Reliability analysis of cyber‐physical microgrids: Study of grid‐connected microgrids with communication‐based control systems

Abstract

Abstract Due to the greater penetration of renewable energy resources and the increasing complexity of the distribution system, moving towards a smart distribution system is essential and achievable via advanced information and communication technologies. These technologies come with side effects: not only do they change the structure and functionality of the system, their availability and efficiency alter the operation of the system as a whole. The aim of this paper is to examine the reliability of a cyber‐physical microgrid as a part of a smart distribution grid to evaluate the impact of the integration of information and communication technologies into the system and the impact of non‐dispatchable renewable energy resources, that is, photovoltaic and wind farms. This paper proposes a framework for developing reliability assessment tools for a grid‐connected microgrid with a hierarchical three‐level and communication‐based control system. Emphasis is laid on incorporating the interdependencies between the cyber system and the microgrid and on detailed models of renewable energy resources.

Keywords

• Reliability
• Wind power plants
• Distributed power generation
• Power system management, operation and economics