Towards a zero net energy community microgrid

Abstract

Decentralization of vertically integrated electrical power systems can bring economic, reliability and environmental benefits to society. Microgrids are a step to a more hybrid, less centralized power industry. A key objection from traditional electric utilities to distributed renewable energy is the variation injected to the power grid from variables sources such as the sun. A significant milestone would be to manage that variation from renewable sources before it reaches the grid. Furthermore, if a renewable-driven subsystem demands a fixed block of power from the grid, the potential impacts from interconnecting renewable energy are minimized. This paper presents work on such seamless grid interconnection, focusing on zero or low net energy community microgrids.