Abstract
AbstractMicrogrids consist of a set of distributed generation (DG) facilities that operate for providing a reliable, cheap, efficient, and environmentally friendly supply to power customers. Additionally, their operation constitutes a significant feature in the framework of the competitive electric energy market being applied in many countries worldwide. This paper presents an efficient computational methodology that can be used for quantifying the reliability and operational performance of low voltage (LV) distribution systems with DG facilities that operate as microgrids. Special attention has been given to the simulation of the failures on the components of the microgrid feeders and the operation of normally open switches (NOS) that can be used for reducing their impact by connecting adjoining feeders. The developed methodology is based on the Monte‐Carlo sequential simulation approach that steps through time chronologically, by recognising that the status of a system component is not independent of its status in adjacent hours. The paper also includes the analysis being conducted for a typical LV distribution network that operates in a typical microgrid configuration with multiple feeders supplying different categories of customers (industrial, commercial, and residential) assuming alternative system planning schemes. These schemes include the operation of NOS through loop power flow controllers in order to provide the respective microgrid consumers with continuous and reliable supply when power outages occur, as well as the various technical and operational features of a large variety of microgrid DG facilities. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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