Stability analysis of a distributed generation based microgrid considering end-user load management

Popularity of Distributed Generation (DG) utilizing different technologies creates several opportunities along with challenges towards the growth of microgrids. Dependency of microgrid on DGs, based on non-conventional fuels or intermittent sources, poses the reliability of the electrical system at risk. Subsequently, maintaining tighter balance between instantaneous power generations (within DG based microgrids) and dynamically variable end-user demand is one of the challenging requirements to attain appropriate level of reliability and stability of electrical properties in microgrid environment. This paper investigates the feasibility of obtaining stability of electrical properties and appropriate level of reliability with the introduction of end-user load management (ELM) within a microgrid environment. Using various case studies, the performance of ELM is compared with the conventional methods, while maintaining stability of electrical properties along with appropriate levels of reliability. The investigation has been evaluated within software environment. The simulation results suggest up to 75% faster recovery time of stability and better achievable reliability with the introduction of ELM capabilities within a microgrid environment compared to that of conventional method of the same.