Load management by advanced protection systems in low voltage microgrids

We propose methods and strategies for identifying the loads and/or the generators that can be turned off or dispatched according to objectives of safety and energy saving. Some possible energy demand management algorithms based on traditional and innovative techniques have been defined and developed. These algorithms, based on information gathered in real time by measurement and protection devices, allow the control of the system by opening and closing the switches in series with the circuits supplying those loads identified as controllable. Efficient exchange of data between the involved devices is essential for proper operation of the control and electrical systems and it can be done through an Ethernet protocol (IEC 61850), making the system architecture applicable both to passive and to active networks. In particular, the paper shows and examines different types of controllers and of loads the models of which are developed in Matlab / Simulink software and applied to real situations.