Microgrid Controllers: The Brain, Heart, & Soul of Microgrid Automation [Guest Editorial]

It should be noted that the work reported in these articles represent only a small sample. Globally, hundreds of projects are occurring with different goals and objectives in mind leading to new concepts such as smart cities, ecocities, smart communities, and rural microgrids. In terms of the future, researchers are already exploring new types of microgrids such as dc microgrids (witnessing a rebirth after more than a century), hybrid microgrids, and others. In terms of hardware, as part of automation devices, we are already witnessing new sensors such as micro phasor measurement units and new digital protective and control devices and systems under the intelligent electronic devices rubric. We are confident that newer architectures for control and protection will also evolve with time. Advanced and adaptive protection is an example of this evolution. The development of new materials and attendant technologies will make the difference for the future. If the recent past is an indicator, the future will be brighter for microgrids and their controllers.