Microgrids

Definitions

❖ A microgrid is a small electricity generation and distribution system containing

distributed generation, energy storage systems, loads and monitoring and protection
devices.
❖ It is an autonomous system that is self-controlled and self-managed.
❖ An energy microgrid provides users thermal energy for heating and cooling in addition
to electricity.
❖ A fundamental feature of a microgrid is that it can operate either in grid-connected or
islanded mode. In the grid-connected mode, the microgrid exchanges electrical energy
with the bulk power grid.
 Definitions

● At the simplest level, microgrids are systems that have at least one distributed
energy resource, and associated loads, that can form intentional islands in the
electrical distribution systems.

● At a broader level, the microgrid encompasses a portion of a power distribution

system that is located downstream of the distribution substation, with the following
features.
Advantages

❖ Ability to connect multiple and diverse loads.

❖ The capability of islanding, and operating independently from the grid seamlessly.
❖ Disconnection/ reconnection of loads, and DER’s with minimal disruption the local
loads.
❖ Provides reliability, and power quality benefits which are not available from the
conventional utility grid system.
❖ Incorporates communication/aggregation features which allow organization, and control
of the microgrid power system as a single entity.
 Advantages

● The controllable power sources and energy storage systems in a microgrid can
accommodate the fluctuations of renewable power generation and thus improve power
quality.
● Diverse operational objectives such as minimizing operational costs and maximizing
energy utilization can be achieved through effective management of distributed generation
and loads and the design of energy management systems.
● A microgrid can provide differentiated custom-made services to satisfy all kinds of loads.
For example, a microgrid can supply important loads with high-reliability power, while
supplying less important loads with cheaper power at lower reliability.
 Advantages
● In distribution networks, a microgrid acts as a virtual power source or load. Therefore, peak
shaving can be realized through coordinated control of distributed generation and loads.
● Moreover, the adverse impacts of a high penetration of distributed generation can be reduced to a
great extent by microgrids, thus helping system operators manage the distribution network more
easily.
● Because of the ability of independent operation, microgrids assist distribution networks with self-
healing after faults. When there are faults in the network, many microgrids can keep supplying
important loads.
● A microgrid can be constructed and operated by power users, power companies or independent
third-party energy companies. This kind of multi-party operation encourages all kinds of
stakeholders to participate in the construction of renewable power generation facilities, thus
promoting the revolution of the market model and mechanism in the energy field.
Structure and Characteristics

A typical Microgrid consists of several basic components for operation

which includes:

➢ Distributed generation (DG)

➢ Distributed Storage (DS)
➢ Interconnection switches
➢ Control Systems
Microgrid Components
➔ The electrical connection point of the microgrid to the utility system, at the low-voltage bus
of the substation transformer, constitutes the microgrid point of common coupling (PCC)

➔ The microgrid normally operates in a grid-connected mode through the substation

transformer.

➔ However, it is also expected to provide sufficient generation capacity, controls, and

operational strategies to supply at least a portion of the load after being disconnected from
the distribution system at the PCC and remain operational as an autonomous (islanded)
entity.

➔ The types of controls and power/energy management strategies envisioned for a microgrid
are mainly determined based on the adopted DER technologies, load requirements, and the
expected operational scenarios.
Distributed Generation

➔ DG units are small sources of energy located near the point of use. DG technologies
based on renewable sources typically include photovoltaic cells (PV), wind turbine
generators, fuel cells, micro-hydel turbines, biomass gasifiers, etc.
➔ In a conventional DG unit (e.g., a synchronous generator or an induction generator),
the rotating machine converts the power from the primary energy source to the
electrical power, and also acts as the interface medium between the source and the
microgrid.
➔ For an electronically coupled DG unit, the coupling converter can provide another
layer of conversion, and voltage/frequency control, as well as acts as the interface
medium with the microgrid.
Block Representation of a DG Unit
Cont….
➔ In terms of power flow control, a DG unit is either a dispatchable or a non-dispatchable unit. The
output power of a dispatchable DG unit can be controlled externally, through set points.

➔ A dispatchable DG unit is either a fast-acting or a slow-response unit.

➔ In contrast, the output power of a non-dispatchable DG unit is normally controlled based on the
optimal operating condition of its primary energy source.

➔ For example a wind turbine generator and solar photovoltaic arrays are normally operated based
on the maximum power tracking concept to extract the maximum possible power from the wind
and sun. Thus, the output power of the generating unit varies according to the weather conditions
Distributed Storage

➔ DS technologies are used in microgrid applications where the generation and loads
of the microgrid cannot be exactly matched.
➔ DS provides a bridge in meeting the power and energy requirements of the
microgrid.
➔ Storage capacity is defined in terms of the time for which the rated load can be
covered by nominal energy capacity. Storage capacity can be then categorized in
terms:
◆ Energy density requirements (for medium- and long-term needs) or
◆ Power density requirements (for short- and very short-term needs).
Cont..

❏ Distributed storage enhances the overall performance of microgrid systems in

three ways.
1. It stabilizes and permits DG units to run at a constant and stable output,
despite load fluctuations.
2. It provides the ride-through capability when there are dynamic variations of
primary energy (such as those of sun, wind, and hydropower sources).
3. It permits DG to seamlessly operate as a dispatchable unit.
Cont..

