Hybrid micro-grids and their core technical challenges

Muzamil Faiz1, Touqeer Shaikh2, Javed Taheem3

1. Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro (SZAB campus)
2. Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro (SZAB campus)
3. Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro (SZAB campus)

Abstract---- This paper basically describes the core challenges faced by engineers in designing
,planning, installation and operation of micro-grids in standalone and utility grid connected
mode. It includes the technical issues relating stability, protection, reliability, Earthing and
power unbalancing when one mode of operation changes to another. In the end future of micro-
grids is given also a brief review of IEEE-1547, UL-1741 and IEC-62257 specification has been
given.

Key Words: Hybrid Micro grids; Micro grids protection issues, DSM, Alternate Energy

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.

1- Micro Grid General Layout:

Micro grids may have variety of AC-DC loads, Distributed AC-DC generating sources, UG connection at PCC
and the AC-DC energy storage systems as shown in the figure below. The micro-grids are connected in two
modes viz. Standalone and UGC mode of operation. Topological changes occur in low voltage network for
connection/disconnection of sources, storage system or demand [1].Micro-grids can be installed at hilly areas with
micro-hydal or wind turbines, desert areas with Photo volatic (PV) cells or fuel cells, office buildings, favorites or
at rural farms. The demand side of the micro-grids is also categorized in critical loads as military installation,
hospitals and research laboratories, adjustable loads such as heating or cooling system of buildings and shed able
load such as home appliances as shown in fig. below.
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:

A- Power Quality issues:

DC micro sources like PV cells, fuel cells are connected to micro-grid through inverters and the switching process
creates harmonics according to technology used in inverters and the frequency related issues in wind micro
turbines also add up to Excessive harmonic content in power supply causes equipment overheating, protection
system maloperation/failure, protection devices damage and harmonic resonance in capacitor banks installed.

B- Protection Issues

Protection system of any electrical system has a vital role in its effective, safe and reliable operation throughout
life. Dawn of distributed generation in existing distribution network demands for design of protection system
according to new emerging scenario of power flow in either direction. The protection system is normally based
upon the fault level at the relaying point and the MG standalone and UG-MG mode of operation changes the fault
level. The new situation due to connection or disconnection of MG with UG causes different behavior of
overcurrent, earth fault and distance relays. A novel dynamic protection system using online mode of operation
through modern communication technologies can overcome this issue. Activation of different group settings of
relays with topological changes in system and using differential protection can cope with the protection related
issues micro-grids.

C- Unreliability of AESs:

Micro grids can have small generating stations including but not limited to solar energy harnessing centers using
thermal and PV technologies, wind farms, biomass, biogas, wave energy trapping techniques etc and almost all
these sources are affected by weather conditions, seasonal changes and time of day. This unreliability can be
handled by proper design of energy storage system.

D- Stability Issues:

Inertia of generators connected with micro turbines used in MGs is usually less than the generators used in utility
network due to which stability issues arises during transient periods of transmission line faults, sudden load
changes and standalone/UG-MG operating modes of operation. Due to these issues micro grids face the voltage
and frequency instabilities. Stability issues can be treated by dynamic reactive power control and active frequency
control mechanism. The normally control mechanism used for voltage and frequency control are droop
characteristic controllers which keep the both within the acceptable limits.

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 UG-MG to standalone to avoid the operational complications.

F- Un balanced Power flow:

When changing from UG-MG 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 [1].
G- Future of Micro-grids:

In future micro-grids can 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 [1].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 UG-MG mode can be
made safe to important electrical installations, appliances and industry.