Abstract
The introduction of low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs) has changed the image of smart systems, due to their wide coverage and low-power characteristics. This category of communication technologies is the perfect candidate to be integrated into smart inverter control architectures for remote microgrid (MG) applications. LoRaWAN is one of the leading LPWAN technologies, with some appealing features such as ease of implementation and the possibility of creating private networks. This study is devoted to analyze and evaluate the aforementioned integration. Initially, the characteristics of different LPWAN technologies are introduced, followed by an in-depth analysis of LoRa and LoRaWAN. Next, the role of communication in MGs with widespread elements is explained. A point-by-point LoRa architecture is proposed to be implemented in the grid-feeding control structure of smart inverters. This architecture is experimentally evaluated in terms of latency analysis and externally generated power setpoint, following smart inverters in different LoRa settings. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed LoRa architecture, while the settings are optimally configured. Finally, a hybrid communication system is proposed that can be effectively implemented for remote residential MG management.
Highlights
The concept of localizing energy production, in order to minimize the additional and unnecessary transmission and distribution costs and complexities, has gained a lot of attention recently
Considering The open system interconnection (OSI) stack, LoRAWAN and LoRa are referring to the physical, and a part of the data link layers, where LoRaWAN operates on top of LoRa
The transmissions of inverters power measurements took place every five seconds. Both the references and measurements, accompanied by their respected timestamps, were recorded on a local message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) data logger subscribing to the relevant topics generated by previously introduced LoRa Node B
Summary
The concept of localizing energy production, in order to minimize the additional and unnecessary transmission and distribution costs and complexities, has gained a lot of attention recently. This work proposes a long-range and low-power communication system for smart inverters to be used for MG control and management applications [2]. Communication technologies based on the internet of things (IoT) can be effectively used for the application of this study according to their low power and ease of implementation characteristics [3]. An experimental testbed is provided to validate the implementation of LoRaWAN communication protocol in the control structure of power converters. It is demonstrated that grid-feeding inverters can follow externally provided power setpoints These power references are conveyed to the inverter control structure through the proposed LoRaWAN communication structure.
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