System and method for energy management and control of a microgrid

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling a microgrid network include a plurality of distributed energy resources supplying electrical power to a plurality of loads. A controller coupled to the microgrid network and to the distributed energy resources and loads includes a processor and memory configured to execute scheduled controller function blocks. The functional block is configured to cause the processor to receive a total power demand of all loads coupled to the microgrid network and at least one operational constraint corresponding to a plurality of distributed energy resources, and cause the processor to use the operational constraints to determine whether there is sufficient electrical power available from the plurality of distributed energy resources to power the load. The functional block is further configured to determine which of the plurality of available distributed energy resources need to be adjusted to supply electrical power to the plurality of loads such that the controller adjusts the electrical power output by each of the distributed energy resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to energy management and control for power networks. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for energy management and control of microgrids and / or power plant networks that deploy distributed energy resources. Background Art

[0002] A microgrid is a cluster of distributed energy resources (DER) and loads that provide services at distribution voltage levels. A microgrid can operate in a grid-connected mode or an autonomous mode (island or isolation). A microgrid is disconnected from the main utility grid at a remote location (such as an industrial facility and a residential community), cannot be connected to the main utility grid, and typically relies on local dispatchable energy resources (such as fossil fuel-fired power plants including diesel generator sets, micro gas turbines, etc.) for their energy supply when operating in an island mode. Microgrids in autonomous mode tend to rely primarily on dispatchable energy resources. Due to the high price of fossil fuels used in dispatchable energy resources, the operation, control, and maintenance of microgrids tend to have high energy costs. Energy costs can be significantly reduced by including intermittent energy resources (such as, for example, renewable energy resources that rely on wind, solar, etc.) to offset fossil fuel consumption.

[0003] Examples of different DERs are solar power plants, diesel generators, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and wind farms, etc. In a grid-connected system, a microgrid serves its internal loads and can also potentially import or export power from / to the grid depending on the load-generation balance. Power plants typically have very small internal loads and their main goal is to export power to the main grid to fulfill commercial agreements and earn revenue.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a simple user-friendly and configurable system that allows for optimal utilization of DER resources in a microgrid and / or power plant network and provides multiple executable control schemes for controlling a microgrid based on the type of DER resources connected to the microgrid. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for energy management and control of a microgrid and / or power plant network deploying distributed energy resources.

[0006] In a first embodiment, a system for controlling a microgrid network is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of distributed energy resources that supply electric power to the microgrid network, and a plurality of loads that are coupled to the microgrid network and the plurality of distributed energy resources. A controller is coupled to the microgrid network, the distributed energy resources, and the loads. The controller includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, and is configured to execute a scheduling controller function block contained in the memory, wherein the function block is configured to cause the processor to receive a total power demand of all loads coupled to the microgrid network and at least one operational constraint corresponding to a plurality of distributed energy resources, and to cause the processor to use the operational constraints to determine whether there is enough electric power available from a plurality of distributed energy resources to supply power to the loads. The function block is further configured to determine which of the available multiple distributed energy resources needs to be adjusted to supply electric power to the multiple loads, so that the controller adjusts the electric power output by each of the distributed energy resources.

[0007] In a second embodiment, a method for controlling a microgrid network is disclosed. The microgrid network includes a plurality of distributed energy resources that supply electric power to the microgrid network and a plurality of loads coupled to the microgrid network, the method comprising: providing a controller coupled to the microgrid network and the distributed energy resources and the loads, the controller comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The method further comprises: executing a dispatch controller function block contained in the memory by the processor, the processor receiving the total power demand of all loads coupled to the microgrid network and at least one operational constraint from each of the plurality of distributed energy resources, and determining by the function block whether there is sufficient electric power available from the plurality of distributed energy resources to supply power to the loads using the received operational constraints. The method further comprises: determining by the function block which of the plurality of available distributed energy resources needs to be adjusted to supply electric power to the plurality of loads, and adjusting the electric power output of each of the distributed energy resources.

