Design and development of a true decentralized control architecture for microgrid

Emerging smart grid concept compels microgrids to adopt decentralized methods. Centralized methods of operation are more susceptible to failure due to single point of failure held by the single controller. Decentralized microgrid control architecture is proposed, improving system reliability and avoiding control command transmission over the network. Delays in communications are unpredictable, uncertainty of data exchange delays leads to inaccurate modeling. As solution, Hardware-in-The-Loop platform is developed using real physical communication links and network components, and applying the concept of decentralization dynamically over a network of realtime controllers. The proposed system insures reliable data exchange between controllers and microgrid components. Case study is adopted for testing purposes. Results proves the robustness of the architecture as long as the properties of a true decentralized system is maintained.