Novel hybrid design for microgrid control

Abstract

This paper proposes a new hybrid control system for an AC microgrid. The system uses both centralised and decentralised strategies to optimize the microgrid energy control while addressing the challenges introduced by current technologies and applied systems in real microgrid infrastructures. The well-known 3-level control (tertiary, secondary, primary) is employed with an enhanced hierarchical design using intelligent agent-based components in order to improve efficiency, diversity, modularity, and scalability. The main contribution of this paper is dual. During normal operation, the microgrid central controller (MGCC) is designed to undertake the management of the microgrid, while providing the local agents with the appropriate constraints for optimal power flow. During MGCC fault, a peer-to-peer communication is enabled between neighbouring agents in order to make their optimal decision locally. The initial design of the control structure and the detailed analysis of the different operating scenarios along with their requirements have shown the applicability of the new system in real microgrid environments.

Optimal self‐healing strategy for microgrid islanding

“…Then constraints (13) and (14) ensure that α i* = σ and α i* +1 = 1 − σ, which complies with constraint (9). Constraint (15) guarantees the correct value of approximated cosθ in (10). The linearisation of these constraints facilitates the topology reconfiguration to improve the microgrid islanding.…”

“…Much research focuses on local control of microgrid components (i.e. power inverters, distributed generators, controllers) to ensure a stable islanding [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. For example, a fast control method of power inverter-connected distributed generating units is proposed to maintain the stability of microgrid during islanding transients [5].…”

Modeling and real time digital simulation of microgrids for campuses Malta and Jordan based on multiple distributed energy resources

“…Business scenarios and technical use cases are developed to cover basic microgrid functionalities for the MCAST and GJU pilot sites. The aim is to deliver a hybrid control architecture that incorporates both centralized and decentralized principles in a multi-agent scheme [41,42]. The conceptual architecture, based on 3-level hierarchical control requirements, is thoroughly modelled.…”

“…To support real-time microgrid operation, the infrastructure has already been designed and currently being deployed to support open-protocol gateways, which are in turn "linked" to the main controller. This incorporates standard protocols and drivers, such as Modbus (both RTU and TCP/IP), Bacnet IP and Lon, all of which will be required to enable interaction between systems [40,41]. Through these interfaces, data is gathered from each system, as shown in Figure 3.…”

“…The microgridis expected to use four sources of electricity (Utility grid, PV system, diesel generator and ESS) in order to meet the demand in the campus while achieving high reliability and low operating cost. Figure 5 shows the GJU campus microgrid pilot [41][42][43]. Every building is equipped with a BMS to control the loads (HVAC, lights, etc.)…”