This dissertation advances the understanding of microgrid control and operation via the detailed modeling, real-time hardware-in-the-loop (RT-HIL) simulation, and physical islanding demonstration of a real-world community-scale microgrid system in support of the development of a generic microgrid controller. The primary case study, the University of California Irvine Microgrid (UCIMG), consists of a community-scale system containing a 13MW gas turbine, a 5MW steam turbine, 4MW of photovoltaic generation, and a 2MW battery energy storage system. This microgrid was modeled and simulated using a high-performance real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulator employing a scalable state-space nodal electromagnetic transient program. In the physical space, 140 building-level power meters were deployed across the microgrid, with real-time measurements utilized for state observation, online contingency planning, and controller refinement. Simulation results were used to inform the development of a generic microgrid controller capable of supporting (1) seamless islanding and reconnection of the microgrid, (2) efficient, reliable, and resilient operation in islanded and grid-connected modes, (3) the ability to provide ancillary services, (4) capability to serve the resiliency needs of participating communities, (5) communication with the utility as a single controllable entity, resulting in the (6) increased reliability, efficiency and reduced emissions of the grid as a whole. Subsequent studies with the developed controller attached to the RT-HIL platform demonstrated proof of concept and allowed for determination of microgrid operational limits and island- and grid-connected transition behavior. Physical demonstration of the controller on the UCIMG was conducted via a live islanding and resynchronization event.

In this dissertation, a practical and streamlined route for the synthesis of carbonized lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) is developed via a solid state-based lithiation process performed under an unrestricted environment. Extensive characterization and analysis are performed to study the reaction mechanism, crystallinity of synthesized product, oxidation protection during synthesis reaction, carbonization of LFP, and synthesis scale-up.

The main motivation of this work is to achieve good quality carbonized LFP product, by minimizing the oxidation of LFP during synthesis, while combining the synthesis and carbonization of LFP into a single step process. Chapter 1 introduces the background of Li-ion battery, commercialized cathode materials, and the approaches developed for LFP synthesis. In Chapter 2, well-crystallized LFP is synthesized via a solid state-based lithiation process using lithium acetate (C2H3LiO2) and iron phosphate (FePO4) as starting materials. Two key findings are identified for achieving good crystalline LFP in an unrestricted environment synthesis: 1) using quartz FePO4 (rather than amorphous FePO4) thermodynamically activates and accelerates the LFP synthesis reaction; and, 2) C2H3LiO2 in liquid state accelerates the lithiation process by increasing the uniformity of mixing and contact surface area between particles during lithiation. Compared to conventional solid state synthesis, the required synthesis time is significantly reduced from several hours down to 30 minutes. In Chapter 3, a carbon source (i.e. gelatin) is added as a sacrificial material to help inhibit the oxidation of LFP by 1) reacting and consuming part of the oxygen in the environment; and, 2) acting as a reducing agent for oxidized LFP. The thermal decomposition process of the carbon source, starting at the low temperature range, is investigated to understand its critical role in inhibiting LFP oxidation during reaction. Highly crystalline LFP is successfully synthesized by oxidation protection. In Chapter 4, an auto pressure release method for scaling-up and streamlined synthesis process is developed to auto-release the increased inner pressure caused by the gaseous byproducts during LFP synthesis. To further improve the quality of LFP, water is used as a sacrificial material to deoxygenate the reaction system and protect LFP from oxidation. The step-by-step development of a streamlined synthesis process for carbonized LFP with good quality is successfully achieved. In Chapter 5, the developmental evolution of this approach and the resolved issues through this dissertation are summarized and discussed.