ABSTRACT

Innovations in technologies, economic benefits, quality requirements and environmental concerns

are changing the face of the existing power system. Centralized generating facilities are giving way to
smaller, more distributed generation partially due to the loss of traditional economies of scale. The need of
an intelligent grid, better known as Micro grid at the distribution end, has been recognized to accommodate
distributed energy resources (DERs) and renewable energy technologies on large scale. Micro grids can
provide improved electric service reliability and better power quality to end customers and can also benefit
local utilities by providing dispatch able load for use during peak power conditions or allowing system
repairs without effecting customer loads. This report highlights the concept, benefits and features of Micro
Grids.

Introduction to Micro Grid.

 Microgrid Operating Modes.

The Need of Microgrid.

Utility grid shortcomings and microgrid value propositions

Microgrid market segments

Interconnected Microgrids – Power Parks.

Environmental Aspects.

Conventional Grid versus Microgrid.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Microgrid.

Future Directions on Microgrid Research.
CHAPTER 1

1. INTRODUCTION

Up till now small generation units have been dispersed throughout power systems basically as
uninterruptible power supplies. Generally these sources are not synchronized with the grid power supply
though, but rather cut in when the primary supply is interrupted.
Distributed generation located close to demand delivers electricity with minimal losses. This power
may therefore have a higher value than power coming from large, central conventional generators through
the traditional utility transmission and distribution infrastructure. With the use of renewable distributed
generation, the dependency on fossil fuels and on their price can be minimized. This step will also lead to
a significant reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, which is required in several government programs. If,
in addition, distributed generation and consumption in a certain area are integrated into one system,
reliability of the power supply may be increased significantly, as shown in figure 1. The importance and
quantification of these benefits has been recognized, although these are yet to be incorporated within the
technical, commercial, and regulatory framework.
However, under today’s grid codes, all distributed generation, whether renewable or fossil-fueled,
must shut down during times of utility grid power outages. This is precisely when these on-site sources
could offer the greatest value to both generation owners and society.
A microgrid is a regionally limited energy system of distributed energy resources, consumers and
optionally storage. It optimizes one or many of the following: Power quality and reliability, sustainability
and economic benefits and it may continuously run in off-grid- or on-grid mode, as well as in dual mode
by changing the grid connection status.
With the role of distributed generation changing from backup to primary energy supply, more
flexible connection strategies are required. To realize the emerging potential of distributed generation a
system approach is to be taken which views generation and associated loads as a subsystem or a
―microgrid‖. The concept of Micro Grid has grown out of this desire for truly interconnected operation of
distributed generation. It is envisioned that this microgrid concept will prove to be an ideal solution to rural
electrification besides its very well use in industrial parks, commercial and institutional campuses and many
other situations requiring improved reliability and power quality. A micro grid enables small communities
to take control of their energy use and reduce their carbon footprint through a new and innovative way of
generating and managing electricity.

CHAPTER 2

2. THE MICRO-GRID CONCEPT

A microgrid can be simply defined as an aggregation of electrical generation, storages and loads.
The generators in the microgrid may be microturbines, fuel cells, reciprocating engines, or any of a number
of alternate power sources. A microgrid may take the form of shopping center, industrial park or college
campus. To the utility, a microgrid is an electrical load that can be controlled in magnitude. The load could
be constant, or the load could increase at night when electricity is cheaper, or the load could be held at zero
during times of system stress

The Micro Grid assumes three critical functions that are unique to this architecture:
 1. Microsource Controller
 Regulate power flow on a feeder as loads on that feeder change their operating points
 Regulate the voltage at the interface of each microsource as loads on the system change
 Insure that each microsource rapidly picks up its share of the load when the system islands.

 It responds in milliseconds and uses locally measured voltages and currents to control the
microsource during all system or grid events.
2. Energy Manager

The Energy Manager provides for system operation of the MicroGrid through dispatch of power
And voltage set points to each Microsource Controller.

