MICROGRID CONTROL

Basic microgrid architecture.

The microgrid defined by CERTS (Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology

Solution of the USA) A micro power system including a cluster of loads, storage and
multiple DGs.

It can meet the requirement of power quality and reliability of power supply.
It provides both heat and power to the local areas (R.H. Lasserter 2007).

The microgrid is assumed to be radial with feeders and some loads.

Microgrid system is operated at a low voltage.

It consists of several distributed energy resources such as solar panel, wind turbine,
micro turbine and various energy storage devices such as flywheel, battery, super
capacitors etc.
The MicroGrid concept assumes a cluster of loads and
microsources operating as a single controllable system that
provides both power and heat to its local area.

This concept provides a new paradigm for defining the

operation of distributed generation.
To the utility the MicroGrid can be thought of as a controlled cell of the power
system.
For example this cell could be controlled as a single dispatchable load, which can
respond in seconds to meet the needs of the transmission system.

To the customer the MicroGrid can be designed to meet their special needs; such as,
enhance local reliability, reduce feeder losses, support local voltages, provide
increased efficiency through use waste heat, voltage sag correction or provide
uninterruptible power supply functions to name a few.
• The Connection Interface (CI) at the PCC can be
realized using electro-mechanical circuit
breakers, solid state switches or even back-to-
back converters.
• The connection of DC-type energy sources such as
PV panels, fuel cells and energy storage
technologies (batteries and ultracapacitors)
requires the use of a DC-to-AC power converter
interface.
• variable-speed generators such as wind turbines
using synchronous machines, and high-speed
microturbines require the use of AC-to-AC power
converters to match the constant frequency and
voltage of the microgrid.
• Wind turbines can also operate with low flexibility
using induction generators directly connected
to the system, or use the more flexible doubly-fed
induction generator.
• Loads within the microgrid can be controlled using
either a conventional circuit breaker or a more
sophisticated AC-to-AC power electronic
interface to allow more flexible control.
• Reactive power support can be provided by
capacitor banks, SVCs or STATCOMs
Basic MG components
Commonly utilized power generation technologies and applications

a) Generation: MG generation system can be consisted of different

dispatchable and non-dispatchable generations.

Dispatchable generations: natural gas generators, biogas generators, and

combined heat and power (CHP).

Non-dispatchable generations: Renewable sources such as solar, wind,

hydro, biofuels etc.
(b) Energy storage system:
Performs multiple functions in MGs such as

• ensuring power quality

• peak load shaving
• frequency regulation
• smoothing the output of renewable energy sources (RESs) and
providing backup power for the system .

ESS also plays a crucial role in MG cost optimization .

(c) Energy management system :

• Ensures the smart management of the MG with the help of energy

meters and communication tools.
• Controls MG generation and load dispatching based on economic
and reliability criteria.
(d) Loads:
MGs present two major types of loads:
(i) critical loads that need to be served under all conditions and
(ii) deferrable loads that could be adjusted for MG load balancing and
hence, achieving the most economic power generation .

(e) Controller:
supervises the instantaneous operation of the system .
(f) Point of common coupling:
• Acts as the physical connection point between the MG and the main
grid.
• serves as the interface where electrical energy is exchanged between
the MG and the larger power system.
• The PCC incorporates various equipment and devices to facilitate the
connection, power exchange, control, and protection between the MG
and the main grid.

This includes components such as circuit breakers, protective relays, and

synchronization equipment.

The isolated MG does not have PCC.

Potential benefits of MGs

Price stability:
• Investment in the grid can reduce risk.
• acts as a safety net against the unforeseeable and potentially
exorbitant expenses of contingency/emergency energy.
• offers protection from fluctuating electricity bills.

