Operation of Microgrid and Control Strategies

Abstract

Microgrids are the most innovative area in the electric power industry today. A microgrid can operate in grid-connected or islanded mode. In islanded mode, microgrids can provide electricity to the rural areas with lower cost and minimum power losses. Several methods have been proposed in the literature for the successful operation of a microgrid. This chapter presents an overview of the major challenges and their possible solutions for planning, operation, and control of islanded operation of a microgrid. Microgrids are the most innovative area in the electric power industry today. Moreover, microgrids provide local voltage and frequency regulation support and improve reliability and power capacity of the grid. The most popular among the control strategies based on droop characteristics, in addition a central controller is described within a hierarchical control scheme to optimize the operation of the microgrid during interconnected operation. Microgrid control methods, including PQ control, droop control, voltage/frequency control, and current control methods are formulated.