Smart Microgrid Grounding Protection Solution

How to ground a microgrid?

Grounding of microgrids is one of the most challenging topics for microgrid protection. In grid-connected mode, the system grounding is generally provided by the substation transformer.

Why do we need a grounding system for a dc microgrid?

As this current has high value, it has to be interrupted to prevent the VSC from being damaged. The type of grounding system could also influence on safety, the ability to identify the fault, and survivability of DC microgrid under faulty conditions.

What are the barriers to implementing a dc microgrid?

Although many efforts have been made to develop standards to facilitate implementation of DC microgrid, there is still a lack of practical standardisation on grounding systems for different voltage levels, cyber-security, and protection system. Proper protection of AC and DC microgrids is one of the last barriers for implementing microgrids.

Do microgrids have protection issues and viable solutions?

To this end, this paper has investigated protection issues and viable solutions in microgrids. Overcurrent, directional overcurrent, distance, differential, over/under voltage, and over/under frequency relays are classical protection systems that could present an acceptable performance in the conventional power system.

How can a smart microgrid improve safety?

To further fortify the smart microgrid's safety, a theft detection device that tracks the gap between electricity withdrawal and consumption has been implemented. The proposed system also included the management of inverter and smart meter-connected loads, allowing for flexible responses to power outages.

What is a smart microgrid?

Smart microgrids (SMGs) are small, localized power grids that can work alone or alongside the main grid. A blend of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and smart control systems optimizes resource utilization and responds to demand and supply changes in real-time 1.