Economic benefit:
• Depending on local market laws and initiatives, MGs can lower peak
load prices, engage in demand response (DR) markets, and provide
frequency management services to the larger grid.
• Make money by lowering peak load costs, engaging in DR markets,
and offering frequency regulation services to the rest of the grid.
Continuous supply:

• While the electric system in many developed countries is typically

stable, any outage can be costly and hazardous.
• Extreme weather, ageing, physical attacks, and cyberattacks are all
posing rising risks to the nation’s electricity infrastructure today.
• Operating in the island mode can ensure a constant supply of
electricity (i.e., separating itself from the bulk grid while using on-
site generating).
Renewable integration:
• RESs contribute significantly to supplying some of the world’s energy
demands.
• The ongoing global energy crisis has generated unparalleled impetus for RESs.
• The projected expansion of renewable capacity in the next five years is
anticipated to surpass previous expectations.
• According to the IEA forecast, renewable energy is expected to grow by
approximately 2400 GW between 2022 and 2027.
• This represents a significant acceleration of 85% compared to the growth
witnessed in the previous five years.
• Furthermore, the forecasted growth is nearly 30% higher than what was
initially predicted in last year’s report, marking the most substantial upward
revision to date.
• MGs are becoming increasingly important for reaping the benefits of RESs.
Increased reliability and resilience:
• MGs’ capacity to island allows them to continue supplying power to
their customers in the case of a power outage.
• The ability to island can also be significant for isolating faults by
separating distribution feeds.

Increase power quality:

• Systems may necessitate a higher level of electricity than the electric
grid can provide.
• Implementing an MG allows better control over its parameters,
• Important for sensitive equipment in healthcare, sophisticated
manufacturing, labs, and other institutions.
Relationship of the MG to the utility grid:
• MGs can be thought of as the essential building element for smart
grids.
• Future utility grids may be a collection of interconnected MGs that
manages energy demand and supply at the micro and macro levels.

Grid support:
• MGs reduce grid ‘‘congestion’’ and peak loads.
• Offer several grid services including: energy, capacity, and ancillary
services.
Applications:

Institutional and campus MGs :

• Comprised of a certain number of buildings in a limited geographical
area.
• Depending on the type of institution, the requirements for power
supply quality may differ.
• Most government and college facilities may be fine with a moderate
level of power supply reliability, while research institutes may demand a
higher-quality power supply.
• In this sort of MGs, all buildings and participants often belong to a single
entity, and there is a single decision–maker.
This structure allows for quick decisions, and the real estate owner can take
action if there are evident benefits.
Commercial and industrial MGs :
• This type of MGs is similar to the one mentioned above in the case of
single ownership.
• When a MG is developed in an existing commercial or industrial area
with multiple participants, the scenario becomes more complicated.
• When a ‘‘commercial–industrial park’’ is a greenfield project with both
premium and normal power supply capabilities, the investor can opt
for an MG structure to suit all client requirements.
• By diversifying their energy sources, taking advantage of time-of-day
electricity pricing, and having backup power on hand whenever it is
needed, facilities connected to public grids can minimize energy costs
and boost self-sufficiency.
Community and utility MGs :
• Private end-customers in largely residential regions, but occasional
business and industrial customers, will form ‘‘community and utility’’
MGs.
• Urban regions, communities, and rural feeders may all be included.
• Connected to the large utility grid, such MGs can offer power to urban
and rural areas.
• This sort of MGs can contain a wide range of renewable or fossil-fueled
distributed energy supplies.
• National and international standards and regulations will play a decisive
role in the commercial acceptability of this type of MGs.
• Decisions will take long as compared to other MG structures due to a
large number of participants
Island and remote ‘‘off-grid’’ MGs :
• It is similar to community or utility MG.
• Key distinction is that there will be no connection to the power grid in most
cases.
• If the distance between the island and the mainland allows it, a cable
connection to the utility grid on the mainland may be possible in a few cases.
• On the other hand, depending on the island’s actual power supply
infrastructure, the decision-making process could be quicker.
• For geographically isolated/remote communities and developing countries,
‘‘off-grid’’ MGs emphasize distributed and diverse power sources.
• Many remote MGs are being implemented to eventually join a larger grid
system as developing world regions continue to improve their electrical
infrastructure.
• Other remote MGs are designed to be self-sufficient to preserve energy
security.
Advanced applications
Maritime:
• Maritime power systems, such as those installed in ships, ferries, vessels,
and other maritime devices, operate in islanded mode at sea and grid-
connected mode at port.
• Maritime MGs are true commercial microgrids that are affordable and
have a prospective market.
• Maritime MGs are growing increasingly important as ships become more
electrical
Aerospace:
• Aerospace MG concept has gained an increased importance in recent
years.
• In several aerospace applications, electrical sources are eventually
replacing mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic power sources such as
airport MGs, e-aircraft/more electric aircraft (MEA).
Space:
• The reliability of the power system components of a spaceship or satellite is
crucial to the success of an extremely costly space mission.
• Space MGs have emerged as a sustainable solution for meeting the energy
requirements of space applications .
Biological:
• Artificial ecosystems can be employed as life support systems (LSSs) to
support long-duration human space missions.
• There is no provision for food production or waste disposal in space.
• An open LSS requires food and waste treatment from Earth.
• Ecosystems that do not participate in any form of matter exchange with the
surrounding environment are referred to as closed ecological systems (CESs).
• Long-term manned space missions require CESs to minimize Earth support.
• They include multiple distinct compartments that reproduce the key
functions of an ecological system continuously and under regulated settings.
Advanced applications (Contd.)
Water:
• As our reliance on electricity has grown over the years, prolonged power
outages can have severe effects on affected communities.
• Additionally, power outages can prevent the operation of water treatment
facilities, resulting in a shortage of clean water, which is crucial for
recovery efforts following a disaster.
• The temporary reconfiguration of electricity and water networks into
localized networks, such as electric MGs and water micronets, that use
local resources to meet local demand apart from the primary power grid
and/or water network, is one strategy to deal with this.
Classification of MGs: Based on their applications, infrastructure, and
end-users requirements.

