Efficient Sensor Selection Schemes for Wireless Sensor Networks in Microgrid

Integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into microgrid makes the power supply more reliable and reduces the cost. However, the connection of a large number of DERs among the load on middle-voltage/low-voltage feeders can result in severe voltage regulation problems. These challenges motivate the application of wireless sensor networks into microgrid. In this paper, several sensor selection schemes are heuristically proposed to improve the voltage measurement performance, prolong the sensor network lifetime, and guarantee the real-time communication between the distributed sensors and the intelligent control center. First, aiming to accurately monitor the real-time voltage level, we propose an opportunistic sensor selection scheme under equal power allocation and investigate the asymptotic behaviors of the voltage measurement performance. Furthermore, we address the sensor selection scheme under optimal power allocation and derive a reminiscent of “water-filling” solution. The proposed sensor selection schemes are applied and verified in the context of voltage regulation. In addition, we present the studies on the tradeoff between the voltage measurement and the sensor power consumption. Finally, we explore the joint power and spectrum allocation schemes to maximize the transmission rate between the sensors and the control center based on sensor selection. The theoretical analysis and proof are instrumental to the future wireless network design in microgrid.