Design considerations for microgrids with energy storage

Abstract

This paper discusses the need for power quality microgrids to provide 1/4 cycle response to compete with existing power quality products by offering similar performance. However, providing 1/4 cycle response in distributed line-interactive microgrids is difficult due to the challenge of force commutating the static switch. Seamless islanding adds significant cost to microgrids, and to avoid adding unnecessary cost, the main value propositions for microgrids are analyzed. Requirements and characteristics are described for microgrids designed for each of the three value propositions: reliability, energy arbitrage, and power quality. Sample designs are compared for an example case, along with a discussion on the role of energy storage in microgrids.