Demonstration of a DC Microgrid with Central

Operation Strategies on an Island

Jintae Cho, Hongjoo Kim, Youngpyo Cho, Hyunmin Kim, Juyong Kim

‫۔ۍۊۏڼۍۊڽڼڧٻۉۊۄۏېڽۄۍۏێۄڟٻۍۀےۊګٻۏۍڼۈڮ‬
KEPRI(KEPCO Research Institute)
Daejeon, Korea
jintae.cho@kepco.co.kr

Abstract - This paper introduces and discusses a DC
microgrid constructed on an island. KEPCO constructed a DC
microgrid system on an island called Seogeochado (West
Geocha Island) through the ‘DC Island’ project. With regard to
the DC Island project, which operates a DC system from
generation source to customer, this paper examines the
development of LVDC equipment and the implementation of an
LVDC microgrid system based on calculations of the optimal
renewable energy capacity performed by HOMER, an economic
feasibility analysis tool. Also, this paper suggests a centralized
operation method for the DC system that optimizes the
operation of a DC microgrid on an island and discusses its
demonstration.
Keywords—DC microgrid, Energy management system, DC
network analysis
I. INTRODUCTION
To aid global issues such as CO2 reduction, the expansion
of renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency, much
active research is being done on replacing AC power systems
with DC systems. Research on using DC systems to increase
the energy efficiency of homes and buildings is expanding to
microgrid markets, which are increasing explosively due to
the expansion to renewable energy sources such as PV and
ESS. If DC microgrid systems are implemented for renewable
energy sources such as PV and ESS and DC customers, easy
interfacing with distributed renewable energy sources can be
achieved while also increasing energy efficiency [1,2].
Generally, electric power on islands is supplied by diesel
generators. Especially in the case of Korea, where there are
many islands, research on implementing microgrids on islands
using distributed renewable energy sources such as
photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT) and ESS to reduce CO2
and expand the use of these sources is actively being done.
Renewable energy sources such as PV and ESS have DC
output, so if a DC power system is implemented, it can
increase energy efficiency by reducing the power conversion
loss compared with existing microgrid systems [3]. In addition,
there is no need to consider issues concerned with the
frequency and harmonics of an AC microgrid system, so that
more renewable energy sources can be interconnected and
system management becomes simpler [4].
The DC Island project was designed, constructed, and
demonstrated by KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Cooperation).
The DC microgrid system was demonstrated on an island
called Geochado (Geocha Island). Geochado consists of
Donggeochado (East Geocha Island) and Seogeochado (West
Geocha Island). In Donggeochado, an AC microgrid was
constructed and is being operated using PV, WT and ESS. A
DC microgrid is being demonstrated in Seogeochado.
KECPO DC Island project aims to demonstrate an
independent DC microgrid system, prove the efficiency of a
DC system, and to establish a track record for
commercialization. DC Island designed a complete DC
system, from diesel generation and renewable sources such as
PV, ESS and WT, to loads. Especially in the case of DC, loads
are created when applying DC appliances to existing homes
as well as when installing DC dedicated V2G (Vehicle to Grid)
stations, DC LED street lamps and DC homes. For optimal
operation of the total system, a centralized DC EMS (Energy
Management System) was implemented for demonstration.
This paper presents the optimal calculation of renewable
energy sources, design and construction of a DC microgrid
system, and the development and demonstration of an EMS.
II. DESIGN AND CONSTRUTION OF DC ISLAND
A. Caculation of optimal DER capacity
To implement a DC microgrid, renewable energy sources
are necessary. Renewable energy sources should be installed
with consideration of economics. Considering the operation of
an electricity network over 20 years, not only operation
expenditures, but also the incorporated demand factor for
renewable and other energy sources, the amount of power
produced by each generation source over the 20 years, and the
efficiency of battery SOCs being used should be reviewed. In
other words, any estimate of the capacity of low-cost
renewable energy sources should take into account installation
and operating costs of equipment.
For that purpose, HOMER, a microgrid economic analysis
program of NREL, USA, was used in this project. The major
parameters necessary to calculate the optimal capacity of
renewable energy sources are solar radiation quantity, wind

