A Distributed Secondary Controller for Reactive Power Sharing and Voltage Regulation in Microgrids with Grid-Forming Inverters

Conceitos essenciais

A distributed secondary control scheme is proposed to achieve reactive power sharing and voltage regulation among heterogeneous grid-forming inverters in microgrids.

Resumo

The paper presents a distributed secondary control strategy for voltage regulation and reactive power sharing in microgrids with grid-forming (GFM) inverter-based resources (IBRs). The proposed scheme is based on a distributed optimization framework, allowing each GFM IBR to utilize decentralized measurements and neighborhood information in the communication network for the control updates.
The key highlights of the approach are:

A fully distributed synthesis and plug-and-play operation of the secondary controller, enabling individual GFM IBRs to choose control objectives based on their local requirements without centralized constraints.

Convergence analysis establishing voltage regulation and reactive power sharing properties of the proposed scheme.

Versatility in achieving diverse trade-offs, where some GFM IBRs can emphasize voltage regulation while others focus on reactive power sharing.

Privacy-preserving updates, where only non-linear estimates are shared between GFM IBRs during the control updates, safeguarding private information.

The performance of the proposed distributed secondary control scheme is evaluated using a controller hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) experiment, demonstrating its efficacy in achieving reactive power sharing and voltage regulation objectives.

Estatísticas

The total active power demand, PL, is shared according to the selection of the P∼f droop coefficients.
The reactive power demand is not shared equally among the GFM IBRs due to unequal line impedances.

Citações

"The proposed scheme provides reactive power sharing and voltage regulation among heterogeneous distributed GFM IBRs connected through varying line impedances."
"Only non-linear estimates are shared between the GFM IBRs during updates, safeguarding private information such as real-time power measurement, maximum capacity of generations, and local load demands, which is beneficial to enhance the protection of information privacy against malicious cyber-attacks."

Principais Insights Extraídos De

A Plug and Play Distributed Secondary Controller for Microgrids with Grid-Forming Inverters

by Vivek Khatan... às arxiv.org 10-01-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.19866.pdf

Perguntas Mais Profundas

How can the proposed distributed secondary control scheme be extended to handle communication delays and dynamic changes in the interconnections between the GFM IBRs?

The proposed distributed secondary control scheme can be extended to handle communication delays and dynamic interconnections by incorporating adaptive algorithms that account for time-varying network conditions. One approach is to implement a robust consensus protocol that can tolerate delays by using time-stamped messages and buffering techniques. This would allow GFM IBRs to maintain synchronization even when communication is intermittent or delayed.
Additionally, the control framework can be designed to dynamically adjust the parameters of the optimization problem based on real-time feedback from the network. For instance, if a GFM IBR detects a change in its communication topology, it can re-evaluate its local estimates and update its control actions accordingly. This adaptability can be achieved through the integration of machine learning techniques that predict network behavior and optimize control strategies in real-time.
Moreover, the use of event-triggered communication mechanisms can further enhance the resilience of the system. By only transmitting data when significant changes occur, the communication bandwidth can be conserved, and the impact of delays can be minimized. This approach ensures that the distributed optimization process remains efficient and effective, even in the presence of communication challenges.

What are the potential challenges and limitations in implementing the distributed optimization-based approach in large-scale microgrids with a high number of GFM IBRs?

Implementing a distributed optimization-based approach in large-scale microgrids with a high number of GFM IBRs presents several challenges and limitations. One significant challenge is the scalability of the communication network. As the number of GFM IBRs increases, the communication overhead can become substantial, leading to potential bottlenecks and delays in information exchange. This can hinder the timely execution of control actions and affect the overall performance of the microgrid.
Another limitation is the complexity of the optimization problem itself. With a larger number of GFM IBRs, the optimization landscape becomes more intricate, potentially leading to convergence issues. The distributed nature of the control scheme may also result in suboptimal solutions if the local estimates are not sufficiently accurate or if there is a lack of coordination among the GFM IBRs.
Furthermore, the privacy-preserving aspect of the proposed scheme, while beneficial for security, may complicate the sharing of necessary information for effective control. Ensuring that GFM IBRs can still achieve accurate reactive power sharing and voltage regulation while maintaining privacy can be a delicate balance.
Lastly, the heterogeneity of GFM IBRs in terms of their operational characteristics and control parameters can introduce additional challenges. The distributed control scheme must be flexible enough to accommodate these differences while ensuring that the overall system objectives are met.

How can the distributed secondary control framework be integrated with other hierarchical control layers, such as tertiary control, to achieve a comprehensive control strategy for microgrid operation?

Integrating the distributed secondary control framework with other hierarchical control layers, such as tertiary control, can be achieved through a well-defined communication and coordination strategy. The secondary control layer, which focuses on voltage regulation and reactive power sharing among GFM IBRs, can provide real-time feedback to the tertiary control layer, which is responsible for optimizing the overall operation of the microgrid.
One approach is to establish a feedback loop where the outputs of the distributed secondary control, such as voltage levels and reactive power contributions, are communicated to the tertiary control layer. This layer can then use this information to make higher-level decisions regarding resource allocation, demand response, and economic dispatch. By leveraging the real-time data from the secondary control, the tertiary control can optimize the operation of the microgrid in a more informed manner.
Additionally, the tertiary control layer can set higher-level objectives and constraints that guide the operation of the secondary control. For instance, it can define target voltage profiles or reactive power sharing ratios that the secondary control must achieve. This hierarchical approach ensures that the distributed secondary control operates within the broader context of the microgrid's operational goals.
Moreover, the integration can be facilitated through the use of standardized communication protocols and data formats, allowing seamless information exchange between the different control layers. This interoperability is crucial for achieving a comprehensive control strategy that enhances the reliability, efficiency, and resilience of microgrid operations.
In summary, by establishing clear communication pathways and feedback mechanisms between the secondary and tertiary control layers, a cohesive and effective control strategy can be developed, enabling the microgrid to respond dynamically to changing conditions and optimize its performance.