Provisional Microgrid Planning

The optimal planning problem of provisional microgrids, as a new class of microgrids, is investigated in this paper. Unlike traditional microgrids, provisional microgrids do not possess the islanding capability and are dependent on one or more electrically connected microgrids, called coupled microgrids, for islanding purposes. Provisional microgrids can be considered as enablers of rapid integration of renewable energy resources in distribution networks, while at the same time providing economic benefits for local consumers and environmental benefits for the entire system. The provisional microgrid planning problem is defined and formulated in this paper, considering anticipated interactions between the provisional microgrid, the coupled microgrid, and the utility grid during grid-connected and islanded modes. Robust optimization is used to efficiently consider physical and financial uncertainties in the problem. Numerical simulations study a test provisional microgrid for exploring its merits, as well as demonstrating its benefits when compared with deployment of a traditional microgrid.