The Isle of Eigg

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Isle of Eigg Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Modelling, Optimisation and the Lessons Learned of a Renewable Based Electrical Network – The Isle of Eigg Author: Lewis Breen Supervisor: Dr Paul Tuohy A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment for the requirement of the degree Master of Science Sustainable Engineering: Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment 2015 Copyright Declaration This thesis is the result of the author’s original research. It has been composed by the author and has not been previously submitted for examination which has led to the award of a degree. The copyright of this thesis belongs to the author under the terms of the United Kingdom Copyright Acts as qualified by University of Strathclyde Regulation 3.50. Due acknowledgement must always be made of the use of any material contained in, or derived from, this thesis. Signed: Lewis Breen Date: 23/07/15 Abstract The landscape of electrical supply is changing. There is a pressing need for humanity to wean itself off its reliance on finite fossil fuel resources and switch to sustainable forms of energy capture. This has led to a rapid expansion of the renewable energy sector over recent decades; in the form of both large scale renewable “farms” and smaller distributed generation. Distributed generation is of a much smaller power rating and is sourced much closer to loads – which is against the conventional model of the Megawatt rated power plant located significant distances away from its point of demand. This report looks into the renewable-based microgrid on the Isle of Eigg – a small non- grid-connected island on the West coast of Scotland. A model of the electrical network is created and validated using the HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) software package. The model is then scrutinised to investigate how such a system can be optimised to maximise renewable penetration; which is defined as the ratio of power from renewables (used to meet a load) to the value of the demand load itself. The findings and the ‘lessons learned’ that can be applied further afield are then presented, discussed and compared with other microgrid configurations. It was concluded that there is a definitive need for a mix in renewable generation technologies, along with increased storage capacities, when aiming to achieve maximised renewable penetration. Increasing either storage or generation capacities alone works to an extent, but the effect quickly becomes saturated due to numerous limiting factors. Adverse weather and/or climatic conditions should be also considered closely in the design stage of renewable based grids. The importance of “stress tests” on such models is demonstrated as these conditions can act as a severe detriment to the renewable penetration of an apparently autonomous grid. 3 Acknowledgements I would like to take this opportunity to thank La Fundación IBERDROLA for their financial support during my MSc Course in Sustainable Engineering: Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment. Without their financial backing, in the form of a scholarship, I may not have been able to participate in the degree program. This research was supported by the Newton Fund RCUK-CONFAP Research Partnership, 'Challenges and Futures for new technologies: finding (e)quality in work, water and food in the energy frontiers', between University of Strathclyde, Federal University of Goiás and State University of Goiás, Brazil. Without their funding, the field trip aspect of this thesis would not have been achievable. The importance of the field trip cannot be underestimated; it allowed for solid knowledge and understanding of Eigg’s electrical network to be achieved, and for numerous contacts to be made who provided the essential data required for this report. I would like to highlight the contributions of John Booth, Maggie Fyffe and numerous other residents of the Isle of Eigg. During the field trip aspect of this project the islanders were extremely welcoming, patient and informative. They are proud of what they have achieved so far with their venture and continue to be a leading example of how a community can maximise their sustainability. Much can be, and will continue to be learned from the community. Their continued support throughout this project was greatly appreciated. Lastly, but not least, a big thank you to all of my lecturers during this year of study. Your continued support, enthusiasm and knowledge has made the degree course more informative, enjoyable and rewarding than I ever could have hoped for. Thank you! 4 Table of Contents Acknowledgements .................................................................................................... 4 Table of Contents ....................................................................................................... 5 Nomenclature ............................................................................................................. 8 List of Figures ............................................................................................................ 9 List of Tables ........................................................................................................... 11 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 12 1.1. Objective ....................................................................................................... 14 1.2. Methodology ................................................................................................. 15 2. Literature Review ................................................................................................. 16 3. Microgrids ............................................................................................................ 22 3.1. The Isle of Eigg as a Microgrid ..................................................................... 25 3.2. Eigg’s Renewable Performance .................................................................... 28 4. Modelling Eigg using HOMER and Validation ................................................... 30 Demand Profile ..................................................................................................... 31 Hydro .................................................................................................................... 33 Wind ..................................................................................................................... 35 PV ......................................................................................................................... 