FBG Sensing Technology for an Enhanced Microgrid Performance

Energy provided by microgrids should be considered, especially because their purpose is to supply loads from the available power source of the combined sources of energy, including the grid, optimally and efficiently to satisfy the load demand securely and economically. Sensing the accuracy of the different physical parameters of the combined power sources and energy storage plays a crucial part in the efficiency and resilience of microgrids. The present microgrids mostly use conventional sensors, which are greatly impacted by ambient conditions such as high-voltage (HV) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). So, this paper presents an enhanced microgrid based on replacing the conventional sensors with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors renowned for their immunity to EMI and HV, in addition to the virtue of distributing sensing capability. The enhanced microgrid based on FBG sensing was tested experimentally at different potential points predefined on the microgrid and validated with a microgrid simulation model. Real-time measurements of FBG and conventional sensors were recorded at the potential points and applied to the Simulink model to compare the performance for both cases. The unit and integration tests showed an obvious improvement in the accuracy and resiliency of the microgrid by using FBG sensors.