Development of PLC-Based Hardware Test-Bench Prototype for Solar-Wind-Battery-Based Microgrid System’s Control Algorithm Validation

Abstract

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are gaining traction in microgrid operation due to their real-time deployment, reliable and robust operation, and fast response, even in harsh environments. Recognizing the critical need for robust and reconfigurable microgrid control and operation, this research proposes a hardware test-bench prototype using the Reconfigurable Allen-Bradley—Micro820/2080-LC20-20QBB PLC to demonstrate control algorithms aiming for efficient control, energy management, and resilient microgrid automation. The design and construction of a prototype controller test bench, along with the PLC configuration, wiring diagrams, and control logic, constitute the significant contributions of this research. The proposed controller test bench’s performance is evaluated through similar condition simulations in the presence of disturbances induced by the reduced contributions of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. The results illustrate the effectiveness of the developed control algorithm implemented in the proposed controller, ensuring the stable operation of the microgrid. Consequently, this work advances the simulation-based validation of microgrid control algorithms and provides insights into the practical application of a PLC-based hardware test bench under various environmental conditions.

Keywords:

• microgrid
• fuzzy logic controller (FLC)
• hardware test bench
• programmable logic controller (PLC)
• stable operation
• microgrid prototype
• energy management

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

M/s Sonepar India Pvt. Ltd., Panchkula (Haryana), India, Khosla Machines Pvt. Ltd., Mohali, India and, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET), Patiala (Punjab), India.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The authors have no competing interests to declare relevant to this article’s content.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sahil Mehta

Sahil Mehta was born in Chandigarh, India, in 1994. He received his B.Tech. degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in year 2016 and Master’s degree in Power Systems in year 2018. At present he is pursuing his Ph.D. level research from Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Department, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, India. His research is focused on renewable energy based microgrid systems & assessment, forecasting, and artificial intelligence. E-mail: [email protected].

Prasenjit Basak

Prasenjit Basak has been working as an Associate Professor of the Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Department in Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology since 2019 after serving 6 years since he joined as Assistant Professor in 2013. Dr. Basak served several organizations from 1999 to 2004 and started an academic career in 2005. He completed his Ph.D. (Engineering) from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India, in October 2012. He has more than 19 years of Academic experience and 3 years of industrial experience. Microgrid power systems’ operation, control, protection, and stability, including high voltage engineering, are the fields of his research. He is a senior member of IEEE. Email: [email protected].