An Algorithm for Power Sharing in a Standalone DC Microgrid Cluster with Centralized Storage

Stand-alone microgrids utilizing renewable energy sources are the most efficient energy alternative for electrifying rural areas when expanding the utility system is not economically feasible. One of the primary challenges in these systems is maintaining a constant power supply to the load under varying power generation and demand conditions. To overcome from this problem multiple neighbouring microgrids can be connected to form a cluster. This interconnection allows for the exchange of power when there is either an overproduction or a shortfall in power generation. This paper introduces a power sharing algorithm for a standalone DC microgrid cluster. The proposed algorithm utilizes centralized storage to manage excess power. The power sharing process is based on power generation and consumption profiles with the centralized storage acting as a buffer to store surplus power in one microgrid and redistribute it to the other in times of deficit. MATLAB SIMULINK is used to simulate the system's performance. The findings show that the proposed algorithm improves reliability of standalone DC microgrid cluster by reducing energy wastage, eliminating deficits and promoting the efficient use of renewable energy resources.