VOL. 11, NO.

5, MARCH 2016 ISSN 1819-6608

ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2016 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

www.arpnjournals.com

PLC BASED LV-DG SYNCHRONIZATION IN REAL-TIME MICROGRID

NETWORK
O. V. Gnana Swathika1, K. Karthikeyan2, S. Hemamalini1 and R. Balakrishnan2
1School of Electrical Engineering, VIT University, Chennai, India
2Engineering Design and Research Center, Larsen and Toubro, Chennai, India
E-Mail: gnanaswathika. [email protected]

ABSTRACT
Microgrid is an aggregation of multiple distributed generators like renewable energy sources, conventional
generators, and energy storage systems that provide electric power to consumers. It operates in two modes namely grid
connected mode and islanded mode. The transition of microgrid from islanded mode to grid connected mode poses crucial
grid synchronization issues. This is a key challenge to protection engineers. This paper proposes the implementation of 9
no’s 2/2.5 MVA low voltage (LV)- Diesel Generator (DG) sets synchronization in a real-time microgrid network using bus
coupler logic to restrict the fault current vide programmable logic controller (PLC) during utility power failure based on
load requirement.

Keywords: diesel generator synchronization, PLC, microgrid.

INTRODUCTION monitoring and control is another important function of

Microgrid is the solution to meet soaring power PLCs in fields such as energy, telecommunications, oil
demands of consumers. Distributed Generator penetration and gas refining and transportation [22].
is challenging as it [1-5] may lead to grid instability or
failure, if not properly controlled. The control is achieved
using synchronization algorithm and current controller.
Various grid synchronization algorithms with their role
and influence in the control of Distributed Generator
penetration on normal and faulty grid condition is
elaborated in [6-8]. PLC based Diesel Generator
synchronization is a popular and current industry practice.
As there are no circuit breakers and switchboard
design available in the market for fault current beyond
100KA on the LV system, it is very difficult for protection
engineers to handle the system from the protection and
safety perspective. Hence it is necessary to maintain the
fault current within 100KA by calculating the maximum
short circuit current and accordingly switching ON the
appropriate DG’s as per load requirements in a logical
pattern by PLC. This paper proposes the implementation Figure-1. PLC block diagram.
of 9 no’s 1.5/2 MVA low voltage (LV) - Diesel Generator
(DG) sets synchronization in a real-time microgrid Processor unit, memory, power supply unit,
network for the same criteria. input/output interface section, communications interface,
and programming device are the basic building blocks of
PLC PLC as shown in Figure-1.
A personal digital assistant (PDA), a  The processor unit or central processing unit (CPU)
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), a wireless device contains the microprocessor. The main purpose of this
server and its driver are used to realize a servomotor block is to interpret the available input signals and
remote control in [9]. PLC and frequency control based carry out control actions based on program stored in
water pumping system was designed, constructed and its memory. It then communicates the decisions as
tested. Cables were used for system communication. action signals to the outputs.
Conventional cables with PLC were utilized in enormous  The power supply unit converts the AC voltage to DC
applications [10-21]. voltage based on compatibility with the processor and
PLCs are predominantly used in various automatic control the circuits in the input and output interface modules.
system applications. They are programmed using  The required program is developed in the
instructions to implement required control functions such programming device and then loaded into the memory
as: logic, arithmetic, sequencing, and timing. The digital of the PLC.
or analogue input/output modules are used to control
various types of processes and machinery. Plant

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ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2016 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

