Versatile Autonomous Smartgrid Testbed (VAST): A flexible, reconfigurable testbed for research on autonomous control for critical electricity grids

Microgrids are an emerging technology with aspects that are constantly changing. The Versatile Autonomous Smartgrid Testbed (VAST) is a system that allows microgrid research to be conducted in a more efficient manner. The VAST system is highly customizable and reconfigurable to adapt to new technologies that are developed in terms of inverter control algorithms, communications protocols, and grid structure. VAST will eliminate the need to build specialized testbeds to conduct research on a single aspect of the microgrid such as inverter control. VAST will allow for flexible rapid prototyping of microgrid technologies, and decrease the time spent on building customized microgrid testbeds.