Research develops a novel control approach to mitigate delays in communication to enhance microgrid resilience
Microgrids, localized groups of electricity sources and loads, have become pivotal in decentralized energy systems. Their dependency on communication for distributed control introduces vulnerabilities, particularly in the form of communication delays that can destabilize the system. Prof. Ahmed Al-Durra, Dr. Khaled Ali Al-Jaafari, Prof. Hatem Zeineldin and Prof. Ehab El-Saadany, with researchers from University of Alberta, Canada, explored innovative modifications to microgrid control structures that can enhance their robustness against such delays, ensuring improved system stability without compromising control responsiveness.
The team published their results in, a top 1% journal.
Microgrids use distributed secondary control strategies to manage energy resources like solar panels, wind turbines and batteries efficiently. This control is crucial for maintaining system stability, frequency, and voltage within desired limits but the inherent delays in communication networks can pose significant challenges.
The research team proposed an enhanced control strategy that incorporates additional feedback loops into the distributed generator’s control mechanism. These modifications aim to improve the system’s ability to handle communication delays by enhancing the dynamic response of the control system. This approach differs from traditional methods that often require significant bandwidth and computational resources, focusing instead on local adjustments that reduce the system’s overall sensitivity to delays.
In developing their strategy, the team used a combination of mathematical modelling and simulation tests to evaluate effectiveness. By incorporating supplementary local feedback signals within each distributed generator, the modified control structure was able to maintain stability and respond to disturbances more effectively than conventional systems.
Simulation results demonstrated a significantly improved resilience to communication delays, with the additional feedback loops allowing a wider range of permissible control parameters and greater flexibility in system tuning. This is particularly key in environments where communication delays are unpredictable and vary widely, such as in remote or heavily networked microgrids.
As microgrids become more common and renewable energy sources are further incorporated, robust control mechanisms are increasingly important for more reliable and resilient power systems. The research team’s proposed control structures not only stabilize the microgrid under varying communication conditions but also ensure that the energy distribution remains efficient and stable, even in challenging operational environments.
Jade SterlingÂ
Science WriterÂ
14 June 2024