 Insure that the necessary heat and electrical loads are met by the microsources
 Insure that the Microgrid satisfies operational contracts with the bulk power provider
 Minimize emissions and/or system losses
 Maximize the operational efficiency of the microsources

3. Protection

The protection coordinator must respond to both system and MicroGrid faults. For a fault on the grid, the
desired response may be to isolate the critical load portion of the MicroGrid from the grid as rapidly as is
necessary to protect these loads.

2.1 OPERATING MODES OF MICROGRID

Operating modes of Microgrid are:

1. Grid connected

2. Island connected

Basic Microgrid architecture is shown below. This consists of a group of radial feeders, which could
be part of a distribution system or a buildings electrical system. There is single Point of connection to the
utility called as point of common coupling. Some feeders (feeders A-C) have sensitive loads, which require
common generation. The non-critical load feeders do not have any local generation. In our example this is
feeder Feeders A-C can island from the grid using static switch which can separate in less the cycle. In this
case, there are four micro sources at nodes 8, 11, 16 and 22 which control the operation using only local
voltages and currents measurements. There is a problem with utility supply. The static switch will open,
isolating the sensitive loads from the power grid. If it is assumed that there is sufficient generation to meet
the loads demands. When the micro grids are grid connected power from the local generation can be
directed to feeder D.Static switch is closed and utility grid is active.

22

16

In case of island mode utility grid is not supplying power. Static switch is open. Feeder A, B, C is being
supplied by micro sources and feeder D is dead.

2.1.1 Grid connected:

It is often a challenge to control the voltage profile in distributed grid due to the low X/R ratio. The
voltage profile is not mainly influenced by the reactive power as the case in high voltage transmission
power grid. The active power flow is found to be critical in controlling the voltage profile in
 distribution power grid. Thus the maximum active power that can be transmitted from or to the power
grid through the distribution line is limited, in order to keep the voltage level ofthe hybrid power system in
the allowable range.
In grid connected operation, DG units work in current controlled mode, assuming the grid voltage
is more or less constant. However, in a very weak power grid, the terminal voltages of the generator and
VSC will fluctuate. The fluctuation of voltage can cause coupling effect between active and reactive power.
Phase locked loop is thus necessary to measure the accurate phase angle. With accurate phase angle of the
voltage, active and reactive power can be efficiently decoupled.

2.1.2 Principles of grid connected operation: The

principles for grid connected operation are:
• DFIG wind farm operates under maximum power production mode;
• Solar power system operates under maximum power production mode;
• Pumped storage operates under motor mode, provides water for drinking or irrigation and keep water
reservoir at a certain level. Grid side converter controls the DC voltage, generator side converter controls
motor power;
• Residential and industrial loads work under maximum;
• The distribution line is in service, transmits power from or to the power grid depending on the balance
between power production and consumption in this system;
• Frequency is controlled by the main power grid, while wind farm and solar power can participate in the
primary frequency control by using frequency droop control;
• Pumped storage, wind farm and solar power system all participate in the voltage control of the local power
grid.

Islanded operation
In islanded operation, without a constant voltage source, the current control mode of DG unit of
grid-connected operation is not appropriate. Without a reference voltage source, the DG units have to
control the voltage and frequency in the power grid by themselves. This is not an easy control task,
especially when several generators and VSCs are operated in parallel. The islanding operation of VSCs can
be found in literatures and . The control method of single DFIG for stand-alone operation is found in
literatures but this method is not appropriate for controlling multiple DFIGs in one islanded system.

2.2 PRINCIPLES OF ISLANDED OPERATION

The principles for islanding operation are:

• Pumped storage station works as a virtual power grid which determines the voltage and frequency of the
hybrid power system. Grid side converter controls the AC voltage, generator side converter controls DC
voltage;
• DFIG wind farm and solar power system participate in the frequency and voltage control;
• Load shedding is adopted to limit the frequency dip;
• Critical loads must be protected.
E. Transfer between grid connected operation and islanded operation

In order to protect the critical load, the transfer between grid connected operation and islanded operation
must be smooth. If the controllers of DG units in grid connected operation and islanded operation are quite
different, then a master central controller and communications between all DG units are required to
determine the change of DG units’ controller mode. This will increase the cost and decrease the reliability
ofthe system, and has to be avoided if it is possible.

