Service Restoration Through Microgrid Formation in Distribution Networks: A Review

Microgrid formation is a promising solution to enhance resiliency of distribution networks. The self-adequacy feature of a microgrid enables continuity of power supply through distributed generation (DG) units during severe faults and natural disasters. In this paper, different methods commonly used to partition a distribution network into multiple microgrids are presented, including the graph theory, heuristic rule-based algorithm, cluster-based technique, and mixed integer programming. Advantages and disadvantages of these techniques and future research directions are presented. This review provides an excellent summary on service restoration through micrgrid formation, and offers a valuable reference for researchers working on grid modernization of distribution networks.