Microgrid Standards and Technology Development

Distributed resources can provide power to local loads in the electric distribution system as well as benefits such as improved reliability. Microgrids are intentional islands formed at a facility or in an electrical distribution system that contain at least one distributed resource and associated loads. Microgrids that operate both electrical generation and loads in a coordinated manner can offer additional benefits to the customer and local utility. The loads and energy sources can be disconnected from and reconnected to the area or local utility with minimal disruption to the local loads, thereby improving reliability. This paper describes research being conducted in microgrid standards, technologies, and applications to allow successful implementation of this concept.