Sensing, Modeling, and Control of Smart Sustainable Microgrids

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Intellectual Merit: This project considers both theoretical and practical aspects ofresponse, control, and status of the University of Hawai`i Manoa (UHM) campuselectrical microgrid and studies its behavior when distributed renewable energy sourcesare added. This project will transform the UHM campus's electrical distribution networkinto a more modern, intelligent and responsive microgrid which relies on a greater shareof locally generated energy and energy efficient practices. Three interlinked researchprojects will be integrated into the education program on smart grids, renewable energy,and energy efficiency. The first component assembles all relevant information about thestate of the microgrid and surrounding environment. A second component models andanalyzes the microgrid using probabilistic signal processing and networking models toaccurately predict the state of the microgrid and detect anomalous events (e.g. ramps inamount of solar PV produced and electrical grid outages). Once accurate models areconstructed and verified through simulations and data gathering, the third projectprovides decision-making capability for the microgrid using distributed control andoptimization algorithms to create a secure and stable microgrid to reduces costs andenergy use. Students and faculty will work in a newly created smart campus energy lab(SCEL) which will house the data and networking components of the UHM campusmicrogrid.Broader Impacts: UHM researchers and students will be able to combine what theylearn in the classroom with theoretical and practical research projects in the SCEL and onthe UHM campus microgrid. This understanding and practical knowledge will lead tobetter insight on the design and integration of new technology for the microgrid andfuture utility-scale smart grids. Through collaborations with the Native HawaiianScience and Engineering Mentorship Program (NHSEMP) and the Society of WomenEngineers (SWE), the project will also target underrepresented students. This projectdiffers from other smart sustainable microgrids being deployed at other academicinstitutions and communities as our energy profile is unique (Hawaii pays the highestelectricity prices in the nation), we will incorporate large shares of distributed renewableenergy (rooftop PV), and Hawai`i has unique micro-climates (no heating and widevariability in rainfall and cloud cover).