Campus Facilities Microgrid Expansion

This project aims to provide tactful insight and models on how to expand the existing microgrid on campus to include the future generation capabilities of steam turbines and a PV solar array to support critical loads and maximize efficiency within the microgrid.​

=Introduction=

Background
A capital project to install steam turbines to the campus energy plant for power generation is currently underway thanks to the help of multiple senior design projects. The turbines will be the basis for the first microgrid on campus to reduce energy costs and support critical loads during power outages. The overall UI microgrid scope includes the entire campus, with a total of 143 floors, excluding Northern farms. The current generation for the campus microgrid includes the steam turbines and the solar panels that will be placed on the roof of IRIC. This project will expand the microgrid further to include a utility scale solar PV array of approximately 2.0 MW in size. With these sources of generation connected into a microgrid, we will be able to keep critical infrastructure on campus running in the event of the grid going down.

Problem Definition

 * Microgrid should be able to sectionalize different portions of the grid based on prioritization, load demand, and available generation
 * Determine the type and location of equipment needed to expand the microgrid
 * Analyze microgrid performance associated with the peak energy available from sources accounting for seasonal changes in capacity ​
 * Conduct an economic analysis

Design Goals
1. Prioritizing and assessing which loads on campus can/should be included in the microgrid with the given capacity

2. Relays, switches, and controls will be tactfully integrated to ensure load-shedding capabilities

3. Analyzing the microgrid performance with different types of energy sources​ (Account for seasonal changes and their effects on energy efficiency​)

4. Conduct an economic analysis of expanding the microgrid​

=Microgrid Design=

Specifications
=Validation=

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



Meeting Minutes



Presentations



Client Interview