Transfer between grid connected operation and islanded operation

Voltage angle difference between local power system and main power grid is measured. If the angle
difference increases to an abnormal value which cannot happen under grid connected operation, then it is
determined that the local power system is disconnected from the main power grid. This method is very fast,
and can be done in less than one cycle.
A synchronization procedure is required to connect local power system with main power grid.
Before synchronization, voltage magnitudes and phase angles of islanded system at point of common
coupling (PCC) and grid are measured. The islanded power system at PCC can be controlled by the inverter
VSC of pumped storage station. When the magnitude and angle differences between islanded system and
main grid approach zero, the synchronization begins, and the hybrid power system is connected with power
grid again.
In this control strategy, only one DG unit – the pumped storage station is required to change its
control mode. Under grid connected status, the pump storage station is in standard current control mode,
while under islanded status, it changes to voltage control mode, and set voltage and frequency of the hybrid
power system. This, however, means that the pumped storage station will balance the active power of the
hybrid power system. As the volume of the water tower is limited, the total energy that can be used for
active power balancing is also limited. Load and DG units can be controlled to help active and reactive
power balancing, but they need clear indexes to distinguish between active power imbalance and reactive
power imbalance.
As being discussed, unlike the main power grid which is composed of synchronous generators, the
frequency of the local power system may not change if the system is dominated by static load. Then it is
not possible to control the load or other DG units for active power and reactive power balancing. The
pumped storage station can change its output – ac voltage’s frequency based on its own water level.
If the water level is beyond the maximum, its inverter will increase the output ac voltage’s frequency. If the
water level is less than the minimum, it will decrease the frequency. Then other DG units and load can be
controlled by the frequency deviation. When DG units or load take part in the active power balancing, the
requirement on the pumped storage station is alleviated.

Utility grid shortcomings and microgrid value propositions

The following paragraphs summarize the related power supply challenges and the benefits of
Microgrid installations.
Power quality challenges
The term “power quality” refers to the quality of the supply voltage in a certain area, which strongly
depends on the characteristics of the loads and the transmission and distribution grid infrastructure in this
area. Long distribution lines with asymmetric loads, for example, may lead to significant low voltage
quality, eventually resulting in effects such as low and unbalanced voltage, voltage harmonics, and flicker
in certain load locations.
Power quality challenges are mainly caused by a lack of investment in the grid. In several countries,
demand for electricity is growing so fast that the construction of generation plants as well as transmission
and distribution lines cannot keep pace. This situation leads to power outages in certain areas when demand
exceeds actual generation, or the thermal limits of the power system equipment endanger the integrity of
the power systems. Deregulation and tough competition forces utilities in some other countries to
economize on investments – a situation that ultimately leads to low power supply quality.
A microgrid with an option to disconnect from the utility grid in case of power quality problems
may benefit the loads inside its borders significantly. Depending on the field of application (military,
industrial, commercial, or residential, for instance), power quality requirements of the loads inside the
microgrid may be different. In highly sensitive industrial areas with semiconductor or chemical
manufacturing facilities, for example, reliable power at a high power quality level is required. This may be
achieved with the installation of reliable fossil-fueled generators within the microgrid. Additional power-
conditioning equipment may be an option if there are nonlinear loads.
In off-grid areas in some developing countries, where residents have no option other than a microgrid
solution, most of them will be satisfied with somewhat poorer power quality.