Classifying MGs on the basis of control strategies

Centralized control MGs: The central controller (CC) provides the
required directions to the set points of local controller (LC) by a two-way
communication channel.
This control technique has limited capability of reliability and is
superfluous.
Decentralized control MGs: They usually follow the control technique for
a multiagent system.
The operation control of these MGs is defined and directed individually.
A single controller is not attending here for control purposes.
The MGs’ function is flexible, and the communication between the two ends
may be maintained using a communication language.
Classifying MGs on the basis of size:
small, medium and large scale MGs.

Small scale MGs:

• Generate electricity of low capacity using RESs.
• some MGs may utilize diesel generator (DG) sets as a power
• source alongside or in place of RESs.
• The generation capacity can be up to 10 MW .

• Small-scale MGs are capable to supply residential buildings, small

regional power grids, island and remote areas.
Classifying MGs on the basis of size: small, medium and large scale MGs.

Medium scale MGs

Medium-scale MGs generate electricity of medium capacity using
renewable energy resources/oil/coal.
The range of generation capacity may be > 10 MW 100 MW.
This type of MGs is capable to feed industrial zones applications.

Large scale MGs

They generate electricity of high capacity using oil/coal.
The range of generation capacity may be >100 MW .
This type of MGs is capable to feed industrial zones site applications.
Classifying MG on the basis of power supply
In terms of connected power supply, AC, DC, and hybrid MGs.

AC MGs
• A typical MG system with an AC power supply and connected loads
driven by the AC power is defined as an AC MG.
• This MG can be operated independently or can be connected to the main
grid at the PCC.
• The AC bus connects the power producing sources, storage devices, and
other system components to satisfy the AC load demands.
• These MGs are straightforward to incorporate into present power systems
and require no extra control mechanisms.
AC MGs ( Contd.)
• The three varieties of AC MGs are
single-phase, grounded three-phase, and ungrounded three-phase.

• This type of MGs may be classified into three categories based on

frequency:
high-frequency , low-frequency and standard-frequency AC MGs.

