Decentralized and Distributed Control Strategies for Microgrids: A Review of Key Techniques and Applications

Microgrids have emerged as a key solution for enhancing the flexibility, reliability, and sustainability of power systems. As the penetration of renewable energy sources and distributed generation increases, effective control strategies are essential for ensuring stable and efficient microgrid operation. This paper presents a comprehensive review of decentralized and distributed control strategies for microgrids, highlighting their significance in enabling scalability, robustness, and resilience. Key techniques, such as primary, secondary, and tertiary control layers, are discussed, with a focus on the transition from centralized to decentralized paradigms. The review explores the application of advanced algorithms like multi-agent systems (MAS), consensus-based control, and artificial intelligence (AI) for optimizing power sharing, voltage regulation, frequency stability, and energy management in islanded and grid-connected modes. Additionally, the paper analyzes the challenges and opportunities in implementing decentralized and distributed control, with real-world case studies and simulation-based insights to demonstrate their effectiveness in various microgrid configurations. Finally, potential future research directions are suggested to address emerging trends such as peer-to-peer energy trading, blockchain-based energy systems, and the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into microgrid networks.