Microgrids Lessons Learned—SO FAR

Merrill Smith

August 29, 2016

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A System of Complex Systems

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Multiple Capabilities Required

Eliminate Outage Time for Critical Loads

Enhance Resiliency

Reduce EmissionsWork Seamlessly inParallel with GridRenewables Integration

Operate AutonomouslySustainabilitySystem Efficiency

Increase ReliabilityEmpowerment of

Customer

Cost Competitive Technology

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Balancing Capabilities and Risk

Networ

k VulnerabilitiesAdvanced Control

Systems

Renewables Integration

Improved Efficiency/Emissions

Higher Availability/Reliability

No Network

Limited Control

Aging Delivery System

Poor Efficiency& EmissionsNo

Backup Redundanc

y

Microgrid Traditional Backup

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Lessons Learned and Challenges

• How do we start to make sense of all we have learned?

• Its Complicated

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Integrated Microgrid R&D Plan

Design and Planning Tools Microgrid Design Optimization Using DER-CAM Technical Resource Exchange to Support Microgrid Development Impact Analysis of Interactive Microgrid Operations and Distribution System

System Control and Power Flow Guidelines for DMS for Grid Modernization Grid Interactive Microgrid Controllers & Aggregated DER Microgrid Integrated Controls (CSEISMIC) Virtual Microgrid & Reference Design for Sectionalized/Islanded Feeders

Device and Integrated Testing Microgrid Controller HIL Test Bed (simulation- microgrid EMS and DMS) Grid Self-Aware Elastic Extensible Resiliency (Grid-SEER) Platform

Demonstrations Lessons learned and benefits from demonstrated microgrids and systems State and Regional Partnerships

Standards IEEE p2030.7 Standard for Specification of Microgrid Controllers IEEE p2030.8 Standard for Testing of Microgrid Controllers

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Tools and Modeling

• Energy Surety Microgrid (ESM)• Microgrid Design Toolkit (MDT)• Distributed Energy Resources-Customer Adoption Model (DER-CAM)• Remote Off-Grid Microgrids Design Support Tools (ROMDST)• Microgrid Assisted Design for Remote Areas (MADRA)• Resilient Distribution Design Tool (RDDT)

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Lessons Learned and ChallengesTools and Modeling

• Field tests are more complicated than performing simulations—many issues need to be considered

• Models can never perfectly represent all details of the system

• More verification and validations of model performance is needed

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Lessons Learned from Selected DOE Demonstration Projects

Illinois Institute of Technology: The Perfect Power Prototype – advanced meters, intelligent system controller, gas fired generators, demand response controller, uninterruptable power supply, energy storage.

Portland General Electric Salem: Creating a high-reliability zone for a strategic feeder utilizing customer generation, renewables, and energy storage.

Chevron Energy Solutions: CERTS Microgrid Demo at the Santa Rita Jail - large-scale energy storage, PV, fuel cell

SDG&E: Borrego Springs Microgrid – demand response, storage, outage management system, automated distribution control, AMI.

Washington State: Demo feasibility for microgrids to enhance distribution systems by serving critical load and strengthening fast recovery capability following major outage

SPIDERS Ft Carson: Large Scale Renewables, vehicle-to-grid, critical assets

SPIDERS Pearl Harbor and Camp Smith: tire Installation Smart Micro-Grid, Islanded Installation, High Penetration of Renewables, Demand-Side Management, Redundant Backup Power

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Lessons Learned and ChallengesDemonstrations

• Regulations must be fully understood—can impact installation and operation

• System ownership and operations must be clearly defined• Operator Training and Commitment is essential

⁻ Must be prepared for abnormal operations• System testing should replicate the conditions for each mode

of anticipated microgrid operation• Maintenance of equipment and control systems is imperative

(can sabotage perfect design)• Cybersecurity must be part of the design and thoroughly tested• Single points of failure should be avoided• Integrating 3rd party-owned assets can add

complexity/challenges• Existing Infrastructure (distribution, generation, controls) can

introduce additional challenges to the design and operation

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Control Functionality and System Design

St Paul Island, AK

Chicago, IL

Olney, MD

Irvine, CA

Buffalo, NY

Potsdam, NY

Philadelphia, PA

Objective: Advance microgrid system designs and control functionalities to support achievement of DOE program targets and community-defined resilience objectives

Partnered Projects: >$12M in total investment (OE: 59%; Indian Energy: 9%; private sector: 33%); 2-year project period of performance, including 18-month R&D and 6-month testing, data collection, and analysis

FY16FY15FY14 FY17

Awards finalizationSelection announcement, 8 Sept

Final test plan, 9 mos from award

Testing completed for technical feasibility & economic performance

Downselection for field demo

Issue date, 31 Jan

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Lessons Learned and ChallengesMicrogrid Control Systems

• Essential component• Need for commercial products• Need proven results and products• Integrating multiple control systems (existing

and new) is often challenging (system of systems)

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More Lessons Learned and Challenges

• Microgrids are most beneficial when specific conditions or needs exist

⁻ Existing DER⁻ Opportunity to defer large capital investment⁻ High cost of utility supplied energy⁻ Method for monetizing increased resilience and reliability

• Need to be able to monetize ALL benefits for commercial viability (i.e. resilience and reliability)

• Energy Storage⁻ Cost of energy storage⁻ Can be differentiator (response, renewable integration,

transition to island mode)

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Challenges Remain

Regulatory/Policy• Market entry requirements• Tariffs• Interconnection rules • Investment incentives

MG Switch Load3PSOS1

MicroSCADA

Operation Center

Device Level

Communication Links

Communication Links

MicroEMS

OS2 Load2Load1

CSEISMIC

Relay2Relay1

Microgrid