[0008] Other technical features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, descriptions and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 A power distribution system according to the present disclosure is shown in a schematic block diagram;

[0011] Figure 2schematically illustrates an exemplary system controller according to the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 The functional blocks of the scheduling controller according to the present disclosure are shown in a functional block diagram; and

[0013] Figure 4 A method for controlling a microgrid using a dispatch controller function block according to the present disclosure is shown in a block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The accompanying drawings discussed below and the various embodiments for describing the principles of the present invention in this patent document are only carried out by way of illustration and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present invention can be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

[0015] The embodiments of the method, system and device described herein can be realized in hardware or software or a combination of the two.These embodiments can be realized in the computer program executed on a programmable computer, and each computer includes at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile memory or non-volatile memory or other data storage elements or their combination) and at least one communication interface.For example, a suitable programmable computer can be a server, a network device, a set-top box, an embedded device, a computer expansion module, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant, a mobile device or any other computing device that can be configured to perform the method described herein.Program code is applied to input data to perform functions described herein and to produce output information.Output information is applied to one or more output devices in a known manner.In some embodiments, the communication interface can be a network communication interface.In the embodiment in which the elements of the present invention are combined, the communication interface can be a software communication interface, such as those software communication interfaces for inter-process communication (IPC).In other embodiments, there can be a combination of the communication interface implemented as hardware, software and their combination.

[0016] In addition, the methods, systems, and apparatus of the described embodiments can be distributed in a computer program product that includes a physical, non-transitory computer-readable medium carrying computer-usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium can be provided in various forms, including one or more disks, optical disks, tapes, chips, magnetic and electronic storage media, etc. The computer-usable instructions can also be in various forms, including compiled and non-compiled code.

[0017] In a grid-connected system, a microgrid serves its internal loads, and depending on the load-generation balance, the microgrid can also potentially import or export power from / to the connected grid. Power plants typically have very small internal loads, and the main goal is to export power to the main grid to fulfill commercial agreements and earn revenue. Microgrids and power plants operate with various driving principles, and some of those various driving principles are load frequency control, economic dispatch control, environmental dispatch control, safety dispatch control, etc. With the rapid growth and adoption of renewable energy (such as from solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS)), energy management and control systems (EMCS) need to implement complex control schemes and methods based on the various operating principles of microgrids and power plants to achieve the desired results. Different DERs have their own constraints and settings for optimal power delivery. For example, a diesel generator performs best when it is running at the optimal set point. In addition, for heterogeneous types of DER, there is a need for supervisory logic that optimizes the power flow from different DERs. For example, such as a decision to utilize one DER before another DER of the same type or different types. Complex custom logic needs to be created in the control system to be able to coordinate between different energy resources while adapting to different constraints. In addition, with the emergence of newer technologies and data-driven techniques such as machine learning, there is a need to simplify the control system configuration to focus on improving the performance and key performance indicators of the control system. This need requires the creation of a system and method to easily integrate and operate different DERs in a manner that specifies the exact goals to be achieved, and allows for different operating principles for multiple DERs of the same type, for multiple types of DERs, and for entire microgrids and power plants.

[0018] First reference Figure 1 , a schematic block diagram of a power distribution system 100 including a microgrid network 110 connected to a power grid 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The microgrid network 110 includes a plurality of distributed energy resources (DERs) 102, one or more loads 140, and a system controller 170. The DER 102 includes one or more dispatchable energy resources 162 and 164 and one or more electronically coupled energy storage resources 150.

[0019] The electronically coupled energy storage resources 150 may include one or more battery energy storage systems (BESS) connected to the microgrid 110 and one or more dispatchable energy resources 162 and 164. The DER 102 is coupled to a load 140 through the microgrid 110. The load 140 may be any type of electrical load, such as, for example, a residential or commercial building 142 or an industrial and power plant facility 146. Typically, the load 140 will be time-varying.

[0020] As used herein, the term "dispatchable" refers to an energy resource whose power output can be controlled or adjusted within a wide range as permitted by the operating constraints of the energy resource. For example, when there is sufficient fuel supplied, the diesel generator 164 can generally be controlled to provide the desired power output. The renewable energy sources 162 can be dispatchable to a certain extent due to the environmental conditions in which they operate. For example, the power generated by a wind-based energy resource (such as a wind turbine) is limited by the amount of wind incident on its blades; a solar energy resource is limited by the amount of light reaching its panels. The power generated by a wind turbine can be controlled to a certain extent by varying the pitch angle of the turbine's blades. However, in the absence of sufficient wind, the turbine will not generate any power.

