MICROGRID
MICROGRID CONCEPTS
OUTLINE
• Introduction to Microgrid.
• The Need of Microgrids.
• Components of Microgrids.
• Microgrid Operating Modes.
• Advantages & Disadvantages of Microgrid.
INTRODUCTION TO MICROGRID
What is Microgrid?
• A group of interconnected loads and distributed energy
resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries
that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to
the grid.
• Enables local power generation for local loads.
• Comprises of various small power generating
sources that makes it highly flexible and efficient.
Cont..
• It is connected to both the local generating
units and the utility grid thus preventing
power outages.
• Excess power can be sold to the utility grid.
• Size of the Microgrid may range from housing
estate to municipal regions.
Key Attributes of Microgrid
• Grouping of interconnected loads and
distributed energy resources
• Can operate in island mode or grid-connected
if desired
• Acts as a single controllable entity to the grid
The Need of Microgrid
• Microgrid could be the answer to our energy
crisis.
• Transmission losses gets highly reduced.
• Microgrid results in substantial savings and cuts
emissions without major changes to lifestyles.
• Provide high quality and reliable energy supply to
critical loads
Components of Microgrid
• Distributed Generation
• Loads
• Energy storage systems
• Static disconnect switch
• Controller
• Mode switching device
• Point of Common Coupling
Hybrid AC/DC Microgrids
Microgrid Operating Modes
Grid Connected Mode:
Utility grid is active.
Static switch is closed
All the feeders are being
supplied by utility grid.
Cont…
Island Mode:
• Utility grid is not
supplying power
• Static switch is open.
• Feeder A, B, C are being
supplied by Microsources.
• Feeder D (not sensitive )
is dead.
Interconnected Microgrids
Interconnected Microgrids – Power Parks
• Practical size of Microgrids is limited to a few MVA.
• For larger loads, it is desirable to interconnect many
Microgrids to form a larger Microgrid network called
Power Parks.
• The advantages of this Microgrid structure insures greater
stability and controllability for the Power Parks.
Environmental Aspects
• Microgrid encourages the use of the
renewable energy sources.
• Large land use impacts are avoided.
• CO2 Emissions are reduced.
Conventional Grid VS. Microgrid
• Efficiency of conventional grid is very low as
compared to Microgrid.
• Large amount of energy in the form of heat is
wasted in conventional grid.
• Power sources in case of Microgrid (often
referred to as Microsources) are small and are
located in close proximity to load.
Advantages & Disadvantages of MG
MG Advantages:
• A major advantage of a Microgrid, is its ability, during a utility grid disturbance, to
separate and isolate itself from the utility seamlessly with little or no disruption to
the loads within the Microgrid.
• In peak load periods it prevents utility grid failure by reducing the load on the grid.
• Significant environmental benefits made possible by the use of low or zero
emission generators.
• The use of both electricity and heat permitted by the close proximity of the
generator to the user, thereby increasing the overall energy efficiency.
• Microgrid can act to mitigate the electricity costs to its users by generating some
or all of its electricity needs.
Advantages & Disadvantages of MG
MG Disadvantages:
• Voltage, frequency and power quality are three main parameters that must be considered and
controlled 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.
• Resynchronization with the utility grid is difficult.
• 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 ensure consistency. IEEE P1547, a standard
proposed by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers may end up filling the void.
