A

SEMINAR REPORT

ON

MICROGRID

SUBMITTED BY

Akshata. A. S Harshada. V. H

Madhuri. S Mandasmita. R. K

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering

S. G. BALEKUNDRI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

SHIVABASAVNAGAR,

BELGAUM-590010

S. G. BALEKUNDRI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

SHIVABASAVNAGAR,

BELGAUM-590010
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering

SEMINAR REPORT

ON

MICROGRID

Is result of the bonafide work carried out by

Akshata. A. S EE001 Harshada. V. H EE010

Madhuri. S EE015 Mandasmita. K EE018

Submitted in partial fulfilment of requirement for

VII semester examination of Degree in Bachelor of

Engineering in Electrical &Electronics Engineering for the year 2012-13

SEMINAR COORDINATOR H.O.D

Contents

Introduction to Microgrid.

 Microgrid Operating Modes.

 The Need of Microgrid.

 Interconnected Microgrids – Power Parks.

 Environmental Aspects.

 Conventional Grid versus Microgrid.

 Advantages & Disadvantages of Microgrid.

  Future Directions on Microgrid Research.

 References.

INTRODUCTION

Up till now small generation units have been dispersed throughout power systems basically as
uninterruptible power supplies. Generally these sources are not synchronized with the grid power supply
though, but rather cut in when the primary supply is interrupted.
With the role of distributed generation changing from backup to primary energy supply, more flexible
connection strategies are required. To realize the emerging potential of distributed generation a system
approach is to be taken which views generation and associated loads as a subsystem or a ―microgrid‖.
The concept of Micro Grid has grown out of this desire for truly interconnected operation of distributed
generation. It is envisioned that this microgrid concept will prove to be an ideal solution to rural
electrification besides its very well use in industrial parks, commercial and institutional campuses and
many other situations requiring improved reliability and power quality. A micro grid enables small
communities to take control of their energy use and reduce their carbon footprint through a new and
innovative way of generating and managing electricity.

THE MICRO-GRID CONCEPT

 A microgrid can be simply defined as an aggregation of electrical generation, storages and loads. The
generators in the microgrid may be microturbines, fuel cells, reciprocating engines, or any of a number
of alternate power sources. A microgrid may take the form of shopping center, industrial park or college
campus. To the utility, a microgrid is an electrical load that can be controlled in magnitude. The load
could be constant, or the load could increase at night when electricity is cheaper, or the load could be
held at zero during times of system stress
A microgrid combined with power electronic interface is a completely self-sufficient network, with
preferably autonomous control, communication and protection. It is capable of providing capacity
support to the transmission grid while in grid-connected mode, and with capacity in excess of coincident
peak demand. So, the Micro grids comprise low voltage LV distribution systems with integration of
Diverse Energy Resources DER such as photovoltaic, wind, bio-mass, bio fuel and fuel cell together
with Distributed storage DS like flywheels, energy capacitors and batteries and Controllable Loads that
behave as a coordinated entity networked by employing advanced power electronic conversion and
control capabilities

The MicroGrid assumes three critical functions that are unique to this architecture:

1. Microsource Controller
 regulate power flow on a feeder as loads on that feeder change their operating points
 regulate the voltage at the interface of each microsource as loads on the system change
 Insure that each microsource rapidly picks up its share of the load when the system islands.
 It responds in milliseconds and uses locally measured voltages and currents to control the
microsource during all system or grid events.
2. Energy Manager

The Energy Manager provides for system operation of the MicroGrid through dispatch of power
And voltage set points to each Microsource Controller.

 Insure that the necessary heat and electrical loads are met by the microsources
 Insure that the MicroGrid satisfies operational contracts with the bulk power provider
 Minimize emissions and/or system losses
 Maximize the operational efficiency of the microsources

3. Protection

The protection coordinator must respond to both system and MicroGrid faults. For a fault on the grid, the
desired response may be to isolate the critical load portion of the MicroGrid from the grid as rapidly as is
necessary to protect these loads.
Operating modes of Microgrid

Operating modes of Microgrid are:

1. Grid connected

2. Island connected

Basic Microgrid architecture is shown below. This consists of a group of radial feeders, which could be
part of a distribution system or a buildings electrical system. There is single Point of connection to the
utility called as point of common coupling. Some feeders (feeders A-C) have sensitive loads, which
require common generation. The non-critical load feeders do not have any local generation. In our
example this is feeder Feeders A-C can island from the grid using static switch which can separate in
less the cycle. In this case, there are four micro sources at nodes 8, 11, 16 and 22 which control the
operation using only local voltages and currents measurements. There is a problem with utility supply.
The static switch will open, isolating the sensitive loads from the power grid. If it is assumed that there is
sufficient generation to meet the loads demands. When the micro grids are grid connected power from
the local generation can be directed to feeder D.Static switch is closed and utility grid is active.
 22

16

In case of island mode utility grid is not supplying power. Static switch is open. Feeder A, B, C is being
supplied by micro sources and feeder D is dead.

