Scalable Microgrid Process Model: The Results of an Off-Grid Household Experiment

Abstract

The security of national energy systems as well as the transition to a low-carbon future are two hot topics of discussion in the international political arena. Research on the stability of centralized energy systems is currently focused on distributed generation. Developing a scalable microgrid model enabling its massive adoption is one of the safest and feasible ways to solve such problem. The paper aims to fill an existing gap regarding the operation model of microgrids that is a barrier for the large-scale integration of those in the conventional grid network. In the proposed approach the authors identified key processes to be considered when operating microgrids, in the conditions shown through an experimental (simulation) campaign. A three-phase research was performed: (1) systematic literature review to explore the management models of a stand-alone microgrid design and management; (2) a household experiment; and (3) a computer simulation of energy balance for a selected household. We identified eight key processes constituting a scalable microgrid: five core processes, two supporting processes, and one management process. Subsequently, we developed a map of these processes obtaining a microgrid process model for massive adoption. The model of processes can be considered as a repeatable pattern of conduct in the creation and maintenance of microgrids, which their future owners can follow. To support our literature findings, we performed an experiment and a computer simulation of three sub-processes of the (re)design of the infrastructure process: (1) wind turbine selection, (2) photovoltaic power plant selection, and (3) energy-storage selection. Results confirm conditional stability of the analyzed microgrid and the need for cyclical simulation exercises until unconditional stability is achieved. In terms of sustainability, to keep the microgrid permanently in a positive energy balance will require the implementation of all key processes.