This paper presents a robust nonlinear control strategy to solve the instability problem of dc-dc buck power converter with constant power load (CPL) in DC microgrid systems. Based on the Passivity-Based Control (PBC), a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is designed to improve the control robustness against both load and line variation, whereas the PBC guarantees the system stability due to its property of transient energy dissipation. By applying the disturbance estimation technique, NDO works in parallel with the PBC controller to compensate the disturbances through a feed-forward channel. This strategy ensures large signal stability as well as fast recovery performance of the system during disturbance/uncertainty as compared to other nonlinear control methods. Hardware-in-loop (HIL) experiment is performed on an OPAL-RT real time simulator. MATLAB simulation and HIL results are provided to verify the proposed control strategy. Further validations are presented using a real hardware experiment to emphasize the robustness of the proposed controller.

Recently, the application of renewable energy sources (RESs) for power distribution systems is growing immensely. This advancement brings several advantages, such as energy sustainability and reliability, easier maintenance, cost-effective energy sources, and ecofriendly. The application of RESs in maritime systems such as port microgrids massively improves energy efficiency and reduces the utilization of fossil fuels, which is a serious threat to the environment. Accordingly, ports are receiving several initiatives to improve their energy efficiency by deploying different types of RESs based on the power electronic converters. This paper conducts a systematic review to provide cutting-edge state-of-the-art on the modern electrification and infrastructure of seaports taking into account some challenges such as the environmental aspects, energy efficiency enhancement, renewable energy integration, and legislative and regulatory requirements. Moreover, the technological methods, including electrifications, digitalization, onshore power supply applications, and energy storage systems of ports, are addressed. Furthermore, details of some operational strategies such as energy-aware operations and peak-shaving are delivered. Besides, the infrastructure scheme to enhance the energy efficiency of modern ports, including port microgrids and seaport smart microgrids are delivered. Finally, the applications of nascent technologies in seaports are presented.

Recently, the penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into electrical power systems is witnessing a large attention due to their inexhaustibility, environmental benefits, storage capabilities, lower maintenance and stronger economy, etc. Among these RESs, offshore wind power plants (OWPP) are ones of the most widespread power plants that have emerged with regard to being competitive with other energy technologies. However, the application of power electronic converters (PECs), offshore transmission lines and large substation transformers result in considerable power quality (PQ) issues in grid connected OWPP. Moreover, due to the installation of filters for each OWPP, some other challenges such as voltage and frequency stability arise. In this regard, various customs power devices along with integration control methodologies have been implemented to deal with stated issues. Furthermore, for a smooth and reliable operation of the system, each country established various grid codes. Although various mitigation schemes and related standards for OWPP are documented separately, a comprehensive review covering these aspects has not yet addressed in the literature. The objective of this study is to compare and relate prior as well as latest developments on PQ and stability challenges and their solutions. Low voltage ride through (LVRT) schemes and associated grid codes prevalent for the interconnection of OWPP based power grid have been deliberated. In addition, various PQ issues and mitigation options such as FACTS based filters, DFIG based adaptive and conventional control algorithms, ESS based methods and LVRT requirements have been summarized and compared. Finally, recommendations and future trends for PQ improvement are highlighted at the end.

In modern dc shipboard microgrid (SMG) systems, the propulsion motors and hotel loads are always supplied through tightly regulated point of load converters, which behave as constant power loads (CPLs). The negative incremental impedance due to CPL’s characteristics destabilizes the dc bus voltage of dc SMGs. Due to uncertain operating conditions of maritime ships on the sea, the dc bus voltage robust control is a crucial matter. Therefore, this paper presents a cutting-edge systematic review on advanced nonlinear control strategies to stabilize and control the CPLs in dc SMGs, such as sliding mode control, synergetic control, backstepping control, model predictive control, and passivity-based control. The latest stabilization techniques and the future trends towards an adaptive nonlinear control have been presented throughout this review. Several feedforward control-based observation and estimation techniques have been highlighted. The stability analysis and stability challenges of dc SMGs are also discussed.

The significant benefits of DC microgrids have instigated extensive efforts to be an alternative network as compared to conventional AC power networks. Although their deployment is ever-growing, multiple challenges still occurred for the protection of DC microgrids to efficiently design, control, and operate the system for the islanded mode and grid-tied mode. Therefore, there are extensive research activities underway to tackle these issues. The challenge arises from the sudden exponential increase in DC fault current, which must be extinguished in the absence of the naturally occurring zero crossings, potentially leading to sustained arcs. This paper presents cut-age and state-of-the-art issues concerning the fault management of DC microgrids. It provides an account of research in areas related to fault management of DC microgrids, including fault detection, location, identification, isolation, and reconfiguration. In each area, a comprehensive review has been carried out to identify the fault management of DC microgrids. Finally, future trends and challenges regarding fault management in DC-microgrids are also discussed.