Microgrid Solutions: Building a Sustainable Energy Future Together

—D I G I TA L S YS T EM S C EN T ER ( D S C ) Microgrid solutions Building a sustainable energy future together — As urban landscapes evolve and energy demands escalate, ABB microgrid solutions are at the forefront of driving resilience and adaptability. These cutting-edge solutions are revolutionizing power systems to address the urgent need for environmental sustainability and reliability. By seamlessly integrating diverse distributed energy resources (DERs), these solutions help deliver localized, flexible and cost-effective power. With tailored architectures, technical expertise and comprehensive offerings, ABB microgrid solutions significantly enhance energy efficiency and network security, driving the evolution of modern energy infrastructure. — Table of contents 03 Microgrid solutions 05 What is a microgrid? 06 Microgrid components 07 Microgrid control hierarchy 08 ABB microgrid control architecture system 09 – 10 ABB microgrid controller 11 The ABB microgrid solution: Delivering value to customers 12 Human machine interface 13 Applications 14– 15 ABB Digital Systems Center 4M I C R O G R I D S O L U T I O N S With the push for decarbonization to combat climate change and reduce CO2 emissions, reliance on fossil fuels is decreasing, driving the adoption of renewable energy sources. Decentralization becomes crucial for enhancing resilience and efficiency as decentralized systems distribute control and resources across smaller, localized units, unlike traditional centralized grids, which often face instabilities and outages. At the center of this transformation are microgrid systems that can be localized and that act as single entities for control and monitoring. To address these energy transitions and improve reliability, many institutions, organizations and industrial and commercial consumers are turning to ABB microgrid solutions. ABB offers comprehensive solutions to seamlessly integrate microgrids into the grid, managing and controlling each aspect efficiently. ABB provides the technical expertise and consultancy required to plan, design, build and operate microgrids efficiently and cost-effectively. ABB’s portfolio of devices and technologies supports microgrid deployments and helps address a wide range of existing challenges. With ABB digital solutions, the system becomes intelligent. As utilities digitize the grid, it becomes easier to monitor, manage and control assets on site and remotely. Deploying the appropriate smart technologies enables the microgrids to export or import power to or from the power grid, helping to balance supply and demand. — Microgrid solutions Building a sustainable energy future together. The energy landscape is shifting as global demand for resilient, sustainable and efficient power grows. ABB microgrid solutions Building a sustainable energy future together 5M I C R O G R I D S O LU T I O N S , W H AT I S A M I C R O G R I D ? Key segments Isolated Grid-connected or non-isolated — What is a microgrid? A microgrid is a system that enhances power stability, integrates renewable energy and reduces grid dependency. Microgrids are localized, decentralized energy systems that can operate independently of or in conjunction with the main utility grid. The ability to generate, store and distribute power locally enables microgrid systems to maintain a stable and reliable power supply within a specific area, even during power outages. Microgrids have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance power reliability, energy independence, resilience and sustainability. Microgrids are categorized as islanded (isolated) and grid-connected (non-isolated). Islanded microgrids, common in remote areas, rely on their own power sources, while grid-connected microgrids draw from and can return excess power to the main grid. This setup optimizes energy usage and can switch to islanded mode during grid outages. In grid-connected microgrids, power import/ export depends on supply-demand needs. The system imports power when demand exceeds local supply and exports excess power when generation surpasses demand. This functionality can be programmable based on agreements with the utility. Remote or island Building (nanogrid) Community Commercial Industrial Data center 6M I C R O G R I D S O L U T I O N S Distributed energy resources (DER) Enables a particular system to operate by itself, independently of the utility grid for any given reason, such as outages due to faults. Battery energy storage system (BESS) Enables independent operation of microgrids upon disconnecting from the main grid or faults in microgrid generating units, and self-correcting and managing features of the grid. Comes into play during a sudden shortage in power generation. Power electronics Employed in power conversion and at the rectification points of the connection in the grid, especially in storage devices and distributed energy resources, such as solar panels. Data management Energy and load forecasting, load scheduling and