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Review of microgrid technology

Conference Paper · June 2013

DOI: 10.1109/QiR.2013.6632550

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 Review of Microgrid Technology
Hartono BS Budiyanto Rudy Setiabudy
Faculty of Engineering. Universitas Faculty of Engineering. Universitas Faculty of Engineering. Universitas
Indonesia Depok 16424 Indonesia Depok 16424 Indonesia Depok 16424
hartono@esi-labs.com yan.budiyanto@yahoo.com rudy@eng.ui.ac.id

Abstract—The use of renewable energy source (RES) in meet
the demand of electrical energy is getting into attention as
solution of the problem a deficit of electrical energy.
Application of RES in electricity generation system is done in a
variety of configurations, among others in microgrid system.
Implementation of microgrid systems provide many advantages
both from the user and from the electric utility provider.
Many microgrid development carried out in several
countries, because microgrid offers many advantages, including
better power quality and more environmentally friendly.
Microgrid development concern in technology generation,
microgrid architecture, power electronics, control systems,
protection systems.
This paper reviewing various technological
developments related to microgrid system and case study about
microgrid system development using grid tie inverter (GTI).
Microgrid system can implemented using GTI, power transfer
can occur from GTI to grid when GTI has power excess and
grid supplying power to GTI when GTI power shortage.
Keyword : microgrid, microgrid architecture, microgrid control
and managemen, grid tie inverter
From the electric utility provider implementation of
distributed generation systems with the ability microgrid can
reduce the power flow on transmission and distribution lines,
so as to reduce losses and reduce costs for additional power.
Moreover microgrid can also reduce the load on the network
by eliminating the impasse in meeting electricity needs and
help repair network in case of errors[3]. Implementation of
microgrid system will also help improve the reduction of
emissions and the threat of climate change.
Microgrid development done by many countries since
microgrid offers many advantages such as better power
quality and more environmentally friendly. Moreover the
economic potential that may still be used from this system is
the opportunity to utilize the waste heat from the engine
generator using a combined heat and power (CHP).
Application of this system with RES as an alternative
generation system in the future. Surely this system requires
the operating mechanism and a sophisticated control system
to make the finger with a reliable and efficient, and it can all
be met by the microgrid[4].

II. ARCHITECTURE OF MICROGRID

I. INTRODUCTION Microgrid system operate at a low voltage distribution, and
The use of renewable energy source (RES) in meet the needs has several distributed energy resources. Microgrid system
of electrical energy is getting into attention as solution of the also has the ability to operate connected to the grid (on grid)
problem a deficit of electrical energy, particularly for areas or disconnected to the grid (off grid/islanded) [5].
that are difficult to reach existing power grids. A variety of
development related to the use of RES continues. Start from The microgrid structure consists of several types of
optimizing the use of energy sources, the development of the distributed energy sources (DER) such as solar panels, wind
power conversion system up to the electrical power system turbines, microturbin, thermal power plant each in the form
architecture. Application of RES in electricity generation of distributed generation (DG), including energy reserves
systems performed in a variety of configurations. Starting from battery (Distributed Storage/DS).
from the most simple systems such as the utilization of PV in
solar home systems (SHS) to the application of RES in the
microgrid system.
Production of electric power from RES such as solar power
generation varies greatly depending on the source of the sun
received at the time. This raises concerns on quality of
generated power, especially if it is connected to the grid
system, where solar power would be seen as a negative
expense by net system because it has characteristics
associated with uncontrolled fluctuation from energy sources
[1]. This problem can be addressed by adding another
generation systems more controlled, such as, the addition of
energy storage systems (batteries) or forming a hybrid
system by adding diesel generators or micro turbines[2].
Implementation of microgrid systems provide many
advantages both from the user and from the electric utility
provider. From the user's application of the microgrid is
connected to the grid, it can improve network quality, reduce
emissions and can reduce the cost to be incurred by the user.
(a)

978-1-4673-5785-2/13/$31.00 ©2013 IEEE 127 Quality in Research 2013

  Stabilization of the microgrid system in the face of
fluctuating energy sources and load changes.
 Enables load sharing operation in microgrid system.
 Reduce the loads spikes and electrical interference
 Backup energy source

Switch interconnection technology in microgrid system

utilizing digital technology using Digital Signal Processor
(DSP) and equipped with communication devices, while
meeting the IEEE 1574 standard network interconnection. To
improve the response speed semiconductor switch used
technologies such as thyristors and IGBT, Figure 3.

