Quantification of economic, environmental and operational benefits of Microgrids

Abstract

Microgrids are Low Voltage distribution networks comprising various distributed generators (DG), storage devices and controllable loads that can operate either interconnected or isolated from the main distribution grid as one controlled entity. The effect of the use of a Microgrid Central Controller (MGCC) to achieve this co-ordinate operation with regards to the potential economic benefits and the power losses avoided in both the local network and the upstream network are presented. Finally, a methodology based on the marginal emissions curve of the upstream network is presented, taking also into account the calculated losses is used for the environmental assessment of the co-ordinate operation of Microgrids. All the above studies have been applied to a typical LV Microgrid interconnected to an actual MV network using actual market prices and DG bids reflecting realistic operational costs.