❏ Moreover, energy storage can be beneficial for power systems by damping peak surges
in electricity demand, and countering momentary power disturbances.
❏ They can also provide outage ride-through while backup generators respond, and
reserve energy for future demand.
❏ The major forms of energy storage available that can be used in microgrids include
❏ Batteries

❏ Super-capacitors

❏ Flywheels etc.
Interconnection Switch

★ The interconnection switch ties the point of connection between the microgrid and the
rest of the distribution system i.e the point of common coupling (PCC).
★ Grid conditions are measured both on the utility and microgrid sides of the switch
through current transformers (CT s) and potential transformers (PT s) to determine
operational conditions.
★ The interconnection switches should be designed to meet grid interconnection standards
like IEEE 1547 to minimize custom engineering and site-specific approval processes
and lower cost.
Schematic of a circuit breaker based interconnection switch
Control Systems

❖ The control system of a microgrid is designed to safely operate the system in grid
connected and stand-alone modes.
❖ It can be either a central controller or embedded as autonomous parts of each
distributed generator.
❖ When the utility is disconnected the control system must control the voltage and
frequency of the local load.
❖ It must also compensate the instantaneous real power difference between generation
and loads provide the difference between generated reactive power and the actual
reactive power consumed by the load; and protect the internal microgrid.
Frequency Control

● In stand-alone mode, frequency control is a challenging problem since microgrids are inherently
converter-dominated grids, with very little directly connected rotating masses. In the conventional
power grid, high inertia turbines and generators with their large time constants provide inherent
stability to the system. Since distributed sources like microturbines and fuel cells have slow response to
control signals, and are inertia-less, isolated operation raises load tracking problems.
● The converter control systems must be adapted to provide the response previously obtained from
directly connected rotating masses.
● The following strategies may be employed for frequency control:

1. Adjusting the active power output of micro sources, through frequency control droops.

2. Appropriate response of the storage devices

3. Load shedding based on load priority.

Voltage Regulation
➢ Appropriate voltage regulation is necessary for local reliability and stability.
➢ Voltage control requires that there are no large circulating reactive currents between
sources.
➢ Since the voltage control is inherently a local problem, it faces the same problems in both
isolated and interconnected mode.
➢ In the grid-interconnected mode, DG units can provide local voltage support.
➢ The capability of modern power electronic interfaces to provide reactive power locally
by using voltage versus reactive current droop controller can be utilized.
Types of Microgrid

Microgrids are classified based on :

★ Mode of operation
★ Types
★ Source
★ Scenario
★ Size
Classification of Microgrid
 DC Micro Grid

❖ A DC microgrid has a DC bus to which distributed generators, energy storage systems and
loads are connected. The DC network is connected to the bulk AC power grid through a
power electronics inverter, AC and DC loads at different voltage levels can be supplied by a
DC microgrid through power electronic devices.
❖ The fluctuation of distributed generation and loads can be regulated by energy storage
systems connected to the DC bus.
❖ In a DC microgrid, distributed generators are connected to the DC bus only through a single-
stage voltage transformation device. This structure is more economical in cases where there
are many DC power sources and loads, such as PV systems and fuel cells
Typical structure of a DC microgrid
Advantages of DC Microgrid

❖ Increase the introduction of distributed PV units.

❖ Reduce energy dissipation and facility costs resulting from AC/DC conversion by
integrating the junction between a commercial grid and DC bus which connects PV
units and accumulators.
❖ Supply power to loads via regular distribution lines (not exclusive lines for
emergency) even during the blackout of commercial grids. Figure shows a schematic
view of the DC micro grid system. This system utilizes a DC bus as its backbone and
distributes power to a user end loads.
AC Microgrid

❖ In an AC microgrid, distributed generators and energy storage systems

are connected to an AC bus through power electronics devices
❖ Through on/off control at the point of connection (PC), the microgrid
can be switched into either grid-connected mode or islanded mode.
Typical structure of an AC microgrid
(a) AC Microgrid (b) DC Microgrid
 Hybrid AC–DC Microgrid

❖ The hybrid AC–DC microgrid is composed of an AC and DC bus and supplies

both AC and DC loads.
❖ It can be considered as a special form of an AC microgrid considering the DC
network as a power source that is connected to the AC bus through a power
electronic inverter.
❖ A hybrid AC–DC microgrid combines the characteristics of both AC and DC
microgrids and can better supply different types of loads.
Typical structure of a hybrid AC–DC microgrid
Why a Custom Power Park?
Main detrimental characteristics of individual mitigation devices are
● High cost per power unit
● Need of frequent checking and maintenance
● High losses
● Need of special or big space
● Need of technical support

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Custom power park

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Microgrid Applications
As a system that provides users with custom power supply services, a microgrid can be applied to
various scenarios with different components, structures and operational characteristics, including :

➔ Independent microgrids on islands or in remote areas:

It is difficult and expensive to construct a conventional power grid on islands or in remote areas, so a
microgrid can be attractive. For a microgrid in an island or remote area, the components and structures
should be decided based on local environmental conditions. For example, when there are abundant wind
and solar resources, the microgrid can be composed of wind turbine generators, PV arrays, diesel
generators, and batteries. This kind of microgrid then operates in islanded mode.
 Cont..

