Power-Based Categorization of Micro-Grid Systems

Micro-grid systems have attracted interests from power systems and public entities due to their structural and operational features. Such features include the successful dispatch of generation mixes, integration of storage units, support of bidirectional power flows, and ability to supply various load types. These features have motivated significant research and development activities aiming for the control, protection, design, and management of micro-grid systems. Outcomes of research activities have lead to various commercial products to support different types of micro-grid systems, when operated and controlled under various operating conditions. In addition, research activities have introduced methods to categorize micro-grid systems based on their type, mode of operation, management protocol, and control structures. Despite the significant progress the design, operation, and management of micro-grid systems, minor efforts have been made to categorize micro-grid systems based on their power generation and/or load demands. This paper proposes the use of a principal power to categorize micro-grid systems into low, medium, and high power ones. The rationale for defining the principal power is to account for electric power generation and distribution within a micro-grid system.