Microgrid Technology Research Articles

Feasibility Assessment of a Small-Scale Agrivoltaics-Based Desalination Plant with Flywheel Energy Storage—Case Study: Namibia

As climate change and population growth threaten rural communities, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, rural electrification becomes crucial to addressing water and food security within the energy-water-food nexus. This study explores social innovation in microgrid projects, focusing on integrating micro-agrovoltaics (APV) with flywheel energy storage systems (FSSs) and small-scale water desalination and purification plants. Employing a mixed-methods approach to assess the economic viability of FSS and APV-powered desalination, we believe that social innovation could serve as a significant tool for rural development, requiring collaboration between governments, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations. While FSS technology for microgrids has not been entirely developed, it holds promise as an alternative energy storage solution. Our capital budgeting analysis, presented within the context of social innovation, reveals positive Net Present Values (NPV) and a short payback period over the project’s 20-year lifespan.

A Bi-Level Optimal Scheduling Strategy for Microgrids for Temperature-Controlled Capacity and Time-Shifted Capacity, Considering Customer Satisfaction

Since microgrids can effectively integrate renewable energy, energy storage devices, and controllable loads, this advantage promotes the rapid development and application of microgrid technology. However, with the high proportion of renewable energy access, only considering how energy is optimally distributed in microgrids can no longer meet the actual demand. How to aggregate user-side controllable loads to form regulation resources has become a research hotspot, and the users, as a passive party in the load scheduling process, should also be an important consideration in their perception of the use of electricity. First, a control model for temperature-controlled loads and a time-shift model for time-shiftable loads are developed. Then, the comprehensive electricity satisfaction model of users is established, and the two-layer optimal scheduling model of microgrids considering users’ satisfaction is proposed, with users as the upper layer and microgrids as the lower layer, and the two-layer model is transformed into a single-layer model according to the KKT condition for solving. Finally, the effect of the weighting factor for satisfaction on the economy is discussed through the analysis of examples, which verifies the effectiveness of the two-layer model.

An Evaluation of Sustainable Power System Resilience in the Face of Severe Weather Conditions and Climate Changes: A Comprehensive Review of Current Advances

Natural disasters pose significant threats to power distribution systems, intensified by the increasing impacts of climate changes. Resilience-enhancement strategies are crucial in mitigating the resulting social and economic damages. Hence, this review paper presents a comprehensive exploration of weather management strategies, augmented by recent advancements in machine learning algorithms, to show a sustainable resilience assessment. By addressing the unique challenges posed by diverse weather conditions, we propose flexible and intelligent solutions to navigate disaster complications effectively. This proposition emphasizes sustainable practices that not only address immediate disaster complications, but also prioritize long-term resilience and adaptability. Furthermore, the focus extends to mitigation strategies and microgrid technologies adapted to distribution systems. Through statistical analysis and mathematical formulations, we highlight the critical role of these advancements in mitigating severe weather conditions and ensuring the system reliability.

HYBRID POWER SYSTEMS IN MINING: REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATIONS IN CANADA, USA, AND AFRICA

This comprehensive exploration delves into Hybrid Power Systems (HPS), investigating their components, technologies, economic considerations, environmental impacts, and technological challenges. Integrating renewable and traditional sources in HPS emerges as a transformative solution for sustainable energy. Economic analyses reveal initial costs offset by long-term benefits. At the same time, environmental impacts demonstrate a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and resource preservation. Technological challenges, including intermittency and system optimization, are addressed through advanced storage, smart grids, and microgrid technologies. The abstract concludes with recommendations emphasizing research, education, policy support, international collaboration, public awareness, and ongoing technological innovation. As HPS stands at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions, this comprehensive study navigates the complex terrain, offering insights and guidance for a future where HPS plays a pivotal role in a resilient, efficient, and environmentally conscious global energy landscape.
 Keywords: Hybrid Power Systems, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Technological Challenges.

A smart platform (BEVPro) for modeling, evaluating, and optimizing community microgrid integrated with buildings, distributed renewable energy, electricity storage, and electric vehicles

To achieve net-zero emissions, smart microgrid technologies like building-electric-vehicle (building-EV) energy networks with distributed renewable energy (RE) and energy storage are receiving growing attention. Nonetheless, there are few easy-to-use simulation platforms for conveniently and fast modeling and optimizing building-EV energy networks since it involves many research fields. In this study, a novel open-sourced simulating platform, BEVPro, was proposed to easily and accurately model and evaluate building-EV networks integrating buildings, REs, onsite electric batteries, and EVs. Firstly, the development of BEVPro was introduced. Then, a series of simulations on a community microgrid with 30 buildings, solar panels, onsite batteries, and 30 EVs, was conducted via BEVPro to optimize the investigated network. To be specific, in the comparison of annual energy amounts and grid powers for validating the accuracy of BEVPro with TRNSYS, the differences are smaller than 1.1% and 6.4%, respectively. Then the influences of different quantities of energy components (like the EV) were explored, and the four rule-based strategies were compared via BEVPro, of which the optimal strategy with the largest economic benefits (reducing 61.5% energy cost for residents) was selected for the parametric optimization of the energy components and control strategy, to further improve the energy flexibility of the building-EV network.

