Microgrid Control Using Remote Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop Over the Internet

Abstract: A centralized microgrid power management and control system is developed and tested with a Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) model of an existing microgrid that communicates in real-time with the controller over the Internet. The controller leverages Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) for measuring power flow and adjusting inverter power references in real-time. The control objectives are power and State-of-Charge (SoC) control, subject to inverter power amplitude and rate limits and communication constraints. The controller incorporates units of power control, SoC control, and adaptive reference scheduling to achieve seamless microgrid operation. Real-time, over the internet, hardware-in-the-loop tests between the controller and the simulator are realized and indicate stability and performance of the microgrid control system.