Microgrids: Autonomous, Intelligent Power Grids of the Future

The concept of a microgrid is becoming increasingly important during the transition to and expansion of renewable energies. Microgrids are autonomous, intelligent power grids, able to operate independently of the public grid and act as a decentralized energy system. A microgrid consists of energy consumers, energy generators and energy storage systems that are interconnected through smart technology.

The advantages of microgrids are obvious: due to their autonomy and independence from the public grid, they offer a high level of supply security in the event of power outages. The combination of renewable energy sources and energy storage also makes them a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to energy from the public grid.

Modern microgrids are usually powered by renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaics, hydropower, or biogas plants. Fluctuations in energy generation can be balanced with the use of energy storage systems or controllable combined heat and power generation. This enables a reliable and stable power supply. Another advantage is flexibility and adaptability to different conditions. Microgrids can be adapted to any size and environment and thus offer the possibility of supplying energy in remote regions or serving as a back-up system for critical infrastructure.

Intelligent technological components, such as the energy management system, monitoring systems and remote maintenance enable efficient and convenient operations management. The integration of unregulated power sources is made possible by intelligent technology, which promotes the integration of renewable energies into the power grid. Microgrids therefore deliver a sustainable and flexible solution for the power supply of the future. Thanks to their independence from the public grid and integration of renewable energies, microgrids contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate targets.

The increasing demand on communication in energy technology pose a major challenge here. In particular, the increasing use of diverse renewable energy sources in the grid requires smooth and reliable communication between the various system components. Continuous data exchange is of crucial importance in this respect to guarantee power supply at any time.

As an experienced partner for independent energy eco-systems, Bachmann electronic can the optimal solution. Controller technology forms the backbone of uninterrupted operations, while energy management modules take over the complex tasks of grid measurement, regulation and control in a powerful and safe manner. The control system enables continuous data exchange between the various system components and ensures a reliable and safe energy supply.

All internationally required energy technology telecontrol protocols are available as software solutions and can be easily adapted to the respective requirements. The controller, as a master, can control external devices and at the same time be integrated into a higher-level control system. It is also possible to operate different protocols on one controller.

Safety is also a top priority at Bachmann and is addressed with the in-depth integration of safety measures in the control system.

Targeted security management not only helps against unwanted and potentially destructive "hacker" attacks, but also against internal threats such as the accidental modification of parameters or misconfiguration of the network. Such internal threats can have serious effects that are often equivalent to external threats, especially in the protected environment of power generation plants.

A successful security strategy in control systems should include various protective measures to ensure reliable and efficient production. One key measure is the use of strong passwords and access controls to restrict access to the control system and prevent unauthorized access. The use of firewalls to monitor and restrict network access can help secure the control system from external attacks.

Updating control system software and firmware is also essential to close security gaps and ensure system integrity. A good security standard should also include monitoring of system activity and event logging to detect and respond to unusual activities. By integrating safety measures into the Bachmann control system, failures can be prevented, which leads to greater economic efficiency and better protection of employees and plants.

Overall, the following applies: Security in control systems should be included in the planning and development right from the start. Careful selection of hardware and software components as well as regular updating of systems and security measures are crucial to ensure a safe and reliable power supply.

• Open interfaces - Fieldbuses and protocols
• Solutions for energy supply - Power Management
• Smart Power Plant Controller - certified EZA controller according to VDE-AR-N 4110 and 4120
• Application development in all languages - IEC 61131-3, C/C++ or MATLAB®/Simulink®
• atvise - World of Visualization – all-in-one software for all visualization tasks
• Security integrated in the Bachmann control system - Multi-level IT security concept