A Conceptual Design of UAE’s Smart Microgrid with Coordinated Power Management Strategy

Recent progress in power generation from renewable energy technology is encouraging for the development of robust and cost-efficient renewable energy microgrids. These systems may be particularly suitable for sites requiring frequent backup power due to weak existing power infrastructure. This paper discusses the conceptual design of a smart microgrid test bed that can operate on 100% renewable energy for an offshore island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The contribution in the design is uniqueness in its architecture and functionality. An integrated utilities approach is applied by providing power as well as water via Reverse Osmosis seawater desalination. A battery energy storage system (BESS) provides primary backup power when renewable sources are unavailable. A high-efficiency DC power distribution system is interconnected with the AC system to demonstrate potential efficiency gains. A coordinated power management strategy to monitor, control and optimize the available energy resources centrally controlled by Energy Management System (EMS) is also included. The overall intent of this conceptual design is to create a cost-effective system for providing power to areas with limited power infrastructure, thereby leading to new commercial opportunities for large-scale implementation.