Networked Microgrids for Enhancing the Power System Resilience

This paper focuses on the role of networked microgrids as distributed systems for enhancing the power system resilience against extreme events. Resilience is an intrinsically complex property which requires deep understanding of microgrid operation in order to respond effectively in emergency conditions. The paper first introduces the definition and offers a generic framework for analyzing the power system resilience. The notion that large power systems can achieve a higher level of resilience through the deployment of networked microgrids is discussed in detail. In particular, the management of networked microgrids for riding through extreme events is analyzed. In addition, the merits of advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) in microgrid-based distributed systems that can support the power system resilience are presented. The paper also points out the challenges for expanding the role of distributed systems and concludes that networked microgrids in particular provide a universal solution for improving the resilience against extreme events in Smart Cities.