Circuit Breaker
DG
CT 3
(b)
Load
PT PT
Figure 1. Architecture of Microgrid (a) AC microgrid (b) 3

DC microgrid 3

Microgrid electrical connection points that connected to the

low voltage network in the PCC (point of common coupling)
that connected to the DG, DS and loads, which consist of DSP: Relay + Comm Measurement
CT
several types of loads such as residential, commercial + Monitoring/ Communication
Diagnostic
buildings, campuses and industrial complexes. As shown in
Figure 1, architecture of microgrid organized as AC Utility
microgrid (AC bus) or DC microgrid (DC bus) or combine of Grid
both [6].
Figure 3. A schematic diagram of circuit breaker on
III. TECHNOLOGY OF MICROGRID connection to the grid
Operation of microgrid system can not be separated from
technologies that support from each part that make up the Control system technologies in microgrid can be grouped in
microgrid system, as the source of energy (distributed two modes of operation are connected to the network mode
generation), energy storage, interconnect switches and and isolated mode (islanding). The control system is intended
microgrid control system. Technologies in energy sources to regulate the stability of microgrid operation particularly in
distributed generation include the utilization of renewable frequency and voltage to maintain stability in face of changes
energy sources such as photovoltaic, wind turbines, and fuel in load and interconnection with other networks. The control
cells. Several power systems improve efficiency by system is applied to power converter technology in
implementing the use of flue gas using CHP technology regulating active and reactive power suply, applying droop
(combined heat and power) as microturbin, figure 2. control and frequency control [7].

IV. CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF MICROGRID

Control system in microgrid contrast to conventional power
systems, this is due to several reasons, among others:
 Steady state and dynamic characteristics of
microgrid different from conventional plants
 microgrid possesses inherent unbalanced load due to
one phase loads
 The supply of power from microgrid can come from
uncontrolled sources such as wind
 The role of energy storage is very large in the
control mechanisms used
 microgrid accommodate disconnection and
connection mechanisms to maintain expenses during
Figure 2. Microturbin its operating
 microgrid requires initial requirements of power
Technologies in energy storage microgrid systems which quality or service preferences for certain types of
include battery, super capacitor and flywheels. Energy loads
storage in microgrid system is used among others to:

128
 TABLE I. SEVERAL TYPES OF MECHANISMS CONTROL USED IN DER

Main Energy Sources Interface/inversion Power Flow Control

DG conventional
DG Non conventional
Long time storage (DS)
Short time storage (DS)
reciprocating engine small hydro synchronous generator
Wind Turbin fixed speed induction generator
Wind Turbin variabel speed Power electronics converters
Microturbine (conversion AC-DC-AC)
Solar Panel Power electronics converters
Fuel cell (conversion DC-DC-AC)
battery storage Power electronics converters
(conversion DC-DC-AC)
Flywheel Power electronics converters
(conversion AC-DC-AC)
Super Capacitor Power electronics converters
AVR Control and Governor (+P,±Q)
stall or pitch control of turbine (+P,-Q)
Turbine speed control and DC link voltage
control (+P,±Q)
MPPT Control and DC link voltage control
(+P,±Q)
state of charge and / or control output voltage
/ frequency (±P/±Q)
state of charge (±P,±Q)
Speed control (±P,±Q)

As described previously microgrid consists of DER
configuration, loads with classified characteristics and
management control systems and microgrid. DER may
include distributed generation (Distributed Generation/DG)
or distributed storage systems (Distributed Storage/DS).
Diagram of DG on the microgrid system consists of primary
energy sources, media interface and interconnect switches. A
DS can be a major energy source for the DG. Moreover main
energy source can be generated using a rotary machine
/spinning and generating device that consists of power
electronics converters.Both provide concepts, strategies and
characteristics of different controls. Moreover control
strategy and operation of interconnect system, as well as
energy/power management used largely determined the type
of DER technologies in use, the type of load demand and the
expected operating scenarios. Several types of control
mechanisms used in DER described in Table I.
PV Inverter
PES-side Grid-side
PV Converter Converter
VPC
VDC
...
In context of power flow control DER units can be grouped
into unit dispatchable energy (power output can be regulated)
and non-dispatchable (power output can not be adjusted). In
dispatchable energy unit output power setting is set
externally using supervisory control such as AVR, while for
non-dispatchable energy unit output power settings based on
the maximum power that can be generated using MPPT
concept.A non-dispatchable energy units can be converted
into dispatchable energy units using additional energy
storage systems and power electronic circuit converter dc-dc-
ac. In addition to provide faster response electronic
converters also able to limit short circuit contribution not less
than 200% from current capability and to prevent damage
due to currents, figure 4.
Stability of microgrid operation was also obtained by setting
the loads connected to the network, especially on non-critical
loads. Critical loads more attention than the other loads that
are not critical. Settings done in several ways including
termination control loads in order to maintain the stability of
the voltage and frequency. The distinction between loads
service, improved power quality and reliability for certain

expenses.
PV
(a) Control Method of microgrid

PV Inverter + Battery Storage The aim control mechanisms of microgrid is to regulate

VPC voltage and frequency, as well as reactive and active power
VDC
PV output, to fit the setting. Microgrid control strategies can be
grouped into several alternative control as shown in table II.