2.3 NATURAL DISASTERS

In some areas of the world, the Americas or the Indian subcontinent, for instance, natural disasters
such as tornados, hurricanes, and earthquakes followed by tsunamis may completely annihilate parts of the
transmission and distribution infrastructure. Even if a certain area is not directly affected by the disaster, its
power supply may be interrupted for weeks or even months if its connection to the utility grid has been
interrupted by such an event.
Due to the fact that a microgrid does not depend on the power supply of the utility grid, the
immediate construction of microgrids appears feasible in some areas, especially those that have been
repeatedly struck by natural disasters, such as some southern parts of the USA. On the other hand, a
microgrid can be planned and assembled in a comparatively short time. It could turn out to be more
beneficial to decide for the immediate construction of a microgrid instead of waiting for the reparation and
reinstallation of the common transmission and distribution infrastructure after a natural disaster.

Vulnerability to power system disturbances, terrorist attacks, and human errors and related
reliability and security requirements
Power systems face hundreds of disturbances every day, mainly caused by natural incidents such as
lightning and arc flashes on rainy days. The majority of disturbances is usually eliminated by protection
devices that only separate the affected power system component for a limited period of time – for example
a transmission line segment until an arc has disappeared. If a power system meets certain reliability and
security requirements, nearly none of these disturbances will lead to significant power outages.
Reliability of a power system refers to the probability of its satisfactory operation over the long run.
It denotes the ability to supply adequate electric service on a nearly continuous basis, with few interruptions
over an extended time period.
Security of a power system refers to the degree of risk in its ability to survive imminent disturbances
(contingencies) without interruption of customer service. It relates to robustness of the system to
imminent disturbances and, hence, depends on the system operating condition as well as the contingent
probability of disturbances.
In every country of the world, today’s customers expect a reliable and secure power supply.
However, an interconnected power system with long transmission and distribution lines will always be
prone to disturbances. Unfortunately, there are always some exceptional situations, in which a single
disturbance causes cascading outages, eventually leading to blackouts. It is generally expensive and
requires a rather long time scale to increase the reliability and security of a large power system.
As mentioned above, a power system is subject to several disturbances every day, and it can cope
with these disturbances without any power supply interruption on the customer’s side. In addition to natural
disturbances, there are – intentionally or unintentionally – man-made disturbances. This includes physical
damage to power system components such as transmission towers or transformers, which may lead to large
outages. In today’s digital world, cyber attacks such as intentionally wrong remote switching operations
can also cause damage if sensitive communication channels do not meet cyber security requirements. An
example of man-made, unintentional damage is an outage due to wrong operational decisions in a power
system control center, taken by operators with limited experience and a lack of training.
Irrespective of its nature and source, any power system disturbance can trigger a cascading outage.
This happens, for instance, when protection and automation devices in close proximity to the disturbance
do not react appropriately to an exceptional situation, which can be the case with inadequately
parameterized or faulty devices.
By contrast, a power system consisting of several microgrids is virtually not affected by large
outages due to the fact that each microgrid can disconnect from the rest of the system in case of a
disturbance.
A microgrid is located in a geographically limited area. Its generation and load, as well as load balance, are
controlled by reliable electronic components, and it can disconnect from the utility grid and run in
“island” mode if required. The probability that a microgrid will be shut down due to natural disaster, a

terrorist attack, or human error is very low. In a power system consisting of several microgrids, a very few
of them may be shut down due to disturbances, but most of them will continue operation, either in grid-
connected mode or in island mode.

Growing demand, grid extensions, and social resistance

Everybody wants a reliable power supply. The demand for electrical power is growing in many
areas of the world, and people expect appropriate enhancements of the power system, such as new power
plants and new transmission and distribution lines.
However, reality shows that everyone opposes the construction of a power plant or a power line in
their own neighborhood. This “not in my backyard” attitude makes investments difficult, so building
permissions may take ten years, or even longer.
In an area with microgrid structures, a growing demand for electrical energy can be satisfied by the
installation of new distributed generators, preferably based on pollution-free generation from renewable
sources. This way, microgrids can help defer investments in transmission and distribution systems and solve
related social problems such as demonstrations against the installation of transmission lines close to
residential areas.

