9A View of Microgrids
Joao A. P. Lopes1, Andre G. Madureira1 and Carlos Moreira2
1 Power Systems Unit, Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering of Porto (INESC Porto), Porto, Portugal
2 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC), Faculty of Engineering of Porto University (FEUP), Porto, Portugal
Large‐scale integration of distributed energy resources in low‐voltage distribution grids will have a serious impact on power system operation. The development of the microgrid concept is presented as a solution to overcome some of the negative impacts of massive microgeneration deployment. It has paved the way for an active network management approach within the smart grid paradigm. The microgrid concept is able to address the integration of geographically dispersed energy resources, thus avoiding significant technical problems that may affect the security of operation.
INTRODUCTION
A progressive integration of distributed energy resources (DER) to low‐voltage (LV) systems will have a significant impact on planning and operation of the electrical power system. This will require a major change in the operational paradigm, evolving from an outdated passive perspective toward a future grid active management approach.
To enable a massive deployment of DER, especially distributed generation (DG) based on renewable energy sources (RES), it is necessary to develop advanced monitoring and novel control functionalities that will enable the mitigation of the technical impacts ...