Energy Storage Monitoring and Control For a Microgrid

Integrated monitoring and control of energy storage and other generating sources and loads in microgrids are important to ensure full realization of the benefits of energy storage. This paper describes ongoing projects at the University of California – San Diego (UCSD), 42 MW microgrid that integrates energy storage and associated monitoring and control. The UCSD microgrid power distribution system, the central power plant and building facilities are highly instrumented including over 85,000 data streams that have been archived for nearly three years. The system is designed for efficient integration of distributed energy resources (DER). The microgrid controller is integrated with OSIsoft’s PI data server on campus. Real time power system analysis is performed to verify reliability constraints for planning and operation of the microgrid as well as determine energy storage optimization. The UCSD microgrid also has one of the largest installations of synchrophasors (phasor measurement units, PMU) in academia. PMU data are at the San Diego Supercomputer Center’s (SDSC) in high density flash drive machines. Six PMU synchrophasors have been installed at the East campus substation. Six additional PMUs are planned to be installed on a distribution circuit to provide detailed understanding of the performance of high PV penetraton, EV charging, and energy storage on a distribution circuit. The microgrid controller is expected to utilize these data providing the capability to operate the UCSD microgrid in island mode if necessary. The CAISO, DOE, CEC and SDG&E are also collaboratively engaged to utilize the UCSD microgrid to improve management and efficiencies of the utility’s and statewide grid operations such as demand response, excess generation, renewable supply, load balancing and power outages.