Microgrids (MGs) are systems that cleanly, efficiently, and economically integrate Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) to the electrical grid. They are capable of reducing transmission losses and improving the use of electricity and heat. However, RESs presents intermittent behavior derived from the stochastic nature of the renewable resources available on site. This can cause power-quality issues throughout the electrical grid, which can be solved by different optimization techniques and/or control strategies applied to power converters. This paper offers a detailed review of the literature regarding three important aspects: (i) Power-quality issues generated in MGs both in islanded mode and grid-connected mode; (ii) Optimization techniques used in the MGs to achieve the optimal operating conditions of the Energy Management System (EMS); and (iii) Control strategies implemented in the MGs to guarantee stability, mitigation of power-quality issues, power balance, and synchronization with the grid. It is worth mentioning that in this paper, we emphasize hybrid MGs (HMGs) since they combine the benefits of AC–MGs and DC–MGs while increasing system reliability. As the utility grid moves toward an optimal design of MG structures, this paper will serve as a foundation for future research, comparative analysis, and further development of novel techniques regarding HMGs.

Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) based on a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) represent the most common configuration employed in wind turbines. These systems involve injecting harmonic currents toward an electrical grid from a back-to-back power converter, potentially creating voltage distortions. To assess this phenomenon, a case study of a 3 kW DFIG-based wind turbine connected to the electrical grid is presented for analysis in the harmonic domain. Initially, a DFIG-based load flow analysis for determining the operating conditions is tackled at the fundamental frequency. Then, the modelling of a DFIG under steady-state operating conditions at harmonic frequencies is analyzed discussing its characteristics in the harmonic domain. The high-frequency harmonics in the output voltage of a pulse width modulation-driven inverter feeding the rotor windings of a DFIG and its connection to a three-winding transformer are also analyzed. This investigation produced a complete model of the DFIG connected to the electrical grid. The results demonstrated that although a considerable harmonic contribution up to the 25th order exists, it remains harmless since it is below 5%, according to the Std. IEEE 519.

Nowadays, many modern electrical power systems are designed for transmission and distribution using underground systems. Such systems minimize visual impact, reduce congestion, and increase security and reliability. However, the technology utilized has increased the capacitance effect, which can lead to the system being more susceptible to the occurrence of the ferroresonance phenomenon. Ferroresonance can cause dielectric or thermal damage and consequently makes the system susceptible to faults in the electrical power equipment and installations. This paper analyzes the ferroresonance phenomenon after switching maneuvers in a real underground distribution feeder to detect possible conditions of ferroresonance. The analysis is carried out in a typical underground distribution system with distribution transformers connected in wye-grounded/wye-grounded (Ynyn), and modeled using the ATP/EMTP software.

At present, microgrids (μGs) are a focal point in both academia and industry due to their capability to sustain operations that are stable, resilient, reliable, and of high power quality. Power converters (PCs), a vital component in μGs, enable the decentralization of power generation. However, this decentralization introduces challenges related to power quality. This paper introduces a μG model, based on the IEEE 14-bus distribution system, with the objective of investigating power quality when the μG is operating in conjunction with the conventional power grid. The μG model was developed using MATLAB-Simulink^®, a tool specialized for electrical engineering simulations. The results obtained undergo thorough analysis and are compared with the compatibility levels set by the IEEE-519 standard. This method enables a precise evaluation of the μGs’ capacity to maintain acceptable power quality levels while interconnected with the conventional power grid. In conclusion, this study contributes significantly to the field of μGs by providing a detailed and quantitative assessment of power quality. This will assist in the design and optimization of μGs for effective implementation in real-world electric power systems.

In this paper, the analytical thermal model of a radial flux permanent magnet synchronous generator (RF-PMSG) is developed for applications in variable speed direct-drive low-power wind turbines. The thermal model takes the form of a lumped parameter thermal network to estimate temperatures and heat fluxes for a wide operating range of the RF-PMSG. The proposed thermal model is fully coupled with the electromagnetic solution of a flexible analytical design methodology of RF-PMSGs and its algorithmic solution is coded in Matlab. The thermal analysis is an essential requirement for enhancing the design performance of radial flux permanent magnet synchronous generators. Finally, the performance of a 10 kW RF-PMSG is analyzed using the thermal model, for a wide steady-state operation range.

Nowadays, the electric power distribution system is undergoing a transformation. The new face of the electrical grid of the future is composed of digital technologies, renewable sources and intelligent grids of distributed generation. As we move towards the electrical grid of the future, microgrids and distributed generation systems become more important, since they are able to unify small-scale and flexible generation to clean energy and intelligent controls. The microgrids play an important role in marking electrical grids more robust in the face of disturbances, increasing their resilience. Although the microgrid concept continues in discussion in technical circles, it can be defined as an aggregation of electrical elements in low generation voltage, storage and loads (users) which are grouped in a certain bounded geographical area. The issues of a microgrid integrated with energy storage technologies has gained increasing interest and popularity worldwide as these technologies provide the reliability and availability that are required for proper operation in the system. Actual studies show that the implementation of energy storage technologies in a microgrid improves transients, capacity, increases instantaneous power and allows the introduction of renewable energy systems. However, there are still certain unsolved problems in power quality terms. This article clearly describes those problems generated by each storage technology foe microgrids applications. All the ideas in this review contribute significantly to the growing effort towards developing a cost-effective and efficient energy storage technology model with a long-life cycle for sustainable implementation in microgrids.