Implementation of a Publish-Subscribe Protocol in Microgrid Islanding and Resynchronization with Self-Discovery

Abstract

Communications systems and protocols are becoming second nature to utilities operating distribution systems. Traditionally, centralized communication approaches are often used, while recently in microgrid applications, distributed communication, and control schema emerge offering several advantages such as improved system reliability, plug-and-play operation, and distributed intelligence. Still, operation and control of microgrids including distributed communication schema have been less of a discussion in the literature. To address the challenge of multiple-inverter microgrid synchronization, a publish-subscribe protocol based, data distribution service, communication schema for microgrids is proposed. The communication schema is discussed in details for individual devices such as generators, photovoltaic systems, energy storage systems, microgrid point of common coupling switch, and supporting applications. Finally, islanding and resynchronization of a microgrid are demonstrated on a test-bed utilizing this schema.