Adaptive voltage derivative algorithm for fast disturbance detection and localisation in DC microgrids

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Babagana, Abdulrahman and Seferi, Yljon and Pena Alzola, Rafael and Burt, Graeme; (2025) Adaptive voltage derivative algorithm for fast disturbance detection and localisation in DC microgrids. In: 2025 10th IEEE Workshop on the Electronic Grid (eGRID). 2025 10th IEEE Workshop on the Electronic Grid (eGRID) . IEEE, GBR. ISBN 9798331593643 (https://doi.org/10.1109/eGRID63452.2025.11255435)

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Abstract

Disturbance detection and localisation are critical challenges for the reliable operation of DC microgrids, which heavily depend on power electronic converters and distributed energy resources (DERs). The presence of large DC-link capacitors and low DC distribution line feeders’ impedances often results in high transient currents and significant voltage drops during fault conditions. Additionally, sudden mismatches between load demand and available generation can trigger severe voltage fluctuations, posing a significant threat to voltage stability and the operational reliability of a DC microgrid. These challenges highlight the need for fast and accurate detection mechanisms, not only to initiate timely control actions but also to support effective system recovery. This paper presents an innovative, voltage-based disturbance detection and localisation method for non-communication-based DC microgrids, utilising the Rate of Change of Voltage (RoCoV) as a key indicator. By monitoring RoCoV values at multiple buses, the proposed approach not only identifies the disturbance location but also classifies its severity into small, medium or severe based on predetermined voltage thresholds. This enables informed and rapid control decisions, such as voltage regulation and load shedding, to restore power balance following a discrepancy between generation and demand. Simulations were carried out in a MATLAB/Simulink environment, using a reconfigured IEEE 9-bus DC microgrid comprising various DERs and load types. Results demonstrate that the proposed methodology effectively identifies and localises disturbances, with the highest voltage differential responses consistently observed near the disturbance location. The adaptive voltage algorithm operates independently of high-bandwidth communication infrastructure, providing a fast, scalable, and communication-free solution for remote and resource-constrained DC microgrids. By supporting control and protection scheme mechanisms of DC microgrids, the proposed solution aims to support the supply resilience of DC microgrids.

ORCID iDs

Babagana, Abdulrahman ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2094-9363, Seferi, Yljon ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4082-1949, Pena Alzola, Rafael ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2451-6779 and Burt, Graeme ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0315-5919;
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