A New Restoration Strategy in Microgrids after a Blackout with Priority in Critical Loads

TLDR

Blackouts pose a serious risk, and current restoration methods focus on transmission system operator dispatch rather than microgrid capabilities. The study proposes a restoration technique that maximizes the number of critical loads restored after a blackout by leveraging distributed generation to enhance distribution system resilience. The approach uses a mixed‑integer linear program that prioritizes DGs with good black‑start capability, selecting recovery paths based on load weight, node importance, and network constraints on the modified IEEE 39‑bus test system. Simulation on the modified IEEE 39‑bus system demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed restoration strategy.

Abstract

The danger of a total blackout in a wide area or, even worse, in a country is always present. The restoration methods after a blackout mainly focus on the strategy that the dispatchers in the control centers of the Transmission System Operator will follow than the abilities that the distribution’s microgrids have. This study suggests a restoration technique to improve distribution system resilience following a blackout, using distributed generation for the restoration of important loads. The goal of the restoration problem is to maximize the number of critical loads that are restored following the catastrophic incident. Under the restrictions of the DGs and the network, the DGs with good black start capability are restored first. Load weight and node importance degree are suggested during the recovery path selection procedure, while taking node topological importance and load importance into account. A mixed-integer linear program (MILP) is used to simulate the issue, and the modified IEEE 39-bus test system is used to verify the efficacy of the suggested restoration approach.