Expected Microgrid features

 Autonomy: Microgrids include generation, storage, and loads, and can operate autonomously in
grid-connected and islanded mode. In the first case, a Microgrid can independently optimize its
own power production and consumption under the consideration of system economics such as
buy or sell decisions. In islanded mode the system is capable of balancing generation and load
and can keep system voltage and frequency in defined limits with adequate controls.

 Stability: Independent local control of generators, batteries, and loads of Microgrids are based
on frequency droops and voltage levels at the terminal of each device. This means that a
Microgrid can operate in a stable manner during nominal operating conditions and during
transient events, no matter whether the larger grid is up or down.

 Scalability: Microgrids can simply grow through the additional installation of generators,
storage, and loads. Such an extension usually requires an incremental new planning of the
Microgrid and can be performed in a parallel and modular manner in order to scale up to higher
power production and consumption levels.
 Efficiency: Centralized as well as distributed Microgrid supervisory controller structures can
optimize the utilization of generators, manages charging and discharging energy storage units,
 and manages consumption. in this way energy management goals can be profoundly optimized,
for example in economic as well as environmental respects.
 Peer-to-peer model: Microgrids can support a true peer-to-peer model for operation, control,
and energy trade. In addition, interactive energy transactions with the centralized utility grid are
also possible with this model. The proposed concept does not dictate the size, scale, and number
of peers and the growth rate of the Microgrid.

Interconnected Microgrids

Local interconnection standards vary considerably from one bulk power provider to the next. A national
standard, ANSI standard P1547 (Draft) Standard for Distributed Resources
Interconnected with Electric Power Systems is being drafted by the IEEE working group. This standard
rests on certain assumptions about the contribution of DER to power quality and
System reliability. The standard applies at the point where a Microgrid connects to the grid and is related
to the aggregate DER rating within the Microgrid. In other words, the rules applied
to a Microgrid containing many small DER devices would be the same as for one large DER.However,
the applicability of P1547 is limited to a DER rating of 10 MVA, which is larger than
The ratings expected for MicroGrids.

Because a Microgrid exploits low voltage, use of waste heat, and the flexibility of power electronics, its
practical size may be limited to a few MVA (even
Though IEEE draft standard P1547 specifies an upper limit of 10MVA). In a large complex, loads could
be divided into many controllable units e.g., among buildings or industrial sites. Each unit
Could be supplied by one or more Microgrids connected through a distribution system. The advantages
of this system are that the Microgrid structure insures greater stability and controllability,
Allows for a distributed command and control system, and provides redundancy to insure greater power
supply reliability for the power park.
Environmental aspects

Growing environmental awareness and government directives have set the stage for an increase in the
fraction of electricity supplied using renewable sources .Renewable generation could appear in
microgrids,especially those interconnected though power electronic devices, such PV systems or some
wind turbines. Biofueled micro turbines are also a possibility. Environmentally, fuel cells and most
renewable sources are a major improvement over conventional combustion engines.
A microgrid is located in a geographically limited area. Its generation and load, as well as load balance,
are controlled by reliable electronic components, and it can disconnect from the utility grid and run in
“island”mode if required.

