Multi-platform real-time microgrid simulation testbed with hierarchical control of distributed energy resources featuring energy storage balancing

The continued rise of renewable power generation requires the invention of smart grid technologies, among which communication and remote control are key. Multilevel control strategies improve grid stability and provide the necessary flexibility to address changing demand, contingency, and renewable generation variability. To test these strategies while avoiding damage to existing infrastructure or lab equipment, simulation is employed to facilitate large-scale control and protection applications. In this work, a hierarchical control strategy is tested in a real-time simulation environment implementing a moderately large microgrid with 100% renewable generation penetration, using both physical and software-based controllers, in both local- A nd remote-control configurations. Additionally, an adaptation is made to the existing hierarchical control strategy to accommodate energy storage balancing amongst distributed resources. The scalability of the testbed and adaptability of the control strategy are tested, and stable operation is observed.