Optimal utilization of distributed generators

According to today’s grid codes, all distributed generation, renewable or fossil-fueled, must shut
down during power outages. But it is exactly in such “emergency situations” that distributed generators
offer the greatest benefit to both generation owners and society: microgrids can provide power services to
consumers, when the larger grid system fails.

Peak load limitations

From the utilization point of view, there are three major types of power plants. A base-load power
plant produces base-load supply. Base-load plants are the power generation facilities used to meet some or
all of a given region’s continuous power demand. They produce power at a constant rate, usually at
comparatively low cost as compared to other production facilities available to the system. Examples of
base-load power plants include nuclear and coal-fired plants.
Peak-load power plants are “power plants that generally run only when there is a high demand for
electricity, so-called peak demand. In many countries of the world, this often occurs in the afternoon,
especially during the summer months when the air-conditioning load is high” (Wikipedia). Natural-gasfired
turbines are the typical prime movers in peak-load power plants.
A load-following power plant is a power plant that adjusts its power output to the actual demand for
electricity, which fluctuates throughout the day. Load-following plants are typically in-between base load
and peaking power plants in terms of efficiency, ramp times, construction costs, cost of electricity, and
capacity.
Due to economical limitations, the capacity of load-following power plants and peak-load power
plants is limited. Also, the load on transmission and distribution systems must not exceed certain thermal
limits, especially during hot summer days that are characterized by a high demand for electrical energy.
Utilities need to shed load in such cases when actual demand exceeds given generation and grid capacities.
A microgrid, however, can manage its own generation and load balance. The system can always
shed load if necessary and avoid peak load. If a certain amount of peak load becomes “regular,” the
generation capacity of the microgrid can be enhanced with the installation of additional distributed
generators.

CHAPTER 3

3. TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION LOSSES

Average transmission and distribution losses of a power system amount to six to eight percent of
total generation. A solution that can reduce this figure will help save significant amounts of money and will
also support the reduction of emissions.
If the generation capacity of a microgrid covers its own demand, and generation costs are within
an acceptable range, energy import from the utility grid will only be necessary in exceptional situations.
This means that energy transport losses will be less than one percent under normal circumstances, which is
a significant contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions. A microgrid will only import energy from the
power grid if its own demand exceeds its given generation capacity.
In addition to offering adequate solutions for the elimination of utility-grid shortcomings, microgrids
promise these benefits:
Reduced energy costs
This topic strongly depends on the long-term development of fossil-fuel prices and on installation
costs for microgrids. Military bases in remote locations, for example, may have significantly lower energy
costs with microgrids based on renewable power generation, as compared to power supply solutions based
on the continuous transportation of oil and gas.

Reduced price volatility

If a microgrid is made up of highly efficient fossil-fuel-based generators (combined heat and power
systems) and renewable energy-based generators, the dependence on fossil-fuel prices will be very low.
Utilization of highly efficient fossil-fuel-based distributed generation
Use of low-emissions fuel (natural gas) systems and highly efficient power supply solutions
(combined heat and power, CHP) increases overall fuel efficiency.
Job creation
In the long term, microgrid structures will be attractive for (small) businesses, which will eventually
bring about local jobs, not only in microgrid maintenance.
If microgrids gain wide acceptance in future, however, regulations governing energy-trade practices as well
as related laws will also need to be adapted. This may change established utility structures significantly.

