Power Quality in AC Islanded Microgrids: Technical Framework and State of the Art Review

In recent years, operation and control strategies in distribution systems have changed due to the increase in the connection of distributed generation sources (DGs). Small local networks with electricity users and DGs are known as microgrids. These microgrids can operate independently (islanded) or in collaboration (interconnected) with the main network or other microgrids. Some advantages of interconnected microgrids include the reduction of losses, an increase in reliability, and decentralized operation under fault conditions. Nevertheless, when a microgrid operates in islanded mode, its electrical characteristics change and, consequently, the severity of power quality disturbances can increase, as well as their negative impact on electronic devices (loads and DG devices). This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of existing studies on power quality disturbances in islanded microgrids and identifies the most relevant needs for future research on this topic. Detailed information is analyzed to compare the differences between disturbance levels in both interconnected and islanded microgrids. In the case of harmonic disturbances, the impact of the different microgrid configurations is also analyzed.