Influence of load dynamic response on the stability of microgrids during islanding transition

Microgrids (MGs) are characterized by faster dynamics than conventional grid-connected distributions systems. This is in part due to the lack of inertia of inverter-interfaced distributed energy resources such as photovoltaic and energy storage systems. In this context, load dynamics considerably affects the transient stability performance of MGs, especially if disconnected from the main grid. The aim of the paper is to analyze the influence of the load modeling and the load composition in the transient stability assessment of a medium voltage MG during islanding transition. The MG we analyze consists of a photovoltaic power plant, two battery energy storage systems, a synchronous generator and different classes and types of load, which we consider representative for the problem of interest. The system is implemented in the EMTP-RV simulation environment. The importance of appropriate load modeling for the adequate analysis of the transient response of an islanding microgrid is also addressed and discussed.