3.1 MICROGRID MARKET SEGMENTS

According to today’s experience and publications, there are five major microgrid market segments:
Institutional and campus microgrids
Institutional and campus microgrids consist of a certain number of buildings in a limited
geographical area. The requirements on the quality of power supply may differ, depending on the type of
the institution. A moderate degree of power supply reliability will suit most government or college
buildings, while research institutes may require a power supply that provides better supply quality.
Usually, all buildings and participants in this type of microgrid belong to a single organization, and there is
a single decision maker. This structure makes fast decisions possible, and in case of obvious benefits, the
real estate owner can initiate necessary action.
Commercial and industrial microgrids
In case of single ownership, this microgrid type is similar to the one described above. The matter
becomes more complex if a microgrid is to be established in an existing commercial or industrial area and
comprises several participants. When a “commercial-industrial park” is a greenfield project with premium
and normal power supply capability, the investor can decide for a microgrid structure to meet all customers’
expectations.
Military microgrids
Although this is the smallest microgrid market segment, it is being developed with high effort,
because there are tangible, quantifiable customer benefits. Distributed generators based on renewables are
being used to secure power supply and reduce fuel costs.

Community and utility microgrids

“Community and utility” microgrids will mainly comprise private end-customers in predominantly
residential areas, but sometimes commercial and industrial customers in that area as well. They may include
urban areas, neighborhoods, and rural feeders. Such microgrids can provide power to urban or rural
communities that are connected to the larger utility grid. There can be a wide variety of renewable or fossil-
fueled distributed energy resources within this type of microgrid. Widespread commercial acceptance of
this class of microgrids will strongly depend on national and international standards and regulations. Due
to the high number of participants, decisions will be lengthy as compared to other microgrid structures.
Island and remote “off-grid” microgrids
An island microgrid is usually very similar to a community or utility microgrid. The main difference
is that in most cases there will be no connection to the utility grid. In very few cases there may be a cable
connection to the utility grid on the mainland if the distance from the island to the mainland makes this
feasible. On the other hand, the decision making process may be very short, depending on the actual power
supply infrastructure on the island.
“Off-grid” microgrids for geographically remote communities and developing countries focus on
distributed and diverse power sources. As regions in the developing world continue to expand their
electricity infrastructure, many remote microgrids are being designed to eventually interconnect to a larger
grid system.
Other remote microgrids are built to remain autonomous in order to maintain energy independence.

3.2 MICROGRID EXAMPLES

Microgrids may be very different depending on market segment, size, and location. Some microgrid
examples are discussed below.
Institutional/campus microgrids
This example shows an institutional/campus microgrid, which is continuously operated in island
mode. Connection to the utility grid is a backup option. The biogas and CHP units are necessary for
continuous energy supply, and also for heat for cold winter days. However, fluctuating energy of renewable
resources like wind and solar systems can be stored, for example with an electrolysis system.
This stored energy can then be used with the application of a fuel cell.
Industrial microgrid
Main reasons for the installation of an industrial microgrid are power supply security and its
reliability. There are many manufacturing processes in which an interruption of the power supply may cause
high revenue losses and long start-up times.
Typical examples are chip manufacturing, the chemical industry, and the paper and foodstuff
industries, for instance. Today, some industrial sites are installing uninterruptable power supplies if their
utilization is economically justified. Microgrid structures may bring additional advantages, for example the
combination of secure power supply with high energy efficiency and the utilization of renewable
generation.
Off-grid and island microgrid
An “off-grid” microgrid is usually built in areas that are far distant from any transmission and
distribution infrastructure and, therefore, have no connection to the utility grid. Due to this, such a microgrid
must have black start capability.
Utility microgrid
A utility microgrid may include a distribution feeder, a complete medium voltage distribution
substation or even several distribution substations in a large area. In the latter case, the energy flow from
various generators within the microgrid to the loads and the energy exchange between different segments
may become difficult to handle. Thus, the microgrid operation may require the installation of a distribution
SCADA and a distribution management system (DMS), including distribution state estimation and power
flow calculation. Additional operation, control, and automation systems such as an outage management
system (OMS) and distribution substation and feeder automation may be required to keep the outage time
short in case of a disturbance within the microgrid.

Expected Microgrid features

Autonomy: Microgrids include generation, storage, and loads, and can operate autonomously in
grid-connected and islanded mode. In the first case, a Microgrid can independently optimize its own
power production and consumption under the consideration of system economics such as buy or
sell decisions. In islanded mode the system is capable of balancing generation and load and can
keep system voltage and frequency in defined limits with adequate controls.

