Development of a Power System Restoration Plan with Renewable-based Microgrids

Abstract

Power System Restoration (PSR) is a complex process that requires resources, proper planning and execution. Having renewable distributed generation (RDG) in the power system not only brings benefits but there are other roles that RDG can play in the operation and control of the power system. This paper discusses power system restoration using Renewable-based Microgrids (RbM) after a blackout has occurred. The simulation model is developed in PowerFactory DIgSILENT SP 18. It consists of a cluster of renewable generators in microgrids that are coupled to the low voltage side of the IEEE 14 bus benchmark test system. The paper’s focus is on a PSR plan that employs renewable-based generation in microgrids to supply blackstart power to the power system central generators before PSR commences. This is compared to an instance when there are no RbMs available in the power system thus central generation is used for PSR. The voltage, frequency is monitored on different parts of the test system and the amount of load restored is recorded to determine the success of the restoration plan.