A practical guide to microgrid systems architecture, design topologies, control strategies and integration approaches Microgrid Planning and Design offers a detailed and authoritative guide to microgrid systems. The authors - noted experts on the topic - explore what is involved in the design of a microgrid, examine the process of mapping designs to accommodate available technologies and reveal how to determine the efficacy of the final outcome. This practical book is a compilation of collaborative research results drawn from a community of experts in 8 different universities over a 6-year period. Microgrid Planning and Design contains a review of microgrid benchmarks for the electric power system and covers the mathematical modeling that can be used during the microgrid design processes. The authors include real-world case studies, validated benchmark systems and the components needed to plan and design an effective microgrid system. This important guide: -Offers a practical and up-to-date book that examines leading edge technologies related to the smart grid -Covers in detail all aspects of a microgrid from conception to completion -Explores a modeling approach that combines power and communication systems -Recommends modeling details that are appropriate for the type of study to be performed -Defines typical system studies and requirements associated with the operation of the microgrid Written forgraduate students and professionals in the electrical engineering industry, Microgrid Planning and Design is a guide to smart microgrids that can help with their strategic energy objectives such as increasing reliability, efficiency, autonomy and reducing greenhouse gases.;About the Authors xiii -- Disclaimer xv -- List of Figures xvii -- List of Tables xxiii -- Foreword xxv -- Preface xxvii -- Acknowledgments xxix -- Acronyms and Abbreviations xxxi -- 1 Introduction 1 -- 1.1 Why Microgrid Research Requires a Network Approach 5 -- 1.2 NSERC Smart MicroGrid Network (NSMG-Net) -- The Canadian Experience 7 -- 1.3 Research Platform 8 -- 1.4 Research Program and Scope 9 -- 1.5 Research Themes in Smart Microgrids 10 -- 1.5.1 Theme 1: Operation, Control, and Protection of Smart Microgrids 10 -- 1.5.1.1 Topic 1.1: Control, Operation, and Renewables for Remote Smart Microgrids 12 -- 1.5.1.2 Topic 1.2: Distributed Control, Hybrid Control, and Power Management for Smart Microgrids 12 -- 1.5.1.3 Topic 1.3: Status Monitoring, Disturbance Detection, Diagnostics, and Protection for Smart Microgrids 13 -- 1.5.1.4 Topic 1.4: Operational Strategies and Storage Technologies to Address Barriers for Very High Penetration of DG Units in Smart Microgrids 13 -- 1.5.2 Theme 2 Overview: Smart Microgrid Planning, Optimization, and Regulatory Issues 14 -- 1.5.2.1 Topic 2.1: Cost-Benefits Framework -- Secondary Benefits and Ancillary Services 16 -- 1.5.2.2 Topic 2.2: Energy and Supply Security Considerations 16 -- 1.5.2.3 Topic 2.3: Demand Response Technologies and Strategies -- Energy Management and Metering 16 -- 1.5.2.4 Topic 2.4: Integration Design Guidelines and Performance Metrics -- Study Cases 17 -- 1.5.3 Theme 3: Smart Microgrid Communication and Information Technologies 18 -- 1.5.3.1 Topic 3.1: Universal Communication Infrastructure 20 -- 1.5.3.2 Topic 3.2: Grid Integration Requirements, Standards, Codes, and Regulatory Considerations 20 -- 1.5.3.3 Topic 3.3: Distribution Automation Communications: Sensors, Condition Monitoring, and Fault Detection 20 -- 1.5.3.4 Topic 3.4: Integrated Data Management and Portals 21 -- 1.6 Microgrid Design Process and Guidelines 21 -- 1.7 Microgrid Design Objectives 23 -- 1.8 Book Organization 23 -- 2 Microgrid Benchmarks 25.