Long term European field tests for microgrids

Integrating a large number of renewable and distributed energy resources requires an active interaction between generators and loads. In the recent years, several pilot installations have been realized which demonstrate different concepts for energy management in low voltage distribution grids. This paper describes selected pilot installations, where long term field tests on microgrids have been performed in low voltage grid segments: Kythnos island, Greece; "Am Steinweg" estate, Stutensee, Germany; Mannheim-Wallstadt, Germany. Goals of these pilot installations are to validate three representative approaches for energy management: Island with no connection to a feeder; Interconnected grid segment, centrally dispatched; Interconnected grid segment, focus on customer integration. Long term tests focus on the reliable contribution of DER to energy supply. As a result, all concepts have proven reliable and suitable for further long term application. The results will play a role in the development of grid connection requirements.