Decentralized operating modes for electrical distribution systems with distributed energy resources

Electrical distribution systems (EDS) are undergoing some significant changes at various scales and levels. These changes are triggered by several factors such as the event of distributed energy resources (DER) and the need to improve the quality of supply while achieving economical optima. Hence, several research initiatives, technological development and experiments have been launched worldwide to tackle this situation such as ldquoSmartGridsrdquo. This panel deals with some new decentralized operating modes for EDS management with high penetration of DER. These decentralized modes are based on distributing the management system locally and intelligently using advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These concepts are being demonstrated through an experimental platform: an analogical micronetwork (muGrid). Functions such as fault management and high level of self adaptive architectures are developed for these new modes.