Microgrid-based operational framework for grid resiliency enhancement: A case study at KUET campus in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study investigates the role of microgrids in enhancing the resilience of power systems in response to the power outages caused by severe conditions. A three-step analysis is carried out to achieve this objective. Firstly, the general backgrounds of resilience in power systems are presented, comprising resilience modeling, resilience analysis methods, and resilience enhancement efforts by different sections. Secondly, a time-dependent simulation model is designed for KUET, which incorporates standard indices for measuring, evaluating, and monitoring grid resilience. In this simulation, the total demand for KUET was assumed to be close to 1 MW, and case studies are conducted to determine the performance of the microgrid system under different operating conditions. Load prioritization management strategies have been performed. Finally, a unified resilience evaluation and operational enhancement approach is proposed, which includes a procedure for assessing the impact of severe conditions on power systems and a risk-based defensive islanding procedure. The proposed adaptive islanding method aims to mitigate the grid functionality drop. The results of the case studies illustrate the influence of microgrid structural and operational characteristics on grid resilience. The microgrid implementation improves the Grid Resilience Index (RC) from 0.9 to 1.35, with faster recovery and increased grid hardiness. However, there may be a potential trade-off with a decline in Operational Resilience (Roperational) from 0.133 to 0.069, which needs further investigation. This study contributes to the development of a framework for the measurement of resilience in power systems and provides insights into the use of microgrids as a potential solution for dealing with major power outages.