Date of Award

January 2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Computer Science

First Advisor

Emanuel S. Grant

Abstract

A Microgrid is a group of electrical sources and connected loads that operate energy grids in grid-connected or islanded mode. Microgrid usage has increased recently due to improved technology andthe effectiveness of renewable energy sources. To produce a balanced and stable power supply frommicrogrids and meet the load demand is a challenging research area in both the electrical engineering and software engineering fields. This work presents a formal model for representing the microgrid system to prevent failure or inconsistencies in the power generation and usage. A methodology for creating a formal model for a microgrid is a critical approach to overcoming the challenges of microgrid management and is examined in this work. The work was studied in two parts. The first part assessed the microgrid’s existing class diagram that is then transformed into a precise representation in the Z notation. The Z notation is a mathematical specification language used for describing system properties, and to reason about possible refinements of a design. The second part involved verifying and validation of the microgrid system through the creation of a structured specification using Z. The research addressed class diagram faults in model-based testing. Hence, the class diagrams are analyzed, recreated, and then designed using the formal notation in an iterative process, resulting in a precise description of the microgrid structure in a formal, unambiguous, and effective manner. This description can then be analyzed to determine the correctness of the UML description that will be used to design a microgrid power management system.

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