynamics than the system using a traditional VSG with SMES unit. Furthermore, the suggested system using a FOVSG with SMES unit enhances the frequency responsiveness by 83.61% and 73.38% in maximum overshoot and settling period, respectively.