[0021] As used herein, the term "electronically coupled energy resource" refers to an energy resource of the system 100 that is connected to the AC microgrid backbone via a three-phase or single-phase DC-AC voltage source converter (VSC). The electronically coupled energy resource 150 refers to an energy resource capable of storing power, such as, for example, a BESS facility or container, etc.

[0022] The microgrid network 110 maintains certain parameters of the power supply, including frequency and voltage, within acceptable limits in accordance with standards and operating guidelines to ensure the quality of the power supply. The frequency of the power network supply may vary depending on the balance between the total load-side consumption and the generation of power to power the microgrid 110. The voltage of the power network supply may vary depending on the balance between the total load-side consumption and the generation of reactive power.

[0023] Various characteristics, including reactive power levels and short circuit levels (or grid stiffness) of power sources in the microgrid network, are constantly changing, resulting in continuously changing characteristics of the power network. Therefore, the microgrid 110 may use a complex control system to maintain its voltage and frequency stability and ensure acceptable power quality for consumers. In addition, in the microgrid 110, demand fluctuates continuously and is largely out of the control of the power network operator. In addition, with the surge in intermittent energy resources in the microgrid network, an additional element of unpredictability or at least unavailability of some energy resources may be added to the generation capacity.

[0024] Maintaining a balance between generation and demand in the microgrid 110 is important for reliable operation of the microgrid network. Sufficient mismatch in generation and demand can result in large frequency excursions on the system bus, which both reduces the overall efficiency of the power network and tends to increase equipment wear and damage, resulting in increased maintenance costs. In addition to steady-state control, the described systems, methods, and apparatus can also allow for rapid dynamic control of active and reactive power to maintain voltage and frequency stability of the microgrid 100 after a system disturbance.

[0025] In a microgrid network, such as, for example, in the microgrid network 110, the DER 102 has operating constraints that should be followed to extend the service life of the network and minimize the maintenance costs of the DER 102 and the entire distribution system 100. In various other cases of the microgrid 110, the dispatchable energy resources 162, 164 may also have several operating constraints that may also need to be maintained to extend the service life of the microgrid network 110. Examples of operating constraints for the dispatchable energy resources 162, 164 for the diesel power generation system 164 may include minimum load and limited switching cycles. Different DERs 102 may have different costs and efficiencies associated with them. For example, operating a diesel generator 164 requires consumption of diesel fuel. On the other hand, the power obtained from the wind power generation resource 162 only requires sufficient wind power. When sufficient wind power is available, it is substantially free. By increasing the penetration of a particular energy resource (e.g., wind power generation), the system operator can reduce the cost of power generation for the microgrid 110.

[0026] The present disclosure provides a method and system that allows a microgrid operator to achieve desired operations based on a simple user-friendly and configurable system that provides the best utilization of resources depending on the type of DER 102 connected to the microgrid 110, which allows different operating principles to be defined for the entire plant and for different DERs 102 included in the microgrid 110.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure define and use a dedicated programmable dispatch controller function block (FB) executed by the system controller 170 that integrates the DERs connected to the microgrid 110. The FB forms the basis of a dispatch controller that eliminates the complex logic typically found in a microgrid control system. The FB manages a microgrid 110 with multiple dispatchable resource types by simply using parameterization without using complex project engineering. The use of parameterization prevents drastic changes to the controller's control logic when additional DERs are added to the microgrid 110.

[0028] As used herein, a "Function Block (FB)" is a packaged element of software that produces a primary result when executed with a specific set of input values. Function blocks are primarily used to specify properties of user functions. In a control system, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), a function block may include software programming and algorithms that may implement a specific function within a control system (such as, for example, a peripheral-integral-derivative controller).

[0029] Figure 2An exemplary device 200 is shown representing the microgrid controller system 170. The device 200 represents a controller or other control system component used by the microgrid control system 170, or any other suitable device that supports control of energy management of the microgrid 110, to execute and run a dispatch controller FB on the device 200. The key goal of the dispatch controller is to look at all available dispatchable and electrically coupled energy sources to reduce fuel consumption in the case of diesel generators, increase consumption of dispatchable renewable energy, and if connected to the grid 120, reduce energy consumption from the grid 120.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the device 200 includes at least one processor 202, at least one storage device 204, at least one communication unit 206, and at least one I / O unit 208. Each processor 202 can execute instructions, software, and functional blocks, such as those that can be loaded into the memory 210. Each processor 202 represents any suitable processing device, such as one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or discrete circuits.

