Black start and islanding operations of microgrid

Abstract

This chapter describes different control techniques applied in microgrids (MGs) with responsive distributed energy resources (DER) for intentional and automatic islanding, deployment of a local black start strategy and including the reconnection to the upstream distribution network. The coordination of MG local resources, achieved through an appropriated network of controllers and communication system, enables some cells of the distribution system, with sufficient autonomy, to operate interconnected to the upstream network or autonomously in some circumstances. In this case, the potentialities of DER can be truly realized if the islanded operation is allowed and bottom-up black start functionalities are implemented. In particular, black start will be addressed for medium voltage (MV) MGs, made of several low voltage (LV) MGs, leading to the concept of a multi-MG (MMG). The chapter will then describe the black start sequence that can be implemented in such a grid considering also the contribution from electric vehicle storage.