Interconnected microgrids: the way of the future?

Could a system of multiple microgrids hold the key to future grid stability?

The answer to this question is “yes”, according to researchers from Murdoch University.

The future large-scale use of renewable energy will create certain challenges for the grid, including how to manage surplus generation and the variable nature of wind and solar. A new study, led by Associate Professor Ali Arefi from Murdoch’s School of Engineering and Energy, seeks to address these issues through the concept of an interconnected multi-microgrid system.

“There are challenges associated with the intermittent nature of both energy demands and renewable energy sources that cannot be handled in traditionally designed power grids,” Arefi said.

“Our new research suggests that interconnected scattered multi-microgrids may be the way of the future.”

Arefi described microgrids as small-scale power systems powered by clean energy. “By creating a system to efficiently exchange power among the microgrids, we can mitigate variability in load demand and renewable energy source generation,” he explained.

The Murdoch research team’s idea involves connecting a collection of small microgrid systems so they can support each other when needed. By coordinating the links between microgrids based on system requirements, technical challenges can be addressed and operational costs reduced.

One of the main factors the scientists considered was how an increase in electric vehicles (EVs) could affect the grid. While EVs are an important part of decarbonising transport, the additional, variable demand they place upon the grid can present a problem for microgrids, which have originally been designed for predefined load demands.

To address this issue, the study explored in some detail how a reconfigurable system of multiple microgrids could be used to integrate the scheduling of EV aggregations and the penetration of renewable energy sources.

Arefi said this new system could help maximise the use of renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, and efficiently integrate electric vehicles in microgrids for enhanced sustainability.

“This would reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, maximise the use of renewable energy sources and help us to replace fossil fuels by clean energy resources as we fight against climate change,” he said.

“The findings of this research have the potential to revolutionise the way renewable energy and EVs are integrated into microgrids.”

The full study has been published in Electric Power Systems Research.

Image credit: iStock.com/metamorworks