Inverter-based Tone Burst Signals for Decentralized Communication-less Blackout Detection

When the source fault of a blackout is in higher voltage levels, an extended interruption in a distribution feeder can be avoided if the inverter-coupled distributed generation takes over building up an islanded Microgrid. Such a restoration scheme can be protected against failures or attacks on communication channels if the inverter's terminal measurements replace communication signals. This paper explores communication alternatives for black start services. Specifically, it adopts tone burst signals in the inverter's droop-based control to make blackout detection a quick local decision for each participating inverter. In critical situations, such an application of tone burst signals removes the dependency on typical communication channels and adds a security layer to established bottom-up black starts scenarios.