Promoting Effective Generation and Sustainable Uses of electricity (PEGASUS) -The case of the FOSS lab area nanogrid

Abstract

In order to increase the efficient allocation of renewable energy sources (RES), the microgrid concept has been arisen, as a controllable entity being able to operate both grid-connected and isolated in island mode. In distribution grids with a high RES potential like Cyprus island, controllable entities, such as microgrids and nanogrids, can play a significant role. This paper deals with the implementation of a nanogrid, which has the ability to operate both in grid-connected and islanded mode. The nanogrid has been set up at the premises of FOSS Research Centre for Sustainable Energy, University of Cyprus. It acts as a testbed and a subset of the planned microgrid of the University of Cyprus (UCY) and includes the existing PV installations, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), smart meters, existing electrical loads, a controllable electric load and an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station. Extensive simulation scenarios are carried out by using tools such as Matlab/Simulink and PowerSim. Energy production and consumption are simulated and tested for steady-state, dynamic and transient conditions. Furthermore, the operation of a bidirectional EV charging system for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration is investigated. Block diagrams, showing implementation using power electronics along with corresponding results, are shown for better understanding of the pilot objectives. Implementation and experimentation with the nanogrid under investigation will improve future research on the university's microgrid.