Coordination of the islanding and resynchronisation process of microgrids through a smart meter gateway interface

Abstract

Microgrids represent a promising way of integrating renewable energies and increasing security of supply. This is achieved by aggregating the producers and consumers into a controllable unit and the ability of island operation in case of failure. In order to implement these demanding processes, advanced communication technologies are necessary. Smart meter gateway technology is the ideal solution for this task, as it enables a secure channel down to the smallest unit in the energy network. In this study, the suitability of the smart meter gateway technology for controlling a microgrid is investigated. In order to create a realistic test scenario, a microgrid, which is simulated on a real-time simulator, is controlled by a power grid control system via a smart meter gateway. The suitability of the smart meter gateway technology for this purpose was proven by the simulation of an islanding of the microgrid with subsequent resynchronisation to the power grid controlled by the power grid control system.