UC Riverside

Photovoltaic (PV) energy represents one of the most importantly clean and cheap energy sources. However, the intermittent behavior of the generated power from PV systems imposes challenges in its design and operation. Due to the internal nature of renewable energy and battery technology development in recent years, it has become more feasible and popular to build a local PV-battery microgrid that is able to supply the required energy in a cost-effective and emission-reducing manner. In this dissertation, we aim at utilizing Zinc Bromine Flow Battery (ZBFB) as an energy storage system to implement and demonstrate serval practical application scenarios of microgrids. Through analysis, optimal design, and modeling to check the performance and do field demonstration with real practical utilization. The main motivation of this work is to evaluate performance and do field demonstration in practical utilization through the specific application, techno-economic analysis, optimal design of microgrid, and unique operating model. Chapter 1 introduces the state of art background of renewable energy, flow battery technology, and microgrid requirement. In Chapter 2, one specific application minimum import violation will be introduced. The Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA) facility is utilized as a demonstration and project site, where a ZBFB system combined with two biogas Combined Heating Power (CHP) generators are controlled to prevent minimum import violations [1], minimize the operational power buffer, and maximize the amount of on-site renewable generation. In Chapter 3, in maximizing-revenue microgrid application, we investigated techno-economic analysis of ZBFB and Li-ion battery technology. We analyzed and quantified the performance and emission impacts of different types of battery technologies on commercial electricity consumption. In Chapter 4, we developed a bi-level optimal model which is proposed to get the optimal design of microgrid system and optimal control algorithm with considering economic benefits and emission reduction. In Chapter 5, Based on the proposed support functions of the ZBFB, this project will analyze historical data including facility load profiles, renewable energy generation (PV), and grid import power. The control algorithms for the Energy Management System (EMS) will be optimized by taking into account the specific physical and operational features as well as constraints of the ZBFB system. Furthermore, ZBFB actual (real) operational data will be utilized to develop model and perform simulations to deepen the understanding of this type of battery, its performance, and benefits achieved through the proposed applications.