A scalable distributed Microgrid Control Structure

The Smart Grid is the proposed solution to increasing the efficiency, reliability and security of the power grid. One of the key elements of the Smart Grid will be the introduction of Microgrids. Microgrids can manage factors such as power quality, efficiency and reliability much more readily by using localized power load profiles and generating capability data. As the current power grid is expected to compose of a larger percentage of distributed generation (DG), including renewables, the Microgrid Control Structure (MCS) must be able to support the power flow from these DGs. Current microgrid models lack a decentralized method of control and management, which limits the microgrids efficacy to artificial or well-conceived microgrids. By utilizing a decentralized control structure based on employing Smart Metering Infrastructure (SMI), the microgrid is shown to be actively able to distribute power more efficiently and reduce peak consumption, thereby reducing the need for larger amounts of spinning reserve produced by carbon intensive power plants.