An intelligent microgrid with distributed generation

Microgrids are modern, small-scale versions of the centralized electricity system which can generate, distribute, and regulate the flow of electricity to consumers at a local level. These microgrids are an ideal way to integrate renewable resources in the community level. In this paper, a microgrid model has been shown which focuses on community harvesting of power, bi-directional power capability and energy consumption management. These objectives are achieved using two distinct components of the microgrid; a smart meter at every end user and a smart station for each locality. These two essential components of the grid are integrated into the system using a microgrid architecture governed by an efficient communication technique and control algorithms. The proposed microgrid yields higher penetration of renewable sources into the grid and facilitates energy conservation. Architecture of a microgrid with renewable sources which is integrated with the grid, having parallel AC and DC systems, has been presented. This architecture demonstrates how the microgrid can be self-sufficient in case of loss of power or shortage of power. The microgrid has been simulated using ETAP 12.0.