• AC microgrids have been the predominant and widely adopted

architecture among the other options in real-world applications.
• synchronizing with the host grid while maintaining voltage
magnitude, phase angle, and frequency is challenging.
• Their efficiency and dependability are also low. Complex architecture
and control are required for AC MGs.
DC MGs
• The concept of DC MGs is to generate and store electricity in DC
forms.
• The supply power of this type of MGs will be followed by DC
power and the connected loads will be driven by DC power.
• This type of MGs do not require synchronization, and there
are rarely any power quality issues.
• They do not have any concerns about the power factor
improvement.
• To interface with the existing distribution systems, these MGs use
many converters and power electronic devices.
• In comparison to AC MGs, DC MGs have higher efficiency and
a lower conversion process when feeding DC loads.
DC MGs (Contd.)
• Telecommunication, electric vehicles, marine power systems,
and other commercial applications of DC MGs are only a few
examples.
• Mono-polar, bi-polar, and homo-polar MGs are the three
different types of DC MGs.
• DC MGs have the advantage of being able to connect DC loads
directly to the DC bus.
• As a result, there are just a few power converters necessary.
• DC MGs, do not have a standardized voltage.
• An additional power step is required to generate AC voltage.
• DC MGs also cannot be reconfigured from the existing grid. Their
protection is complicated.
AC-DC coupled/hybrid MGs
• The connected load will be driven by both AC and DC power sources
in this type of MGs.
• Hybrid MGs feature an AC and DC distribution system.
• The goal of a hybrid MG is to minimize the number of conversion
stages and interface devices while keeping energy prices low.
• As a result, the system’s overall efficiency and reliability can be
improved.
• Hybrid MGs may combine both AC and DC loads, allowing customers
• to customize their power usage with their own needs.
• Power electronic converters decouple the AC and DC components
of an MG.
• DG units in AC-DC hybrid MGs can be tied directly to the DC
and/or AC networks without the need for synchronization .
AC-DC coupled/hybrid MGs ( Contd.)
• This configuration does not necessarily lead to reduced energy
losses in the MGs.
• Energy losses can still occur within the system due to
• various factors such as converter inefficiencies, transmission losses,
and system control limitations.
• Hybrid MGs, on the other hand, necessitate a sophisticated
controller and management system, particularly in an islanded
mode.
• These MGs also exhibit lower reliability compared to AC MGs,
primarily attributed to the incorporation of interface power converters in
the distribution network for DC-link generation .
• Nevertheless, a reduction in the number of converter stages leads
to an enhancement in the reliability of the interconnected
devices.
Common DC bus configuration
DC Microgrid System
 DC Microgrid System

Many new distributed energy resources are direct DC, e.g. photovoltaic
(PV) generation, stationary batteries, mobile batteries, and fuel cells.

Also, many high efficiency loads are also direct DC.

Utilizing a DC bus in microgrid may avoid many of the power

conversion steps required when using an AC bus leading to higher
energy efficiency and improved economic operation.
 DC Microgrid System : Benefits

1. Increases the introduction of distributed PV units.

2. Reduce energy dissipation and facility costs resulting from AC/DC conversion by
integrating the junction between a commercial grid and DC bus which connects
PV units and accumulators.
3. Supply power to loads via regular distribution lines (not exclusive lines for
emergency) even during the blackout of commercial grids.
4. This system utilizes a DC bus as its backbone and distributes power to user end
loads
AC Micro Grid system
 AC Micro Grid system

In AC microgrid, all DERs and loads are connected to a common AC

bus.

