Dynamic modelling framework for the analysis of fair-sized DC microgrids

•Efficient dynamic modelling framework for the analysis of fair-sized DC microgrids.•Nodal formulation combined with Newton–Raphson and implicit trapezoidal methods.•BESS, CHP units, PV plants and series connected DC/DC converters can be studied.•Results are validated versus EMT simulation conducted in Simscape Electrical.•Small errors are obtained with a small fraction of time taken by the EMT simulation. This paper introduces a novel modelling framework for conducting dynamic analysis of DC microgrids (MG), considering components such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), combined heat and power (CHP) cogeneration, photovoltaic (PV) plants and DC/DC converters. The MG dynamics are accurately captured using well-founded modelling practices of the power system transient analysis field. Firstly, the power device models are derived based on fundamental operating principles using a lumped-type parameter modelling approach. Secondly, the DC microgrid is formulated using nodal power injections, which is combined with Newton–Raphson and implicit trapezoidal methods to efficiently solve fair-sized networks of arbitrary topology. The dynamic outcomes of a 13-bus MG were compared with those of an electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation conducted in Simscape Electrical for load and solar irradiance changes and for a DC/DC converter outage. For these events, errors smaller than 2.5% were yielded by the new approach, only requiring 3.1% of the computing time employed by the EMT simulation. The method’s applicability was also showcased by assessing the dynamic performance of a larger DC microgrid containing 118 buses, twelve distributed generators and five BESS, which was subjected to typical contingencies such as load increases and distribution line disconnections.