Adaptive Load Shedding as Part of Primary Frequency Response to Support Networked Microgrid Operations

Global changes in the deployment of distributed energy resources, control and communications technologies, business models, and regulatory policy are increasing the operational options for future distribution systems. One such option is the coordinated operation of distributed resources to form microgrids and networks of microgrids to support traditional bulk power systems during normal operations and critical end-use loads during outages. While individual standalone microgrids have been extensively studied and deployed, the coordinated operation of networked microgrids is operationally more challenging due to the dynamic boundaries and changing mix of generation resources. This paper presents a method of using a distributed control architecture to support primary frequency response in networked microgrids operations. The support of primary frequency response is accomplished using the Open Field Message Bus reference architecture and Grid Friendly Appliance controllers.