Hierarchical Microgrid Control for Precise Multi-Microgrid Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for electrical grid systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple-microgrid systems due to complexity, dynamic conditions, and the need for precise control of operational parameters like voltage, current, and frequency.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical control system comprising primary, secondary, and tertiary controllers, each with specific communication links and operational roles, is implemented. This system uses a state machine based on discrete event models and supervisory control theory to coordinate the operation of multiple microgrids and utilities, ensuring optimal operational parameters are maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a centralized control system is used to manage multiple-microgrid systems, then control precision can be maintained, but system complexity and computational delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into three hierarchical levels: primary controllers at each microgrid level handling local real-time control, secondary controllers at each multiple-microgrid system level coordinating between microgrids, and a tertiary controller at the utility level for overall system coordination. This segmentation distributes computational tasks and reduces the complexity burden on any single controller while maintaining comprehensive control precision through coordinated operation across all levels.
2Reliability
If a hierarchical control structure with multiple levels is implemented, then system resilience is enhanced, but communication overhead and coordination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical control structure segments control functions across three levels, enabling localized decision-making at primary and secondary levels while maintaining system-wide coordination through the tertiary level. This segmentation enhances resilience by allowing microgrids to operate autonomously when needed while reducing coordination complexity through clear division of control responsibilities at each level.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control level is equipped with specific functional capabilities appropriate to its level: primary controllers handle real-time local microgrid operations, secondary controllers manage coordination between multiple microgrids, and the tertiary controller oversees utility-level integration. This local quality assignment optimizes each controller's performance for its specific tasks while reducing overall system coordination complexity.
3Measurement precision
If real-time control of operational parameters is implemented across all microgrids, then operational precision is improved, but computational load and response time delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time control computational tasks are segmented and distributed to primary controllers at each microgrid level, which handle local real-time operational parameter control immediately without centralized processing delays. Secondary and tertiary controllers handle coordination and optimization at appropriate time scales, reducing overall computational delay while maintaining operational precision through distributed real-time control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided systems and methods for controlling multiple-microgrid systems, which include a control system having two or more primary controllers, each configured to be in communication with a corresponding microgrid (MG) and a corresponding microgrid circuit breaker (MGCB) interposed between the MG and a feeder line of a multiple-microgrid system (MMG). The MG is connected to the feeder line at a point of common coupling. The control system also includes a secondary controller associated with the MMG. The secondary controller is configured to be in communication with the primary controllers, and also in communication with a multiple-microgrid system circuit breaker (MMGCB) interposed between the MMG and a transmission line. Furthermore, the control system includes a tertiary controller configured to be in communication with the secondary controller, one or more electrical utilities, and one or more utility circuit breakers (UCBs) each interposed between the corresponding utility and the transmission line.