ABSTRACT
Chapter 15 explores the future of microgrids. How are microgrids evolving and what does the future portend? For microgrids, it is all about electricity and the growing needs for the services it provides. There is a bright future for microgrids given the advances in distributed energy resources. Smart grids are emerging. The evolution of the electrical grid to incorporate monitoring, protect and automatically optimize the operation of its interconnected elements, and collect digital data instantaneously to respond automatically to variable conditions is already happening. This chapter introduces nascent electrical generation technologies that may pave the way for future microgrid development. Examples include ocean wave and tidal energy, Stirling engines combined with solar reflectors, small-scale nuclear reactors, hydrogen generation, plasma-arc gasification, and others. These technologies have the potential to transform microgrids by creating a wider range of capabilities for generation technologies. Future microgrids will use artificial intelligence, provide control capability at a granular level for consumers, and transfer electricity wirelessly. Microgrids provide a back-to-the-future solution for electrical energy systems.