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 conditions, the load of the area, and investment costs for the
generation sources to be installed. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate
the solar radiation quantity and wind velocity, respectively, of
Seogeochado. The average load of Geochado is 124 kW (min
80 kW and max 305 kW) and the overall load pattern is given
in Figure 3. The target function is set at minimum business
costs, and an optimal capacity for 20 years is estimated. At the
time, an existing 200 kW diesel generator, 100 kW WT and
111 kW PV for the AC microgrid implemented in
Donggeochado were also considered. In addition, an
economic analysis was performed on meeting the 50% or
more renewable usage required to stop the diesel generator,
which looked at the total amount of renewable energy
produced for the whole of Geochado, and the spatial Fig. 4. Seogeochado DC microgrid economic analysis result [6]
restriction of Seogeochado was also considered [5]. Hereupon,
the optimal capacity of 200 kW PV, 100 kW WT, 1.5 MWh
B. Consideration of DC microgrid system
ESS and a 200 kW diesel generator, as shown in Figure 4, is
Network design for the Seogeochado DC microgrid
calculated. At the time, the demand factor for renewable
system was performed based on the optimal renewable
generation was 52.8% and excess electricity was 3.6% for the
capacity calculated in section A. Figure 5 illustrates a network
whole of Geochado [6].
diagram of the DC microgrid system. In the DC microgrid
system, converters for WT and PV generation, battery
chargers and AC/DC parallel operations are connected to a
750 VDC line, and the generated power is controlled by a
converter for connecting the generation resources which
supplies it to customers through a ±750 VDC bi-pole line.
Electrical isolation for customers and generation sources
are necessary to protect the system from accidents that can
happen in the case of grid faults, and each power conversion
Fig. 1. Solar radiation pattern of Geochado
device should be an electrically isolated converter type to
protect the system. However, the possibility of circulating
currents or system malfunction increases due to the use of high
frequency insulated transformers, and in the economic view
costs also increase. Therefore, this DC microgrid system is
used to configure uninsulated converter for generation and
isolated converter for interconnecting from generation to
customer. At the same time the interconnected converter
maintains a ±750 VDC bi-pole line voltage stably.

Fig. 2. Wind velocity pattern of Geochado

Fig. 3. Seasonal load pattern of Geochado Fig. 5. Seogeochado DC microgrid system network diagram [6]

