Microgrids Emergency Control and Protection

Abstract

Economical harvesting of electrical energy on a large scale considering the environmental issues is a challenge. As a solution, Microgrids (MGs) promise to facilitate the widely penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and energy storage devices into the power systems, reduce system losses and greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the reliability of the electricity supply to the customers. Although the concept of MG is already established, the control strategies and energy management systems for MGs which cover power interchange, system stability, frequency and voltage regulation, active and reactive power control, islanding detection, grid synchronization, following contingencies and emergency conditions are still under development. Like a conventional power system, a Micro-grid (MG) needs emergency control and protection schemes to have secure and stable operation. Since MG can operate in both grid-connected and islanded mode, in addition to the control loops and protection schemes, extra issues must be considered. Transition between two operation modes requires an extra control plan to eliminate and stabilize transients due to mode changing. This paper presents an overview of the key issues and new challenges on emergency control and protection plans in the MG systems. The most important emergency control and protection schemes such as load shedding methods that have been presented over the past years are summarized.