➔ Renewable energy–dominated microgrid in areas with a high penetration of renewables:

In areas with abundant solar/wind energy, problems of overvoltage may occur if large
amounts of solar/wind generation are connected to the distribution network directly.
Therefore, a renewable energy–dominated microgrid at the user or community level can
be built to improve the capability of the power grid to integrate distributed renewable
energy. This kind of microgrid is mainly composed of solar/ wind generation and batteries
and usually operates in grid-connected mode. It can also operate in an islanded mode to
supply users independently when needed.
Cont..

➔ Integrated energy microgrid in areas with diverse energy sources and demands:

When there are abundant energy sources and diverse demands like cooling/heating/electricity
demands, an integrated energy microgrid can be constructed to serve large public buildings,
schools or hospitals. The main purposes of this kind of microgrid are to integrate building/
community energy-saving technology, improve integrated energy utilization and realize efficient
use of energy.In such microgrids, electrical energy is generated by solar, wind, geothermal or
biomass energy and is stored in electrical or thermal energy storage systems. In addition,
combined cooling, heating and power is a typical characteristic of such microgrids
Cont..

➔ Highly integrated microgrid in distribution networks with extensive distributed energy:

This kind of microgrid is an important part of smart distribution networks. Because distributed
generators like PV systems and wind generators that are directly connected to the distribution network
cannot supply loads independently, they have to be shut down when there are faults in the distribution
work. By integrating distributed generators into branch-level, feeder-level and substation-level
microgrids in distribution networks, distributed generators can supply key loads when there are faults
in the bulk power grid during disasters and can improve the self-healing ability of distribution
networks.
Typical structure of a highly integrated microgrid in the distribution network
Microgrid Loads
➔ In a grid-connected mode, the utility distribution system often can be considered as an
electric “slack bus” and supply/absorb any power discrepancy in the microgrid-
generated power to maintain the net power balance.
➔ Load or generation shedding within a microgrid is also an option if the net
import/export power has hard limits based on operational strategies or contractual
obligations.
➔ In an autonomous mode of operation, load/generation shedding is often required to
maintain the power balance and consequently stabilize the microgrid voltage/angle.
➔ Operation of a microgrid should accommodate functions such as customer service
differentiation, power quality enhancement of specific loads, and reliability
improvement of prespecified load categories
➔ Load shedding, and demand response are normally executed, and supervised through
the energy management controller of the microgrid.
Basic Protection Requirements of a Microgrid
❖ Selectivity
❖ Sensitivity
❖ Reliability

Selection of protective equipment directly depends on the sensitivity of load

which in a broader way means how quickly and adversely change in load effects
to the system. The reliability comes from the protection or quick response
towards detection and mitigation of the fault in the electrical system
Need of Microgrid Protection

➔ In grid-connected mode, the fault currents of higher magnitudes (10–50 times

the full load current) are available from the utility grid in order to activate
conventional OC protection devices. On the contrary, for a stand-alone Micro- grid
the fault current of about five times the full load current is available .
➔ To avoid communication failure, adaptive protection schemes or alternate means
are needed to cope up with these issues.
➔ Protection system design for microgrid pose significant challenges due to bi-
directional flow from DGs as well as lower fault current levels due to the inverter
connected DG sources in islanded microgrid .
Different Protection Schemes

➢ Adaptive Protection
○ The ability of the power system to adjust itself with the current operating
condition of the system refers to the adaptability of the protection scheme.
○ By adaptively changing the related settings according to operating
condition, the predefined protection schemes performance can be improved.
➢ Differential Protection
○ Differential protection scheme follows the fundamentals of KCL to operate at
the time when the difference of current entering and leaving across the
feeder exceeds the pre-defined threshold value.
○ The major plus point of this approach is its performance is independent of the
effect of short-circuit level, DGs integration, di/dt parameter variation and
resistance variation during fault.
➢ Distance Protection
○ The fundamental principle of distance protection method used in AC microgrid
is based on the distance measurement through calculating the short-circuit
impedance between the fault and protective devices
○ This distance protection scheme is mostly preferred in transmission lines due
to high selectivity characteristics
➢ Signal processing based protection
○ The following are the signal processing based protection schemes:
■ Wavelet Transform based protection scheme
■ S-transform based protection scheme
■ Fast Fourier Transform based protection scheme
■ Hilbert Huang Transform based protection scheme
➢ Intelligent technique based protection
○ AI is widely applied in designing different protection schemes and control
for power systems due to its error reduction capability, adaptive
learning, and faster decision- making process
○ Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is the most prominent intelligence
technique in AI for fault classification and detection in the power system
➢ Overcurrent based Protection:
○ The overcurrent protection scheme is used to protect the distribution lines
of electric grids integrated with DER.
○ The relays used in such schemes could be directional (operating for in-front
events) and nondirectional (will operate for all) depending upon the mode
of distribution. The non directional relays are mostly used for radial
distribution systems