Development of ICT Infrastructure for Physical LV Microgrids

Microgrids are recently regarded as promising solutions to the delivery of sustainable, economically feasible and more reliable power supply in the energy transition. The Low-Voltage (LV) distribution networks across Europe are experiencing a notable increase in integrated microgrids. Coordinated control is crucial to enable the microgrids to ensure the grid reliability and security of supply. Additionally, coordinated control facilitates the capability of providing ancillary services to the upstream distribution network. Such functionalities require communications among the involved actors within the microgrid as well as their interactions with external stakeholders including distribution system operators (DSOs). Extensive research has been conducted to develop such communication systems and this paper serves as a thorough review of different approaches for information and communication technology (ICT) systems in microgrid settings. The review contains the architecture, requirements, available technologies, interoperability, reliability and security issues.