AC Microgrid
What is AC Microgrid ?
An AC Microgrid is a localized power system in which electricity is distributed over an alternating current (AC) transmission network, known as the AC bus. It serves local loads and can operate in two modes:
Grid-connected, where it exchanges power with the main utility grid
Islanded, where it operates independently during grid outages
Although the internal transmission is AC, an AC microgrid can integrate both AC and DC sources—such as solar PV, wind turbines, batteries, and diesel generators—through appropriate power electronic converters. The key defining feature is that all power sources and loads are interfaced over an AC bus.
AC Microgrids are crucial for future energy systems, offering:
Resiliency during grid failures
Compatibility with existing AC infrastructure
Flexible source integration, including renewables and storage
Enhanced power quality management and voltage/frequency regulation
Support for ancillary services like reactive power compensation and demand response
What is New?
Build, test, and validate advanced AC microgrid operations with our modular, research-grade platform. Designed for universities, laboratories, and industrial R&D, the nimēṣa AC-Microgrid system enables seamless experimentation with renewable energy integration, grid-connected and islanded modes, and advanced control strategies.
The nimēṣa AC-Microgrid Test Setup is built to support advanced research, teaching, and prototyping of AC microgrid systems. It offers a modular, lab-safe, and fully reconfigurable environment for real-time testing of microgrid functions.
It includes:
- Distributed, FPGA-based control
- Grid-tie and autonomous islanded operation
- Built-in synchronization and protection logic
- Modular integration of renewable sources, BESS, and programmable loads
- IEEE 1547.4 compliance and MATLAB/OCTAVE programmable interface
Whether for academic experiments or industrial development, the nimēṣa AC Microgrid provides the performance and flexibility required to study real-world microgrid behaviours.
Key Features
Seamless Parallel Operation
- Multi-inverter microgrid system with 2 × 3-phase inverters (5 kW each)
- Distributed control using FPGA hardware
- True parallel operation with droop-based active/reactive power sharing
Advanced Control System
- Integrated real-time controller programmable via OCTAVE/MATLAB
- Wireless droop-based control
- Automatic and manual synchronization for grid and island modes
- Fault-tolerant design with self-test and debugging functions
Renewable Energy Integration
- Supports integration of solar PV, wind energy, and battery storage systems
- Built-in DC-DC conversion with MPPT for SPV sources
- Wind simulator with AC-AC conversion for grid-ready output
- Modular architecture for adding new sources
Modular, Compact Design
- High-frequency operation (100 kHz SiC switching)
- Compact, rack-mounted or tabletop cabinet (19” 32U option)
- Plug-and-play modules with user-defined I/O
- Passive and active transmission lines with protection relays
Research Uses
The nimēṣa™ AC-Microgrid Test Platform is designed for a wide range of research and educational uses:
- Inverter and converter control development
- Islanding detection and protection algorithm testing
- Active filter and VAR control experiments
- Power quality improvement methods
- Energy management system (EMS) development and validation
- Data generation and logging over Modbus
- Renewable source integration studies
- Fault tolerance and protection system validation
Technical Specifications
System Model: NMG2B-2-2A (Customised)
Controller Hardware:
| DC-DC Converters:
AC-DC Converters:
Transmission Lines:
|
Product Images
System Topology & Control
Ring or radial microgrid topologies
Inductive and resistive transmission line networks
Automatic and manual inverter synchronization
Droop control for active/reactive power sharing
Plug-and-play operation without third-party software
Integration with Energy Sources
The system supports seamless integration of:
Solar PV: DC-DC converters with MPPT, inverter control, grid synchronization
Wind Energy: Built-in wind simulator, AC-AC conversion for stable frequency output
Battery Energy Storage (BESS): Advanced charge/discharge management
Other Sources: Micro-hydro, biomass, and emulator-based sources
Application Areas
Power electronics research laboratories
Smart grid education and training
Renewable energy integration testing
Grid resiliency studies
Advanced control strategy development
Industrial R&D facilities
Economic & Environmental Benefits
Reduce operational costs via optimized hybrid generation (wind, solar, BESS)
Increase reliability and resilience with islanding capabilities
Lower carbon footprint through coordinated renewable integration
Support for demand-side management and intelligent metering
High-quality, uninterruptible power supply for critical loads
Customization Options
The nimēṣa™ AC-Microgrid is fully customizable:
System ratings from 3 kW to 100 kW
Modular selection of inverters, DC-DC converters, and BESS
User-defined control functions (droop, secondary control, protection schemes)
Integrated SCADA interface (optional)
Real-time controller integration
Versions & Upgrades
nimēṣa MG Version 2.2 (Latest)
New system rating: 3 kW–100 kW
Integrated PV unit
Optional real-time controller
Advanced BESS integration
SCADA-ready
Resources
Explore product resources for our nimēṣa AC-Microgrid System:
📄 nimēṣa AC-Microgrid Brochure
📄nimēṣa AC-Microgrid Datasheet
📄Microgrid Documentation
📄Company Profile