Microgrid Control Systems
Explore the hierarchical control architectures that enable microgrids to maintain stability, optimize performance, and ensure reliable operation across different time scales
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Section 3 of 5Hierarchical Control Architecture
Primary Control
Fast-acting local controllers that maintain immediate stability through droop control and automatic voltage regulation. Response time: < 100ms
Secondary Control
System-wide coordination for power balancing, economic dispatch, and frequency restoration. Response time: 1-10 seconds
Tertiary Control
Strategic optimization including unit commitment, market participation, and long-term planning. Response time: minutes to hours
Control Hierarchy in Action
Explore how different control layers work together to maintain microgrid stability. Click on each layer to see its specific responsibilities and response characteristics.
Control Hierarchy Simulator
Primary Control
< 100msFast-acting local controllers for immediate response
Secondary Control
1-10 secondsCoordination layer for system-wide optimization
Tertiary Control
minutes to hoursStrategic planning and market integration
Primary Control Details
- • Voltage/frequency regulation
- • Fault detection
- • Islanding protection
Real-Time System Status
Economic Dispatch Optimization
Learn how microgrids optimize generation dispatch based on different objectives: cost minimization, emissions reduction, or reliability maximization.
Economic Dispatch Optimizer
Generation Sources
Dispatch Summary
Generation Mix
Optimization Insights
- • Prioritizing lowest-cost sources first
- • Diesel used only when renewables insufficient
- • Battery provides flexibility for peak shaving
Protection and Safety Systems
Design protection schemes for different fault scenarios to ensure system safety and minimize outage impacts on critical loads.
Protection Scheme Designer
Protection Devices
Short Circuit Fault
High current fault between phases or phase-to-ground
System Response
Protection Recommendations
- • Include breaker for short circuit fault protection
- • Include relay for short circuit fault protection
- • Include fuse for short circuit fault protection
- • Response time should be < 200ms for system stability
- • Minimize affected load through selective coordination
- • Test protection schemes regularly for reliability
Control System Challenges
Technical Challenges
- • Maintaining synchronism during transitions
- • Coordinating distributed energy resources
- • Managing power quality and harmonics
- • Handling communication delays and failures
- • Balancing multiple optimization objectives
Operational Challenges
- • Real-time decision making under uncertainty
- • Predictive maintenance and fault diagnosis
- • Cybersecurity and system vulnerability
- • Regulatory compliance and standards
- • Scalability as system grows