Implementation issues concerning optimal operation control algorithms in low voltage microgrids

This paper addresses the problem of optimal operation control of low voltage microgrids situated in rural areas. An approach basing on centralized control is presented. The concept relies on the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm as a practical method to optimize the operating points in all controllable devices and on the power flow calculations carried out with the use of Newton-Raphson algorithm making it possible to ensure the non-violation of constraints. The main attention is paid to the issue of considering all the necessary implementation and deployment details, which is often underestimated and perceived as an easy and straightforward task, especially in comparison with the process of development of theoretical approach. The base for all considerations are the experiences gained during the work on RIGRID (Rural Intelligent Grid) project, aiming to provide the practical realization of microgrid concept working in real conditions in a rural area. First, the optimization problem formulation is shortly reviewed. Second, the issues of software application integration, proper cooperation between different software units and optimization program software architecture are addressed and discussed in detail. Then, some comments on other implementation details are given. Last but not least, summary and final conclusions are included.