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DOE OSTI · 3023401

Controller Requirements for Managing Community Microgrids

Baum, Jacqueline·Saad, Ahmed·Renjit, Ajit
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Abstract

Microgrid control systems are central to the functioning of a microgrid. They are responsible for managing distributed energy resources (DER) in both grid-connected and islanded modes of operation. Although microgrids are being developed and deployed by many utilities, several questions are being raised about the control system that manages them. This document provides the detailed list of requirements for a feeder-level microgrid controller to manage various islanded and grid-connected use cases. Functionally, the use cases include control scenarios that require the controller to maintain energy balance, prevent constraint violations, manage switching equipment, manage grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) DER, manage critical/non-critical loads, and coordinate with peer systems to operate joined island areas. In addition to detailed requirements, the document includes interface and performance metrics for functional evaluation. These requirements can be applied to utility-managed microgrid controllers that exclusively manage utility-owned equipment; requirements also apply to third-party managed microgrid controllers that coordinate with the utility- and customer-owned equipment. The document can also be used by technology developers and project developers in industry to specify desired control strategies and performance characteristics for community microgrid controllers.

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24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTIONcommunity microgridDERMSDistributed Energy Resources (DER)distribution islandingMicrogrid Controller

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Baum, Jacqueline, Saad, Ahmed, Renjit, Ajit. 2022-12-15. Controller Requirements for Managing Community Microgrids. https://doi.org/10.2172/3023401

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