11-05-2012, 01:00 PM
Distributed Generation and Micro-grids
The Theme: Driven by economic, technical and environmental reasons, the energy sector is moving into an era where large portions of
increases in electrical energy demand will be met through widespread installation of distributed resources or what is known as distributed
generation (DG). DG units can operate individually or in a micro-grid mode. The latter is formed by a cluster of DG units connected to a
distribution network to serve local and distributed loads in a systematic manner. Micro-girds can operate in grid-connected mode or in an
islanded operation mode to boost the service reliability. The majority of distributed resources are interfaced to the grid via power
electronic converters. On the other hand, driven by the urgent need to improve the reliability and efficiency, power distribution systems
are moving towards an extensive use of electronic distribution system control devices, such as power-quality control devices, solid-state
switchgear, smart capacitor banks and grid reconfiguration systems. With high penetration of these newly emerging devices, future
distribution systems can be seen as converter-dominated distributed power grids with hybrid continuous-discrete control devices.
Large-scale integration of DG units, short- and long-term energy storage and electronic control devices will be of significant impact on
the structure, performance, planning, design and operation practices of future power grids. Significant research efforts are needed to
overcome integration barriers and help sustainable and clean DG technologies make their contribution to our energy system in a way that
enhances the overall grid performance. This Special Section aims to collect recent contributions that offer timely solutions to such
challenging integration issues. Topics of interest of this Special Section include, but are not limited to,
Distributed generation and energy storage systems
Modeling and software analytical tools for the study of distributed power grids
Grid interfacing topologies and control techniques for robust and flexible DG integration
Innovative topologies and functions of power electronic converters in distributed power grids
Distributed power grid design, planning and operation
Micro-grid modeling, dynamics and hierarchical control
Ac and dc micro-grid configuration, power and energy management
Fault- tolerance in micro-grids
Integration of renewable energy systems
Intelligent distributed monitoring and control
Protection coordination and design