DC generating units as well as energy storage will be connected to

the AC bus via DC-to-AC inverters, and further, AC-to-DC rectifiers
and used for supplying DC loads.
 Common AC bus Configuration

Power Frequency AC
• All sources can either be connected to the PFAC bus directly or through their
respective power conditioning unit.
• This arrangement is more reliable as any malfunctioning energy sources can be
isolated from the rest of the system without impacting any of the other energy
resources.
 Common AC bus Configuration

High Frequency AC
 Energy sources can be connected either directly or through their respective power
conditioning unit.
 Have higher overall efficiency.
 Higher order harmonics can be easily filtered at higher frequencies.
 Reduction in the physical size and weight of harmonic filters
Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid System
Classifying MGs on the basis of source
Renewable MGs
• MG powered by distributed renewable resources.
• Usually comprise of RESs and batteries .
• They provide electricity to end-users with lower carbon footprint.
• The uncertain and intermittent output of RESs increase the complexity of
effective operation of the MGs.
• Meeting the time-varying demand presents a pivotal challenge to an
isolated MG.
• ESS is one of the most appealing technologies for enabling maximum
utilization of renewable and is extensively used for balancing demand and
supply in MGs .
Classifying MGs on the basis of source
Renewable MGs ( Contd.)

• The critical challenge is to coordinate storage systems, distributed RESs

and variable power demand.
• Therefore, an EMS is crucial for renewable MGs .
• Renewable MGs can be classified into five subgroups based on
renewable sources: solar, wind, biomass, micro-hydro and hybrid
MGs.
Solar MGs:
• Solar MGs are an attractive renewable energy option since they can
be used at any scale and can be scaled up afterwards.
• They are widely regarded as a feasible and durable rural
electrification option across the world.
• They function best in places with abundance of sunshine.
• To deal with gloomy weather, most systems include storage capacity
that allows them to run through periods of scant sunshine .
• Have the potential to be an environment-friendly energy option.
• The output of solar photovoltaics (PV) is constrained by its fluctuating
nature.
• A suitable control technique is imperative.
• Solar MGs are commonly used to power schools, street lights, homes,
businesses, hospitals and irrigation pumps for agriculture.
 Wind MGs:
• A wind MG is an electrical distribution system with a set of interconnected
load and wind turbines that operate as a single controlled source within
clearly defined electrical boundaries.
• Wind-based MGs typically employ an ESS to smooth out the supply and
store the excess energy for future use in the MGs.

Biomass MGs:
• An MG powered by biomass.
• Biomass gasifier systems produce syngas in this MG by incompletely
burning biomass, which is then burned in an engine to power a generator.
• Bioenergy MGs are gaining attraction in many locations, despite the fact
that solar and wind power is more typical MG generation alternatives.
• As they use biomass gasifiers, which are less expensive than solar PV,
their capital requirements are comparatively modest.
Biomass MG (Contd.)
• Biomass gasifiers, on the other hand, are confined to places with a
sufficient biomass source.
• They also require a great amount of feedstock, decent storage
procedures, and a fair number of manpower compared to other types of
systems.
• Tar build-up or wet husk can stymie operations on a daily basis.
• Spark plug failure, battery discharge, and bottle coil failure are all
common problems with these systems (an unintentional current to the
spark plug).
• Keeping the husk dry during the monsoon season is another challenge.
Micro hydro MGs:
• Micro-hydro-based MGs are mainly run-of-the-river projects in which
water is redirected from a river or streams through a pipe into a turbine to
generate electricity.
• The cost of energy generation per kWh is quite low.
• Micro-hydro systems, are confined to places with sufficient water supply.

