Integration of distributed energy resources in isolated microgrids: the Colombian paradigm

Abstract

The electrification of rural or isolated areas coupled with increasing environmental concerns have promoted the emergence of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and the operation by isolated microgrids. However, the integration of such resources involves technical issues related to the reliability and continuity of the electricity supply. Indeed, the uncertainty of renewable generation sources and the reduced inertia of isolated microgrids are challenges for the operation of these distribution systems. One way to address them is by providing ancillary services through all the resources involved in the system’s operation (generation assets, demand share, and storage systems). Accordingly, this paper first presents a literature review of the challenges and potential benefits of integrating DERs into the operation of a distribution system. It also includes some common strategies to mitigate the vulnerability of the introduction of these technologies in microgrids. Afterwards, the current state of each type of resource in Colombia is assessed. Finally, some basic strategies that enhance the benefits of DER integration are outlined along with the overcoming of challenges of microgrid operation in said country. To that end, we consider isolated Colombian regions to be natural laboratories where the effects of DER integration and the requirements for the operation by local production units can be analyzed.

Optimization of Isolated Hybrid Microgrids with Renewable Energy Based on Different Battery Models and Technologies

“…It can be seen that variation in irradiation and wind throughout the year is not very high. This situation is typical at latitudes close to the equator [39,40]. This small variability in wind and photovoltaic resources throughout the year allows for better use of renewable sources than at other latitudes [6].…”

Business Model Proposal for Energy Transition towards Operational and Economic Sustainability for Rural Electrification: Colombian Case

“…From a technical perspective, a technological infrastructure includes the control, communications, protections, and elements of an active distribution network associated with the installed DERs. It is also necessary that the mentioned infrastructure allows maintaining the balance between generation and demand in the off-grid rural microgrid to guarantee the provision of a sustainable service when variations and disturbances occur in the microgrid [60,74].…”

Power Quality in AC Islanded Microgrids: Technical Framework and State of the Art Review

“…Research on power quality disturbances in islanded microgrids could be of great importance for countries such as Colombia due to two main aspects: first, Colombia has large non-interconnected areas that could hold potential for the implementation of remote islanded microgrids (López-García, Arango-Manrique, and Carvajal-Quintero, 2018); and second, in recent years, the government has developed policies to encourage the connection of renewable resources (UPME, 2014). In this paper, several publications are classified and analyzed with the purpose of systematically identifying the impact of the most common PQ disturbances in microgrids in islanded mode, as well as the levels that can be reached for every disturbance and determining possible future research needs on this topic.…”