Search

Due to the surge in load demand, the scarcity of fossil fuels, and increased concerns about global climate change, researchers have found distributed energy resources (DERs) to be alternatives to large conventional power generation. However, a drastic increase in the installation of distributed generation (DGs) increases the variability, volatility, and poor power quality issues in the microgrid (MG). To avoid prolonged outages in the distribution system, the implementation of energy management strategies (EMS) is necessary within the MG environment. The loads are allowed to participate in the energy management (EM) so as to reduce or shift their demands to non-peak hours such that the maximum peak in the system gets reduced. Therefore, this article addresses the complication of solutions, merits, and demerits that may be encountered in today's power system and encompassed with demand response (DR) and its impacts in reducing the installation cost, the capital cost of DGs, and total electricity tariff. Moreover, the paper focuses on various communication technologies, load clustering techniques, and sizing methodologies presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To sustain the complexity of growing demand, the conventional grid (CG) is incorporated with communication technology like advanced metering with sensors, demand response (DR), energy storage systems (ESS), and inclusion of electric vehicles (EV). In order to maintain local area energy balance and reliability, microgrids (MG) are proposed. Microgrids are low or medium voltage distribution systems with a resilient operation, that control the exchange of power between the main grid, locally distributed generators (DGs), and consumers using intelligent energy management techniques. This paper gives a brief introduction to microgrids, their operations, and further, a review of different energy management approaches. In a microgrid control strategy, an energy management system (EMS) is the key component to maintain the balance between energy resources (CG, DG, ESS, and EVs) and loads available while contributing the profit to utility. This article classifies the methodologies used for EMS based on the structure, control, and technique used. The untapped areas which have scope for investigation are also mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]