Hybrid MGs:
• An MG with the capability to provide electricity to a remote site using
hybrid renewable sources such as PV, wind, biomass, and micro hydro .
Fossil fuels MGs
• MGs powered by fossil fuel (diesel/natural gas) based generator,
which can supply power to the remote areas.
• They can work in both islanded and grid-connected environments.
• Energy sources like steam/gas turbines and diesel generators have
been the standard for generating local power in an MG.
• These, however, have a negative influence on both the environment
and the economy.
• The fossil fuels required to power these MGs are expensive to
purchase and transport, not to mention that transportation has its
own carbon burden.
• Many communities that employ diesel generators face this problem
on a regular basis.
• MGs are exploring for cleaner options as a result of these impacts.
Hybrid MGs
• Combines RESs, fossil fuel generators (diesel/gas), and/or
batteries to operate in both isolated and grid-connected modes.
• Fuels-renewable energy hybrid MGs are replacing 100%
diesel/natural gas MGs as a more popular option.
• Hybrid cars sub-stantially lower fuel usage while also being less
expensive, more reliable, and less environmentally damaging over
their lifetime.
• However, hybrid systems require fuel-based generators, and hence
noise and pollution are inescapable.
Classifying MGs on the basis of scenario
Residential:
• A typical residential MG consists of an advanced control system (or ‘‘controller’’)
that combines customers’ electrical demands, regulates distributed resources
such as solar PV and energy storage, and coordinates with the distribution
networks.
• A residential MG provides emergency power to key circuits during power
outages, reducing a customer’s dependency on a centralized electrical supply.
• The MG controller turns a residence into a flexible, dynamic, and fast-acting
network resource that can provide services to electricity distribution and
transmission network operators.
• This types of MGs is designed to serve household customers and will
consequently be multi-users, with the MGs being managed by a separate
company. It may be rural or urban in nature.
Classifying MGs on the basis of scenario

Industrial:
• The key reasons for implementing an industrial MG are the security
and reliability of the power supply.
• Power outages may disrupt many production processes, resulting in
considerable revenue losses and lengthy start-up times.
• Chip production, the chemical industry, and the paper and food
industries are just a few examples.
• Uninterruptible power supplies are now being installed at some
industrial sites if their use is economically justified.
• The MG architecture may offer additional benefits, such as the
ability to combine a reliable power supply with great energy
efficiency and the use of renewable energy.
Classifying MGs on the basis of scenario

Commercial:
• Commercial customers often deploy these MGs to serve single
users, such as airports, hospitals, data centers, and so on.
• This type of electricity systems is likewise self-contained and may
operate independently of the main grid.
• They may also be connected to the main grid at times.
• By diversifying their energy sources, taking advantage of time-of-day
electricity pricing, and having backup power on hand whenever it is
needed, facilities connected to public grids can minimize energy
costs and boost self-sufficiency.
Classifying MGs on the basis of location

Urban MGs:
• Urban MGs are MGs that have been established in urban areas near
utility systems.
• These MGs are capable of operating in both grid-connected and
islanded modes.
• They conform to all rules, control strategies, and synchronization
techniques to maintain the utility grid’s system stability and power
quality.
• Hospitals, universities, industries, communities, offices, and shopping
malls are among the commercial and residential sectors where urban
MGs are implemented.
Classifying MGs on the basis of location (Contd.)

Remote MGs:
• Remote MGs are MG systems that are located in remote regions where
utility power systems are unavailable due to geographic location.
• Military installations, hilltop areas, and islands are all instances of
remote MGs.
• Because the utilities are not there, these MGs operate in an isolated
manner.
• Because of the economic, political, and technological challenges, they
are rarely installed in comparison to urban MGs .
• Remote MGs provide access to energy outside of the grid.
• Remote MGs, like island MGs, have traditionally relied on diesel,
but are increasingly combining solar and storage.
Classifying MGs on the basis of application:

The MGs may be divided into several groups according to their

applications.
• Military MGs: Military MGs are small-scale electricity infrastructures
that can operate almost autonomously in a military base camp.
• Campus MGs: Corporate, university and college campuses are all
examples of campus MGs. They are frequently introduced through the
use of CHP.
• Community MGs: A community MG is a coordinated local grid region
served by one or more distribution substations and supported by high
penetrations of local RESs and other DERs.
• They are frequently employed in developed countries to help
communities reach renewable energy goals.
Classifying MGs on the basis of application ( Contd.):

