MIMO architecture for fast convergence of distributed online optimization in smart grids

• Published in: International journal of electrical power & energy systems 2022-11, Vol.142, p.108206, Article 108206
• Main Authors: Nazari, Masoud H., Xie, Siyu, Wang, Le Yi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cyber–physical systems; Distributed frequency regulation; MIMO communication; Power grid reliability and resilience; Smart grid
• ISSN: 0142-0615; 1879-3517
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijepes.2022.108206

This paper proposes an architectural solution to enhance the resilience of distributed decision-making and control in microgrids and smart grids with respect to communication delays. The paper develops a resource allocation framework to optimally place the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication technology on critical channels to reduce the communication bottle neck and expedite the convergence speed of distributed online optimization algorithms, which require convergence in the cyber network before the solution can be implemented on the physical grid. The paper shows that optimal placement of the MIMO technology can decrease communication transmission delays, which in turn improves the reliability of power system operational protocols, such as distributed frequency regulation. Illustrative case studies using data from real-world power systems show that only upgrading the critical communication channels is sufficient to achieve system-wide performance improvement. •Proposing an architectural solution to enhance the resilience of distributed optimization in smart grids with respect to communication delays.•Determining an upper bound on the communication delays under different MIMO communication architectures.•Developing a resource allocation algorithm to optimally place the MIMO technology and to increase the resilience of communication networks.