Book excerpt: 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.