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Current Status, Challenges and Future Perspectives of Operation Optimization, Power Prediction and Virtual Synchronous Generator of Microgrids: A Comprehensive Review

Author

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  • Ling Miao

    (State Grid Henan Electric Power Research Institute, Zhengzhou 450052, China)

  • Ning Zhou

    (State Grid Henan Electric Power Research Institute, Zhengzhou 450052, China)

  • Jianwei Ma

    (State Grid Henan Electric Power Research Institute, Zhengzhou 450052, China)

  • Hao Liu

    (State Grid Henan Electric Power Research Institute, Zhengzhou 450052, China)

  • Jian Zhao

    (State Grid Henan Electric Power Research Institute, Zhengzhou 450052, China)

  • Xiaozhao Wei

    (State Grid Henan Electric Power Research Institute, Zhengzhou 450052, China)

  • Jingyuan Yin

    (Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
    School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China)

Abstract

With the increasing prominence of the energy crisis and environmental problems, microgrid technology has received widespread attention as an important technical means to improve the stability and reliability of new energy access. Focusing on the latest development of microgrid operation control technology, this paper combs and summarizes the related research at home and abroad, including the key technologies of microgrid optimization operation, power prediction and virtual synchronous active support control technology, and points out their advantages and limitations. First, this review describes the concept and structure of microgrids, including components such as distributed power sources, energy storage devices, energy conversion devices and loads. Then, the microgrid optimization operation technologies are analyzed in detail, including energy management optimization algorithms for efficient use of energy and cost reduction. Focusing on microgrid power forecasting techniques, including wind energy and PV power forecasting and load forecasting, the contributions and impacts of different power forecasting methods are summarized. Furthermore, the inverter control strategies and the stability mechanism of the virtual synchronous generator (VSG) active support control technology are investigated. Finally, synthesizing domestic and international microgrid development experience, this review summarizes the current state-of-the-art technologies, analyzes the advantages and limitations of these key technologies (including optimization scheduling, power prediction and VSG-based active support control) and highlights the necessity of their continuous improvement to provide a solid foundation for promoting the widespread application and sustainable development of microgrid technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Ling Miao & Ning Zhou & Jianwei Ma & Hao Liu & Jian Zhao & Xiaozhao Wei & Jingyuan Yin, 2025. "Current Status, Challenges and Future Perspectives of Operation Optimization, Power Prediction and Virtual Synchronous Generator of Microgrids: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-41, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:13:p:3557-:d:1695609
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