Setup for HIL simulations of isolated microgrids at the Gridspertise LV Smart Grid Lab

Abstract

Encouraged by the ongoing energy transition, the increasing widespread of the distributed energy sources (DERs) will become even more relevant in the next future, boosting the evolution of the distribution networks towards the smart grids concept. This change assumes further relevance if we consider the goal to improve the quality of the service, the need to be more customer-oriented and the increase of active actors operating on the grids over different levels. Operating the present distribution networks as smart grids requires a strong digitalization process, involving several components and functionalities, such as protection, control, automation and monitoring. The digital transformation is mainly accomplished by introducing Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) whose conceptualization, design, testing and integration could be performed in suitably arranged laboratories. In this context, Gridspertise owns and operates two laboratories, located in Milano and Bari, in Italy, to perform research, development and testing activities on smart grids, on both Medium and Low voltage (MV and LV, respectively) levels. The paper focuses on the architecture that has been configured to control and automate isolated or weakly connected microgrids to enhance their stability and efficiency. Further, it provides a description of the main smart grid devices involved and how they have been integrated to operate in the real field conditions.