[0031] Memory 210 and persistent storage 212 are examples of storage devices 204, which represent any structure capable of storing information (such as data, program code, and / or other suitable information on a temporary or permanent basis) and facilitating retrieval of the information. Memory 210 may represent random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage 212 may include one or more components or devices that support longer-term storage of data, such as read-only memory, a hard disk, flash memory, or an optical disk.

[0032] The communication unit 206 supports communication with other systems or devices. For example, the communication unit 206 may include at least one network interface card or wireless transceiver to facilitate communication via at least one wired or wireless network 175. As a specific example, the communication unit 206 may support communication with one or more sensors, data communication units embedded in the DER 102, or sensors and sensing devices that can monitor the electrical loads 140 connected to the microgrid 110. As another specific example, the communication unit 206 may support wireless or wired communication with higher-level components of a PLC / SCADA control network (not shown) to provide information to an operator site and control data from the operator site.

[0033] I / O unit 208 allows for input and output of data. For example, I / O unit 208 may provide a connection for user input via a keyboard, mouse, keypad, touch screen, local operator device, or other suitable input device. I / O unit 208 may also send output to a display, printer, or other suitable output device.

[0034] Although Figure 2 An example of a device 200 for implementing the present disclosure is shown, but may be used for Figure 2 Make various changes. For example, you can combine, further subdivide or omit Figure 2 In addition, the computing device can have many configurations, and Figure 2 The present disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration of devices.

[0035] refer to Figure 3 , shows the scheduling controller FB 310 of the present disclosure. FB 310 provides a configurable software program executable by the controller 200 to provide:

[0036] i. Read the parameters of the electrical load to be supported;

[0037] ii. Reading parameters of power generation potential from various DERs connected to the microgrid 110;

[0038] iii. Parameters for configuring the number of several types of DERs connected in the microgrid 110 and the system 100; and

[0039] iv. Setting parameters for dispatch options for the microgrid 110 or any power plant connected to the microgrid by specifying, ordered dispatch, unit order, and predicted dispatch.

[0040] FB 310 further provides parameters for setting the dispatch options for each resource type. For example, using the algorithm executed in FB310, the BESS 150 can be operated to provide equal / proportional sharing, battery cycle optimization, leveled SOC, and external control. FB 310 can provide parameters for the diesel dispatchable energy resource 164. For example, using the algorithm executed in FB310, the diesel dispatchable energy resource 164 can be operated to provide equal / proportional sharing, optimal set points, order between multiple generators, and external control.

[0041] For microgrid 110 connected to grid 120 , FB 310 may include settings for electric power import / export limits, curtailment signals, and demand resource signals.

[0042] The FB 310 may also provide parameters indicative of the status of each DER 102 connected to the microgrid 110 to determine whether the dispatchable energy resources 162 , 164 or the energy storage resources 150 are in use or can be used to power the microgrid 110 .

[0043] FB 310 is arranged to evaluate all inputs to check the status of each DER 102, check the required power generation against the current load conditions from load 140, and adjust the output set points to each DER to achieve the desired results. For example, reducing fuel consumption of diesel energy resources 164 or increasing consumption of renewable energy, and if connected to the grid 120, reducing utility power consumption.

[0044] The input parameters of the dispatch controller FB 310 include a grid set point input (GRID_RT.SP) 320. The GRID_RT.SP 320 parameter is a grid set point that defines the import / export power demand from the grid 120. Depending on the grid set point indicating the import or export of power from the grid 120 to the microgrid 110, the parameter setting is considered to be the load (output) or the available power (input). The input value on the GRID_RT.SP input 320 may include a -ve value that indicates the grid input requirement that the microgrid must meet to supply power to the load connected to the microgrid. The +ve value indicates the grid output capacity requirement that the microgrid must meet, and the 0ve value indicates that there is no grid demand. The MaxImport and MaxExport values ​​(not shown) will limit the import / export. When GRID_RT.SP is 0, the MaxImport and MaxExport limits are applied. GRID_RT.SP represents the point of interconnection (POI) 345 power reference.

