CERTS Microgrid Laboratory Test Bed Page: 2 of 8
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INTRODUCTION
Evolutionary changes in the regulatory and operational climate of traditional electric utilities and the
emergence of smaller generating systems, including internal combustion engines, microturbines,
photovoltaics, and fuel cells, have opened new opportunities for electricity users to generate power on
site. In this context, distributed energy resources - small power generators typically located at sites
where the energy (both electric and thermal) they generate is used - are a promising option to meet
growing customer needs for economic and reliable electric power. The distributed energy resources
portfolio includes not only generators but also energy storage and load control. Organizing all of these
resources into microgrids is a promising way to capture smaller distributed energy resources'
significant potential to meet customers' and utilities' needs.
Key features that will make microgrids functional, both within themselves and as elements of the
larger electricity system, include high reliability so that customers receive the power quality they
require, capacity for "plug and play" addition of energy resources to the microgrid so that placement
of those resources is flexible, and operation of the microgrid so that it appears to the larger utility grid
just like any other single customer site.
The Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTS) has developed a detailed
Microgrid concept that aims to provide these and other technically challenging microgrid
functionalities at much lower costs than traditional approaches to distributed energy resources by
avoiding the need for extensive (i.e., expensive) custom engineering (Lasseter et al. 2002). This paper
focuses on the creation of a full-scale test bed to demonstrate the CERTS microgrid techniques for
providing reliable, high-quality power with no disruption to the electricity grid. We also briefly
summarize testing performed to date and planned next steps.
THE CERTS MICROGRID CONCEPT
To achieve a high degree of functionality at reasonable cost, the CERTS Microgrid concept relies on
peer-to-peer and plug-and-play strategies for each component within the microgrid.
The peer-to-peer concept insures that no single component, such as a master controller or a central
storage unit, is required for operation of the microgrid. Therefore, by its very design, the CERTS
Microgrid can continue operating with loss of an individual component or generator. With one
additional source, (N+1) it can insure even higher levels of reliability.
The plug-and-play concept means that a distributed energy unit can be added or placed at any location
within the microgrid without re-engineering the microgrid's controls. The plug-and-play functionality
is similar to the flexibility one has with home appliances; just as an appliance can be plugged in
wherever there is an outlet, a distributed energy resource within a microgrid can be located anywhere
within a facility or building where it might be most needed. This is in sharp contrast to the traditional
model for addressing distributed energy generation, which clusters distributed sources at a single point
to simplify their electrical integration. In combined-heat-and-power applications, the plug-and-play
model facilitates placement of distributed energy resources immediately adjacent to heat loads,
thereby allowing most effective use of waste heat without a complex heat distribution system, e.g.,
steam and chilled water pipes, and the energy losses associated with them.
As noted above, another critical feature of the CERTS Microgrid is its presentation to the surrounding
distribution grid as a single, self-controlled entity. A CERTS Microgrid appears to the grid as
indistinguishable from any other customer site. This means that the microgrid avoids many of the
current concerns associated with integrating distributed energy resources, such as how many of these
resources the system can tolerate before their collective electrical impact begins to create problems
like excessive current flows into faults and voltage fluctuations.1
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ETO, J.; LASSETER, R.; SCHENKMAN, B.; STEVENS, J.; KLAPP, D.; VOLKOMMER, H. et al. CERTS Microgrid Laboratory Test Bed, article, June 8, 2010; Berkeley, California. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1012489/m1/2/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.