Stability: Independent local control of generators, batteries, and loads of Microgrids are based on
frequency droops and voltage levels at the terminal of each device. This means that a Microgrid can
operate in a stable manner during nominal operating conditions and during transient events, no
matter whether the larger grid is up or down.

Compatibility: Microgrids are completely compatible with the existing utility grid. They may be
considered as functional units that support the growth of the existing system in an economical and
environmentally friendly way.
Flexibility: The expansion and growth rate of microgrids does not need to follow any precise
forecasts. The lead times of corresponding components (fossil-fueled and renewable generators,
storage systems, and others) are short, and a microgrid can grow incrementally. Microgrids are also
technology-neutral and able to cope with a diverse mixture of renewable and fossil-fueled
generators.

Scalability: Microgrids can simply grow through the additional installation of generators, storage,
and loads. Such an extension usually requires an incremental new planning of the Microgrid and
can be performed in a parallel and modular manner in order to scale up to higher power production
and consumption levels.
Scalability: Microgrids can simply grow through the additional installation of generators, storage,
and loads. Such an extension usually requires an incremental new planning of the microgrid and
can be performed in a parallel and modular manner in order to scale up to higher power production
and consumption levels.

Efficiency: Centralized as well as distributed Microgrid supervisory controller structures can

optimize the utilization of generators, manages charging and discharging energy storage units, and
manages consumption. in this way energy management goals can be profoundly optimized, for
example in economic as well as environmental respects.

Peer-to-peer model: Microgrids can support a true peer-to-peer model for operation, control, and
energy trade. In addition, interactive energy transactions with the centralized utility grid are also
possible with this model. The proposed concept does not dictate the size, scale, and number of peers
and the growth rate of the Microgrid.

Economics: According to market research studies, economics of heat recovery and its application
by CHP systems is very important to the evaluation of microgrids. In addition, the utilization of
renewable energy resources will help reduce fuel costs and emissions.

CHAPTER 4

4. INTERCONNECTED MICROGRIDS

Local interconnection standards vary considerably from one bulk power provider to the
next. A national standard, ANSI standard P1547 (Draft) Standard for Distributed Resources
Interconnected with Electric Power Systems is being drafted by the IEEE working group. This
standard rests on certain assumptions about the contribution of DER to power quality and System
reliability. The standard applies at the point where a Microgrid connects to the grid and is related to
the aggregate DER rating within the Microgrid. In other words, the rules applied to a Microgrid
containing many small DER devices would be the same as for one large DER.However, the
applicability of P1547 is limited to a DER rating of 10 MVA, which is larger than The ratings
expected for MicroGrids. Because a Microgrid exploits low voltage, use of waste heat, and the
flexibility of power electronics, its practical size may be limited to a few MVA (even
Though IEEE draft standard P1547 specifies an upper limit of 10MVA). In a large complex,
loads could be divided into many controllable units e.g., among buildings or industrial sites. Each
unit Could be supplied by one or more Microgrids connected through a distribution system. The
advantages of this system are that the Microgrid structure insures greater stability and
controllability, Allows for a distributed command and control system, and provides redundancy to
insure greater power supply reliability for the power park.

Environmental aspects
Growing environmental awareness and government directives have set the stage for an
increase in the fraction of electricity supplied using renewable sources .Renewable generation could
appear in microgrids,especially those interconnected though power electronic devices, such PV
systems or some wind turbines. Biofueled micro turbines are also a possibility. Environmentally,
fuel cells and most renewable sources are a major improvement over conventional combustion
engines.
A microgrid is located in a geographically limited area. Its generation and load, as well as load
balance, are controlled by reliable electronic components, and it can disconnect from the utility grid
and run in
“island”mode if required.
Distributed generation, especially solar and wind power collected across different small
generation locations, is gaining considerable importance and their deployment is perceived as vital
in achieving carbon reduction goals .The gains of increased conversion efficiency are threefold.
First, fuel costs will be reduced both because individual fuel purchases will decrease And
constrained overall demand will drive down fuel prices. Second, carbon emissions will be reduced.
And, third, the environmental problem of disposing of large power plant waste heat Into the
environment will diminish.
 CHAPTER 5

5. CONVENTIONAL GRID VERSES MICROGRID

 grid generation.
Security Damage to a few measure Severe damage to a microgrid
line ca caus
transmission s n e affects only thousands of
blacko
regional uts affecting customers or less.

