The Micro-grid

Technologies

Utility Grid

Switch

Control Center

Distributed Storage (Energy Storage)

Distributed Generation

Types of Micro-grid
Institutional/ campus
Continuously in island mode
Utility as backup

Industrial
As backup for power reliability and security

Off grid and Island

In remote areas
No connection to utility grid
Has black start capability

Utility
Power reliability and maintenance purpose

Switch
Technologies

Intelligent static switch based on embedded system

Non-contact anti-parallel thyristor and ARM embedded system
Fault-> non-contact switch isolated by QF1 and QF2

Disconnection

Closure

Bad voltage equality

Extremely small voltage

Lack of generation

Operating frequency grid frequency

Voltage drop for a long time

Grid voltage lead micro grid voltage

Fault
Detect the incorporate current

Intelligent static switch control

Fault: upper grid agent-> micro grid agent and micro source agent-> islanding
operation
Contingency: load isolated
Contingency cleared: islanding->grid-connection operation

Static switch controller based on Artificial Neural

Network
All short circuit could be detected
Advantage: self-organise; self-compatible; make decision under uncertain conditions

DER Switch
Different range of time on different application
Good performance on voltage testing
Disconnection: measured in DER side and monitored in control system
Alarm is monitored in frequency testing
Low-cost; high performance; high reliability

CB-based
20-100ms
Simple circuit and low-cost

SCR-based
0.5 cycle-1 cycle

IGBT-based DER switch

100ms
Stop current and cut off in an instantaneous time

Opportunities
Threats

Benefits and advantages

More resilient and reliable
Sustainability
Improved efficiency
Easy installation
No transmission line
Economic

Challenges
Frequency and voltage control
Cybersecurity threats
Limited capacity
Control technology
Battery cost
Utility owners
Expensive (high capital cost)
Maintenance cost

Future Research
Possibilities

Future research
An optimised control strategy
Improved system reliability
Hybrid microgrid
Improved protection system
Develop a novel communication system technology
Energy Management System for Microgrid that control microgrid

Conclusion
The role of microgrid in the smart grid advancement is crucial.
This technology is not yet mature and still under testing stage.
There are huge variety of microgrid systems
However, the acceptance of microgrid technology and the progression of this
technology stalled due to various reasons:
utility acceptance, high capital cost, exposure to cyber security threat, the underdeveloped
energy storage technology, complex control strategy and integration of the micro-sources (DG).

Need better control of grid operation transition for a continuous power

Control strategy for an optimal integration of Distributed Energy Resource (DG and
DS) into utility grid.