The role of microgrids on decoupling sharp fluctuations of electricity demand in centralized power system

The Daily load shape has an intrinsic correlation with power dispatch and therefore, during the peak demand hours power systems need to operate on their maximum capacity. This paper describes how daily load profile of power systems interacts with power dispatch, driving the supply side to act in accordance with the trend in electricity demand of the consumers. The load curve has a strong dependence with the attitude of the power system customers and other economic services linked with the power system. Peak demand fluctuations may follow a daily, weekly, monthly or annual cycle and thus a distinct power system has its specific daily load curves or different groups of consumers (residential, industrial, commercial etc.) may have similar or individual daily demand curves (John V. Grubbs). Worldwide, traditional power systems are facing gradual shortage of fossil fuel resources, lack of energy efficiency measures and environmental concerns related to CO2 emission. These problems boosted new trends of generating power known as distributed generation [22]. In order to circumvent high fluctuation of electricity demand, different methods can be implemented (energy efficiency, microgrid system, renewable energy technologies etc.). By utilizing microgrids, incorporating renewable and conventional energy sources, electricity can be supplied locally in an economic and environment friendly way [23], reducing the efforts that the main network should do to meet the demand.