A laboratory based microgrid and distributed generation infrastructure for studying connectivity issues to operational power systems

This paper presents an infrastructure and laboratory implementation of a hardware test-bed system emulating alternate sources and conventional power plant emulators connected as a complete power system. The distributed generation components were connected to the test-bed to study the issues of connecting alternates and various types of loads during operations. The various sources and loads can be connected in varying architectures through transmission and distribution lines as well as bus hardware emulators. Also SCADA, communication network and control system layers were developed and placed around the various test-bed components. Wind turbine model, PV array and micro turbine based generator were developed to emulate alternate resources and integrated with battery banks and flywheel based storage system. These emulators are real time hardware-in-the-loop models based on dSPACE control development modules and Simulink real time workshop. Labview is also used along with measurement studio for control and communication applications. The system also employs a multi agent platform based on JADE for developing intelligent agent based systems. The system is intended for studying and analyzing the interconnection issues on the power system and microgrid due to interconnected operation and to develop solutions and devise better techniques for smart grid operation. Other agent modules for control, various flywheel models, wind emulators, PV arrays and Fuel Cell emulators can be connected to this system as additional resources. The response of the grid can be studied by their integration. The system is also intended to be used as an educational tool for students to become more familiar with the new concepts of Alternate and green energy and other issues related to the future power systems.