ABSTRACT
Microgrids are typically constructed at the low-voltage (LV) or medium-voltage (MV) levels. Most microgrids are small-scale, LV pilot projects to research on technical issues and feasibility. It is clear that microgrids offer many benefits, especially when renewable energy is generated and consumed locally. Microgrids can reduce electrical losses, increase grid stability and security, and, as a whole, reduce spending for both consumers and utilities. A typical microgrid will contain physical systems, control and automation systems, and interfaces with other utility systems. It is the combination of the physical systems under an advanced control scheme that creates a microgrid application. Similar to the community microgrid structure, clustered microgrids involve multiple owners and complex load types, and leverage innovative configurations of generation and load control to provide maximum benefits to all of the customers. Although some government efforts support the deployment of microgrids, most legacy regulations are designed for a standard operating distribution grid, rather than pockets of high-reliability, resilient, flexible microgrids.
