From laboratory Microgrid to real markets — Challenges and opportunities

This paper aims to identify and briefly address major gaps between nowadays technical (laboratory/pilot) Microgrid solutions and real-life (quasi-)commercial Microgrid market demands under a global setting. Firstly, both technical and commercial aspects of Microgrid story are illustrated in parallel; both sides' inherent motivations, scopes, business models etc. are compared. Then the paper deeper identifies and discusses existing gaps for application under three different categories: Major (internal) technical gaps: 1. Grid-connected and off-grid dual mode operation support 2. Meeting Microgrid network constraints / requirements 3. Protection solution for new / upgraded Microgrids Major (external) regulatory gaps: 4. Islanding vs. anti-island vs. low voltage ride through requirements 5. Microgrid controllability definition at point of common coupling Major market gaps: 6. Acknowledgement of local consumption; 7. Extra incentives and differentiation from DG market Consequently, general gap-narrowing principles and techniques are recommended for the above listed issues. Then the corresponding responsibilities and benefits of main stakeholders (producer, consumer, Microgrid operator etc.) in a Microgrid are proposed under this framework. Finally, a global Microgrid development roadmap is envisaged taking into account of regional differences as well as potential technology advancements in future.