Hierarchical control and management of virtual microgrids for vehicle electrification

In this paper, we investigate control and management of power distribution networks to meet the needs of vehicle electrification. We propose to divide a distribution network into several virtual microgrids (VMGs). Unlike microgrids studied before, virtual microgrids are flexible and cover the entire distribution network. Using VMGs, the control and management of a distribution network can be achieved in a hierarchical fashion. We propose to control the distribution network in two levels: a lower or VMG level and a higher or grid level. We introduce modeling frameworks for the two levels. At the VMG level, VMGs are modeled as stochastic hybrid machines. At the grid level, the distribution network is modeled as a finite state machine with variables. We illustrate the modeling and control approach for a typical distribution network.