The Role of Power Electronic Converters in Microgrid Technology: A Review of Challenges, Solutions, and Research Directions

The paper is on the role of power electronic converters in microgrid technology: A review of challenges, solutions and research directions. The objective of the paper is to perform a comprehensive overview of the role of power electronic converters in microgrid technology, focusing on challenges, solutions, and research directions. Findings revealed that major challenges of power electronic converters integration in microgrid technology are voltage and frequency regulation issues, power quality issues, creative management and coordination challenges, and Integration of renewable energy sources. The solutions to these problems are advanced control algorithms such as Model Predictive Control (MPC); deployment of active power filters or harmonic compensators to reduce harmonic distortion and improve power quality; iimplement a centralized control system with centralized monitoring controllers to coordinate the operation of several converters and ensure consistent operation; and combining multiple renewable energy sources in a hybrid energy system to diversify generation sources and reduce the gap. The future research directions include, among others, advanced control strategies, grid-forming converters, wideband semiconductor, and cyber-security and Resilience. The paper concludes that the integration of power electronic converters into microgrid technology presents both opportunities and challenges. Although these converters play an important role in the efficient conversion, distribution and utilization of energy in microgrids, they face various technical and practical challenges. To mitigate these challenges, the implementation of advanced control strategies, grid-forming converters, etc., is inevitable.

Microgrid systems in U.S. energy infrastructure: A comprehensive review: Exploring decentralized energy solutions, their benefits, and challenges in regional implementation

This study presents a comprehensive review of microgrid systems within the U.S. energy infrastructure, focusing on decentralized energy solutions and their regional implementation. The primary objective is to explore the evolution, current state, and future prospects of microgrid technologies, assessing their technological, economic, and environmental impacts on regional energy infrastructures. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, the study synthesizes data from peer-reviewed journals, industry reports, and government publications. The search strategy involved keyword searches and manual screening, adhering to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance and contemporary significance. Key findings reveal that microgrids are instrumental in enhancing energy security, integrating renewable energy sources, and providing economic benefits through decentralized solutions. Technological advancements in microgrid components and control systems have significantly improved efficiency and adaptability. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, technological integration, and financial constraints persist. The study concludes that microgrids represent a transformative solution for the future of energy systems, balancing reliability, sustainability, and economic viability. Strategic recommendations for industry and policymakers include developing clear regulatory frameworks, investing in advanced storage solutions, and incentivizing renewable energy integration. Future research directions emphasize enhancing microgrid interoperability with traditional grids, developing robust cybersecurity measures, and exploring innovative business models. In summary, microgrids stand at the forefront of revolutionizing the energy sector, offering a path towards a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable energy future, with ongoing advancements shaping the energy systems of tomorrow.

Switched Z-Source Boost Converter in Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Grid-Tied Applications

The world's focus is shifting toward Renewable Energy Sources (RES) as a result of the sharp rise in energy demand and the depletion of conventional energy sources. Distributed generation (DG) units developed on RES are easily and reliably integrated into grid due to microgrid technology. Inverters are typically used to integrate DGs into microgrid. At present, the fastestgrowing renewable sources of electricity in the world is photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy conversion system (WECS), which evolved in response to growing environmental concerns about the risks of climate change connected with power generation. Recent technological developments have made it a top priority for researchers to find ways to enhance the efficiency of hybrid systems and the power converter stage. In order to achieve transmission losses and ensure energy savings, a new 13-bus system is developed in this work for regulating the output voltage in distribution networks. Switched Z-source Boost converter along with Proportional Integral (PI) controller is employed to boost the voltage obtained from PV system. A battery converter along with a bi-directional battery is connected to the DC link, to store energy generated by Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) in excess amount. The obtained DC link voltage is transferred to three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI) for the conversion of DC to AC voltage. Effective harmonic reduction is attained with the aid of LC filter coupled to Three phase grid, and the PI controller associated to the grid supports in achieving effective grid synchronization. The proposed research is validated using MATLAB Simulink by considering the 13-bus system and an efficiency of 96.8 % is obtained with 0.93% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Peer-to-peer energy trading with energy trading consistency in interconnected multi-energy microgrids: A multi-agent deep reinforcement learning approach

