A Technical and Economic Feasibility Study of Implementing a Microgrid at Georgia Southern University

The performance and benefits of microgrids were considered, and the feasibility of implementing a microgrid for a portion of the Georgia Southern University campus assessed. The existing power delivery system was described and characterized to ascertain whether conversion to a microgrid would be both feasible and beneficial. Different types of distributed generation were considered for their appropriateness for use on campus. A detailed economic analysis of potential microgrid configurations was then performed using HOMER, and the results were presented in the form of recommended action and alternatives

Smart Grid, Demand Response and Optimization: A Critical Review of Computational Methods

In view of scarcity of traditional energy resources and environmental issues, renewable energy resources (RERs) are introduced to fulfill the electricity requirement of growing world. Moreover, the effective utilization of RERs to fulfill the varying electricity demands of customers can be achieved via demand response (DR). Furthermore, control techniques, decision variables and offered motivations are the ways to introduce DR into distribution network (DN). This categorization needs to be optimized to balance the supply and demand in DN. Therefore, intelligent algorithms are employed to achieve optimized DR. However, these algorithms are computationally restrained to handle the parametric load of uncertainty involved with RERs and power system. Henceforth, this paper focuses on the limitations of intelligent algorithms for DR. Furthermore, a comparative study of different intelligent algorithms for DR is discussed. Based on conclusions, quantum algorithms are recommended to optimize the computational burden for DR in future smart grid

Powerline communication and demand side management for microgrids

Motivation: The greatest challenge for microgrid deployment is making energy affordable, especially in remote low-income communities. This thesis answers the following research question: Can digital communication reduce the price of electricity for an islanded low voltage microgrid and if so, can broadband powerline communications meet microgrid control requirements? Approach: This study conducts a cost-benefit analysis of the addition of a field area network to a microgrid. Broadband powerline communication is selected as a candidate technology and tested on various microgrid networks to determine its suitability. Results: The main contributions of this study are: A demand-side management strategy and unsubsidised cost reflective tariff structure for rural microgrids in the developing world. A cost-benefit analysis that shows the addition of a low bit rate, medium latency communication system (1 kbps per customer, 100 ms) may reduce the levelized cost of energy by 32%. A performance evaluation of broadband HomePlug powerline communications for microgrids which shows the Homeplug AV2 has a range of 600 m and functions well on complex radial distribution networks. Conclusion: Investment in a minimally capable communication system has significant economic benefit to both customer and utility by enabling smart grid services such as automatic meter reading and demand side management. Since communication technologies share similar bit rate and latency capabilities and are similarly priced, the technology choice is driven more by microgrid geography, complexity, availability and reliability. Powerline communications require no additional cable, but boast reliability similar to dedicated cable solutions. The HomePlug AV meets bit rate and latency requirements, is affordable, reliable, simple and widely available around the world. This study concludes it is a solid candidate for low voltage islanded microgrids. The material presented in this thesis has been published or submitted for publication in an abbreviated format in the following publications: D. Neal et al, "Demand side energy management and customer behavioral response in a rural islanded microgrid," in IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica, 2020. D. Neal, D. Rogers and M. McCulloch, "A Techno-Economic Analysis of Communication in Islanded Microgrids," unpublished. Submitted Oct 2023 to Elsevier Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. D. Neal, D. Rogers and M. McCulloch, "Broadband Powerline Communication for Low-Voltage Microgrids," unpublished. Submitted Oct 2023 to IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery

