Reconfigurable Distribution Automation and Control Laboratory: Solar Microgrid Experiments

Renewable distributed resources, energy storage systems, and improved load control options are introducing new challenges in electric power distribution. It is necessary to integrate such smart grid concepts into formal power engineering curricula. To help meet this need, solar microgrid experiments are being developed at Drexel University. This work presents: first, an overview of the laboratory-scale microgrid equipment at Drexel; second, upgrades to the distribution energy management system in the Reconfigurable Distribution Automation and Control Laboratory; third, a detailed educational microgrid experiment; and fourth, corresponding pre- and postlaboratory assignments. In the experiment, students analyze a microgrid network in grid-powered, gridinteractive, and island modes with a renewable source that is not electrically (or physically) co-located with the utility supply. Students will observe power flow characteristics in each mode. In island mode, students will make network or load control decisions in order to satisfy the operating constraints, and then connect the renewable source to the node of their choice.