Rapid Automated Assessment of Microgrid Performance Software System (RAMPS)

This paper proposes an interactive software system called Rapid Automated Assessment of Microgrid Performance Software Systems (RAMPS) for assessing the ranges of time-varying loads, power produced by renewable resources, and microgrid configurations which can be operated in a stable manner. This tool can aid deployment of microgrids through rapid automated modeling, model-based simulations and assessment of most critical constraints. Particular emphasis is on assessing the effects of different controllers on microgrid performance. Finally, it is illustrated how one can begin to operate microgrids by adaptively adjusting gains and set points of these controllers in response to additional data made available. Challenge problems are illustrated on a microgrid and its performance is assessed as a function of its control. RAMPS is an open-access software system to be made publicly available to potential users.