How Microgrids and DERs Can Maximize Sustainability and Resilience
technologies like Wi-Fi are found in almost all microgrids and can be essential for maximum benefits. They also support ancillary functions like gathering weather forecasts and real-time fuel and energy prices. Ensuring cyber-security is complex. In addition to secure hardware, policies, procedures, and people are required to address cyber vulnerabilities that can enable attackers to access sensitive networks and data and even manipulate control software resulting in damaged microgrid operation. Terrorists are only one concern; there are also competitors or unscrupulous employees to consider. Operator errors can occur, networks can have unknown
afterthought. It must be designed into all aspects of microgrid hardware, software, and processes from the beginning to be effective. Summary Microgrids integrate numerous DERs and loads into a single system to maximize energy sustainability and resilience. Several microgrid architectures can be used to support specific energy and connectivity needs. The increasing number of microgrids and the growing penetration of DERs has resulted in an evolution in the IEEE 1547 interconnection standard and is driving an increased focus on microgrid cyber security. References: 1 The U.S. Department of Energy’s Microgrid Initiative, DOE 2 Defining a Microgrid Using IEEE 2030.7, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association 3 Energy security - Ensuring the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price, IEA
Implementing microgrids
Safe and secure energy Cyber security is an important aspect of energy security and resilience. The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines energy security as “the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price” 3 . Microgrids can significantly contribute to ensuring low-cost, secure, and resilient energy supplies. Communication is an essential element of microgrids. This means communication to the cloud, and possibly with the local utility grid, to optimize performance. In addition, the various DERs and loads that comprise a typical microgrid come from different manufacturers and employ heterogeneous communication protocols and technologies. Internet connectivity and wireless
There are almost as many combinations of DERs and loads as microgrids, but automated controllers and switchgear are common elements. In large microgrids like the one illustrated in Figure 1 above, they are often separated into a centralized control room, distributed switchgear for DERs and loads, and for grid- connected designs, a substation that serves as the switchgear between the microgrid and the utility grid. Microgrid controllers need information, and to maximize resilience and sustainability, they need to be quick. The controllers use a network of sensors to monitor the functioning of the DERs and loads in real time. For grid-connected microgrids, the controller also monitors the status of the local utility grid. Should any anomaly occur, the controller responds in milliseconds and sends a command to the associated DER, load, or switchgear. Switchgear sizes range from a few kW to multi-MW and need to respond to controller demands in a few milliseconds or risk a serious fault condition. Some switchgear features smart circuit breakers that operate autonomously to provide an additional layer of protection. For smaller installations, the controller and switchgear can be
Figure 3: ECCs combine the microgrid controller (left) and switchgear (right) into a single piece of equipment. (Image source: Schneider Electric)
loopholes due to outdated software, and so on (Figure 4). Cyber security can’t be an
combined into a single piece of equipment, sometimes referred to as an energy control center (ECC). ECCs are available pre-wired, assembled, and factory tested. ECCs simplify and speed up the installation of microgrids and can manage multiple energy sources, including grid power and DERs with prioritized loads. For example, Schneider Electric offers the ECC 1600 / 2500 line of ECCs for building-scale microgrids (Figure 3). Some features of the ECC 1600 / 2500 line include: n Configurable to order with power ratings from 100 to 750 kW and can be optimized for existing or new buildings
n Works with multiple DERs like PV, BESS, wind, gas, and diesel generators n Controller enables resilience during outages, including using PV with an anchor resource such as a standby generator or BESS n Automated intelligent metering gives insights into power quality, energy usage, and DER production n Switchgear with a 1,600 to 2,500 A power distribution bus n Cloud-based analytics to maximize resilience and return from investment from DERs
Figure 4: Vulnerabilities from people, processes, and holes in physical security can present microgrid attack vectors. (Image source: Schneider Electric)
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