Reliability Analysis of Microgrids: Evaluation of Centralized and Decentralized Control Approaches

Abstract

The transformation of traditional power systems into micro and smart grids has become necessary with recent advancements in technology. However, these new systems often have low inertia, which can lead to instability, decreased power quality, and potential blackouts. There are two methods for controlling microgrids: centralized and decentralized controllers. Each method provides different advantages and has some limitations. This paper focuses on the reliability of central and decentralized controlled microgrids. It reviews the reliability of microgrids using both centralized and decentralized controllers, and explains various methods and analysis that can be applied. Examples which analyses reliability assessment of microgrid central controller are given. Examples employed different methods such as the Monte Carlo simulation, the Markov Chain process, the fast decoupled load flow simulation method and hybrid methods. Then, centralized and decentralized microgrids reliability is analyzed and compared through an example with Markov Chain Modeling and reliability indices. It is understood that the microgrid central controller has to be survive all the time otherwise it is very likely to see the grid failure. Also, it is seen that decentralized architecture is crucial with regard to reliability because centrally controlled microgrids are prone to failures due to their single point of failure.

Keywords:

• reliability
• centralized
• decentralized
• microgrid

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Selahattin Garip

Selahattin Garip received the B.Sc., degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Dumlupinar University, Kutahya, Turkey, in 2011. He is currently a graduate student Department of Smart Grids, Gazi University. From 2012 to 2013, he worked as an energy automation engineer in Endoks Energy Systems, Ankara, Turkey. In 2013, he joined Huawei Technologies, Istanbul, Turkey. He worked as a software test engineer. He worked on software projects of telecommunications and communication of smart grids areas. In 2019, he joined Havelsan Corp. as a software engineer. He took part in multiple software automation projects using the latest software development technologies. In 2021, he joined Siemens Corp., Turkey. He is currently working as a power system software development and test engineer in smart grids area in Siemens Corp.

Melih Bilgen

Melih Bilgen received the B.Sc., degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, in 2015. He received the B.Sc., degree in Smart Grids in 2022, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences Department of Smart Grids, Gazi University.

Necmi Altin

Necmi Altin received the B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, in 2000, 2003, and 2009, respectively. He joined to the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Gazi University as an Assistant Professor and he was promoted to Associate Professor position in 2014. From 2017 to 2018, he was a Visiting Scholar with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA and from 2018 to 2019, he was a Research Associate with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA. He has a book chapter. He has also authored or co-authored more than 100 journal and conference papers in his areas of interests, which include power electronics, uninterruptible power supplies, grid interactive inverters, solid-state transformers, medium voltage power converter and resonant converters. Dr. Altin is currently an Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conversion Systems Committee.

Saban Ozdemir

Saban Ozdemir received the B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, in 2004, 2007, and 2013, respectively. From 2008 to 2009, he was with Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey. In 2009, he joined Gazi University. He is currently an Associate Professor with the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Gazi University. From 2017 to 2018, he was a Visiting Scholar with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA and from 2018 to 2019, he was a Research Associate with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA. He has co-authored a book and a book chapter. He has also authored or co-authored more than 70 journal and conference papers in his areas of interests, which include power electronics, uninterruptible power supplies, grid interactive inverters, solid-state transformers, medium voltage power converter and resonant converters. Dr. Ozdemir is currently an Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conversion Systems Committee.

Ibrahim Sefa

Ibrahim Sefa received the B.Sc. degree in electrical and electronic education from Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, in 1985, and the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and electronic engineering from Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey, in 1993 and 1997, respectively. He is currently Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Gazi University. His current research interests include variable speed drives, power electronics, uninterruptible power supplies, control systems, and renewable energy sources.