[0045] The POI is the point at which the microgrid 110 is connected to the grid 120. Limits for importing and exporting from the grid are set depending on the agreement with the utility that generates and distributes power to the grid 120. Depending on any agreement with the utility, the power import / output can be considered fixed or variable. If the promised power must be delivered to the grid, the amount of power that needs to be delivered should be provided by the user. This can be a fixed value for the day (and can be repeated every day), or it can be a different value for various times of the day. If the microgrid 110 operator wants to deliver the promised power to the utility, this will form the basis for the power import / export. The POI 345 is then considered to be a promised power output and is fed to the FB 310 as an input. The measured value at the POI 345 gives the power import / output value.

[0046] P_LOAD 325 is a measurement of the sum of all loads connected to the microgrid 110. The total load may be taken from a multi-function meter (MFM) (not shown) connected at the load 140. The electrical network within the microgrid 110 may have multiple loads connected at various locations. All of these loads are connected to multiple feeders that will ultimately terminate at a common bus where the load measurement will be made and the loads are added to each other to provide a reading of the total load of the microgrid 110.

[0047] Parameters for the state of the inputs of any DER 102 connected to the microgrid 110 are also input to the FB 310. The SOLAR_RT input 330 provides data to the FB 310 of the measured actual output that can be provided to the controller from the solar dispatchable resources 162. This can include providing an input for the total number of solar units available to the microgrid 110. The FB 310 using the SOLAR_RT input 330 parameters calculates the total solar power available from the solar dispatchable resources 162 for use by the microgrid 110. The outputs from the FB 310 are the setpoint and curtailment inputs of the solar dispatchable resources 162 to the DER 102.

[0048] The WIND_RT input 332 provides data of measured actual output to the FB 310, which actual output is provided to the controller from any wind dispatchable resource 162. The WIND_RT input 332 provides data of measured actual output to the FB 310, which actual output can be provided to the controller from the wind dispatchable resource 162. This can include providing an input of the total number of wind turbine generator units available to the microgrid 110. The FB 310 using the WIND_RT input parameter calculates the total amount of wind power available from the wind dispatchable resource 162 for use by the microgrid 110. The outputs from the FB 310 are the set point and curtailment inputs to the wind dispatchable resource 162.

[0049] The BESS_RT input 334 provides data to the FB 310 on the measured actual voltage output that may be provided by the BESS, its state of charge (SOC), and the time the BESS is activated. The output from the FB 310 is the power reference (Pref) that the BESS 150 needs to dispatch to the microgrid 110 .

[0050] The DG_RT input 336 provides the FB 310 with data of each diesel dispatchable resource 164 that is online and operating, as well as data of the actual power output, its fuel level, and its efficiency that can be measured from each generator produced by any diesel dispatchable resource 164 connected to the microgrid 110. The outputs from the FB 310 are the start / stop signals and set points to the DG dispatchable resources 164.

[0051] The FB 310 algorithm achieves load / generation balancing by prioritizing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind resources 162 over BESS 150, DG 164, and grid 120. FB 310 evaluates and checks the status of each DER 102 connected to the microgrid 110 and the required generation against the current load conditions, and adjusts the output set points to each DER to achieve the desired results, such as fuel consumption of diesel dispatchable resources 164, or increasing consumption of renewable energy from dispatchable resources 162, and if connected to the grid 120, reducing utility power consumption.

[0052] REMOTEGRID input 340 provides input parameters to FB 310 to define whether microgrid 110 is on grid 120 or off grid 120. Due to the lack of available and affordable transmission or distribution infrastructure, remote microgrids are physically isolated from grid 120 and always operate in island mode. Grid-connected microgrids have a physical connection to the utility grid via a switching mechanism at a common coupling point (PCC), but they can also disconnect to island mode and reconnect back to the main grid as needed. In a grid-connected microgrid scenario, a microgrid that is effectively integrated with a utility service provider can provide grid services (e.g., frequency and voltage regulation, active and reactive power support, demand response, etc.) to help address potential capacity, power quality and reliability, and voltage issues on grid 120.

[0053] FB 310 may also output error codes 360 as alarms and notifications to an operator site (not shown). The error codes provide an indication of the status of the dispatch controller FB 310. The error codes provided may include at least an alarm and notification that resources connected to FB 310 are exhausted.

