UC Irvine

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.