Microgrids

= Synopsis =

Microgrids functionality in GridLAB-D is primarily an overall capability of the simulation engine. No specific microgrid module exists, but rather objects in several modules support transient-level time scales (~10 ms) and islanded operation.

= Capabilities =

Microgrids are typically operated in a manner that there is no strong, stiff source bus on the system. During microgrid operations, connections to the larger, bulk transmission system are disconnected and only local, smaller, often distributed, generation sources are utilized. Under such scenarios, the dynamics of the system are expected to play a more significant part in the stability of the power system.

Capabilities have slowly been evolving. This page documents what milestones certain features have been deployed, or are expected to be deployed.

Version 2.3 - Grizzly

 * Delta mode capabilities - ability to transition to simulation timesteps as small as one nanosecond, then transition back into traditional, event-driven GridLAB-D mode.
 * Player capabilities - the ability to play in subsecond data to influence objects during delta mode execution.
 * Recorder capabilities - the ability to record subsecond data during delta mode operations.
 * Powerflow capabilities - basic support for three-phase, unbalanced powerflow operations in delta mode and in isolated operation
 * Diesel_dg capabilities - Initial implementation of a three-phase, unbalanced dynamics-capable diesel generator

Version 3.0 - Hassayampa

 * Various bug fixes

Version 3.1 - Hatwai (planned)

 * Various bug fixes in time handling and transition
 * Diesel_dg model validated against EMTP-type solver
 * Inverter capabilities - Initial implementation of transient-level (~10 ms) dynamics of a three-phase inverter system
 * Grid-connected dynamic support
 * Assert capabilities - the ability to check values and execute unit testing in delta mode
 * Powerflow integration - full support for delta mode operations by all powerflow objects
 * Powerflow dynamics - transient-level impacts of line charging and transformer in-rush currents
 * Frequency measurement - localized frequency measurements during delta mode
 * Reliability capabilities - the ability to induce events at a subsecond time level (metrics not supported yet)

Version 4.0 - Jojoba (planned)

 * Neutral-earth voltage (generic polyphase implementation) powerflow solver for protection modeling
 * Protective device capabilities - initial models of protection devices for examining microgrid and distribution-level behavior
 * Reliability update - changes to the reliability module to handle the new powerflow solver and protection capabilities

= Developer info = Specifics to the initial, version 2.3 implementation are covered in the following pages:


 * Requirements
 * Specifications
 * Implementation

= See also =