Multi-layer hardware-in-the-loop testbed for microgrids

The paper presents a multi-layer hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) based testbed for development, evaluation and testing of microgrid operation. The testbed is a configurable setup which can match any microgrid structure. The presented microgrid consists of 15 distributed energy resources (DERs). It includes 4 distributed generators (DGs): a solar plant, diesel generator, 2 constant power sources, 10 distributed loads (DLs): a direct-on-line induction machines, constant power load, 7 passive loads, a three phase rectifier with an active filter and a battery storage system (BSS). Power system and power electronics parts were simulated by a real time simulator. Controllers for the PE converters were real, industrial controllers connected to the real-time simulator. Supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) for the microgrid was designed and connected to the system. The system behavior was analyzed in a number of different scenarios.