Integrated Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Microgrids: Modeling and Optimization of DERs

In the near future, the notion of integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) to build a microgrid will be extremely important. The DERs comprise several technologies, such as diesel engines, micro turbines, fuel cells, photovoltaic, small wind turbines, etc. The coordinated operation and control of DER together with controllable loads and storage devices, such as flywheels, energy capacitors and batteries, are central to the concept of microgrid. Microgrids can operate interconnected to the main distribution grid, or in an islanded mode. This paper reviews the studies on microgrid technologies. The modeling and optimization methodologies of DERs are also presented and discussed in this paper along with system control approaches for DERs and microgrids. The review findings indicate that the use of multimodal indicators that take into consideration the financial, technological, ecological, and social elements of microgrids increased the community’s and stakeholders’ reaction capability. The microgrid structure under consideration comprises several types of combined heat power devices, boilers, and various types of DERs, including FC units, distributed generators, and MTs. Moreover, compared to grid-connected mode, the microgrid’s total operation cost is significantly higher in isolated mode.