A social SCADA approach for a renewable based microgrid — The Huatacondo project

A novel SCADA approach for a renewable based microgrid is proposed. The optimization scheme provides online set points for each generation unit, operation modes for a water supply system, and signals for consumers based on a demand side management mechanism. Additionally, different services are developed for supervising, maintenance, and repair procedures. The participation of the community is ensured through appropriate communication and information exchange procedures. The whole scheme configures a Social SCADA solution. Three specific services are described in detail (battery bank maintenance, photovoltaic system efficiency monitoring, and system restoration). The concept is applied to a smart microgrid composed of photovoltaic panels, a wind turbine, a diesel generator, a battery bank, and a water supply system. The energy management system of the SCADA minimizes the operational costs while supplying the water and electric load demands. The system is implemented and tested using a real data set from a reference location and with an evaluation by the community. Results show the economic sense of the energy management system and the impact of community participation.