SimtoLink: Sluice controllers report opening and alarms

A microgrid controller, or energy management system (EMS), coordinates distributed generation, storage, and loads. In grid-tied mode it takes part in dispatch and peak-valley optimization. In off-grid mode it keeps voltage and frequency stable. At the instant of switching between grid-tied and off-grid, the communication link may drop briefly or latency may jump, so a local autonomous algorithm should first protect supply continuity and protection coordination. An IoT card is often used for remote monitoring, logs, and OTA, and in some cases also carries auxiliary dispatch information.

Switching off and onto the grid

Leaving and rejoining the grid involves synchronization, phase detection, and switching protection settings. Communication is used mainly to coordinate the order of switch operations and to report status. The hard real-time closed loop still runs on the local controller.

Technical characteristics

Monitoring and control should be layered: PMS/SCADA over a private network, and operations OTA over cellular or a reverse isolation link. Switching events should carry a high-precision timestamp so waveforms can be aligned afterward.

SimtoLink can provide a dual-operator card strategy and remote asset control for mobile microgrid cabins and island microgrids. For long off-grid operation, watch low power and dial-on-demand to save energy.

Applications

Uses include backup power for industrial parks, PV-storage-charging at charging stations, emergency power in disaster areas, and remote outposts. An interface to grid dispatch must meet local grid-connection standards and cybersecurity assessment.

Drills should regularly include off-grid black start and grid-tied synchronization tests, to verify the safety boundary when communication fails.

Source: https://www.simtolink.com/support/sim/microgrid-controller-link.html