Modelling and simulation of the MERGE-UNICAMP project microgrids

Author(s)

Luiza Higino Silva Santos

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação
• Defense date: 2022-03-30

Examining board members

Marcos Julio Rider Flores; Lia Toledo Moreira Mota; Fernanda Caseño Trindade Arioli

• Advisor: Marcos Julio Rider Flores

Abstract

Considering the context of the research and development (R&D) project of pilot microgrids, entitled Microgrids for Efficient, Reliable and Greener Energy (MERGE - UNICAMP), two of the essential activities are modelling and simulation of pilot microgrids in the domains of dynamic, stationary, and long term operation. Therefore, this study developed models of the CAMPUSGRID microgrid, which will be deployed on the UNICAMP campus with specialized softwares. Three models were developed: dynamic, in Simulink (MATLAB), stationary, in OpenDSS (EPRI), and an energetic and long-term in HOMER Pro (HOMER Energy). The dynamic model considered the ransient state control and operation schemes of distributed resources (e.g., photovoltaic generation, energy storage, thermal generation, and loads). The development of the stationary model considers the balances of active and reactive power, losses, and voltage drops. The long-term model evaluates the economic aspects of microgrid operation in terms of energy transfer in different operating scenarios throughout the year. After that, case studies were defined, and CAMPUSGRID microgrid simulations were carried out. The results guided the proposed energy management strategies of the microgrid with heuristic rules (i.e., expert systems) for an efficient and robust microgrid operation, taking into account the relevant aspects of transient, steady-state, and long-term operation. The main results show the importance of photovoltaic generation in CAMPUSGRID and indicate it as the power source responsible for recharging the battery energy storage system during the day. The stored energy is used at night, decreasing the energy purchases from the main grid. Due to its high operational costs, the thermal generator is only used in the islanded mode (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/00255-2 - Modeling and simulation of the MERGE-UNICAMP microgrids project
• Grantee: Luiza Higino Silva Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master