Distributed Energy Resources Integration
Microgrid Demonstration
Figure. A static switch instantly isolates a portion of the microgrid from the utility whenever there is a disturbance on the utility side in order to allow sensitive or critical loads within the microgrid to continue operating, supplied solely by distributed energy resources within the microgrid.
The CERTS Microgrid concept is an advanced approach for enabling integration of, in principle, an unlimited quantity of distributed energy resources into the electricity grid. A key feature of a microgrid, is its ability, during a utility grid disturbance, to separate and isolate itself from the utility seamlessly with no disruption to the loads within the microgrid (including no reduction in power quality). Then, when the utility grid returns to normal, the microgrid automatically resynchronizes and reconnects itself to the grid, in an equally seamless fashion.
What is unique about the CERTS Microgrid is that it can provide this technically challenging functionality without extensive (i.e., expensive) custom engineering. In addition, the design of the CERTS Microgrid also provides high system reliability and great flexibility in the placement of distributed generation within the microgrid. The CERTS Microgrid offers these functionalities at much lower costs than traditional approaches by incorporating peer-to-peer and plug-and-play concepts for each component within the Microgrid.
Prospective applications of the CERTS Microgrid include industrial parks, commercial and institutional campuses, situations that require uninterrupted power supplies and high power quality, CHP systems, greenfield communities, and remote applications. In short, wherever economic and DG co-location considerations indicate the need for multiple DG units within a (or among) site, the CERTS Microgrid offers the potential for a much more reliable, flexible, and lower cost solution compared to traditional engineering approaches for integrating DG.
The CERTS Microgrid concept has been successfully bench-tested on the University of Wisconsin's microgrid emulator. Currently, three near-commercial TeCogen microsources are being modified to implement the CERTS Microgrid control concepts. In parallel, a protection strategy has been designed and tested by Northern Power Systems and University of Wisconsin. American Electric Power, which is a major electric utility in the U.S., is on the technical team to assess and evaluate the CERTS Microgrid concept. Starting in the spring of 2006, equipment and controls will be assembled at American Electric Power's R&D facility in Ohio and full-scale testing of the CERTS Microgrid will begin in summer 2006.
- The CERTS MicroGrid Concept
(Report: 242 KB PDF, 32 pp; Appendix: 299 KB PDF, 46 pp) - CERTS Microgrid Test Bed Dolan Technology Center (http://certs.aeptechlab.com)
Contact:
Robert Lasseter
University of Wisconsin/PSERC
(608) 262-0186