TABLE II. CLASSIFICATION OF DER UNIT CONTROL

METHOD
Battery
Storage Control method Grid following control Grid forming control
(b)
Non-interactive Power Export Voltage and frequency
Hybrid Structure control method (with/without MPPT) control
Genset Interactive control Power dispatch real and Load sharing (droop
VPC
VDC method reactive power support control)

In non-interactive control strategies, output power settings

carried out independently while at interactive control
Short-Term
Storage strategies output power setting performed as command from
control unit. Each control strategy is divided into grid-
(c) following and grid-forming control. In grid-following
control, settings power output including voltage and
Figure 4. Configuration of non dispatchable (a) and frequency are determined by the microgrid. Setting output
dispatchable (b) and (c) active power and reactive power can use a synchronization

129
control strategy framework "dq0". In this control strategy determine LC operations include setting LC production
current in each phase is used as an input to determine PWM capacity. The amount of loads to be served and amount of
voltage that will regulate power output. Magnitude of input market price for energy optimization of LC in determining
current is transformed into massive d axis and q axis which biding further production capacity to MCC.
then transformed into Vabc voltage magnitude. Mechanisms
of active and reactive power dispatch by an energy In decentralized supervisory control strategies each LC has
management system to perform optimization strategy based ability to determine operating autonomy of energy
on potential energy profile. Moreover setting output power is production that will be generated by LC. The main purpose
also determined by load profile, Figure 5. of control strategy in each LC is not aimed at increasing
financial income but rather to overall performance of
microgrid. So at each LC already has economic parameters,
d-Reference
Controller id (ref)
environmental conditions/ potential energy (weather) and the
estimated load. One method of control that can be applied to
ia -
+
Va (ref) this system is using Multi Agent System (MAS). MAS is a
abc id d-q Vd
d-q
PWM
evolution form of classical control of distributed control
ib Vb (ref)
current
Signal systems with the ability to control large and complex entity.
d-q iq Vq Vc (ref)
ic
-
Control abc The main feature of MAS is the ability to incorporate
+ elements of intelligence in each local control (LC).
Q Q
q-Reference Configuration of MAS system on a microgrid as shown in
Controller iq (ref)
figure 7.
Grid Level
Agent
Figure 5. dq control on DER unit inverter DNO MO

Management
In grid-forming control power settings, including output ………... Level
voltage and frequency, by DER units and will be followed by Agent Agent Agent
Microgrid Microgrid
another DER units. DER units that implement grid-forming
should have a greater energy potential. Droop control Microgrid
strategies made using voltage and frequency droop control.
Determination of allowable output power according to droop MCC
characteristics given parameters, as shown in figure 6,
LC
LC Field Agent
f (p.u.) V (p.u.) LC Level
LC Agent
Agent
Agent
1 + Df 1 + Dv
1.0 1.0
1 - Df 1 - Dv Figure 7. Multi Agent System configuration on microgrid

0 P0 Pn P -Qm 0 Q0 Qn Q In the centralized and decentralized systems both require

(a)
Figure 6. DER unit droop diagram on grid-forming control
Amount change in voltage and frequency of droop
characteristics are used as input to dq transformation in order
to determine amount of active and reactive power output. To
ensure microgrid operation mechanism works as expected
then the operation of each DER unit must be coordinated
properly for it required method of supervisory control
strategy microgrid operation. Microgrid operation
supervisory control strategies can be centralized or
decentralized [8].
Managing control of microgrid
On centralized supervisory control strategy, amount of power
output from each LC (Local Control) is determined by MCC
(Microgrid Control Center) based on input (biding)
production capacity owned by each LC. MCC based on
inputs of LC and operating policy that covers current energy
market prices, estimates needs and production as well as
consideration of infrastructure conditions other microgrid,
(b) reliable data communications facilities. Data communication
network can be radio, telephone or power line carrier.
Through this communication networks microgrid operation
mechanism arranged between each DER unit or the main
control system in form of energy management system
applications.
V. TECHNICAL CHALLENGES ON MICROGRID
As a new paradigm of power systems, implementation of
microgrid still face many obstacles. Less understanding
about microgrid and unfavorable government policies
become an obstacle in applying microgrid technology. In
general, in addition can be applied as a solution to electricity
in remote areas, microgrid technology can also be used as
electrical solutions such as urban residential complexes,
offices, schools and others. In which implementation of
microgrid technology will provide advantage compared if
have to build a new transmission and distribution network.
Advantages and disadvantages in applying microgrid
technology among others [9]:

