Assessing stability in renewable microgrid using a novel-optimized controller for PV-battery based micro grid with OPAL-RT based real-time validation

• MWCA improves microgrid stability, handling nonlinearities effectively. • Simulations show MWCA surpasses PSO and WCA in stability, with less overshoot and settling time • MWCA reduces power oscillations, stabilizing microgrids under various disturbance. • OPAL-RT tests confirm MWCA ensures stable power flow and microgrid operation. This study introduces the Modified Water Cycle Algorithm (MWCA), designed to enhance controller operation within a Micro Grid consisting of Multiple Distributed Generators (DGs). The fluctuating nature of renewable-based DGs poses stability challenges to micro grid operation. The MWCA, incorporating a sinusoidal chaotic map, addresses nonlinearities within the micro grid, aiming to boost stability margins and transient profiles amidst diverse uncertainties. Validation is conducted using a multi-DG-based micro grid system, integrating two photovoltaic (PV) systems with supporting storage (battery). Grid synchronization of DGs relies on second-order phase-locked loop-based feedback controllers. MWCA optimizes grid-side converter parameters, enhancing power regulation at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). PV-VSC controller gain values are fine tuned to minimize the generation losses as well as maintaining stability inside the desired region of micro grid operation. Performance evaluations are conducted under various uncertainties to justify MWCA's efficacy in terms of stability. Calculations are carried out using MATLAB scripts and OPAL-RT based hardware-in-loop platforms. How ever, the study underscores the MWCA's potential in mitigating challenges associated with DG-based micro grid operation simultaneously improving stability and performance metrics. The proposed MWCA improves stability margin as compared to conventional PSO and WCA techniques. The major contribution in this work is to study a Modified Water Cycle Algorithm (MWCA) to optimize the PV-battery micro grid controllers, enhancing stability and performance under various uncertainties. Real-time validation using OPAL-RT shows improved stability margins, faster fault mitigation, and reduced power oscillations compared to conventional methods, proving MWCA's effectiveness.