Microgrid clustering architectures

Abstract

Microgrids are considered one of the most promising solutions to integrate renewable distributed generation into the electric power system. During the last decade, the microgrid concept has been studied and developed and nowadays it is becoming a reality. Hence, in the coming years a transformation of the current electric power system to a multi-microgrid power system can be expected. In this direction, the study of multi-microgrids is currently being explored. Accordingly, this paper examines the possible multi-microgrid architectures to form a grid of microgrids. For this purpose, the microgrid as a single entity and its possible interactions with external grids is first defined. Then, the possible multi-microgrid architectures are defined in terms of layout, line technology and interface technology. Finally, a comparison between the different architectures is performed in terms of cost, scalability, protection, reliability, stability, communications and business models. This analysis is expected to be of great utility for grid planners and policy makers, who can select the most adequate architecture in function of their necessities.