To simulate the Multi Microgrid (MMG) projects using NS3, which wants modeling several interconnected microgrids that interchange power, coordinate energy management, and distribute resources. Because NS3 is mainly a network simulator, we may require to prolong its abilities or combine it with external tools such as MATLAB/Simulink to model the electrical features of microgrids. Below we offer simple instruction on how to approach simulating Multi Microgrid (MMG) systems using NS3.
Steps to Simulate Multi Microgrid Projects in NS3
Step 1: Set Up NS3
Initially, we install NS3 if we haven’t done then we can follow the standard installation approach from the NS3 official website.
# Clone NS3 repository
git clone https://gitlab.com/nsnam/ns-3-dev.git
cd ns-3-dev
# Build NS3
./waf configure
./waf
Step 2: Define the Components of a Multi Microgrid
To replicate MMGs, we want to signify:
- Multiple microgrids: These are smaller, localized grids, which can be worked autonomously or in coordination with the main grid.
- Communication network: Each microgrid may have its individual communication infrastructure for energy management, coordination, and control.
- Distributed Energy Resources (DER): Solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage systems, etc. which generate or store energy in the microgrids.
- Grid Interconnection: The communication and power exchange among the microgrids and the main grid.
Step 3: Model the Communication Network in NS3
NS3 is well-matched for replicating the communication network amongst microgrids that is critical for energy management, demand response, and grid stability. We can be mimicked the communication protocols such as TCP/IP, wireless mesh networks, and even protocols are created for smart grids (e.g., IEC 61850, DNP3).
- Create nodes to represent microgrids: Each microgrid will be denoted as a node in NS3.
NodeContainer microgrids;
microgrids.Create(3); // Three microgrids
- Set up communication between microgrids: We can be used wired or wireless links to signify the communication infrastructure (e.g., fiber, Wi-Fi, or mesh networks).
PointToPointHelper p2p;
p2p.SetDeviceAttribute(“DataRate”, StringValue(“1Gbps”));
p2p.SetChannelAttribute(“Delay”, StringValue(“2ms”));
NetDeviceContainer devices;
devices = p2p.Install(microgrids.Get(0), microgrids.Get(1));
- Install Internet Protocol (IP) Stack: To enable the communication among microgrids, we require to install the Internet stack on the nodes.
InternetStackHelper internet;
internet.Install(microgrids);
Ipv4AddressHelper ipv4;
ipv4.SetBase(“10.1.1.0”, “255.255.255.0”);
Ipv4InterfaceContainer interfaces = ipv4.Assign(devices);
- Set up Applications: We can be replicated an energy management protocols using custom applications, like load balancing or demand response, in which microgrids distribute an energy-related information.
UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(9);
ApplicationContainer serverApps = echoServer.Install(microgrids.Get(1));
serverApps.Start(Seconds(1.0));
serverApps.Stop(Seconds(10.0));
UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(interfaces.GetAddress(1), 9);
echoClient.SetAttribute(“MaxPackets”, UintegerValue(1));
echoClient.SetAttribute(“Interval”, TimeValue(Seconds(1.0)));
echoClient.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, UintegerValue(1024));
ApplicationContainer clientApps = echoClient.Install(microgrids.Get(0));
clientApps.Start(Seconds(2.0));
clientApps.Stop(Seconds(10.0));
Step 4: Integrate Power and Energy Models
Because NS3 concentrates on networking, we will require to combine power grid models from external tools, like MATLAB/Simulink, for exact simulation of power flow, energy storage, and DER behaviour.
Option 1: External Co-Simulation with MATLAB/Simulink
- We can be executed co-simulation among NS3 (for communication) and MATLAB/Simulink (for power grid simulation). We can use the MATLAB to replicate the power flow in microgrids and we use NS3 to model the communication among microgrids for manage and observing.
- MATLAB/Simulink enables the creation of in depth microgrid models, containing renewable energy sources (like PV and wind), storage, and grid control mechanisms.
- Export data from NS3 simulations (e.g., network delays, packet loss) to MATLAB/Simulink for energy management.
- Swap control signals among NS3 and Simulink to replicate the real-time coordination of microgrids.
Option 2: Implement a Simplified Power Flow Model in NS3
We can execute a basic power flow model directly in NS3 using custom applications. For instance:
- Each microgrid can be modeled with a particular power generation capacity (solar, wind, etc.) and demand (load).
- The microgrids can be swapped an energy information across the communication network.
- We can be replicated an energy storage systems and load balancing.
class MicrogridEnergyManager : public Application {
public:
MicrogridEnergyManager() : powerGeneration(0), powerDemand(0) {}
void SetPowerGeneration(double generation) { powerGeneration = generation; }
void SetPowerDemand(double demand) { powerDemand = demand; }
void SendEnergyInfo() {
// Send energy data to neighboring microgrids
if (powerGeneration > powerDemand) {
// Send surplus energy information
} else {
// Request energy from other microgrids
}
}
private:
double powerGeneration;
double powerDemand;
};
Step 5: Energy Management and Coordination
- Demand Response: Mimic a demand response system in which microgrids adapt their energy consumption according to the availability of energy in the network.
- Energy Exchange: Microgrids can be distributed surplus energy with neighboring microgrids or purchase energy from other microgrids in the network.
- Load Balancing: Execute the load balancing algorithms, which permit microgrids to share power efficiently.
Step 6: Simulate Different Scenarios
When we have configure the simple communication and energy models, we can be replicated various scenarios:
- Islanded Mode: Replicate a scenario in which a microgrid works independently of the main grid, handling its own energy generation and storage.
- Grid-Connected Mode: Mimic how microgrids communicate with the main grid, swap over power according to the supply and demand.
- Energy Trading: Replicate an energy trading among microgrids, in which microgrids negotiate energy prices and swap power rely on real-time demand.
Step 7: Run the Simulation
After setting up the communication and power models, then we run the NS3 simulation to monitor the performance of the multi-microgrid system.
./waf –run <your-simulation>
Step 8: Analyze Results
- Network Performance: Examine the performance of the communication network, like delays, packet loss, and throughput, to monitor how they influence an energy management decisions.
- Energy Management: Learn how the microgrids handle their energy resources, containing how they balance load and generation, and how they react to communication delays or failures.
We can allow tracing in NS3 to gather data for analysis:
AsciiTraceHelper ascii;
p2p.EnableAsciiAll(ascii.CreateFileStream(“multi-microgrid.tr”));
Step 9: Visualize and Interpret Results
- Power Flow: We can be used the MATLAB/Simulink to visualize the power flow among microgrids.
- Communication Efficiency: We can use NS3 trace files to examine the efficiency of communication among the microgrids (e.g., packet delivery ratio, latency).
These projects will enable you to gain a deeper understanding the concepts and simulation steps for Multi Microgrid projects that were executed and replicated, then its outcomes can be measured using NS3 tool. We plan to provide another set of projects in another manual.
For simulating Multi Microgrid Projects using NS3, you can visit phdprime.com. We are equipped with a comprehensive range of tools and resources to offer you the most suitable research ideas and topics tailored to your specific requirements. Our team utilizes external tools like MATLAB/Simulink, ensuring that we deliver exceptional research services along with innovative ideas and topics.
