A comprehensive review on issues, investigations, control and protection trends, technical challenges and future directions for Microgrid technology
Subhashree Choudhury
Abstract
Recent researches in electrical grids and networks fraternity are directed toward the integration of Microgrid (MG) technologies across the consumer's end. Nowadays, conventional power grid networks are obsolete due to its difficulty of control and protection when many numbers of distributed generations are used. MGs thus acts as a viable solution replacing the conventional grid as it provides integrating platform for Microsources, loads, Electrical Energy Storage Devices and Power Electronic Devices at the demand end within a small locality. MGs are capable of operating either in grid connected or autonomous mode of operation during a faulted situation. However, the system's stability, reliability, and operational control is of extreme concern basically during the islanded mode of operation. Regardless of that, very notable real time implementation and commercial use of MGs are yet to be deployed. This research article brings out a comprehensive review of various challenges and issues related to installation of MG, different controllers for power flow control, idea about the protection system, role of MGs in realizing smart grids (SGs), its major shortcomings, and future prospects.