Microgrid design considerations for next generation grid codes

Medium-voltage grid codes for distributed energy resources are rapidly evolving. Next generation grid codes are anticipated to include stringent requirements for fault-ride-through and ancillary services, which is in stark contrast to existing codes formulated based on recommendations from the predominant IEEE Std. 1547-2003. To gain insight into the nature of these requirements, core features of next generation codes are identified based on (i) anticipated developments in North American grid requirements for distributed energy resources, and (ii) dominant features and common trends of emergent European codes. The impact of these core features on distributed energy resources operating collectively within a microgrid framework are addressed.