System Design, Economic Analysis and Operation Strategy of a Campus Microgrid

The scope of this paper composes of data collection and synthesis, system design, cost analysis, demonstration and grid-connected operation of diesel-gensets, forming a proposed microgrid. The solar resource in Clemson was analyzed through historical data. From the findings, the microgrid component sizing was designed so as to supply the campus with sufficient energy for two-day islanding event. Eventually, for operational performance analysis case study, a microgrid is formed from inertial prime mover gensets for Clemson University to be connected to the western main campus substation in order to support the critical loads. Parallel generator unit connection enables support of critical load during islanding-mode of operation. Results indicate autonomous operation of 1.8MW generator-based microgrid under various scenarios including load sharing, load and droop variations, gensets disconnection and grid islanding modes.