Real time simulation of a microgrid with multiple distributed energy resources

In this research, a real-time simulation model of a medium voltage (MV) microgrid with distributed energy resources (DERs) was developed using the RTDS™ real-time digital simulator. The DERs in this microgrid include a diesel generator, a photovoltaic (PV) system, and a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine system. The average-value models for the PV and DFIG power electronic interfaces were developed to reduce the hardware requirements on the RTDS. The steady state and transient response of the microgrid when in the grid-connected and islanded modes of operation was shown to give satisfactory performance. The microgrid was interfaced to a protection relay to demonstrate hardware in the loop simulations. This simulation model will be used in future research on developing microgrid protection solutions.