Energy systems special issue on “Smart Microgrids”

Abstract

Microgrids are associated with significant benefits and have been receiving increasing attention in the world, given the falling prices of renewables and storage. They can be defined as a local distribution network, which can operate autonomously and islanded from the main distribution system. Thus, intelligent systems are required to integrate distributed generation, loads, and storage systems. Several motivations to promote microgrids can be highlighted: customers are increasingly interested in reducing energy costs and improving reliability, the industry of electricity is interested in maintaining or improving power quality, meeting growing demand and clean energy commitments, and governments are interested in mitigating climate change. Functionality and operability conditions are needed to implement a microgrid. First, power generation must meet customer demand, and this requires a power management system to maintain minimum operating requirements. In addition, systemic flexibility is important, allowing the microgrid to operate connected or islanded from the main grid. Finally, a microgrid must continue operating even with the loss of any equipment. In order to make these conditions available, microgrids require several interfaces, including supervision, control, and protection devices, ensuring a reliable operation without causing disturbances to the microgrid and its customers.