... The integration of battery energy storage systems with photovoltaic systems to form renewable microgrids has become more practical and reliable, but designing these systems involves complexity and relies on connection standards and operational requirements for reliable and safe grid-connected operations.
DC microgrid becomes an attractive technology in modern electrical grid system due to natural interface with renewable energy sources, electric loads and energy storage systems. In the recent past, an increase in research work has been observed in DC microgrid to bring this technology closer to practical implementation.
A 2018 World Energy Council report showed that energy storage capacity doubled between 2017 and 2018, reaching 8 GWh. The current projection is that there will be 230 GW of energy storage plants installed by 2030 [2, 3, 4, 5]. Microgrids are a means of deploying a decentralized and decarbonized grid.
Microgrids are small-scale energy systems with distributed energy resources, such as generators and storage systems, and controllable loads forming an electrical entity within defined electrical limits. These systems can be deployed in either low voltage or high voltage and can operate independently of the main grid if necessary .
Recent research and development in microgrids has proven that microgrids which are fueled by renewable energy sources and managed by smart grid (use of smart sensors and smart energy management system) can offer higher reliability and more efficient energy systems in a cost-effective manner.
As discussed in the earlier sections, some features are preferred when deploying energy storage systems in microgrids. These include energy density, power density, lifespan, safety, commercial availability, and financial/ technical feasibility. Lead-acid batteries have lower energy and power densities than other electrochemical devices.