• Island MGs: They are small-scale MGs that are completely

disconnected from the main grid and generate their own electricity.
• District energy MGs: District energy MGs provide both electricity and
thermal energy for various facilities’ heating (and cooling).
Challenges in microgrid protection and control include:
• Bidirectional power flows:
Integration of DG units at low voltage levels can cause reverse
power flows and lead to complications in protection coordination,
undesirable power flow patterns, fault current distribution, and
voltage control.
• Stability issues:
Local oscillations may emerge from the interaction of the control
systems of DG units, requiring a thorough small-disturbance
stability analysis.
Moreover, transient stability analyses are required to ensure
seamless transition between the grid-connected and stand-alone
modes of operation in a microgrid
• Modeling: Prevalence of three-phase balanced conditions, primarily
inductive transmission lines, and constant-power loads are typically
valid assumptions when modeling conventional power systems at a
transmission level;
These do not necessarily hold valid for microgrids, and
consequently models need to be revised.
• Low inertia:
Microgrids might show a low-inertia characteristic, especially if
there is a significant share of power electronic-interfaced DG units.
The low inertia in the system can lead to severe frequency
deviations in stand-alone operation if a proper control
mechanism is not implemented.
• Uncertainty:
The economical and reliable operation of microgrids requires a
certain level of coordination among different DERs.
This coordination becomes more challenging in isolated
microgrids, where the critical demand-supply balance and
typically higher component failure rates require solving a
strongly coupled problem over an extended horizon, taking into
account the uncertainty of parameters such as load profile and
weather forecast.
This uncertainty is higher than those in bulk power systems, due to
the reduced number of loads and highly correlated variations of
available energy resources (limited averaging effect).
Microgrid’s control system
Able to ensure the reliable and economical operation of the microgrid,
while overcoming the challenges.
Desirable features of the control system include:
Output control: Output voltages and currents of the various {DER}
units must track their reference values and ensure oscillations are
properly damped.
Power balance: DER units in the microgrid must be able to
accommodate sudden active power imbalances, either excess or
shortage, keeping frequency and voltage deviations within acceptable
ranges.
Demand Side Management:
• Proper DSM mechanisms must be designed in order to incorporate
the ability to control a portion of the load.
• For the electrification of remote communities with abundant local
renewable resources, the active participation of the local
community may be beneficial in order to design cost-effective
DSM strategies that enhance load-frequency control.
• Economic dispatch:
• Appropriate dispatch of DER units participating in the operation of
a microgrid can significantly reduce the operating costs, or increase
the profit.
• Reliability considerations must also be taken into account in the
dispatch of units, especially in stand-alone operation.
• Transition between modes of operation:
• A desirable feature of microgrids is the ability to work in both grid-
connected and stand-alone modes of operation, including a
smooth transition between them.
• Different control strategies might be defined for each mode of
operation and, therefore, a high-speed islanding detection
algorithm is very important in order to adjust the control strategy
accordingly .
Microgrid control

• MGs’ resources are distributed in nature.

• The uncertain and intermittent output of RESs increases the
complexity of the effective operation.
• MG Central Controller (MGCC) is used to control and manage the
MG, to provide stable and constant power flow..
• MGCC can be installed at a local control center or a distribution
substation.
• Local DG units and distributed ESS devices are controlled by MGCC,
which communicates with controllers at lower hierarchical levels.
• MGs can also be managed using more distributed methods like
droop control and agent systems.
Microgrid control ( Contd.)

A control strategy should meet the following requirements :

• Power balance: Coordination of DG supply and efficient load sharing.
• Transition: Islanding to the grid-tied mode or vice versa is a seamless
transition between MG modes of operation.
• Protection: Monitoring of energy flow and important equipment, as well
as grid fault management.
• Power transmission: Exchange of power between the main grid and
the MG.
• Optimization: Determines the best MG dispatch plan in order to
maximize economic advantage. In addition, depending on the MG’s
conditions, it ensures enhanced energy efficiency.
Microgrid control

• Synchronization: For optimal power transmission, the MG must be

synchronized with the power network.
• Stability: The MG’s voltage and frequency are regulated as it
operates in various modes.
Furthermore, both the AC- and DC-sides of the MG benefit from a
robust and reliable power network.
LC: Local Control, CC: Central Control , D: DG
Control techniques:

