Quantification of DERs Penetration Level in Microgrids: A Quest for Enhancing Short-Term Power Grid Resilience

Microgrids ease the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into bulk power systems. Given their capacity to operate in islanded and grid-connected modes, microgrids can isolate themselves from the grid when an extreme event occurs, maintaining customer service. The capability of operating in standalone mode enhances short-term grid resilience, defined as the ability of the system to withstand extreme events by applying appropriate corrective actions. Our work quantifies how the DER penetration level in a microgrid affects grid resilience. We provide insight into managing the penetration level of DERs, such as dispatchable distributed generators (DGs), energy storage devices, electric vehicle parking lots (EVPs), and small-scale wind turbines (WTs), to improve grid resilience while achieving economical goals. For this aim, a bifold resilienteconomical objective is integrated into a two-stage stochastic planning method. Using this approach, resilience is evaluated jointly with economical metrics for different DER penetration levels. Simulation studies on an IEEE 33-bus test feeder system demonstrate the proposed strategy’s effectiveness and efficiency in maximizing short-term grid resilience.