Microgrids Operation in Islanded Mode

The smart grid concept is intended to improve power system operation and control. A feasible path to make the system smarter is through microgrids deployment. A microgrid is a small scale-power system with its own power generation units and deferrable loads, and it may work islanded or connected to the main power grid. The main objective of microgrids in islanded mode is to allow the system to operate even in adverse scenarios, such as faults in main grid, high prices of main grid’s power, and supplying remote areas. In the case of an islanding, high priority loads, such as hospitals, transportation and telecommunication facilities must have their supply assured. This is possible due to the penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), including renewable, fossil, combined heat and power, and energy storage units. However, the operation of microgrids in islanded mode requires more attention due to the higher outage risk since the power generation capacity is limited. Consequently, microgrids may be provided by an Energy Management System (EMS) responsible for managing the scarce power resources to maintain the supply for the highest priority customers connected to the grid. Such management strategy is a complicated and ambitious task and demands a robust and reliable communication system. This chapter investigates some control and management issues in microgrids islanded operation mode. Firstly, the main features and requirements of islanded mode in comparison with connected mode are described. Some discussions about control requirements on different control levels are presented. Communications networks are also discussed. These communications networks enable the expected smart features in the microgrids through the bidirectional data flow. The steps for designing a mobile telecommunication network for a microgrid are described, and a study case considering a small microgrid is investigated to show the communication network design steps and the operation of an islanded microgrid during one day.

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