[0054] Figure 4 An exemplary method 400 for managing a microgrid network 110 connected to a grid 120 and having a plurality of DERs 102 including one or more dispatchable energy resources 162 and 164 and one or more electronically coupled energy storage resources 150 using a FB dispatch controller 310 is shown in a block diagram. The FB 310 is executed by the control system 170 at a set time period 410 to initiate the method 400. The time period for executing the FB 310 may be based on the demand of the loads connected to the microgrid, or at times when the loads connected to the microgrid 110 were historically at peak demand.

[0055] Next in step 415, FB 310 checks the sum of all loads connected to the microgrid 110 using the P_LOAD input signal 325 applied to FB 310. In addition, FB 310 checks the status and available power of any DER 102 connected to the microgrid 110. For example, the SOLAR_RT input 330 is used to input data and status of the availability of any solar resources of the dispatchable resources 162 and the actual power that the solar resources can provide to the microgrid 110. Similarly, the WIND_RT input 332 provides data to the FB 310 on the availability of any wind resources to provide power to the microgrid from the dispatchable resources 162. In addition, the operating status and available power from other DERs 102 connected to the microgrid 110, such as the BESS 150 and the diesel generation source 164, are input to FB 310. Finally, the GRID_RT.SP 320 set point from the grid 120 is input to FB 310. This input defines the import / export power requirements of the grid 120. As explained above, the grid 120 may include import / export limits, reductions in power to or from the grid 120 , set by the utility importing (providing power to) or exporting (drawing power from) the microgrid 120 .

[0056] Next in step 420, FB 310 calculates whether excess or insufficient power is available to adequately power the loads connected to microgrid 110 at time “n” and checks the grid 120 import / export limits applied to the GRID_RT_SP 320 input to FB 310 in step 425 to determine how much power can be provided from the grid 120 to microgrid 110. The grid 120 import / export setpoints are adjusted based on available grid power, power curtailment, and the availability of sufficient power from the dispatchable energy sources 162, 164 of DER 102, for example, if wind turbines are operating to provide sufficient power from the dispatchable resources 162.

[0057] In step 430, the FB 310 determines which dispatchable resources 162, 164 need to be adjusted in order to provide power to the load. For example, if excess power is available, the import limits of the various DERs 102 can be adjusted in an ordered demand to use the most cost-effective energy sources. For example, if renewable energy from solar or wind sources of dispatchable energy resources 162 is plentiful, these energy sources would be advantageous and put into use while curtailing the stored battery power from the BESS 150 and / or the power generated from the diesel generators of the dispatchable energy resources 164.

[0058] On the other hand, if the calculation indicates a power shortage or insufficiency, more power may be drawn from the grid 120 until the grid 120 output limit is reached, maximum battery power may be drawn from the BESS 150 , and the diesel generators may be operated at maximum rate to provide power to meet the loads connected to the microgrid 110 .

[0059] FB 310 executes a dispatchable algorithm in step 435 to individually adjust the dispatchable resource outputs 162, 164 and BESS 150 based on operational constraints, such as, for example, if wind turbines are providing power, solar panels are generating power, sufficient SOC exists in the storage batteries of BESS units 150, and if the diesel generators of the dispatchable 164 are online. The use of the connected DER 102 is adjusted based on the options listed above. Each dispatchable resource is individually adjusted, and a test is performed in step 440 to determine whether the adjusted resource manages the microgrid power 110 demand. If the adjustments made in step 435 manage the load of the microgrid 110, the method branches back to step 410 and the method restarts. However, if the access or insufficient power demand is not being adequately managed, FB 310 tests in step 445 whether all DER resources have been exhausted. If not, the next dispatchable resource that can be adjusted is identified in step 450, and the dispatchable algorithm is executed again in step 435. Again, if in step 440 the microgrid 110 demand is found to be managed, the method 400 branches to step 410. If in step 445 the demand is found to be unmanaged and all dispatchable resources are exhausted, then at step 455 an alarm and notification is sent to the operator's site, thereby notifying the system operator or user of the microgrid 110 energy shortage.

[0060] As explained above, FB 310 evaluates all inputs applied to the dispatch controller to check the status of each DER and check the required resource power generation against the current load conditions of microgrid 110. FB 310 adjusts the output set points to each DER to achieve the desired results, such as, for example, reducing fuel consumption in the case of diesel generator dispatchable resources 164, increasing the consumption of renewable energy from dispatchable energy resources 162, and reducing utility power consumption if connected to grid 120.