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 ESS and an adjustable-speed diesel generator were used in
the system with the following considerations. ESS was
connected to a 750 VDC DC-link and installed together with
a bi-directional converter. ESS plays the role of maintaining
the line voltage of the DC-link at 750 VDC, and the bi-
directional converter allows for supplying power to customers
and charging batteries. For the adjustable-speed diesel
generator, the engine speed was adjusted to operate at the
maximum efficiency point within its operational range. If
SOC of ESS is low, it can be maintained using an adjustable-
speed diesel generator.
A DC/DC converter for connecting 100 kW generation
sources plays the role of maintaining the voltage at ±750 VDC
in the distribution line. Considering that power can be
transferred to generation sources through discharge from
renewable sources and V2G on the load side, it is designed for
bi-directional transfer by connecting the output positive and
negative poles of the DABs (Dual Active Bridge) to a
common node.
A low voltage distribution network was implemented not
only for the operation of the DC distribution system, but also
for the interconnection of the existing AC system. The AC/DC
converter for 200 kW parallel operations is designed for bi-
directional transfer with regard to the AC system and ESS
charging of the diesel generator. It allows power to be stably
fed into the DC distribution system and for SOC of ESS and
efficiency of the diesel generator.
The protection system was designed after reviewing
over/under-voltage, overload, short and earth fault. Primary
protection is provided through the incorporation of setpoints
in each power conversion device, and secondary protection is
provided by DC HSCBs (High Speed Circuit Breakers). In
particular, island areas do not provide enough ground
resistance, so an ungrounded system was applied to the
existing AC system. In the DC microgrid system in
Seogeochado, an ungrounded method was adopted for
grounding system and an IMD (Insulation Monitoring Service)
was used for the detection of ground faults.
For low voltage DC distribution lines, the line type was
selected to withstand salinity, the environmental
characteristics of island areas, and DC voltage, and then
designed according to the span and tensile load of the electric
poles in the existing AC line. Also, DC loads as shown in
Table 1 were designed after analyzing the stability and
efficiency of a low voltage DC distribution network. In
addition to AC/DC hybrid home, commercial DC facilities,
V2G stations and DC LED street lights were included.
C. Components of DC system
The DC microgrid system consists of distributed
renewable resources, a generator, power conversion devices
and loads.
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Table 1. Load List for DC Distribution System [6]
Voltage Level
Load Power Capacity
(VDC)
Residential
AC/DC 50 kW ±190/±750
Load
Commercial
AC/DC 50 kW ±750
Load
V2G Station DC 20 kW ±190
DC Home DC 5 kW ±190
DC LED
DC 2 kW ±750
Street Lamp
As shown in Figure 6, renewable distributed resources
consist of PV, WT and ESS. DC PV generation produces of a
total 209 kW using PV modules and four 55 kW boost
converters. Output voltage is 750 VDC and output voltage and
power can be controlled using basic MPPT. For the WT
system, output voltage of 750 VDC from a 100 kW WT
generator was achieved through a rectifier and boost converter.
Basic MPPT control is performed, but it was implemented to
make control of output voltage and power possible. The ESS
was implemented to enable regulated voltage control of
batteries, which consist of 13 racks in parallel, through a 200
kW interleaved bi-directional converter. Each rack consist of
twelve 1.509 MWh modules with operating voltage of 504 –
705 VDC.
For the adjustable-speed diesel generator as shown in
Figure 7, an existing 200 kW class diesel engine was
remodeled to have an operating range of 1200 – 1800 rpm
instead of 1800 rpm constant speed, and the generator was also
remodeled to operate at 400 – 600 VAC, 240 – 360 Hz, as a
200 kW class permanent magnet generator. Also, an AC/DC
converter was implemented in full-bridge mode for the
interconnection of DC lines.
Power conversion devices comprising the DC system are
DC/DC converters for connecting the generation sources,
DC/DC converters for customers, and AC/DC converters for
connecting the AC system. For customer and generation
source connection converters, DAB (Dual Active Bridge)
mode was adopted. The converter for connecting the
generation sources has a 100 kW capacity and ±750 VDC
output power, and the converters for customers have a 50 kW
capacity and ±190 VDC output power. They are used to
support bi-directional power transfer and regulated voltage
control for the desired voltage.
For DC loads, there were AC/DC hybrid customers, DC
homes, DC street lights and DC V2Gs. AC/DC hybrid
customers were equipped as shown in Figure 8 to receive DC
power and supply the power to DC home appliances, and at
the same time to supply power to AC home appliances through
 an inverter, and to measure power quantity through DC and
AC meters, respectively.
III. DC MICROGRID EERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
A. Central operation strategy
As shown in Figure 5, the DC microgrid can be managed
by an operator based on the ESS. Basically, the ESS is charged
from renewable sources. When the overcharging happens, the
operator can manage strategies to limit renewable output by
setting a maximum SOC of the ESS. If the SOC of the ESS is
insufficient, the ESS is charged through the adjustable-speed
diesel generator. However, this operation strategies depend on
the operator, so there is a limit to the maintenance of power
quality for the whole microgrid system and to its ability to
