ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that microgrids can significantly contribute to developing the smart grid. Some examples of microgrids in grid-connected and islanded modes are given, including the benefits they bring to the smart grid. The microgrid control consists of two layers: a fast and automatic primary controller and an overlying slower controller. One barrier to the development of the smart grid is that the individual benefits for consumers should be clear. Microgrids are small-scale electricity networks, consisting of an aggregation of distributed generation units, (controllable) loads, and storage elements, which are connected to the utility network through a single point of connection, the point of common coupling. Microgrids can operate either connected to the utility network, in the grid-connected mode, or independently of a main grid, in islanded mode. Microgrids offer significant benefits from both the grid perspective and the consumer perspective. In the grid-connected mode, the microgrid supports the utility grid while exchanging power with it.
