Contents

 Introduction

 Microgrid Operating Modes.

 The Need of Microgrid.

 Interconnected Microgrids – Power Parks.

 Environmental Aspects.

 Conventional Grid versus Microgrid.

 Advantages & Disadvantages of Microgrid.

 Future Directions on Microgrid Research.

 References.
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.
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.
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
A microgrid combined with power electronic interface is a completely self-sufficient
network, with preferably autonomous control, communication and protection. It is
capable of providing capacity support to the transmission grid while in grid-connected
mode, and with capacity in excess of coincident peak demand. So, the Micro grids
comprise low voltage LV distribution systems with integration of Diverse Energy
Resources DER such as photovoltaic, wind, bio-mass, bio fuel and fuel cell together with
Distributed storage DS like flywheels, energy capacitors and batteries and Controllable
Loads that behave as a coordinated entity networked by employing advanced power
electronic conversion and control capabilities

The MicroGrid 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.

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.

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.
  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.

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.
Conventional Grid verses Microgrid
Performance Measures Traditional grid power
Cost At most location in US delivered
grid power effectively cost
between 6 and 15 cents per KWh
Fuel Efficiency Delivered grid power is 30% to
50% efficient depending on the
mix of power plant used.
Reliability Grid power is on average
99.97%reliable.No single DG
technology without redundancy
Can beat this figure.
Emissions Modern natural gas combine
cycle power plants pollute less
than fuel oil/diesel DG engine
units.
Security Damage to a few measure
transmission lines can cause
regional blackouts affecting
millions of customers.
Construction constraints It is difficult to built new lines
and substations due to NIMBY
(“not in my backyard
syndrome”).
Microgrid
Well designed microgrid projects
with good fuel cost or
availability can be under 10 cents
per KWh so some are less costly
than grid power in some
locations.
Microgrid with CHP can be 70%
to 90% efficient. Without CHP
microgrid may be less efficient
than grid power.
Microgrid with bulk system as
backup achieves higher
reliability than the bulk system
alone and usually at lower cost
than upgrading the bulk system
reliability.
Microgrid alone is not a reliable
as traditional power without use
of costly redundancy.
Fuel cells and renewable energy
systems used in DG have little or
no emission and pollute much
less that most grid sources.
Natural gas DG sources pollute
less than coal fired traditional
grid generation.
Severe damage to a microgrid
affects only thousands of
customers or less.
Microgrid can be a solution to
overloaded and constrained T&D
systems. But they also have their
own pollution, noise and zoning
issues.
Advantages of Microgrid
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

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.
OVERALL 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.
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.pdf
 "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_Article/58905d08bd629010VgnVCM
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 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.