Multi-energy microgrid technology is an essential for addressing the diversification of energy demand and local consumption of renewable energy sources. Peer-to-peer energy trading has emerged as a promising paradigm for the design of a decentralized trading framework. Therefore, this paper investigated the external peer-to-peer energy trading problem and internal energy conversion problem of interconnected multi-energy microgrids. The concept of energy trading consistency to avoid unreasonable energy trading behavior is first proposed and an off-design performance model of the energy conversion device is considered to more accurately reflect the operating status of the device. The complex decision-making problem with significantly large high-dimensional data is formulated as a partially observable Markov decision process and solved using the proposed multi-agent deep reinforcement learning approach combining the centralized training decentralized execution framework and soft actor-critic algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified through a case simulation. The simulation results showed that the proposed method can reduce the total cost compared with the rule-based method.

Study on energy efficiency improvement strategy of photovoltaic-hybrid energy storage DC microgrid considering green energy saving concepts

Abstract In this paper, the development of microgrid technology is discussed in close connection with the growing energy demand and the real needs of energy structure adjustment in the context of the times. Guided by green energy saving, the research focuses on constructing a hybrid energy storage DC microgrid model, especially the integrated photovoltaic power generation model and the related control strategy and power characteristics. The article further adopts a fuzzy PID control strategy to optimize the energy efficiency configuration of hybrid energy storage devices in DC microgrids. By carefully analyzing and optimizing the energy storage system in the DC microgrid, remarkable results are obtained: the optimized capacitive charge states range from 0.1 to 0.9, indicating a significant fluctuation of capacitive charge states, but at the same time avoiding the phenomenon of light abandonment and ensuring the reliability of power supply. More notably, during the increase of SOC (state of the energy storage system) from 0.40 to 0.70, the system can perform mode transitions under continuous load changes. This point shows the effectiveness of the optimization method in improving the energy storage efficiency and enhancing the system performance of the DC microgrid. Overall, the optimization method proposed in this paper provides a practical energy storage optimization scheme for developing microgrids, which is of great practical significance in promoting the research and application of microgrid technology. This not only helps to improve the efficiency of energy use, but also is a crucial step to realize sustainable energy development.

Comprehensive Review of Socio-Economic Costs and Benefits, Policy Frameworks, Market Dynamics, and Environmental Implications of Microgrid Development in the UAE

This research paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on microgrid development in the UAE, focusing on the socio-economic costs and benefits, policy frameworks, market dynamics, and environmental implications. The analysis encompasses publications from 2011 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. A total of 33 papers were identified and classified, revealing gaps in comprehensive valuation models, consideration of environmental and social governance factors, and research informing policy and investment decisions. The findings highlight the significance of microgrid technology in the UAE, its limited adoption and commercialization, and its predominant usage in remote areas and academic testbeds. The paper underscores the UAE’s vision for net-zero emissions by 2050 and the potential of microgrids in supporting its realization. Recommendations include the development of a comprehensive valuation framework to drive effective investments in microgrid technology, aligning with the UAE’s sustainable energy goals. The study contributes to the understanding of microgrid development in the UAE, offering insights into its socio-economic, policy, market, and environmental dimensions.

Edge computing and hybrid control technology for microgrids based on activity on edge networks

AbstractEdge‐side services provide new ideas for microgrid operational control, but as the microgrid control structure becomes increasingly large, the cost of configuring edge‐side services also grows. In this context, it is necessary to find a modelling approach that can unify the mathematical models involved in microgrid control systems. First, a microgrid control structure with edge‐computing services based on hybrid control theory is proposed, which can exploit the hybrid characteristics of the microgrid control and reduce the amounts of communication using event‐triggered technology. Then, a hybrid control modelling method based on activity‐on‐edge networks is proposed, along with a standardised control strategy configuration method. The texts entered by the configurator can be parsed in an intuitive way. Complex control strategies can be configured with low‐code input while improving the reliability of the strategies. Finally, a distributed control strategy for DC microgrids was studied and modelled using the hybrid control modelling approach based on activity‐on‐edge networks. The superiority of edge‐computing services based on hybrid control theory and event‐triggered technology in reducing communication and improving control in real time is demonstrated through the case study.

