Analyzing impact of communication network topologies on reconfiguration of networked microgrids

Abstract

This paper studies the impact of communication network on the performance of reconfiguration of networked microgrids. Various communication network topologies can be used to support the microgrid operation, each offering a set of advantages and disadvantages on the performance of reconfiguration. Network Simulator 3 (NS3) is used for the communication system simulation. A test system with two proximal microgrids based on the CERTS concept is developed in MATLAB, with a few modifications for interconnection and reconfiguration. A reconfiguration algorithm developed in MATLAB aims to supply the maximum amount of load supported by communication network for data exchange. Various case studies with different communication network topologies, loss of communication links and initiating event for microgrid reconfiguration are performed. The simulation results are discussed to analyze the impact of supporting communication network on operational time of the reconfiguration of networked microgrids.