Simulink Integration with OPC for PLC Management in a Microgrid

This paper presents a methodology that allows the implementation of any control strategy developed in MATLAB/Simulink into a real system using OPC communication. The main focus of the study is the control of a microgrid, supervised by a SCADA system, using MATLAB/Simulink. To achieve this, communication between platforms via OPC is necessary. The use of the OPC protocol between the programming software and the SCADA supervisory system significantly simplifies the work of researchers, eliminating the need to implement controls on traditional devices such as PLCs, which would not offer the same level of flexibility. Students particularly benefit from this methodology as they can leverage advanced software tools, gaining practical experience in controlling microgrids and complex energy systems, without the complexity associated with traditional hardware programming. This paper discusses the control of the microturbine in the PrInCE microgrid at Politecnico di Bari, with the aim of compensating for the electrical load and eliminating power exchange with the external grid via the TieLine. The programming of MATLAB code and the configuration of control in Simulink is demonstrated, which can communicate with the SCADA system via OPC, allowing students to engage with a versatile and educationally valuable platform.