Learning-Based Load Control to Support Resilient Networked Microgrid Operations

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2020 · IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-stg.2019.0265· OSTI ID:1737372

Radhakrishnan, Nikitha  ^[1]; Schneider, Kevin P.  ^[1]; Tuffner, Francis K.  ^[1]; Du, Wei ^[1]; Bhattarai, Bishnu P. ^[1]

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1. BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)

Microgrids have proven to be an effective option for increasing the resiliency of critical end-use loads during extreme events. Building on past operational experiences, some microgrid operators are examining the potential to network microgrids to further improve resiliency. However, the frequency deviations experienced on isolated microgrids during transient events, such as switching operations, step increases in load, and loss of generation, are significantly larger than those typically seen on bulk transmission systems. The larger frequency deviations can cause a loss of inverter-connected assets, resulting in a loss of power to critical end-use loads. This paper presents a method of mitigating the impact of transient events by engaging end-use loads using Grid-Friendly Appliance^TM(GFA) controllers. An online, i.e., real-time, device-level algorithm is presented, which adjusts individual GFA controller frequency set-points based on the operational characteristics of each end-use load, and on the changing grid dynamic characteristics. The presented method improves the dynamic stability of the networked microgrid operations while minimizing the interruptions to end-use loads. The presented work is validated with dynamic simulations using a modified version of the IEEE 123-node test system with three microgrids, using the GridLAB-D^TMsimulation environment.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1737372
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-138672
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, Vol. 3, Issue 5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English