On Microgrid Evolution to Local Area Energy Network (E-LAN)

Owing to the increasing penetration of information and communication technologies and power electronics, low-voltage microgrids with distributed generation may progressively evolve to local area energy networks (E-LANs), that is, energy networks with degrees of flexibility, reliability, robustness, and readiness similar to LANs of digital devices. Thanks to grid meshing and synergistic exploitation of the control potential of distributed energy resources, E-LANs can provide an independent control of the currents flowing in each feeder of the grid. On this basis, new and advanced functionalities become possible, like, simultaneous demand response at multiple utility terminals, active and reactive power steering through grid feeders, and active clearing of lines for maintenance. This paper presents an optimal control for E-LANs, which applies to low-voltage grids of any structure and complexity and assures independent control of the power fed by prosumers.