Microgrids literature review through a layers structure

Within a distributed generation (DG) system, microgrids (MGs) are an alternative approach that may provide both resiliency and efficiency benefits. In this review, an analysis of both research and industrial documents was done. In order to establish a solid foundation of the MGs concept, a comparison of various definitions written by distinguished authors has been made. Segmenting the information of MGs into layers facilitates its analysis, search, and comparison. Therefore, this paper continuous with a layer approach from other studies and incorporates the concept of the environment as a key element that has a high impact on the microgrid functional structure. With the foundation of the MG concept, an exhaustive literature review has been developed about the main microgrid layers, such as business, standard, climate, infrastructure or control, and operation.