Distributed generation , especially solar and wind power collected across different small
generation locations, is gaining considerable importance and their deployment is perceived as
vital in achieving carbon reduction goals .The gains of increased conversion efficiency are threefold. First, fuel cos
will be reduced both because individual fuel purchases will decrease
And constrained overall demand will drive down fuel prices. Second, carbon emissions will be reduced. And, third
environmental problem of disposing of large power plant waste heat
Into the environment will diminish.
Conventional Grid verses Microgrid
Performance Measures Traditional grid power
Cost At most location in US delivered
grid power effectively cost
between 6 and 15 cents per KWh
Fuel Efficiency Delivered grid power is 30% to
50% efficient depending on the
mix of power plant used.
Reliability Grid power is on average
99.97%reliable.No single DG
technology without redundancy
Can beat this figure.
Emissions Modern natural gas combine
cycle power plants pollute less
than fuel oil/diesel DG engine
units.
Security Damage to a few measure
transmission lines can cause
regional blackouts affecting
millions of customers.
Construction constraints It is difficult to built new lines
and substations due to NIMBY
(“not in my backyard
syndrome”).
Microgrid
Well designed microgrid projects
with good fuel cost or
availability can be under 10 cents
per KWh so some are less costly
than grid power in some
locations.
Microgrid with CHP can be 70%
to 90% efficient. Without CHP
microgrid may be less efficient
than grid power.
Microgrid with bulk system as
backup achieves higher
reliability than the bulk system
alone and usually at lower cost
than upgrading the bulk system
reliability.
Microgrid alone is not a reliable
as traditional power without use
of costly redundancy.
Fuel cells and renewable energy
systems used in DG have little or
no emission and pollute much
less that most grid sources.
Natural gas DG sources pollute
less than coal fired traditional
grid generation.
Severe damage to a microgrid
affects only thousands of
customers or less.
Microgrid can be a solution to
overloaded and constrained T&D
systems. But they also have their
own pollution, noise and zoning
issues.
Advantages of Microgrid
1. Microgrid includes generation ,storage and loads and can operate autonomously in grid
connected islanded mode
2. In peak load periods it prevents the utility failure by reducing the load on the grid
3. Microgrid can operate in stable manner during nominal operating conditions and during transient
events.
4. Microgrids are completely compatible with existing utility grid.
5. It supports the growth of existing system in an economical and environmentally friendly way.
6. Microgrids are more efficient because of it can optimise the utilisation of generators, manage
charging and discharging storage units, manage the power consumption.
7. Microgrids are able to operate with diverse mixture of generators.
8. Microgrid supports a true peer-to-peer model for operation, control and energy trade

Disadvantages
1. Electrical energy needs to be stored in battery banks thus requiring more space and maintenance.
2. Resynchronization with utility grid is difficult.
3. Microgrid protection is one of the most important challenges facing the implementation of
Microgrids.

OVERALL CONCLUSIONS
Micro grids can provide improved electric service reliability and better power quality to end customers
and can also benefit local utilities by providing dispatch able load for use during peak power conditions
or allowing system repairs without effecting customer loads. A micro grid enables small communities to
take control of their energy use and reduce their carbon footprint through a new and innovative way of
generating and managing electricity.
The state-of-the-art of issues of Micro Grid research projects, especially in Europe, United State, Japan,
Canada and India has been presented. Although the researches and activities of Micro Grids across the
globe have not yet reached significant levels, however is experiencing a rapid growth.
References

 A. A. Salam, A. Mohamed and M. A. Hanna. "TECHNICAL CHALLENGES ON MICROGRIDS"

(DECEMBER 2008)
http://www.arpnjournals.com/jeas/research_papers/rp_2008/jeas_1208_146.pdf
 S. Abu-Charkha, R.J. Arnold, J. Koehler, R. Lia, T. Markvarta, J.N. Rossb, K. Steemersc, P.
Wilsonb, R. Yaoc. "Can microgrids make a major contribution to UK energy supply?"
(September 2004)
http://eprints.ecs.soton.ac.uk/11276/1/Microgrids.pdf
 John Stevens. "Characterization of Microgrids in the United States", Sandia National
Laboratories (January 2005)
http://www.electricdistribution.ctc.com/pdfs/RDC_Microgrid_Whitepaper_1-7-05.pdf
 Robert H. Lasseter, Paolo Piagi. "Microgrid: A Conceptual Solution", University of Wisconsin-
Madison (June 2004)
http://www.pserc.wisc.edu/ecow/get/publicatio/2004public/lasseterpesc04us.pdf

 "Integration of Distributed Energy Resources - The CERTS MicroGrid Concept", Consultant

Report (October 2003)
http://www.pserc.org/cgi-
pserc/getbig/researchdo/certsdocum0/certspubli/certsmicrogridwhitepaper.pdf
 "Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis"
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/137/beyond-the-grid.html
 "How a Microgrid Works"
http://science.howstuffworks.com/microgrid.htm
 “The Rise of Microgrid Power Networks"

http://www.sustainablefacility.com/Articles/Feature_Article/58905d08bd629010VgnVCM100000f932a8
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 ABSTRACT

Innovations in technologies, economic benefits, quality requirements and environmental concerns are
changing the face of the existing power system. Centralized generating facilities are giving way to
smaller, more distributed generation partially due to the loss of traditional economies of scale. The need
of an intelligent grid, better known as Micro grid at the distribution end, has been recognized to
accommodate distributed energy resources (DERs) and renewable energy technologies on large scale.
Micro grids can provide improved electric service reliability and better power quality to end customers
and can also benefit local utilities by providing dispatch able load for use during peak power conditions
or allowing system repairs without effecting customer loads. This report highlights the concept, benefits
and features of Micro Grids.