DESIGN OF AN INTELLIGENT INFORMATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC DC MICROGRIDS

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into direct current (DC) microgrids has garnered significant attention as a promising solution for sustainable energy distribution. In this article, the development of intelligent information measurement systems holds the utmost importance to optimize system performance, ensure stability, and facilitate efficient energy management. The aim of the research. This article presents the design of the intelligent information measurement system for PV-DC microgrids to achieve advanced functions such as power prediction, performance monitoring, fault diagnosis, maximum power extraction etc. by performing electrical and non-electrical measurements. These systems enhance data processing capabilities, enabling predictive analytics and adaptive control strategies. The research highlights the synergistic effects of electrical and non-electrical measurements in designing information measurement systems. By leveraging real-time electrical measurements for system control and non-electrical measurements for forecasting energy availability and assessing environmental impact, intelligent decision-making and adaptive control strategies are facilitated, resulting in efficient energy management. Conclusion. An intelligent information measurement system is designed to perform advanced functions to increase the efficiency of these systems. The research also provides a holistic understanding of the importance of measurements in developing intelligent information measurement systems for PV-DC microgrids. The study contributes to advancing microgrid technology and promoting sustainable and decentralised energy solutions. Keywords: Information measurement system, DC-DC converters, DC microgrid, measurements in microgrids.

Optimal control strategy of photovoltaic system based autonomous micro grid for power quality improvement

<span>Due to the increasing number of distributed generation units being used in remote regions, the need for reliable and flexible operation of these systems has led to the development of microgrid technology. When a microgrid operates in an autonomous mode, it can experience unpredictable loads and other factors that can affect its operation. An optimal control mechanism is required to maintain the system's stability. Hence, in this paper optimal control strategy of autonomous microgrid for power quality improvement is presented. A test case of single phase 3.5 kW photovoltaic (PV) system based autonomous micro grid is considered. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Harris hawks optimization (HHO) optimal control strategies are implemented under standard test case and variable test cases. In all the cases </span><span lang="EN-IN">PV mean voltage-</span><span>Vmpv (V), </span><span>PV mean current</span><span>-</span><span>Impv (A), </span><span>RMS voltage-</span><span>Vrms (V), </span><span>RMS current-</span><span>Irms (A), </span><span>mean PV power-Ppv </span><span>(W), </span><span>autonomous grid power-</span><span>Pg (W)</span><span>, efficiency (%), total harmonic distortion (THD) (%), inverter losses (%) are evaluated. In all the cases HHO optimal control strategy for autonomous microgrid exhibits the best performance in comparison with PSO optimal control strategy. The inverter efficiency is improved, inverter losses are reduced and the THD is improved.</span>

Distributed generation for Microgrid technology

Distributed Generation (DG) refers to the generation of electricity from various small-scale sources of energy such as solar panels, wind turbines, or micro-turbines, located near the consumers. Microgrids (MGs), on the other hand are localized and autonomous electrical systems that can operate independently or in connection with the main power grid. The integration of DG within MGs has gained significant attention due to its potential benefits. This arrangement allows for increased efficiency, improved reliability, and enhanced resilience in the delivery of electricity. Furthermore, it enables the utilization of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs), reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuel-based power generation. In an MG with DG, the power generation sources are dispersed throughout the grid, supplying electricity to nearby consumers. Depending on the availability and generation capacity of each source, the MG can efficiently balance the energy supply and demand. In cases where excess generation occurs, the surplus energy can be exported back to the primary grid or stored for future use. The decentralized nature of distributed generation in MGs also contributes to more excellent grid stability and reliability. If any part of the main grid experiences a power outage, the MG can continue to operate independently, providing uninterrupted electricity to the connected consumers. This feature is especially valuable in remote areas, critical facilities, or during emergencies, where maintaining a reliable power supply is essential.

A Review on Microgrids for Remote Areas Electrification-Technical and Economical Perspective

The main objective of this study is to review microgrids from both a technical and financial standpoint in order to electrify rural places. Making a microgrid in rural area is challenging due to its technical and economical perspective. Technical and Economic analysis could investigate power quality and system stability for a local community in a nation. The technical and economic aspects of microgrid design and operation are covered, along with a number of other parts such power sources, energy storage, and control systems. Installation and maintenance cost has been discussed with respect to technological and economical view point in this paper. The report ends with a review of the prospects and problems for implementing microgrids in remote locations. Various challenges of microgrid and prospective solutions have also been discussed for the betterment of microgrid technically and economically. Microgrid planning has also been explained in this paper in rural regions entails the process of creating, developing, and deploying microgrid systems to provide dependable and sustainable power. Some influential factors such as technological factors, economic factors, socio-political factors and environmental factors on which microgrid depends have been discussed in this paper. The study offers a thorough discussion of microgrids as a potential method for electrifying rural areas. The study shows that microgrid is economically more beneficial to be developed in any rural area, as well as complying the minimum technical requirement of local grid code. Therefore, it can be said that any locality of a nation is a more viable and economic location to implement microgrid for the development. This review will assist the decision-makers in adopting microgrids for the electrification of rural areas and hold establishing regulations that are helpful and clear for the operation and integration of microgrids. System effectiveness, energy storage, and grid management breakthroughs may result from research and development of microgrid technology.

