Reliability analysis of cyber-physical microgrids: Study of grid-connected microgrids with communication-based control systems

Due to the greater penetration of renewable energy resources and the increasing complexity of the distribution system, moving towards a smart distribution system is essential and achievable via advanced information and communication technologies. These technologies come with side effects: not only do they change the structure and functionality of the system, their availability and efficiency alter the operation of the system as a whole. The aim of this paper is to examine the reliability of a cyber-physical microgrid as a part of a smart distribution grid to evaluate the impact of the integration of information and communication technologies into the system and the impact of non-dispatchable renewable energy resources, that is, photovoltaic and wind farms. This paper proposes a framework for developing reliability assessment tools for a grid-connected microgrid with a hierarchical three-level and communication-based control system. Emphasis is laid on incorporating the interdependencies between the cyber system and the microgrid and on detailed models of renewable energy resources.