Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing of an IEC 61850 GOOSE Based Control for Seamless Transition of a Microgrid Between Island and Grid-Connected Modes

This article demonstrates development of a controller hardware-in-the-loop test system for validating microgrid control schemes. The investigation also proposes and analyzes the performance of an IEC 61850 generic object-oriented substation event protocol (GOOSE) based control strategy for managing the transition of a microgrid test model from grid-connected mode to islanded mode. The test model contains a single inverter-interfaced distributed energy resource (DER). The inverter controls allow the DER to regulate its output during grid-connected operation and regulate the microgrid voltage and frequency when separated from the Area electric power system. The test model, inverter, and microgrid controllers are simulated using RTDS Technologies' real-time digital simulator. A digital protection relay is used in the hardware loop to provide I/O to the simulated controllers via GOOSE messaging. The results of the investigation illustrate the benefits of IEC 61850 standard for integration of controller hardware in a microgrid control scheme as well as the suitability of GOOSE messaging for seamless transitioning between microgrid operating modes.