Renewable Microgrid Frequency Regulation Using Active Disturbance Rejection Control and Elephant Herding Optimization

Abstract

This paper introduces an enhanced load frequency regulation strategy for isolated renewable microgrids, leveraging an Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) framework optimized through Elephant Herding Optimization (EHO). A detailed microgrid model, encompassing a variety of energy generation and storage units, is implemented in a simulation environment. The effectiveness of the proposed ADRC-EHO method was assessed through comparative analysis with established control techniques: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-tuned ADRC and H∞ control under diverse operational scenarios. These scenarios included deterministic and stochastic load disturbances, as well as variations in microgrid parameters. The findings demonstrate that the ADRC-EHO approach consistently yields superior performance, with improved robustness and a more rapid response to frequency fluctuations. The optimization of ADRC parameters using EHO effectively countered the challenges of intermittent renewable energy integration.