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Design and Performance Investigation of a Pilot Micro-Grid in the Mediterranean: MCAST Case Study

Author

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  • Vibhu Jately

    (MCAST Energy Research Group (MCAST Energy), Institute of Engineering and Transport, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), Triq Kordin, PLA9032 Paola, Malta
    Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, India)

  • Balaji Venkateswaran V.

    (School of Technology, Woxsen University, Hyderabad 502345, India)

  • Stefan Azzopardi

    (MCAST Energy Research Group (MCAST Energy), Institute of Engineering and Transport, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), Triq Kordin, PLA9032 Paola, Malta)

  • Brian Azzopardi

    (MCAST Energy Research Group (MCAST Energy), Institute of Engineering and Transport, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), Triq Kordin, PLA9032 Paola, Malta)

Abstract

This paper discusses the simulation framework developed for an in-campus pilot micro-grid at MCAST, Malta, to enhance its efficiency and reliability. One year of real-time metered data were used to arrive at the load curves, categorize the loads as essential and non-essential ones, and decide the micro-grid domain within MCAST. The potential scenarios were modeled to observe the behavior of the present status of the micro-grid, with an increased photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity, by using an optimum battery storage system with a diesel generator of suitable capacity and finally integrating electric vehicles (EVs) to discuss the potential of vehicle to grid (V2G) operation modes. The existing building management system (BMS) of MCAST was interfaced within the micro-grid to introduce the geographic information system (GIS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for developing an intelligent 3D model of the micro-grid. The results of the simulation framework for various potential case scenarios were obtained in a MATLAB/Simulink environment to assess the performance of the micro-grid. Previously formulated key performance indices (KPIs) that describe the financial aspects of micro-grid operation and ecological benefits of the investigated micro-grid were evaluated. A sensitivity analysis of these KPIs shows encouraging results with the potential of cost-competitiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Vibhu Jately & Balaji Venkateswaran V. & Stefan Azzopardi & Brian Azzopardi, 2021. "Design and Performance Investigation of a Pilot Micro-Grid in the Mediterranean: MCAST Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-32, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:20:p:6846-:d:660057
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lin Wang & Anke Xue, 2021. "Equivalent Modeling of Microgrids Based on Optimized Broad Learning System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-11, November.

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