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0- Introduction:
Micro grid (MG) is an Interconnection of electricity generation (AC-DC), storage and demand that can run in
standalone and utility grid connected (UGC) mode. It is becoming a quick fix to ever growing energy demand of
developed countries and energy crisis of developing countries. Micro grids are based upon the demand side
management (DSM) approach for minimizing energy consumption, efficient energy utilization, harnessing the
renewable energy sources (RESs) by involving the big consumers and potential investors to work independently
or in public private partnership. They use RESs that include but are not limited to wind energy, solar energy, bio
mass, bio gas, fuel cells etc. Micro Grids are connected with the UG through point of common coupling (PCC)
due to which active and reactive power can flow in either direction. UGC and standalone operating modes of MG
creates complications in protection system design, transient stability of overall network, power quality of supply,
power imbalance, reverse power flow control, storage system specifications/capacity due to ever increasing
demand for electrical energy.
2- Modes of operation:
Micro-grids are operated in Utility grid connected mode and standalone/islanded mode. Micro-grid acts as a single
generating source in utility grid connected mode and the critical stability parameters are monitored by utility
control center. In standalone mode it acts as source for all the local load and the critical stability parameters are
controlled by local control center of micro-grid.
3- Issues of Micro grids:
E- Earthing problems:
The distribution system is normally earthed at source side (UG) therefore care must be taken for system Earthing
when operation mode is changed from UGC to standalone to avoid the operational complications.
F- Un balanced Power flow:
When changing from UGC mode to standalone mode and vice versa the main issues are power imbalance and
synchronization due to different voltage and frequency of the micro-grid system having DC sources. The DC
sources such as PV cells and fuel cells are when connected to power system through inverter action to anyone
phase of the whole system. Due to such type of connection the power imbalance occurs between the different
phases.
G- Future of Micro-grids:
In future micro-grids can be reliable source of energy with low carbon generation & cheaper operational
mechanism. Although the micro-grids cannot be the alternate to the utility grids or eliminating their needs but it
can be helpful in dealing with growing energy demands, cost and unreliability and also helps in making the
control easier and local.
H- IEC-62257 Specification:
The IEC-62257 introduces general considerations on rural electrification. This series intends to provide to
different players involved in rural electrification projects specifications for setting up of low voltage renewable
energy and hybrid system. The standard also have contractual and technical questionnaire implementation plan,
business plan and financial scheme with social constraints similarly IEEE-1547 standard deals with the
specifications of interconnection of distribution resources with electric power system whereas UL-1741 standard
deals with inverter and controller specifications for use in power systems. By following the IEC, IEE and UL
standards the overall designing, installation and operation of micro-grids in standalone and UGC mode can be
made safe to important electrical installations, appliances and industry.