A Comprehensive Review on Microgrid Architectures for Distributed Generation

In the recent years, there has been a growing interest in the concept of microgrids to integrate distributed generation systems like solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, to provide higher reliability for critical loads and to supply electricity in areas not served by existing grid infrastructure. A microgrid (MG) is a portion of the electrical system which views generation and associated loads as a subsystem, with the ability to operate both grid connected or islanded from grid, thus maintaining a high level of service and reliability. The existing grid infrastructure, the distributed energy resources to be integrated, as well as specific customer-oriented requirements will determine the best fitting architecture to constitute a microgrid. In this review, most common microgrids architectures based on AC, DC and hybrid AC/DC buses are analyzed. Furthermore, comparisons are made between different microgrid architectures. Positive and negative features of different architectures are given as a guide for further microgrid system studies.