It diffic to new Microgrid can be a solution

Construction constraints is ult built lines to
overloaded and constrained
and substations due to NIMBY T&D
(“
no i systems. But they also have
t n my backyard their
syndrome”)
. own pollution, noise and zoning
issues.

5.1 ADVANTAGES:

1. Microgrid includes generation ,storage and loads and can operate autonomously in grid connected
islanded mode
2. In peak load periods it prevents the utility failure by reducing the load on the grid
3. Microgrid can operate in stable manner during nominal operating conditions and during transient
events.
4. Microgrids are completely compatible with existing utility grid.
5. It supports the growth of existing system in an economical and environmentally friendly way.
6. Microgrids are more efficient because of it can optimise the utilisation of generators, manage
charging and discharging storage units, manage the power consumption.
7. Microgrids are able to operate with diverse mixture of generators.
8. Microgrid supports a true peer-to-peer model for operation, control and energy trade

5.2 DISADVANTAGES:
1. Electrical energy needs to be stored in battery banks thus requiring more space and maintenance.
2. Resynchronization with utility grid is difficult.
3. Microgrid protection is one of the most important challenges facing the implementation of
Microgrids.
 CHAPTER 6

6. CONCLUSIONS

Micro grids can provide improved electric service reliability and better power quality to end customers and
can also benefit local utilities by providing dispatch able load for use during peak power conditions or
allowing system repairs without effecting customer loads. A micro grid enables small communities to take
control of their energy use and reduce their carbon footprint through a new and innovative way of
generating and managing electricity.
The state-of-the-art of issues of Micro Grid research projects, especially in Europe, United State, Japan,
Canada and India has been presented. Although the researches and activities of Micro Grids across the
globe have not yet reached significant levels, however is experiencing a rapid growth.
 CHAPTER 7

7. REFERENCES:

 A. A. Salam, A. Mohamed and M. A. Hanna. "TECHNICAL CHALLENGES ON MICROGRIDS"

(DECEMBER 2008)

http://www.arpnjournals.com/jeas/research_papers/rp_2008/jeas_1208_146.pdf
S. Abu-Charkha, R.J. Arnold, J. Koehler, R. Lia, T. Markvarta, J.N. Rossb, K. Steemersc, P. Wilsonb, R.
Yaoc. "Can microgrids make a major contribution to UK energy supply?" (September

2004)
http://eprints.ecs.soton.ac.uk/11276/1/Microgrids.pdf
 John Stevens. "Characterization of Microgrids in the United States", Sandia National Laboratories

(January 2005) http://www.electricdistribution.ctc.com/pdfs/RDC_Microgrid_Whitepaper_1-7-05.pdf
Robert H. Lasseter, Paolo Piagi. "Microgrid: A Conceptual Solution", University of Wisconsin-Madison
(June 2004)

http://www.pserc.wisc.edu/ecow/get/publicatio/2004public/lasseterpesc04us.pdf

"Integration of Distributed Energy Resources - The CERTS MicroGrid Concept", Consultant Report

(October 2003) http://www.pserc.org/cgi-

pserc/getbig/researchdo/certsdocum0/certspubli/certsmicrogridwhitepaper.pd
f
 "Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis"
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/137/beyond-the-grid.html

"How a Microgrid Works" http://science.howstuffworks.com/microgrid.htm

“The Rise of Microgrid Power Networks" http://www.sustainablefacility.com/Articles/Feature