How multiple microgrids could end blackouts

New research is redesigning how electricity is distributed within power grids, with the aim of keeping the lights on.

UBC's Okanagan School of Engineering is developing a power system that consists of multiple microgrids, operating like individual islands, and possessing the ability to disconnect from the main power supply and run independently.

These islanded systems will provide electricity to smaller geographical areas, such as cities and large neighbourhoods. In the case of a failure in the main system, the local grid operation system will prevent blackouts or brownouts from occurring.

"The microgrid will recognise the problem in the main power system and will isolate itself, avoiding previously inevitable power outages," said Yuri Rodrigues, a UBCO electrical engineering doctoral student and study co-author.

However, a continued supply of power in this mode will depend on locally available generating reserves. This means that conserving energy is vital to keeping the islanded grid operational for as long as possible.

Rodrigues describes the researchers’ approach as the difference between using the sports mode on a car versus the eco mode. The microgrid can distribute power at a slightly diluted level that won't negatively impact electronics, while allowing power to flow for longer periods without running out.

"Our new proposed method takes a more sustainable approach, allowing the microgrids to conserve power so any shortfall can be better handled by the microgrid itself," Rodrigues said.

The challenge with using this concept in a larger system is that those larger systems may experience too much instability — this could result in the entire system shutting down. Rodrigues points to a similar occurrence in 2003 when most of the eastern seaboard of North America collapsed, leaving millions in the dark.

Many safeguards already exist within power distribution systems to enlarge the system operation, but they only help by prioritising power based on urgency, meaning hospitals and infrastructure would take precedence over regular consumer needs.

This new approach of conserving power that is distributed within microgrids and thereby reducing or eliminating brownouts and blackouts could soon be an option for power systems around the world. It would also allow for global energy conservation that would decrease the network's demand and improve the self-sufficiency of the microgrid as a whole.

According to Rodrigues, their testing indicates this approach can significantly enhance microgrid autonomy and stability with no impact on the wider power system.

"There are many components that make up a power system from generation to distribution before electricity arrives in the outlets of consumers," Rodrigues said.

"Creating a system that is more self-sufficient, robust and sustainable is key to creating a reliable and blackout-free experience for future power consumers."

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