Defining Three Distribution System Scenarios for Microgrid Applications

Abstract

Power systems, especially distribution systems, are undergoing the most drastic overhauls with the growing integration of renewable energy and digitalization. One of the most efficient technological solutions to address the challenges the distribution system faces today, is the formation of microgrids. With heterogeneous driving forces from policy, regulation, system operation, infrastructure developer, aggregator, and end-user, how microgrid will evolve and develop in the future distribution system remains an open question and deserve closer scrutiny. In this paper, a brief state of the art of current microgrid design is introduced considering knowledge and experience from both practitioner and academia. Based on a simple foresight method, three foreseeable scenarios for the future distribution system are depicted. Aspects related to its use cases, energy management system features, and market models will be discussed for each possible scenario. This will shed light onthe future research and development of microgrid applications.