A review of microgrid energy systems

Abstract

Microgrid combined cooling, heating and power energy systems are under intensive investigation owing to expansion of renewable energy generation and development of advanced technologies in distributed energy generation. Multi-generation systems serve as one of the core parts in any microgrid energy systems. This review paper presents the summary of state-of-the-art technologies in these multi-generation systems. The first part introduces the energy structure based on energy sources and the latest renewable energy harvesting technologies for solar, biomass and geothermal energy. In the second part, prime movers, including small-scale ones used in a microgrid energy system, are summarized. The third part shows the expanded microgrid system configurations mainly for desalination. The fourth part describes the control and operation strategies for complex multi-generation systems. In the first three parts, insufficient investigation or research gaps are also pointed out. Overall, this paper systematically summaries recent progress in microgrid multigeneration system, and suggest future researches for designing and optimizing a microgrid energy system.