Smart grid simulation using small-scale pilot installations. - experimental investigation of a centrally-controlled microgrid

Two smart-grid topologies are analyzed in this paper. The first one has two main differences from the traditional grid, a dc-bus and a smart integration module (SIM), which interconnects the dc- with the ac-bus. The second topology has only one difference from the traditional grid, a special control unit (SCU), which is attached to each device before connecting to the grid. The first topology has been implemented in a small-scale installation. This small-scale pilot installation is described and experimental results are presented. These results verify the predicted disadvantages of the first topology. It is expected that these disadvantages will be eliminated by using the second topology. This paper also presents the design of the second topology.