predictive analysis make the system more reliable and efficient. — Microgrid components = ~ Protection equipment Protection equipment helps ensure safety by detecting and isolating faults. Circuit breakers, relays and fault detection systems prevent damage and safeguard the microgrid from faulty conditions to help ensure its stability. Control and communication Optimizing real-time energy management and distribution ensures smooth transitions between grid- connected and islanded modes, while robust and secure communication networks enhance coordination, providing efficient operation and reliable power supply. Point of common coupling This interface between the microgrid and the main utility grid facilitates energy exchange and allows seamless transitions between grid-connected and islanded modes. 7M I C R O G R I D C O M P O N E N T S , M I C R O G R I D C O N T R O L H I E R A R C H Y As a small-scale electrical distribution network, a microgrid has many variables and constraints to control. An energy management system plans, supervises and manages the system’s supply/ demand balance while helping ensure dependable, cost-effective and efficient operation. The management of a microgrid must deal with different technical and economical areas, time scales and infrastructure levels, which requires a control structure to coordinate all the variables. The hierarchical control structure consists of three distinct levels with individual operating time, data inputs and control equipment. The three levels of hierarchical control are: Primary level — Supervises control of DER units. Secondary level — Responsible for energy management in either islanded or grid-connected mode, voltage and frequency stabilization, synchronization and power exchange with the system in coordination with the primary level. Tertiary level — The core control of the system, including demand/supply management, storage management, optimization of parameters, forecasting and control strategies. — Microgrid control hierarchy Level 3: Tertiary control Supervisory and market functions/optimal functions Level 2: Secondary control Microgrid controller and monitoring system (voltage and frequency stabilization) Level 1: Primary control Microgrid controller performs a local function (output control, load control) Level 0: Equipment level Solar PV panels, wind turbines, substations, diesel generators, etc. (OEM responsibility) Tertiary control Secondary control Primary control • Optimization • Microgrid supervision • Forecasting • Voltage and frequency stabilization • Power exchange • Synchronization • Load shedding, peak shaving • Output control • Load sharing • Islanding detection • Plug and play of DERs 8M I C R O G R I D S O L U T I O N S — ABB microgrid solutions system architecture ABB’s solution uses a flexible, multi-layer architecture, integrating unit-level, system- wide, remote and cloud-based controls to optimize energy management, enhance grid stability and support seamless real-time monitoring and remote operations. ABB’s microgrid solution involves a multi-layer approach that follows a hierarchical control architecture. This approach ensures that all layers — from asset and unit-level control to cloud-based management — work together to meet both operational and functional requirements. The system architecture is flexible and tailored to specific needs, ensuring real-time data flow and seamless control across all layers. The architecture is categorized into multiple levels, starting with unit-level control (Level 1), which manages individual components, such as generators and storage systems. This connects to system-wide control (Level 2), which oversees the coordination of multiple assets, optimizing energy flows and ensuring grid stability. Local microgrid operation and management (Level 3) offers on-premise energy optimization, system supervision and load management. Remote control and monitoring (Level 4), extendable to cloud environments, allows for remote access, long-term energy forecasting and integration with external services such as weather data and energy trading. ABB’s solution is fully customizable, offering both on-premise and cloud-based options. On premise, it provides control over unit-level, system-wide and local management, while cloud- based offerings facilitate remote monitoring and advanced analytics. The flexibility to integrate these levels based on customer requirements helps ensure that the solution can be adapted for a wide range of operational and functional needs, delivering a scalable and robust microgrid management system. Level 4: Remote control center and cloud connectivity Level 3: Local microgrid system operations and management Level 2: System- wide microgrid control (multiple assets) Level 1: Unit- level microgrid monitoring and control Level 0: Asset/ field equipment (DER, grid, power distribution, demand, EV infrastructure) Control center Energy fleet management Prognosis ABB cloud Customer cloudService DNP3, Modbus TCP Zenon IEC 61850 GOOSE, Modbus TCP Router, firewall Firewall, IoT