Modular Scalable Micro Grid: ICEPAG 2016 Presentation

Eco EnergyMicro Grid
Modular, Scalable Micro Grid
Incorporating Traditional and
Renewable Energy Systems
P D Madden, PE
T D Lowe, PhD
Energy Technologies, Inc.
March 23, 2016

DOE Definition:
Microgrid: “a group of interconnected loads
and distributed energy resources within clearly
defined electrical boundaries that act as a
single controllable entity with respect to the
grid. A microgrid can connect and disconnect
from the grid to enable it to operate in both
grid-connected or island-mode.”

Military Microgrids: Why the DOD is
Leading the Pack
“Microgrids can shrink the amount of fossil fuels
consumed to create electricity by networking
generators as a system to maximize efficiency.
Yet, they can also be used to help integrate
renewable energy resources (such as wind and
solar) at the local distribution grid level.”
-Navigant Research

EPA Definition:
“Renewable energy is electricity generated by
fuel sources that restore themselves over a
short period of time and do not diminish.
Although some renewable energy technologies
have an impact on the environment, renewables
are considered environmentally preferable to
conventional sources and, when replacing fossil
fuels, have significant potential to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.”

Assumptions:
• Electricity is the common energy transfer
medium of a Micro Grid.
• System of Systems approach allows modular
implementation on both legacy and new grids.
• Lessons learned from systems developed for
Military applications can apply commercially.
• Micro Grids typically apply to a defined region,
but the control strategies can also apply to a

Micro Grid Benefits (Economic):
• Reduced fossil fuel use by operating more efficiently
• Ability to offset fossil fuels with renewables
• Ability to choose lowest cost energy source
• Reduced peak demand charges from utility by bringing on
additional generation, using stored energy or shaving load
• Reduced capacity charges with managed generation
• Sell excess energy back to utility
• Reduced generator wet-stacking and maintenance
• Optimize overall maintenance scheduling with better logs
• Reduced troubleshooting time with better real-time data
• Reduced manpower with computer monitoring and control

Micro Grid Benefits (Other):
• Increased overall reliability and stability
• Less risk of cascading events
• Protection of critical loads
• Controlled power quality
• Reduced blackout or brownout risk
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduced single point failures
• Ability to modularly integrate new technologies as available

System of Systems Architecture Based on Modular Micro Cell Design

Grid Power
Intelligent
Transfer
Switch
Unprotected
AC Load nAll
Module
Interface
PDU
Control
Module
Unprotected
AC Load 1
ECU
(Thermostat &
Micro-Grid
Regulated)
Load 1
Vehicle Interface
NATO Connector
Wind
Turbines
Solar
Panels
Battery
Modules
Load n Intelligent
PDU
DC to AC
Inverter / UPS
1-Phase
3-Phase
Conditioned & Battery Backed Power
AC to DC
Rectifier / Charger
Unconditioned AC Power Bus
DC Power Bus
Generator Control
Interface
Engine
Generators
Master Control &
Configuration
Fuel
Cells
Modular MicroGrid / MicroCell Design

The system is comprised of the following modules:
• Master Control & Configuration Display Module (MCCDM)
• Hybrid Intelligent Micro Grid Controller (HIGC)
• Generator Interface/Control Module (GIFC)
• Intelligent AC Transfer Switch Module (ITSM)
• Solar DC Charge Control Module (SCCM)
• Wind Generator DC Charge Control Module (WCCM)

The system is comprised of the following modules:
(continued)
• NATO Vehicle Interface Charge Controller Module (VCCM)
• Energy Storage Module & Controller (ESMC) Li-Ion Based
• Intelligent AC & DC Power Distribution Unit (IAPDU & IDPDU)
• AC & DC PDU Interface Module (APDUIM & DPDUIM)
• DC to AC Inverter Module 1-Phase (IMSP) & 3-Phase (IMTP)
• AC to DC Charger Module (ADCM)

Master Control & Configuration Display Module
(MCCDM)
• Main interface to the system
• Laptop computer or a computer server depending on system size.
• Menu based human interface and configuration data management.
• Allows specific configurations for power generation, load balancing,
automated module fault restoration and system optimization.
• Data element modules contain and support multi-level
configuration access protection.
This module has three basic functions:
1.Configuration set up
2.Monitoring
3.Performance and data gathering

Micro Grid Computer System Software Architecture

N2 Chart with Micro Grid States and Modes

Hybrid Intelligent Grid Controller (HIGC)
• Master controller of the configured system or sub-system,
depending on system size and complexity
• Modular and can be configured for various power ratings based
on application
• Module takes the input power resource and distributes and
controls as configured without any dependence on additional
controller modules
• Interface to support setting up a configuration via a portable
device when the master control and configuration display
module is not configured in small applications
• Default configuration/operations reside in this module for all
battle short algorithmic functions and actions

Generator Interface/Control Module (GIFC)
• Configured to allow interface to a wide range of generators
• Interprets the system commands to the control functions of the
generator for starting, paralleling and status functions
• Capability to monitor consumables such as fuel and oil levels
• Module will take and execute all commands from the HIGC based
on the configuration settings and shut down requirements as
defined by the algorithmic functions of the system
• Interface module will also contain a fall back or battle short
capability as these modules will be located on the generator and
may not necessarily be located close to the HIGC

