Design and CHIL testing of microgrid controller with general rule-based dispatch

Abstract

Energy Management for microgrids with various compositions and sizes is challenging for conventional optimization-based approach which requires complex problem formulation and high computing power. A microgrid controller with general rule-based dispatch adaptive to different microgrid compositions and operating modes is presented in this article. Several basic dispatch rules are designed with objectives of balancing the total power, tracking grid power import/export reference, mitigating renewable generation fluctuation and reducing energy storage losses. Mathematical formulation and graphical solutions for rules design are described. The basic rules are then combined to form generalized dispatch strategies capable of operating in different scenarios. Four types of dispatch strategies and their variants in terms of dispatchable generator control are introduced. Recommendation of the dispatch types for different microgrid configurations and the adaptivity to microgrid composition variation are also given. The microgrid controller is validated with comprehensive testing and comparative study under various operating points and modes on a controller hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) testbed.