Impact of Supervisory Control Inputs in Multi - Inverter Distribution Systems

The stability of multi-inverter distribution systems depends on the droop constants, network parameters, as well as the number of interconnected inverters. The damping of the critical modes can change frequently in real-time, and the Distribution Management System (DMS)maintains the grid stability through supervisory control. During contingencies, the communication links from the DMS to the different inverters are vital in restoring the system damping. This paper describes a method to grade the impact of supervisory control inputs in a multi-microgrid distribution system using a novel sensitivity measure. The sensitivity can be used for assessing the criticality of communication links, evaluating resource placement options, or for determining optimal contingency response sequences. The evaluation of sensitivity does not entail computationally expensive eigenvalue calculations and can therefore be augmented into the existing DMS system at no significant additional burden. Simulation and hardware results are provided to validate the proposed sensitivity measure.