Microgrids are a key component in the evolution of the power grid. Microgrids are required to operate in both grid connected and standalone island mode using local sources of power. A major challenge in implementing microgrids is the communications and control to support transition from grid connected mode and operation in island mode. In this dissertation we propose a distributed control architecture to govern the operation of a microgrid. The func- tional communication requirements of primary, secondary and tertiary microgrid controls are considered. Communication technology media and protocols are laid out and a worst-case availability and latency analysis is provided. Cyber Security challenges to microgrids are ex- amined and we propose a secure communication architecture to support microgrid operation and control. A security model, including network, data, and attack models, is defined and a security protocol to address the real-time communication needs of microgrids is proposed. We propose a novel security protocol that is custom tailored to meet those challenges. The chosen solution is discussed in the context of other security options available in the liter- ature. We build and develop a microgrid co-simulation model of both the power system and communication networks, that is used to simulate the two fundamental microgrid power transition functions - transition from island to grid connected mode, and grid connected to island mode. The proposed distributed control and security architectures are analyzed in terms of performance. We further characterize the response of the power and communication subsystems in emergency situations: forced islanding and forced grid modes. Based on our findings, we generalize the results to the smart grid.
展开▼