38 Validation of Renewables Model ......................................................................... 40 Batteries ................................................................................................................ 42 Validation of Battery Model ................................................................................. 44 Converter .............................................................................................................. 47 Generators ............................................................................................................. 47 4.1. Summarised Findings with respect to the Eigg Model ................................. 48 5 5. Optimisation of Eigg’s Electrical Network .......................................................... 50 5.1. Storage ........................................................................................................... 50 5.1.1 Increasing Battery Capacity ......................................................................... 51 5.1.2 Li-ion Batteries ............................................................................................ 53 5.1.3 Flow Battery ................................................................................................ 58 5.1.4 Hydrogen Fuel Cell ..................................................................................... 63 5.1.5 Pumped Storage ........................................................................................... 67 5.1.6 Flywheel ...................................................................................................... 71 5.2. Increased Renewable Generation Capacity ................................................... 74 5.2.1 Wind Capacity Increase ............................................................................... 75 5.2.2 PV Capacity Increase ................................................................................... 79 5.2.3 Biofuel for Diesel Generators ...................................................................... 82 5.3. Maximising the Renewable Penetration of the Model .................................. 85 5.3.1 Reaching 100% Renewable Penetration ...................................................... 87 Configuration 1: Increased Wind with Li-Ion Batteries ....................................... 87 Configuration 2: Increased Wind with Hydrogen Storage ................................... 88 Configuration 3: Increased Wind and PV with Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Storage .................................................................................................................. 89 Configuration 4: Increased Wind with Rolls Battery Storage .............................. 89 6. Lessons Learned from the Eigg Model ................................................................. 90 7. Discussion ............................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • High Voltage Direct Current: Pathway to a Sustainable Energy Future with the Plains & Eastern Clean Line
    High Voltage Direct Current: Pathway to a Sustainable Energy Future with the Plains & Eastern Clean Line October 2016 Wayne Galli, Ph.D., P.E. Executive Vice President Clean Line’s projects connect the lowest-cost wind resources to major demand centers Clean Line projects at 80m 2 Plains & Eastern will connect the robust wind of the Oklahoma Panhandle to the Mid-South and Southeast The Arkansas converter station interconnects with the Entergy 500 kV system at ANO/Pleasant Hill where the Project will deliver 500 MW. Enough to power 160,000 Arkansan homes The Tennessee converter station interconnects with the TVA 500 kV system at Shelby Substation in western Tennessee where the Project will deliver 3,500 MW. Or over 850,000 additional homes 3 The final major regulatory approval was received in March 2016 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT PROCESS In the Record of Decision issued March 2016, DOE . Outlined its participation in the project . Selected the route for the project in Arkansas and Oklahoma . Confirmed the inclusion of the Arkansas converter station With DOE approval, Clean Line enters the final stages of development: finalizing design and cost estimation, acquiring contiguous rights-of-way for construction, completing interconnection processes and negotiating and executing customer contracts. 4 War of the Currents (late 1880s) Recommended Reading: Empires of Light by Jill Jonnes . Thomas Edison (1847-1931) . Advocate of direct current (DC) power system . Founder of General Electric . George Westinghouse(1846-1914) . Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) . Advocate of alternating current (AC) power system . Founder of Westinghouse Electric Corporation . Licensed polyphase machines from Tesla 5 Pearl Street Station: 255-257 Pearl Street, Manhattan • First central power plant in U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Simple and Cheap Transverter for 10 Ghz
    Simple and Cheap Transverter for 10 GHz Paul Wade, W1GHZ ©2016 [email protected] I have been working on cheap and simple microwave transverters for the past 10 years, covering all bands through 5.7 GHz. Although 10 GHz is one of the most popular microwave bands, there are still technical challenges to overcome. It has taken several attempts and some lessons learned to develop a 10 GHz transverter that I believe to be reproducible and affordable – the cost should be under $100. There are at least two good commercial transverters available, but the expense may be a barrier to those who aren’t sure they are ready for 10 GHz. The other alternative, surplus, is less available than it was when many of us got started. Design Figure 1 – Circuit side of 10 GHz Transverter The 10 GHz transverter, shown in Figure 1, looks a lot like the 5760 MHz transverter 1 – three MMIC stages for transmit and three for receive, with pipe-cap filters between stages. The differences are that everything is smaller. The pipe-caps are ½ inch rather than ¾ inch and the quarter-wave bias stubs are shorter. Most important, the PC board is thinner, 1/32 inch rather than 1/16 inch. One thing I learned while developing this transverter is that ordinary 1/16 inch PC boards radiate badly at frequencies above about 7 GHz – more about this later. The design philosophy is the same as the lower frequency Cheap and Simple Transverters 2: Gain is Cheap , provided by inexpensive MMICs. We use the cheap gain to overcome losses of the other components – ordinary chip capacitors and resistors, rather than expensive microwave parts.
