Smart Hybrid AC/DC Microgrids

3Smart Microgrid Communications

3.1 Introduction

Smart microgrids have high penetration of power electronics converters used for interfacing distributed energy resources () (DERs include distributed generation [DG] and energy storage system [ESS]), loads, and AC and DC subgrids in hybrid microgrids. Converters can ensure their safety and basic operation without exchanging information with other converters or higher‐level control systems, although communication among converters can improve their performance, e.g. droop control with low bandwidth communication. However, for microgrid optimization, communications are generally required. In such systems, the physical and electrical components are interconnected by information and communication technologies, and their operations are coupled to cyber system functionality.

In Figure 3.1, a typical power electronics‐intensive smart microgrid with cyber‐physical networks is shown [1]. As shown in the figure, the smart microgrid's cyber‐physical model can be divided into different systems: (i) a physical power system, (ii) a sensor and actuator system, (iii) a communication system, and (iv) a management and control system. Brief explanations about the four systems are provided below:

• The physical system contains the microgrid's electrical and power components, such as transformers, generators, power electronics converters, circuit breakers, and loads.
• The sensor and actuator system consists of sensors, measurement devices, and devices ...