gateway MQTT Edge gateway IEC 61850 MMS, OPC UA OPC UA, IEC 61850 GOOSE, Modbus TCP AC800 MG controller IEC 61850 MMS, Modbus TCP DNP3 OCPP Modbus TCP AC500 MG controller BMS, inverters, governor, meter Relion® relays and merging units Ekip UP, Emax 2 Profinet, IEC 61850 GOOSE, Modbus TCP DER Power distribution Demand EV charging On-Premises Cloud Hardwiring Communication System-wide P, Q sharing Microgrid controller Load shedding, peak shaving Volt, frequency stabilization Unit-level P, Q control Synchronization, battery SoC management Demand control at PCC Spinning reserve management 9A B B M I C R O G R I D S O LU T I O N S S Y S T E M A R C H I T E C T U R E A N D C O N T R O L L E R — ABB microgrid controller The ABB microgrid controller offers seamless integration of multiple systems for optimal performance and can be customized to meet user requirements. The microgrid controller is the heart of solution, designed to manage critical functionalities and interfaces. It can interface with multiple ABB devices as well as third-party products, including tariff and energy meters, governor and AVR systems, battery management systems, fire safety systems, HVAC systems and more. These interfaces between the microgrid controller and other systems/products are based on protocols such as IEC 61850 (MMS/GOOSE), OPC (DA/UA), Modbus TCP, DNP3 and hardwired I/Os. ABB’s controller portfolio offers a variety of solutions from which to choose, depending on the complexity of customer requirements and capabilities. The solution can be extended to cloud-based offerings using gateways and firewalls. AC500 PLC controller The AC500 PLC range provides a reliable and scalable platform for flexible, cost-effective automation solutions. Its scalability comes from a variety of devices suited for both simple and complex control tasks, all managed by a single integrated software. The range includes CPUs (AC500 V2 or V3), I/O modules (S500), communication interfaces, HMI (CP600) and accessories, allowing for quick and economical adaptation to new requirements. 10M I C R O G R I D S O L U T I O N S AC800 PLC controller The AC800M controller offers advanced control capabilities with a rich function block library, including auto-tune and integration with ABB drives and motors. It supports Ethernet communication with onboard RNRP redundancy and modules for third-party device connections. The controller’s fast redundancy switch-over and topologically separated CPUs enhance reliability. The range includes CPUs (AC800), I/O modules (S800), communication interfaces, HMI (CP600 or SCADA platform) and accessories, allowing for quick and economical adaptation to new requirements. Soft PLC Zenon ABB Ability™ Zenon is an on-premise and on- edge SCADA platform that helps ensure secure digitalization and management for power distribution, renewable energy, water and infrastructure. It facilitates the management of distributed energy resources while providing supervision, control, automation, alarm handling, historian and asset management. The platform enhances grid stability with load flow calculations, state estimation, fault location and automated supply restoration. Zenon also offers cybersecure operations, real- time insights and advanced analytics to improve decision-making and reduce downtime. It supports multiple protocols, easily integrates into various environments and helps ensure a long lifecycle with lower total cost of ownership. Cloud-based solution These microgrid solutions can be also extended to the cloud-based offerings from the portfolio, integrating ABB and third-party products. They offer intuitive dashboards, real-time data access, situational awareness with alarm notifications and 24/7 insights into electrical network performance from anywhere. 11A B B M I C R O G R I D C O N T R O L L E R , T H E A B B M I C R O G R I D S O LU T I O N — The ABB microgrid solution: Delivering value to customers Power reliability Ensures continuous power supply by leveraging multiple DERs, captive generation and utility grid. Energy efficiency Optimizes energy consumption by leveling peaks in demand using DERs and the grid. Network security Segmented architectures facilitate integrated and independent operations with fail-safe backup mechanisms, ensuring cybersecure microgrids. Environmental sustainability Reduces CO₂ emissions by leveling energy peaks and maximizing use of renewable energy. Flexibility and scalability Expandable and modifiable to address changing energy demands and new technologies. Remote monitoring and control Maximizes uptime, enhances safety, reduces O&M costs and extends equipment lifespan. Energy cost optimization Schedules energy use based on time of day, holidays and peak/off-peak periods. Cloud connectivity and advanced analytics Cloud connectivity with data monitoring and visualization 24/7. Advanced analytics provide better predictive monitoring and control of the overall system. Interoperability Ability to communicate and coordinate with third-party devices and technologies. Load management