Networking Strategy of Small Hydropower Microgrid Under Weak Communication Conditions

Zhifeng Chen, Zifan Zhang (), Zhanhong Liang, Yuan Tang and Na Shen
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Zhifeng Chen: Department of Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou City University of Technology, Guangzhou 510080, China
Zifan Zhang: Department of Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou City University of Technology, Guangzhou 510080, China
Zhanhong Liang: CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong 999077, China
Yuan Tang: Department of Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou City University of Technology, Guangzhou 510080, China
Na Shen: Department of Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou City University of Technology, Guangzhou 510080, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-15

Abstract: Small hydropower-dominated microgrids enable power exchange with the main grid during grid-connected operation but face frequency stability challenges during sudden islanding (e.g., line faults), requiring prompt generation curtailment or load shedding. In communication-constrained mountainous regions, conventional methods such as high-frequency tripping or low-frequency load shedding often struggle to achieve precise frequency regulation A hierarchical strategy integrating master station centralized decision making and substation local control is proposed. This study theoretically analyzes the post-islanding frequency dynamics of small hydropower microgrids. The master station formulates optimal shedding decisions using regional power flow data, while substations execute decisions via local measurements to mitigate communication issues. A constrained mathematical model is established, solved using a heuristic algorithm, validated through electromagnetic transient simulations, and compared with traditional schemes. The proposed scheme achieves precise surplus capacity shedding, enhancing frequency stability during abrupt islanding with reduced over-/under-tripping compared to that of conventional methods. This hierarchical strategy enhances frequency regulation capability under communication constraints, ensuring reliable operation of small hydropower microgrids during sudden islanding and providing a practical solution for remote regions with limited communication infrastructure.

Keywords: small hydropower; island operation; microgrid; frequency; weak communication (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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