A critical review on the utilization of storage and demand response for the implementation of renewable energy microgrids

Abstract Renewable energy generation represents a unique solution to ensure the sustainable development of society. However, its fluctuating nature can disturb the energy balance mechanism of the power grid. In microgrids powered by renewables, the issue is even more critical. Fossil fuel generation typically supplements renewables but storage and demand response can be more flexible and cost effective. This paper is an overview of recent undertakings that present storage and demand response techniques as solutions for the stable operation of renewable energy microgrids. The critical analysis of the recent papers in this area reveals that the parameters used for modeling storage have been simplified (efficiency, dynamic behavior at fast rate of discharge, aging…) and that the demand response incentives have been assumed to be enough for users to be willing to participate in demand response programs. These assumptions make the proposed solutions too inaccurate to be implemented on the field yet. If renewables have to be implemented on a large scale, specific and accurate models have to be used. By building on the current research presented here, much work can be converted into real advances in the field of renewable energy integration in microgrids.