Response of distribution feeder microgrids to system-level reserve requests

The ability of distribution feeder microgrids to operate as a controllable entity and participate in system-level services is assessed in this paper. The concept of distribution feeder microgrid is introduced. A control mechanism that fits this architecture and fulfills performance criteria as well as stability requirements is discussed in detail. Distribution feeder microgrids when equipped with the proposed control mechanism is shown to have the potential for increasing the heterogeneity of generation-mix and unveiling the hidden capacity of under-utilized resources that can be used in essential power system services. Simulation results verify the envisioned advantages of the application.