Grid flexibility by electrifying energy systems for sustainable aviation

This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonDecarbonisation of aviation goals set by Flightpath 2050 Europe’s Vision for Aviation requires that the airports become emission-free by 2050. This thesis original contribution to knowledge is to explore the incorporation of aviation electrification technologies, including electric aircraft (EA), electrified ground support equipment (GSE), and airport parking electric vehicles (EVs), into power systems, evaluating their influence on grid infrastructure and operations, as well as their potential to support the grid operation. A comprehensive review of aviation electrification technologies revealed a research gap in the integration of these technologies into the power systems. The thesis contributes to electricity network infrastructure planning for electrification of aviation and airport-based distributed energy resources (DER) that provide ancillary services to the power grid. A multi-objective airport microgrid planning framework is developed, comparing EA charging strategies and revealing that battery swap performs better. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) strategy with parking EVs improves the microgrid's performance. A techno-economic assessment of wireless charging systems for electric airport shuttle buses shows better economic performance than conventional buses and other charging options. A novel Aviation-to-Grid (A2G) flexibility concept provides frequency response services to the GB power system using EA battery charging systems, with typical A2G service capacity showing significant variation across eight UK airports. A deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based A2G dispatch approach evaluates the impact of EA charger capacity on energy dispatch results, with higher capacities leading to higher revenue and lower operation costs. To summarise, this thesis addresses the research gaps in integrating aviation electrification technologies into power systems, offering valuable insights for airport operators aiming to decarbonise air transport activities through the adoption of these technologies. The study also provides an understanding of the impacts on grid operators in terms of infrastructure planning and operations. This comprehensive approach ensures a cohesive understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by aviation electrification and its integration into power systems

Energy Management of Distributed Generation Systems

The book contains 10 chapters, and it is divided into four sections. The first section includes three chapters, providing an overview of Energy Management of Distributed Systems. It outlines typical concepts, such as Demand-Side Management, Demand Response, Distributed, and Hierarchical Control for Smart Micro-Grids. The second section contains three chapters and presents different control algorithms, software architectures, and simulation tools dedicated to Energy Management Systems. In the third section, the importance and the role of energy storage technology in a Distribution System, describing and comparing different types of energy storage systems, is shown. The fourth section shows how to identify and address potential threats for a Home Energy Management System. Finally, the fifth section discusses about Economical Optimization of Operational Cost for Micro-Grids, pointing out the effect of renewable energy sources, active loads, and energy storage systems on economic operation

Demand Dispatch Control for Balancing Load with Generation

There are different methods to implement demand management. In this thesis, a Demand Side Frequency Droop is proposed to calculate the require power reduction. Moreover, Demand Dispatch (DD) can provide ancillary service to the grid and maintains the power system frequency. Besides, to improve the operation of DD, the renewable resources and the storage devices are integrated to the DD. The proposed methods in this thesis have been validated through PSCAD software simulation and MATLAB

Modelling and Simulation of Electrical Energy Systems through a Complex Systems Approach using Agent-Based Models

Complexity science aims to better understand the processes of both natural and man-made systems which are composed of many interacting entities at different scales. A disaggregated approach is proposed for simulating electricity systems, by using agent-based models coupled to continuous ones. The approach can help in acquiring a better understanding of the operation of the system itself, e.g. on emergent phenomena or scale effects; as well as in the improvement and design of future smart grids

Multi-Use Microgrid Communities and Their Impact on Goal-Based On-Site Renewable Generation

As the power grid ages, demand for energy in the United States increases, and climate change concerns become more widespread, newly-designed communities can implement load and generation in tandem, spreading demand and electricity generation across multiple constituents while simultaneously reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Microgrids, when designed to meet goals such as net zero energy or resiliency, have potential to introduce benefits into the power grid system. Environmental impact reduction, financial benefits, and resiliency to the microgrid community as well as possible support to the system make microgrids a promising opportunity for developments. This paper investigates a multi-use community of single family homes, multi-family homes, a small office building, sit-down restaurant, fast-food restaurant, and primary school to understand how on-site electricity generation changes based on load behavior given community goals such as net zero energy or resiliency.</p

Autonomous and decentralised energy markets in smart DC microgrids

Dissertation (MEng (Electrical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2022.Microgrids are gaining popularity due to their ability to integrate distributed renewable energy generation. In addition, direct current (DC) - based operation results in significantly higher operational efficiency. However, it exhibits energy drawbacks such as congestion, instability, and imbalances. Incorporating demand management through electricity markets governed by dynamic pricing presents a potential solution to these challenges. Concerns about unfair electricity pricing and uneven market power hinder electricity market adoption. This research aims to facilitate decentralised and transparent energy markets with a high-accuracy dynamic pricing scheme to address the critical arguments against current electricity markets.Electrical, Electronic and Computer EngineeringMEng (Electrical Engineering)Unrestricte