Analysis of a Microgrid Availability and Resilience with Distributed Energy Storage Embedded in Active Power Distribution Nodes

This paper discusses the use of multiple-input multiple-output power electronic converters with embedded energy storage to improve microgrids and general power distribution systems availability and resilience. An important novel contribution of this study is in explaining how availability and resilience can be calculated in complex meshed power distribution architectures and how the effect of distributed energy storage embedded in power electronic circuits placed at power distribution nodes can be quantified. This quantitative approach allows improved planning and operation for enhanced availability and resilience, and creates opportunities for new energy services offerings, such as the provision of differentiated availability and resilience without having the users to procure and maintain their own power backup solution. The theory is accompanied by quantitative examples showing the advantages of the proposed approach. The final paper will also discuss implications of the analysis in terms of control approaches for optimizing battery life and for adjusting loads to add virtual energy storage.