Since 2014 the Microgrid Control Laboratory (MCL) of the University of Chile has offered state-of- the-art studies on microgrid stability, design and control, both for industry applications and for electrification of small and/or isolated communities. The work developed by the lab is commonly published in high quality journal articles (Q2 and Q1) and supported by several funding sources.

Inside the lab, researchers have access to advanced facilities for microgrid research and a highly dedicated, highly professional academic staff. The lab has a flexible prototyping platform composed of several power converters connected in a real-time network that allows hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop emulation of distributed energy resources. With this flexible prototyping, much work is currently being done in developing AC, DC and hybrid AC/DC microgrids, and multi-microgrid combinations of these.

The laboratory focuses its research on finding new solutions for the reliable and optimal operation of future electrical networks. Subject areas currently under investigation in these facilities are distributed primary and secondary control strategies, energy management systems, phase balance techniques and fault operation of microgrids, among others.

Over 30 publications in first quartile journals with an impact factor per document over 2.0.	Collaborative work with universities around the world, an expanded research network, co-supervision of theses and double-degree agreements.

What is a Microgrid?

A microgrid (MG) is a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the main grid (IEEE Joint Task Force on Quadrennial Energy Review). Microgrids allow the integration of different distributed generation sources such as wind turbines, solar panels, and energy storage systems. Moreover, a microgrid can operate connected or disconnected from the main grid, in grid-connected or islanded modes.

Depending on the infrastructure, the MG may permit power sharing between combinations of AC and DC topologies through interfacing devices such as rectifiers, inverters and interlinking converters. The use of power electronics is important for building a MG because it allows for the dispatch of distributed generators and loads (the latter through demand-side management), which makes the MG more flexible for control compared with the traditional control approach of electric power systems.

The study of microgrids is fundamental to develop a network architecture flexible enough to meet its varied demands but with strict adherence to the application requirements demanded by technical regulations and standards. All of these requirements and demands suggest interesting research lines for further study.

Research lines

The laboratory is currently investigating the following:

• Power quality and stability issues in microgrids
• Distributed control architectures in microgrids
• Predictive control schemes for microgrids
• Optimal dispatch in microgrids Energy Management Systems (EMS)
• Integration of AC and DC microgrids.