[0061] It may be advantageous to set forth the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term "communication" and its derivatives cover both direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprising" and their derivatives mean including but not limited to this. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase "associated with..." and its derivatives may mean including, included within, interconnected with, contained within, connected to, or connected with, coupled to, or coupled with, communicated with, collaborated with, interlaced, juxtaposed, close to, coupled to, or combined with, have, have the property of, have a relationship with, or have a relationship with. When used with a list of items, the phrase "at least one of..." means that different combinations of one or more items in the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any combination of A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0062] The description in this application should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of subject matter protected by a patent is limited only by the claims as allowed. In addition, none of the claims is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements, unless the exact words "means for..." or "step for..." followed by a participle phrase identifying the function are expressly used in a particular claim. The use of terms such as (but not limited to) "mechanism", "module", "device", "unit", "component", "element", "member", "device", "machine", "system" or "controller" within the claims is understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

[0063] Although the present disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, changes and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description of the exemplary embodiments does not limit or restrict the present disclosure. Other changes, substitutions and variations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a microgrid network, the system comprising: a plurality of distributed energy resources, the plurality of distributed energy resources supplying electrical power to the microgrid network; a plurality of loads coupled to the microgrid network and the plurality of distributed energy resources; A controller coupled to the microgrid network, to the distributed energy resources and to the load, the controller comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to execute a dispatch controller function block contained in the memory, wherein: The functional block is configured to cause the processor to receive a total power demand of all loads coupled to the microgrid network and at least one operating constraint corresponding to the plurality of distributed energy resources, and cause the processor to use the operating constraint to determine whether there is sufficient electrical power available from the plurality of distributed energy resources to power the loads; and The functional block is further configured to determine which of the available multiple distributed energy resources need to be adjusted to supply electrical power to the multiple loads, thereby causing the controller to adjust the electrical power output by each of the distributed energy resources.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The microgrid network is further connected to an electric power supply source from a power grid, and the functional block is further configured to receive at least one power grid operation constraint including an import / export limit provided by the power grid, and the controller is configured to enable the functional block to determine whether sufficient electric power can be imported from the power grid for use by the multiple loads.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The controller causes the functional blocks to determine whether sufficient electric power is being generated by the distributed energy resources to be exported to the grid using the grid operating constraints and import / export limits.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The controller causes the processor to send an alarm to an operator site when the functional block determines, using the operating constraints from the distributed energy resources, that the electric power available from the multiple distributed energy resources has been exhausted and the input limit from the power grid will be insufficient to provide electric power to the load, thereby signaling an energy shortage in the microgrid network.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The distributed energy resources include at least one dispatchable energy resource.

6. A method for controlling a microgrid network, wherein: The microgrid network includes a plurality of distributed energy resources, the plurality of distributed energy resources supplying electric power to the microgrid network and a plurality of loads coupled to the microgrid network, the method comprising: providing a controller coupled to the microgrid network and the distributed energy resources and the load, the controller comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor; executing, by the processor, a dispatch controller function block contained in the memory, the processor receiving a total power demand of all loads coupled to the microgrid network and at least one operating constraint from each of the plurality of distributed energy resources; determining, by the functional block, whether there is sufficient electrical power available from the plurality of distributed energy resources to power the load using the received operating constraints; and The function block determines which distributed energy resources among the available multiple distributed energy resources need to be adjusted to supply electrical power to the multiple loads.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The microgrid network is further connected to an electric power supply source from a power grid, and the functional blocks are further configured to: receiving at least one grid operating constraint including an import / export limit provided by the grid; and The operating constraints and import / export limits are used to determine whether sufficient electrical power can be imported from the grid for use by a plurality of loads.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The functional block uses the operating constraints and the import / export limits to determine whether sufficient electrical power is being generated by the distributed energy resources to be exported to the grid based on the at least one constraint and the import / export limits.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The controller causes the processor to send an alarm to an operator site when the functional block determines, using the operating constraints from the distributed energy resources, that the electric power available from the multiple distributed energy resources has been exhausted and the input limit from the power grid will be insufficient to provide electric power to the load, thereby signaling an energy shortage in the microgrid network.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The distributed energy resource is at least one dispatchable energy resource.

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