Intelligent AC Transfer Switch Module (ITSM)
• The Intelligent Transfer Switch Module interfaces to power
generating sources and is configured in a fall back configuration
that will allow the power to be distributed to the AC support bus
• ITSM has an intelligent interface that will operate based on the
command requirements of the Hybrid Intelligent Grid Controller
• Upon loss of generating power, the HIGC can command the
ITSM to disconnect from the generator and connect battery
supplied inverters to the AC bus allowing continued operation of
critical loads
• ITSM can support a local grid power sources and switch to the
grid power to the AC support bus

Energy Storage Module & Controller
(ESMC) Li-Ion Based
• 3X the power density of standard lead acid batteries
• 1/3 the weight of standard batteries
• Individual modules have Intelligent Software
Monitoring and Control
• Interfaces with Hybrid Intelligent
MicroGrid Controller

Li-Ion Interface – String Level example

Li-Ion Interface – Cell Level example

Intelligent AC Power Distribution Unit (IAPDU)
Intelligent DC Power Distribution Unit (IDPDU)
• Intelligent power distribution modules contain an interface and
control module for each input and output connection
• Will operate based on the command requirements of the Hybrid
Intelligent Grid Controller and/or manual mode
• Algorithms include assigned priority load shedding and sequential
start-up and shut-down procedures
AC PDU Interface Module (APDUIM)
DC PDU Interface Module (DPDUIM)
• Intended to interface to existing PDU panels to allow the monitoring
and control functions of the Intelligent PDU

Screen shot example of Intelligent PDU setup elements:

Hybrid Energy Forward Operating Base
Wind/
Solar
Charge
Controller
Module
Wind
Turbine
Shelter
Solar
Array
120 Watt
Solar Array
Tactical
Inverter with
Battery
Modules
Nickel Metal
Hydride
Fuel Cell
Power Plant
Tactical
Field
Office
JP8
Tactical
Generator
Modular
ECU
Medusa
Cable
Kit Tele-
scoping
Carbon
Fiber
Mast
Hybrid
Intelligent
Micro Grid
Controller
Battery Modules

Demonstrations and Evaluation Testing
• Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Ft. Irwin, CA
• Twentynine Palms Expeditionary Energy Concepts (E2C)
• Holliman Air Force Base, NM, long term testing
• Tyndall Air Force Base, FL, long term testing
• Southern Command (various undisclosed locations)
• Jungle Tropics in Costa Rica
• Desert Conditions in Kuwait, long term testing
• Severe Winter Conditions in South Dakota

Twentynine Palms E2C System Set Up

Military Eco Energy Micro Grid Installations

Distributed Micro Cell / Micro Grid Installations

Renewable Energy Non-Renewable Energy
Secondary
Energy Sources
Wind
Geothermal
Water
Biomass*
Solar
Electricity Coal
Hydrogen
Natural Gas
Nuclear
Oil
Biogas*
* Biomass includes Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
Biogas includes Landfill Gas (LFG)

Adding Bio Renewables to a Micro Grid
• Regions covered by Micro Grids generally include organic
waste materials: i.e. municipal and agricultural waste
• The bio waste materials can be converted directly into
hydrogen while reducing landfill requirements
• The EPA now considers landfill gas and digester biogas
as renewable energy sources
• The biogases can be converted directly into hydrogen
while reducing flaring or other methods of eliminating them
• The hydrogen can be sold into the merchant market at a
profit or it can be used in fuel cells to produce electricity

Examples of Hydrogen Bio Reformation
with No Greenhouse Gases Released
Bio Reforming of Cellulose (i.e. Municipal Solid Waste)
(C6H10O5)n + 12nNaOH + nH2O ↔ 6nNa2CO3 + 12nH2
Bio Reforming of Methane (i.e. Landfill Gas/Biogas)
CH4 + 2NaOH + H2O ↔ Na2CO3 + 4H2
Bio Reforming of Ethanol
C2H5OH + 4NaOH + H2O ↔ 2Na2CO3 + 6H2
Bio Reforming of Methanol
CH3OH + 2NaOH ↔ Na2CO3 + 3H2

MSW to Hydrogen Production Facility
MSW from
landfill
Eco H2® Planned Bio Reformation Facility at new Eco Park in Cimahi, Indonesia

Bio Gas / Landfill Gas to Hydrogen Production Facility
Bio Reformation of
Methane to H2, Single
2000 kg/day Unit

Example: 1800 kg/day EcoH2® Hydrogen Bio Reformer
Supplying a 1 MW Fuel Cell and Energy Storage

Conclusions
• Experiences from the military testing can be applied to
other commercial or industrial Micro Grid applications
• Applying the Micro Cell approach to the Micro Grid offers
the ability to expand as needed both regionally or globally
• Introduction of renewable energy sources into a Micro Grid
may add complexity, but can improve overall economics
and reduce the overall carbon footprint
• Utilizing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and/or Biogas to
make H2 reduces waste disposal issues while producing
H2 at a lower cost compared to traditional methods
• The H2 produced can be sold at a profit or used to
generate additional power via fuel cells

Contact Information
P D Madden, PE, CEO
pdmadden@ruggedsystems.com
T D Lowe, PhD, VP of Sales
tdlowe@ruggedsystems.com
Energy Technologies, Inc.
219 Park Avenue East
Mansfield, OH 44902-1845
1.419.522.4444 Voice
1.419.522.4466 Fax
www.EcoEnergyMicroGrid.com
www.HybridEnergyTechnologies.com

Modular Scalable Micro Grid: ICEPAG 2016 Presentation

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Modular Scalable Micro Grid: ICEPAG 2016 Presentation