Enhancing Microgrid Stability and Energy Management: Techniques, Challenges, and Future Directions

Microgrid technology offers a new practical approach to harnessing the benefits of distributed energy resources in grid-connected and island environments. There are several significant advantages associated with this technology, including cost-effectiveness, reliability, safety, and improved energy efficiency. However, the adoption of renewable energy generation and electric vehicles in modern microgrids has led to issues related to stability, energy management, and protection. This paper aims to discuss and analyze the latest techniques developed to address these issues, with an emphasis on microgrid stability and energy management schemes based on both traditional and distinct approaches. A comprehensive analysis of various schemes, potential issues, and challenges is conducted, along with an identification of research gaps and suggestions for future microgrid development. This paper provides an overview of the current state of the field and proposes potential areas of future research.

Renewable energy integration in offshore oil and gas installations

As the oil and gas industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and align with global decarbonization goals, integrating renewable energy sources into offshore operations presents a promising pathway. This review examines the feasibility of incorporating renewable energy technologies such as offshore wind, solar, and marine energy into the power supply of oil and gas installations. Offshore wind energy, with its high potential and scalability, emerges as a viable option for powering rigs, as demonstrated by projects like Hywind Tampen in Norway, which uses floating wind turbines to supply energy to oil platforms. Solar energy, while more limited in offshore environments due to space and weather constraints, can be part of hybrid systems combining multiple renewable sources. Marine energy, including tidal and wave power, is still in its developmental stages but holds promise for future applications. The review explores hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable sources with conventional energy, such as gas turbines, to ensure continuous power supply. Microgrid technologies and energy storage solutions are also discussed as essential components for balancing renewable energy’s intermittency and optimizing power distribution. Key challenges, such as the harsh marine environment, high initial investment, and the need for new infrastructure, are analyzed alongside potential solutions like technological innovations in floating renewable systems and automated monitoring technologies. Economic feasibility is considered through a cost-benefit analysis, highlighting the potential long-term savings from reduced fuel use and the benefits of regulatory incentives for renewable energy integration. Ultimately, the integration of renewables not only supports decarbonization but also offers operational efficiency and cost reduction opportunities. This review concludes by examining future trends in renewable energy for offshore installations and the potential for fully electrified, sustainable oil and gas platforms.

Optimal Energy Scheduling in Smart Buildings with Electric Vehicle and Demand Response

In a number of countries, smart microgrid (SMG) technology is being exploited in the energy system infrastructure along with other generators such as electric and storage systems. In the framework of SMGs, communication links between generation and demand sides have been established to optimise energy consumption by means of economic signals. The framework of energy management for Smart Home appliances is presented in the present paper, taking account of appliance and electric vehicle participation. The approach to the energy schduling at day-ahead is defined as three strategies, such as optimum use of existing appliances, optimal production of electricity resources and optimal discharge and charging for electrical vehicles. Reducing energy generation costs and minimizing emissions of air pollutants are key objectives. Two case studies with the aim of reducing costs and emissions while maximizing system flexibility are taken into account to demonstrate preference and viability of home energy scheduling.

Renewable energy sources‐based hybrid microgrid system for off‐grid electricity solution for rural communities

AbstractRural electrification is a crucial component of meeting sustainable development goals. In Pakistan, load shedding and power outages are frequent. According to the current data, Pakistan is experiencing a shortfall of power between 6000 and 6500 MW. Microgrid technology has the potential to provide a solution to this problem in an efficient and low‐cost manner. This paper proposes the development of a hybrid microgrid system (HMGS) for rural communities. For that purpose, a technological analysis of the HMGS system for rural electrification is performed. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind resource‐based renewable energy systems are considered in this work for the electrification of rural areas of Pakistan. A hybrid PV/wind system is designed using MATLAB software. Simulation results show that a 230‐V sinusoidal output voltage has been produced by the proposed model. The advantage of this model is that it minimizes the impact of transients and provides a sinusoidal output waveform.