Mastering Droop Control: Electric Vehicle & Solar Curtailment Simulation
Discover how to design stable DC microgrids with real-time droop control for EV chargers and solar PV systems. Learn to implement voltage-based power sharing and automatic solar curtailment in minutes using DCIDE's intuitive simulation platform.
Why You Need Droop Control
In modern DC microgrids, maintaining stable power flow between sources and loads is crucial. Consider a common scenario where a solar PV system powers an electric vehicle charger. The solar system might generate 48 kW under ideal conditions, while the EV charger could demand up to 150 kW. Without proper control, this mismatch could lead to system instability or even failure.
The key challenge lies in balancing generation and consumption without relying on complex communication systems. This is where voltage droop control becomes essential. By allowing the DC bus voltage to vary within defined limits, we can create a self-regulating system where components automatically adjust their power output or consumption based on the bus voltage level.
Configuring the EV Charger Droop Curve
The EV charger's droop curve is fundamental to maintaining system stability. In our example, we'll configure it to operate within the 700 V CurrentOS voltage band (640 V to 760 V), which is a common standard for DC microgrids. This voltage range provides sufficient headroom for the droop control to function effectively while staying within safe operating limits.
The configuration is straightforward: when the bus voltage is at or above 700 V, the charger operates at its maximum power. As the voltage decreases, the charger proportionally reduces its power draw. At 640 V, the charger shuts off completely. This automatic adjustment ensures the charger only consumes power that's actually available from the solar system, preventing voltage collapse.
Implementing Solar Output Curtailment
Solar curtailment is essential when you need to limit power output, whether due to equipment constraints or grid requirements. In our example, we will implement a 30 kW limit to stay within the 63 A breaker capacity. The droop curve for the solar converter works in the opposite direction of the load's curve.
The solar converter operates at full power (30 kW) when the bus voltage is below 700 V. As the voltage rises above this threshold, the converter gradually reduces its output, reaching zero at 760 V. This creates a natural balancing act: when generation exceeds consumption, the voltage rises, triggering the solar system to reduce output and vice versa.
Complete System Simulation
The real power of DCIDE becomes evident when we simulate the complete system. The following video demonstrates how all components interact in real-time, showing the dynamic response to changing conditions. You will see how the system maintains stability even as solar generation fluctuates and the EV charger adjusts its consumption.
One of the key advantages of using DCIDE is the ability to model and simulate complex systems in minutes rather than days. This rapid iteration allows engineers to test various scenarios and optimize their designs before implementation, significantly reducing development time and costs.
About DCIDE
DCIDE revolutionizes microgrid design and simulation by enabling engineers to create complex architectures at the speed of thought. Our intuitive, browser-based platform eliminates the need for complex software installations, allowing you to start designing and simulating immediately.
With real-time collaboration features, teams can work together seamlessly on the same project, regardless of location. Share your designs with colleagues or clients through simple links, and see changes instantly. The cloud-based nature of DCIDE means your work is always accessible and up-to-date, whether you're in the office or in the field.
Experience the future of power system design today. Get started with DCIDE in seconds and transform how you design, simulate, and collaborate on microgrid projects.