Challenges in simulation and design of μGrids

This paper discusses a number of issues associated with simulation and design of μGrids, i.e. distribution systems with distributed energy sources. Basically, such a system has sources with or without energy storage. The sources interface with the system via inverters. The overall system operates under nonbalanced conditions. Since energy sources may be three phase or single phase, customers can be three phase of single phase, and the system design may involve three-wire, four-wire and five-wire circuits, the simulation and design of the system poses a number of challenges. In this paper we try to address the design issues by proper analysis software by which many problems can be studied prior to actual system experimentation.