Study of Microgrid Resilience Through Co-Simulation of Power System Dynamics and Communication Systems

Smart grid technologies are deepening the interdependence of electric power and communication systems, but that interdependence is difficult to quantify. In the case of microgrids, communication systems can be essential to maintaining stability during islanded operations. Though many power system studies assume the presence of perfect communication networks, detailed modeling of power and communication systems for dynamic studies of microgrids is rare. This article develops a framework, for power and communication system co-simulation, to study the effects of communication systems on microgrid stability. An operational use case is examined, in which a battery energy storage system operates to offset the loss of generation in an islanded microgrid. The framework is evaluated for different communication technologies, network structures, and communication media.