and control Ability to analyze energy usage, peak shaving, load shedding and leveling, etc. Microgrid control 12M I C R O G R I D S O L U T I O N S — Human machine interface (HMI) ABB’s microgrid control HMI solution is at the forefront of operational excellence, providing an intuitive and fully customizable graphical interface that enhances user interaction and control. Users can access a comprehensive system mimic that displays a single-line diagram and allows for control over system parameter settings, including: • Load priority management and control settings • Event logging and alarm indication • Real-time and historical trending data • Monitoring of system measurements • Flexible, scalable and customizable with SCADA capabilities • System operating modes configurable for either islanded or grid-connected type • Sequence of operations customizable based on functional requirements and maximizing use of local DER (distributed energy resources) • Selection of utility import mode (ON/OFF), which, when activated, restricts kW consumption from the utility — this feature is beneficial during peak- demand time of the day and users can optimize over-energy costs • On-screen quick help and reporting Discover the power of the ABB microgrid HMI solution, and take control of your system like never before. — Fig. 1: System mimic screen — Fig 2. Load priority and control settings — Fig 3. Event logging and alarms — Fig 4. Monitoring of system measurements 13H U M A N M A C H I N E I N T E R FA C E , A P P L I C AT I O N S — Applications Customizable solutions tailored to meet specific requirements, backed by robust technology support to help ensure efficiency and reliability across diverse sectors. BESS system control ABB’s microgrid control solution effectively manages battery energy storage systems (BESS), charged by renewable sources such as solar and wind, as well as the utility grid. BESS releases stored energy during peak demand for load leveling and peak shaving, operating in grid-following mode when connected to the grid and grid-forming mode when islanded, enhancing clean energy production and reducing costs. Power management and control The solution features a distributed architecture that helps ensure reliability and control, offering flexibility, scalability and customization. It provides real-time measurements, load consumption data and energy optimization through an intuitive human machine interface (HMI). Tailored to specific customer needs, it delivers advanced data analysis, forecasting and system monitoring, helping ensure power reliability and protecting investments. Custom operating modes and sequence of operations ABB’s solution optimizes energy management through customized operating modes and sequences between distributed energy resources (DERs) and the utility grid. Based on requirements, configurations can be customized for energy consumption and schedules according to time of use (TOU) rates. The system supports seamless integration of connected devices, providing remote monitoring, load control and predictable energy costs. Load shedding ABB’s microgrid control solution incorporates load shedding capabilities to prevent blackouts when generation capacity falls short, particularly during or after islanding. It maintains power to critical loads by disconnecting low-priority ones, helping ensure stable power balance while enhancing scalability and integration to meet diverse needs. Power line Communication PCC (point of common coupling) 14M I C R O G R I D S O L U T I O N S — ABB Digital Systems Center (DSC) The Digital Systems Center team at ABB is here to be your trusted partner, providing ongoing technical and functional support throughout your journey. Unleashing operational efficiency Modernize your operations and overcome challenges. Our expert consultants assess your needs and design cost-effective, future-proof solutions. We also offer a wide range of customized applications specifically designed to boost your operational efficiency. Optimizing performance Reaching your performance goals while controlling costs can be a balancing act. Our team creates solutions that help you achieve both and provides software applications that deliver actionable insights for continuous improvement. Fully equipped laboratory The ABB US Digital Systems Center team has a fully equipped laboratory with cutting-edge technology in IEDs, network switches, centralized protection devices, virtual machines, servers and SCADA systems to support you with: • Testing • Simulation • Live demos • Validation • Troubleshooting on installed system Global support, local expertise ABB’s Digital Systems Center has a network of over 10 customer excellence centers strategically located around the world. These one-stop shops are staffed with industry veterans who possess deep knowledge of a wide range of power equipment and systems. Our team of experts and analysts are here to help you tackle today’s toughest power challenges and prepare you for the future. 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