Microgrid Security Enhancement: Protection Based on Energy Management System Control Coordination and Device Configuration

Energy management systems for microgrids are tailored to meet specific application needs and consider technical, economic, environmental, and reliability requirements. Regardless of their centralized or distributed structure, these systems are designed to efficiently manage microgrid operations, including energy generation, storage, and consumption, to ensure a reliable energy supply. In addition to these functions, the Energy Management System is also responsible for dealing with protection devices and systematically reacting to them to minimize disruptions, guaranteeing operational security. This study presents the strategies of a centralized energy management system deployed in a critical microgrid in Maranhão, Brazil. The protection functions in the protection devices for the two operating modes (on-grid and off-grid) and the subsequent decisions implemented as rules in the Energy Management System are discussed. This coordination between protection devices and management systems ensures rapid and selective response to faults, enhancing microgrid security and facilitating problem detection and resolution.