operate at optimal energy efficiency. Consequently, an
operation system based on the optimal operational application
of the DC microgrid system, called EMS (Energy
Management System), is required.
Fig. 6. DC PV and WT installation in Seogeochado
Fig. 7. Adjustable-speed diesel generation system
Fig. 8. AC/DC hybrid home, DC street lights and V2G stations
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Applications for the operation system of the DC Island
project are DCED (DC Network Economic Dispatch), DCTP
(DC Network Topology Process), DCSE (DC Network State
Estimation), DCPF (DC Network Power Flow) and DCVC
(DC Network Voltage Control). DCED produces a schedule
of distributed power output and generator charging and
discharging over a 24 hour range in 15 minute units. Network
analysis is done in the sequence of DCTP > DCSE > DCPF >
DCVC and the execution interval is several seconds. DCTP
includes topological handling of devices such as the DC/DC
power conversion device that is only on the DC system, and
system model is configured to handle monopole networks,
bipolar networks and hybrid networks where the two networks
are mixed. DCSE uses the DC system network model and bus
information configured in DCTP. DCPF is mainly used for
normal state analysis, such as fault simulation using real time
system step shot data in Study mode. Finally, DCVC
calculates the conditioning value necessary to regulate the
output power of controllable sources or ESS if voltage
violation occurs when the DC system is in operation. Voltage
violation can be resolved by calculating the output
conditioning value of distributed power with the highest
sensitivity.
Figure 9 illustrates the management strategy of the DC
distribution network using DC EMS applications. Basically,
DCED calculates and executes the output schedule of
distributed power and the charging and discharging schedule
of ESS every few minutes. DCTP > DCSE> DCPF is
repeatedly performed every few seconds and if the result of
DCPF bus voltage exceeds the voltage range, DCVC is
activated and calculates the output adjusted value of
distributed power in real time. The actual output reference
value of distributed power and ESS is the sum of output value
calculated by DCED and adjusted value calculated by DCVC.
Through the above process, the DC distribution network
ensures both economical functioning and voltage stability.
B. Development of operation system
An optical fiber cable ring was installed at DC Island
demonstration site for communication between field devices
and the management system. Each device at the site was
configured as a network group depending on the installation
location, and an RT (Remote Terminal) was installed for each
group and connected using optical fiber cable. The optical
fiber cable ring has 4 cores, so that normal communication is
possible even if one section is disconnected.
Hardware for the operation system consists of the main
server, FEP (Front End Processor) server and HMI (Human
Machine Interface) workstation. Each piece of equipment
exchanges data through middleware S/W. Figure 10 shows the
HMI of the Seogeochado DC microgrid operation system.
HMI mainly consists of operation, facility and application
menus. The operation menu consists of a system diagram, an
 overall screen, a layout drawing and history screens. The
system diagram shows the open and close state of breakers and
the system configuration so the user can see the system of
whole DC distribution network. The overall screen shows
generation and consumption of total effective power,
including distributed power, renewable resources and loads in
the DC distribution network. The layout drawing shows
facilities on the map for users to recognize locations and
obtain information. The history screen shows the history of
power and effective power. The facility menus shows detailed Fig. 11. Voltage trend measured at AC/DC hybrid costomer
information on each facility operated and connected to the
system. Finally, the application menu shows settings for the IV. CONCLUSION
five DC distribution network applications that were developed
This paper discussed a DC Island project, which is a DC
for this project, and analysis results. The HMI accesses CIM
microgrid system implemented by KEPCO on an island. For
(Common Information Model) DB and application DB to
a DC Island project that can demonstrate an increase in energy
exchange data through middleware. It is possible to configure
efficiency and ease of renewable interconnection, this paper
the system diagram to check obtained data, estimated state
discussed the design and demonstration in detail. In addition,
result data and flow calculation result data for each point
a DC microgrid operation system for optimal operation was
according to the user’s setting.
developed and optimal operation was performed using the
A demonstration operation was performed for the DC system. This project that can contribute to the
microgrid system implemented as described above. Stable commercialization of DC microgrids and is expected to
operation of the total system for the fluctuation of load and contribute to the expansion of the microgrid market if the track
renewable sources was confirmed by the voltage regulation as records are established through long-term operation.
shown in Figure 11. The stable operation of the total system
at the customer end where ±190 VDC is used was confirmed ACKNOWLEDGMENT
by a voltage regulation with ±10%. The management system
This research was supported by the KEPCO (Korea
developed in this project can also be applied to more complex
Electric Power Corporation) under the project entitled by
DC microgrid systems.
“Demonstration study for low voltage direct current
distribution network in an Island”.

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