Overview
IEC TS 62898-3-4:2023 - "Microgrids - Part 3-4: Technical requirements - Microgrid monitoring and control systems" provides technical requirements and recommendations for the design, architecture and operation of microgrid monitoring and control systems (MMCS). The Technical Specification covers both low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) microgrids, including isolated (islanded) and non‑isolated systems integrated with distributed energy resources (DER). It standardizes MMCS architecture, functions, performance and information exchange to support reliable microgrid operation.
Key topics and technical requirements
The document focuses on practical, engineering-relevant topics for MMCS design and implementation:
- System architecture: definitions and guidance for stand‑alone MMCS and integrated MMCS structures, including typical layered communication models.
- Hardware, software and database architecture: general requirements for MMCS components, software modularity and database management.
- Communication and cyber security: recommendations for information exchange between MMCS and DER, and high-level cyber security considerations.
- Functional requirements:
- Data acquisition and processing (status and measurement data)
- Database management and forecasting inputs
- Human‑machine interface (HMI) and alarms
- Anti‑maloperation locking and alarm handling
- Time synchronization
- Local power quality control
- Frequency and voltage regulation for steady-state islanded operation
- Sequence of operations, device switching control and operating mode transitions (grid‑connected ↔ island)
- Active/reactive power control, islanding detection and black start capabilities
- Performance requirements: expected behaviors and reliability aspects for MMCS functions.
Applications and practical value
IEC TS 62898-3-4 is applied where consistent, interoperable monitoring and control of microgrids is required:
- Design and specification of MMCS for campus, commercial, industrial and community microgrids
- Integration of PV, battery energy storage, small hydro, diesel/thermal resources and other DER
- Remote or island electrification projects requiring islanding detection, black start and local voltage/frequency control
- Utility pilot projects and microgrid aggregators implementing reliable control, data acquisition and cybersecurity measures
Who should use this standard
- Microgrid designers and system integrators
- Control engineers and SCADA/MMCS developers
- DER manufacturers and equipment vendors
- Utilities, microgrid operators and project developers
- Regulators, consultants and research organizations evaluating microgrid performance
Related standards
- Other parts of the IEC 62898 series on microgrid system aspects
- IEC standards addressing power system communication and cyber security (refer to relevant IEC publications for detail)
Keywords: IEC TS 62898-3-4, microgrid monitoring and control systems, MMCS, microgrids, distributed energy resources, LV MV microgrids, islanding detection, black start, power quality, active/reactive power control.