Programmable Electronic Load Prototype for the Power Quality Analysis of an Experimental Microgrid.

Microgrids have been widely adopted in many countries because they provide more reliable electricity service to those users connected to the power grid. These systems comprise various power sources, energy storage devices, and loads. However, detailed studies require considering linear and nonlinear loads, which are now used in this type of network. In addition, experimental tests require devices that emulate loads, represent different topologies, and construct assemblies for better identification, validation, and theoretical approximations of the power grid. Therefore, this paper presents a programmable electronic load to emulate linear and nonlinear loads of a microgrid, based on the control of a single-phase voltage source converter that considers rectification and power dissipation stages. Furthermore, a control stage allows power consumption variations, controlling the current demanded by the load, according to the reference current waveform programmed through a user interface. A synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop is implemented on a microcontroller. Thus, the programmable electronic load enables studying power quality in microgrids. Finally, the operation of the programmable electronic load is validated through experimental and simulation tests, considering different case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]