130
Microgrid Advantages In this experiment, PV source simulated with variable DC
source. a set of Configuration tests looks like in figure 8
 Microgrid, have ability, during a utility grid
disturbance, to separate and isolate itself from the A A A
utility seamlessly with little or no disruption to the V GTI V V AC

loads within the Microgrid.

 In peak load periods microgrid can prevents utility
grid failure by reducing the load on the grid.
A A
 Microgrid have environmental benefits made
V GTI V
possible by use low or zero emission generators.
 In microgrid to increasing energy efficiency, the use
of both electricity and heat is permitted to get
closer the generator to user. Figure 8. Microgrid system using GTI
 Microgrid can act to mitigate the electricity costs to
its users by generating some or all of its electricity In this trial used 2 pieces of GTI and a local load.
needs. Measurements were taken to see the distribution of power
Microgrid Disadvantages flow of each GTI and power flow from PLN in meeting
needs of power required by load.
 In microgrid, that must be considered and controlled
voltage, frequency and power quality parameters to
acceptable standards whilst the power and energy
balance is maintained.
 Electrical energy needs to be stored in battery banks
thus requiring more space and maintenance.
 The difficulty of resynchronization with the utility
grid.
 Microgrid protection is one of the most important
challenges facing the implementation of Microgrids.
 Issues such as standby charges and net metering
may pose obstacles for Microgrid.
 Interconnection standards needs to be developed to Gambar 9. GTI output voltage on grid condition
ensure consistency. IEEE P1547, a standard
proposed by Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineersmay end up filling the void. The measurement results of GTI output voltage shown in
Figure 9. The form of GTI output voltage in accordance with
Future Direction On Microgrid Research PLN. Power measurements performed on each output of
Future direction which require further investigation in the inverter, load and line to PLN. The measurement begins by
context of microgrid research are [10]: activating the GTI without being connected to the PLN,
characterized by value of PLN power = 0W as shown in table
 To investigate full-scale development, field III.
demonstration, experimental performance TABLE III. POWER FLOW IN MICROGRID SYSTEM
evaluation of frequency and voltage control
methods under various operation modes PGTI1 (W) PGTI2 (W) PL (W) Ppln (W)
 Transition between grid connected and islanded 0 0 0 0
modes on interaction phenomena between 122 0 170 55
distribution generation and high penetration of 120 40 170 14
distributed generation 120 40 0 -158
 Analysis the issue of black starting in an unbalanced 0 0 0 0
system on the control, protection and power quality
 Transformation of microgrid system today into the From the data presented can be seen that when there
intelligent, robust energy delivery system in the is no supply from PLN then both the GTI does not generate
future by providing significant reliability and power to the load. When GTI 1 (PGTI1) supplied power to
security benefits. load and GTI 2 (PGTI2) has not been issued, then power to
load (PL) supplied by GTI 1 and PLN (PPLN). When GTI2
start generating power then the power of the PLN decreases
VI. MICROGRID DEVELOPMENT USING GTI proportional to the input power of GTI2. When there is no
Microgrid systems can be implemented using grid tie inverter power supplied to load (load disconnected) power of both
(GTI). The weakness of this system is when there is no grid, GTI supplied to PLN. Minus sign indicates direction of
the system can not work because GTI will work if there is a power flow towards PLN grid. When the source of PLN
power from grid that is used as a reference of GTI operation. disconnected (isolated/islanding), as seen in last data table,
microgrid trials using GTI have been conducted in PLN power = 0W, then both the GTI no output power again.
laboratory. The measurement results show that the number of power

131
does not show balance of power, this can coused each power
output measurements performed using different tools.
VII. CONCLUSION
Microgrid system is an alternative electricity network that
can be used to meet the electricity needs of the future. In the
microgrid system consists of multiple power sources, which
can use renewable energy sources. Microgrid system works
autonomously so it requires a complex control system to
regulate the operation of microgrid.
Implementation of microgrid can be done using the inverter
GTI. Microgrid with GTI can transfering power to/from grid.
Power transfer can occur from GTI to grid when GTI has
power excess and grid supplying power to GTI when GTI
power shortage. Power sharing between parallel GTI based
on input power of each of GTI, if there is shortage of power
will be supplied from grid.
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