Centralized control techniques

• Centralized control management allows for easy deployment and real-
time monitoring of the entire system.
• Within the framework of centralized control, a single individual CC
serves as the primary controller.
• In MG systems, CC manages the operation of different DG units.
• A LC is used by each DG unit, which can interact with the CC directly.
• Recent computation technologies help CC to monitor and analyze the
data received from the LC in real-time operation.
• The implementation of centralized control is rather straightforward.
Control techniques:

Centralized control techniques (Contd.)

• It has also demonstrated excellent response in the operation of the MG
system.
• Many concerns remain unresolved, particularly when working with a
large-scale hybrid system.
• CC failures impact the entire system’s functionality.
• In addition to this, the control technique has a low degree of
flexibility and expandability
Decentralized control techniques

• Has been developed to maximize the autonomy of the micro sources

and loads in MGs.
• The key aspects are to maintain stability, cost-effective operation, and
reliability.
• The control decision is made by relying on the local measurement and
it requires limited local connections.
• High-performance computer units and a high level of connection
are not required.
• Global optimum solutions for the whole MG system cannot be
guaranteed.
Distributed control:
• Some information is shared among controllers so that each has some
understanding of the behavior of the others, so improving the overall
performance.
Advancements in MG control systems:
• Recent advancements in control and supervision systems for MGs
have been driven by the increasing incorporation of RESs, the need for
enhanced grid flexibility, and the growing complexity of MG
operations.
• The primary aim of these technological advancements is to improve
the performance, reliability, and efficiency of MGs, ensuring seamless
integration of DERs, and effective management of grid operations.
Advancements in MG control systems:
Intelligent EMS:
• Advanced EMS solutions utilize artificial intelligence, machine
learning, and optimization algorithms to efficiently manage the
generation, storage, and consumption of energy within microgrids
• These systems continuously monitor and forecast energy demand and
generation, dynamically optimize energy dispatch, and enable real-
time decision-making to achieve optimal operational performance.
Advancements in MG control systems:
Advanced ESS management:
• To optimize the utilization and effectiveness of ESS in microgrids,
sophisticated control strategies have been developed.
• These strategies involve intelligent scheduling and control of ESS
based on real-time capacity demand, renewable energy availability,
and grid conditions.
• This facilitates the efficient balancing of energy, peak reduction, load
shifting, and grid support.
Grid-forming inverter control:
• Grid-forming inverters have attracted attention due to their ability
to independently regulate the voltage and frequency of MGs,
eliminating the dependence on the main grid .
• This feature is particularly significant as RESs become more
prevalent.
• Advanced control algorithms for grid-forming inverters enhance
grid stability, strengthen MG resilience, and enable seamless
transitions between grid-connected and islanded modes .
DR integration:
• Control systems in microgrids are incorporating DR mechanisms to
allow consumers to actively participate in load management.
• Advanced DR algorithms and communication protocols enable real-
time interaction between the MG operator and end-users, which
facilitates load shedding or load shifting during peak demand
periods and optimizes overall energy consumption .
Cyber-physical security:
• It is crucial to ensure the cybersecurity and resilience of MG control
systems as they grow more networked and dependent on digital
communication and control technologies .
• To defend against cyber threats, control and supervisory systems
are integrating advanced security features like encryption,
authentication protocols, anomaly detection, and intrusion
prevention systems .
References
• Moslem Uddin a, , Huadong Mo a, , Daoyi Dong a , Sondoss
Elsawah a , Jianguo Zhu b , Josep M. Guerrero c, ‘Microgrids: A
review, outstanding issues and future trends’, Energy Strategy
Reviews 49 (2023) 101127
• Trends in Microgrid Control by IEEE-PES Task Force on Microgrid
Control, IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON SMART GRID, VOL. 5, NO. 4, JULY
2014