Towards self-sustainable power systems: DC MicroGrid optimization via power talk

We propose use of a “modemless” communication solution, termed power talk, tailored for optimization and monitoring, i.e., upper layer control in low voltage DC MicroGrids (MGs). Specifically, the exchange of the information required for the upper control among control agents is achieved by modulating the information into deviations of the parameters of the local droop controllers, causing deviations of the steady state voltage of DC bus from which the information can be demodulated. In comparison to standard powerline communication solutions, power talk does not require installation of additional hardware and can be implemented via software modifications of the power electronic converters. We present the communication solution in the context of decentralized optimal power flow, where the generators periodically transmit information about their local generation capacity with an aim of minimizing the cost of the generation. The simulation results prove the feasibility of power talk as enabler of fully self-sustainable DC MicroGrids.