Active Microgrids with Dispersed Renewable Generation and Their Power Quality Performance Challenges

The research and analyses presented in this paper are an attempt to prove the concept that a flexible and efficient energy transformation requires a gradual digitalization of the energy system, starting from the inside out, i.e., from the low-voltage micro- and nano-grids, which mostly integrate low-power photovoltaic power plants and consumers with similar demand profiles. This approach is supported by the two main advantages of these grids: they are almost similar in structure and they are scalable, the two characteristics indicating a possible successful digitalization. For this to happen, we need to study the problems in these grids and be aware of the technological maturity of the energy facilities. This paper (the first of several to follow) examines the electricity performance problems caused by the stochastic nature of solar generation. A technique for monitoring and predictive load analysis is proposed, as well as technical measures for implementing decentralised control.