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 The memory unit stores the program for the DG 1 in ON condition at Bus section 2 and DG 2, 3, 4 are
microprocessor. It stores input data for processing and synchronized at Bus section 1 where the maximum fault
buffers data to output. current is restricted to 100 KA/sec by having the bus
 The input and output interfaces assists in coupler 1 and 2 in open condition.
communicating with external or peripheral devices. ETAP result of Scenario 1 is shown in Figure-3
Switches or sensors could act as input devices. Motor and it indicates that the maximum fault current is within
starter coils, solenoid valves, or actuators may act as 100 KA. Likewise the ETAP software tests all the
output devices. considered scenarios.
 The communications interface is used to receive and
transmit data on communication networks. It is Scenario 2: 100% Utility power failure and 70% loading
responsible for device verification, data acquisition, at Main PCC-1:
synchronization between user applications, and DG 1 in ON condition at Bus section 2 and DG 3, 4 are
connection management. synchronized at Bus section 1 where the maximum fault
current is restricted to 70KA/sec by having the bus coupler
LV DG synchronization case study 1 and 2 in open condition.
The LV DG synchronization scheme is
implemented on a real-time major Information Scenario 3: 100% Utility power failure and 50% loading
Technology (IT) company shown in Figure-2 where 100% at Main PCC-1:
DG backup is essential due to its critical load operation. DG 1 in ON condition at Bus section 2 and DG 4 in ON
The critical loads include servers in the data center, condition at Bus section 1 where the maximum fault
personal computers of each employee, emergency loads current is restricted to 50KA/sec by having the bus coupler
like life safety and security systems. Due to circuit 1 and 2 in open condition.
breakers and switchboard design availability constraint, it
is mandatory to ensure that fault current is within 100KA Scenario 4: 100% Utility power failure and 25% loading
on the LV system. This is achieved by calculating the at Main PCC-1:
maximum short circuit current and accordingly switching Only DG 1 in ON condition at Bus section 2 where the
ON the appropriate DG’s as per load requirements in a maximum fault current is restricted to 50KA/sec by having
logical pattern by PLC. the bus coupler 1 and 2 in closed condition.
This real-time networks’ demand load is in the tune of
17.5 MVA. Hence 33/0.415 KV dry type transformers Scenario 5: 100% Utility power failure, fault/maintenance
along with 100% DG back up vide 415V, LV DG sets in a of DG 4 at Bus section 1 and 100% loading at Main PCC-
micro grid as specified below is proposed: 1:
DG 1 in ON condition at Bus section 2 and DG 2, 3 in ON
Transformer configuration condition at Bus section 1 & standby DG 10 in ON
Main PCC-1: 3No’s 2.5 MVA Transformers condition at Bus section 3 where the maximum fault
HVAC PCC: 3No’s 2.5 MVA Transformers current is restricted to 100KA/sec by having the bus
Main PCC-2: 1No 2 MVA Transformer coupler 1 in closed condition and bus coupler 2 in open
condition.
DG configuration
DG synchronization panel 1: 2No’s 2 MVA + 2No’s 1.5 Scenario 6: 100% Utility power failure, fault/maintenance
MVA DG sets of DG 1 at Bus section 2 and 100% loading at Main PCC-
DG synchronization panel 2: 4No’s 2 MVA + 1No 1.5 1:
MVA DG sets DG 1 in OFF condition at Bus section 2 and DG
Common standby DG panel: 1No 1.5 MVA DG set 2,3,4 in ON condition at Bus section 1 and standby DG 10
Since multiple LT DG sets are proposed, special care in ON condition at Bus section 3 where the maximum
is given towards DG synchronization as the fault current fault current is restricted to 100KA/sec by having the bus
must be restricted within 100KA. This is realized by coupler 1 in open condition and bus coupler 2 in closed
employing bus couplers to facilitate restriction on the fault condition.
current adopting a programmable logic controller during Table-2 indicates the interlock logic adopted for
100% utility power failure and partial fault/maintenance of DG synchronization panel 2. Six scenarios are considered
transformer/DG sets in a micro grid. and the logic is programmed in PLC to attain appropriate
Table-1 indicates the interlock logic adopted for DG DG synchronization.
synchronization panel 1. Six scenarios are considered and
the logic is programmed in PLC to attain appropriate DG Scenario 1: 100% Utility power failure and 100% loading
synchronization. at Main PCC-2 & HVAC PCC:
DG 7, 8, 9 are synchronized at Bus section 1and DG5,6
Scenario 1: 100% Utility power failure and 100% loading are synchronized at Bus section 3 where the maximum
at Main PCC-1: fault current is restricted to 100KA/sec by having the bus
coupler 1 and 2 in open condition.

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ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2016 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

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Scenario 2: 100% Utility power failure & 70% loading at Scenario 5: 100% Utility power failure, fault/maintenance
Main PCC-2 and HVAC PCC: of DG 9 at Bus section 1 and 100% loading at Main PCC-
DG 8, 9 are synchronized at Bus section 1 and DG 5, 6 2 & HVAC PCC:
are synchronized at Bus section 3 where the maximum DG 7,8 are synchronized at Bus section 1 and
fault current is restricted to 70KA/sec by having the bus DG 5, 6 are synchronized at Bus section 3 & standby DG
coupler 1 and 2 in open condition. 10 in ON condition at Bus section 2 where the maximum
fault current is restricted to 100KA/sec by having the bus
Scenario 3: 100% Utility power failure and 50% loading coupler 1 in closed condition and bus coupler 2 in open
at Main PCC-2 and HVAC PCC: condition.
DG 7, 9 are synchronized at Bus section 1 and DG 6 in
ON condition at Bus section 3 where the maximum fault Scenario 6: 100% Utility power failure, fault/maintenance
current is restricted to 50KA/sec by having the bus coupler of DG 6 at Bus section 3 and 100% loading at Main PCC-
1 and 2 in open condition. 2 & HVAC PCC:
DG 7,8,9 are synchronized at Bus section 1 and DG 5 in
Scenario 4: 100% Utility power failure and 25% loading ON condition at Bus section 3 & standby DG 10 in ON
at Main PCC-2 and HVAC PCC: condition at Bus section 2 where the maximum fault
DG 9 in ON condition at Bus section 1 and DG 5 in ON current is restricted to 100KA/sec by having the bus
condition at Bus section 3 where the maximum fault coupler 1 in open condition and bus coupler 2 in closed
current is restricted to 50KA/sec by having the bus coupler condition.
1 and 2 in open condition.

Figure-2. Real-time microgrid network.

Figure-3. ETAP result of Scenario 1 (Under DG synchronization Panel -1).

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ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2016 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

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Table-1. Interlock logic adopted for DG synchronization panel 1.

Table-2. Interlock logic adopted for DG synchronization panel 2.

CONCLUSIONS controller (PLC) during utility power failure under various

Microgrids are indispensable at the distribution scenarios. The adopted system is successfully
networks to meet the growing demand of consumers. This implemented in the real-time microgrid system.
paper proposes the implementation of 9 No’s Low Voltage Significant fault current reduction is witnessed in both DG
(LV) - Diesel Generator (DG) sets synchronization in a synchronization panels through proper interlock using
real-time micro grid network where the fault current is PLC.
restricted to a maximum of 100/70KA by switching
ON/OFF the bus coupler vide programmable logic

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ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2016 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

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