Publications

This article provides a unique benchmark to integrate and systematically evaluate advanced functionalities of microgrid and downstream device controllers. The article describes Banshee, a real-life power distribution network. It also details a real-time controller hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) prototyping platform to test the responses of the controllers and verify decision-making algorithms. The benchmark aims to address power industry needs for a common basis to integrate and evaluate controllers for the overall microgrid, distributed energy resources (DERs), and protective devices. The test platform will accelerate microgrid deployment, enable standard compliance verification, and further develop and test controllers' functionalities. These contributions will facilitate safe and economical demonstrations of the state-of-the-possible while verifying minimal impact to existing electrical infrastructure. All aspects of the benchmark and platform development including models, configuration files, and documentation are publicly available via the electric power HIL controls collaborative (EPHCC).

This report describes the development of a real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) power system simulation platform to evaluate commercial microgrid controllers. The effort resulted in the successful demonstration of HIL simulation technology at a Technical Symposium organized by the Mass Clean Energy Center (CEC) for utility distribution system engineers, project developers, systems integrators, equipment vendors, academia, regulators, City of Boston officials, and Commonwealth officials. Actual microgrid controller hardware was integrated along with actual, commercial genset controller hardware in a particular microgrid configuration, which included dynamic loads, distributed energy resources (DERs), and conventional power sources. The end product provides the ability to quickly and cost-effectively assess the performance of different microgrid controllers as quantified by certain metrics, such as fuel consumption, power flow management precision at the point of common coupling, load-not-served (LNS) while islanded, peak-shaving kWh, and voltage stability. Additional applications include protection system testing and evaluation, distributed generation prime mover controller testing, integration and testing of distribution control systems, behavior testing and studies of DER controls, detailed power systems analysis, communications testing and integration, and implementation and evaluation of smart grid concepts. Microgrids and these additional applications promise to improve the reliability, resiliency, and efficiency of the nation's aging but critical power distribution systems. This achievement was a collaborative effort between MIT Lincoln Laboratory and industry microgrid controller manufacturers. This work was sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.