    [Show full text]
  • Improving Institutional Access to Financing Incentives for Energy
    Improving Institutional Access to Financing Incentives for Energy Demand Reductions Masters Project: Final Report April 2016 Sponsor Agency: The Ecology Center (Ann Arbor, MI) ​ Student Team: Brian La Shier, Junhong Liang, Chayatach ​ Pasawongse, Gianna Petito, & Whitney Smith Faculty Advisors: Paul Mohai PhD. & Tony Reames PhD. ​ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank our clients Alexis Blizman and Katy Adams from the Ecology Center. ​ ​ We greatly appreciate their initial efforts in conceptualizing and proposing the project idea, and providing feedback throughout the duration of the project. We would also like to thank our advisors Dr. Paul Mohai and Dr. Tony Reames for providing their expertise, guidance, and support. This Master's Project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the OPUS requirements for the degree of Master of Science, Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan. ABSTRACT We developed this project in response to a growing local­level demand for information and guidance on accessing local, state, and federal energy financing programs. Knowledge regarding these programs is currently scattered across independent websites and agencies, making it difficult for a lay user to identify available options for funding energy efficiency efforts. We collaborated with The Ecology Center, an Ann Arbor nonprofit, to develop an information­based tool that would provide tailored recommendations to small businesses and organizations in need of financing to meet their energy efficiency aspirations. The tool was developed for use by The Ecology Center along with an implementation plan to strengthen their outreach to local stakeholders and assist their efforts in reducing Michigan’s energy consumption. We researched and analyzed existing clean energy and energy efficiency policies and financing opportunities available from local, state, federal, and utility entities for institutions in the educational, medical, religious, and multi­family housing sectors.
    [Show full text]
  • 432 Mhz Transverter for an SDR Paul Wade W1GHZ ©2019 [email protected]
    432 MHz Transverter for an SDR Paul Wade W1GHZ ©2019 [email protected] I've been thinking about a 432 MHz Transverter for some time, to use a Software-Defined Radio like the Flex-1500 with microwave transverters with 432 MHz IF. Recently, I built one of G4DDK's Anglian 2-meter transverters, and I liked the way he used off-the-shelf parts to make filters rather than helical filters, which can be hard to find. Since printed comb filters on PC board have worked well around 200 MHz in Local Oscillators for my simple microwave transverters, I thought the comb filters might be shrunk to 432 MHz and be small enough to fit in a transverter. Then, at the start of the January VHF Sweepstakes contest, I found my 432 MHz transceiver had crapped out again. I quickly swapped in my IC-706, which worked but may be the worst CW rig around – a signal jumps right out of the passband when switching modes. Finding a weak signal again can be difficult. An SDR would eliminate this problem. Time for a transverter to replace the transceiver. A transverter capable of operating contests needs more performance than a simple microwave transverter. Using a classical engineering approach, I reviewed the G4DDK Anglian 144 MHz transverter 1 for ideas to steal. Then I worked the comb filter design to a reasonable size and adjusted it to use 18pf chip capacitors, the value I use most in other transverters. I was able to fit three filters, one common after the mixer and one each in the transmit and receive paths, in a PC board size that allowed for reasonable prototype cost.
    [Show full text]
  • The Radio Amateurs Microwave Communications Handbook.Pdf
    1594 THE RADIO AMATEUR'S COM ' · CA 10 S HANDBOOK DAVE INGRAM, K4TWJ THE RADIO AMATEUR'S - MICROWAVE COMMUNICATIONS · HANDBOOK DAVE INGRAM, K4TWJ ITABI TAB BOOKS Inc. Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214 Other TAB Books by the Author No. 1120 OSCAR: The Ham Radio Satellites No. 1258 Electronics Projects for Hams, SWLs, CSers & Radio Ex­ perimenters No. 1259 Secrets of Ham Radio DXing No. 1474 Video Electronics Technology FIRST EDITION FIRST PRINTING Copyright © 1985 by TAB BOOKS Inc. Printed in the United States of America Reproduction or publication of the content in any manner, without express permission of the publisher, is prohibited. No liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information herein. Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Ingram, Dave. The radio amateur's microwave communications handbook. Includes index. 1. Microwave communication systems-Amateurs' manuals. I. Title. TK9957.154 1985 621.38'0413 85-22184 ISBN 0-8306-0194-5 ISBN 0-8306-0594-0 (pbk.) Contents Acknowledgments v Introduction vi 1 The Amateur 's Microwave Spectrum 1 The Early Days and Gear for Microwaves- The Microwave Spectrum- Microwavesand EME-Microwavesand the Am- ateur Satellite Program 2 Microwave Electronic Theory 17 Electronic Techniques for hf/vhf Ranges- Electronic Tech- niques for Microwaves-Klystron Operation-Magnetron Operation-Gunn Diode Theory 3 Popular Microwave Bands 29 Circuit and Antennas for the 13-cm Band-Designs for 13-cm Equipment 4 Communications Equipment for 1.2 GHz 42 23-cm Band Plan-Available Equipment- 23-cm OX 5
    [Show full text]
  • FY 2005 LDRD Report to Congress
    United States Department of Energy Laboratory, Plant or Site Directed Research and Development Report Project List -- Fiscal Year 2005 ANL - Argonne National Lab Project ID Project Name FY Total P/ANL2003-336 Multidisciplinary Theory $298000 P/ANL2003-337 The Use of Synchrotron Radiation Sources for Homeland Security - Terahertz $241600 and X-Ray Radiation P/ANL2003-338 Modeling Near-Field Atmospheric Dispersion and the Potential Health and $218500 Economic Impacts from Terrorism Scenarios Involving "Dirty Bombs" or Similar Devices P/ANL2003-340 Core-Shell Nanocrystal Spring Magnets $60400 P/ANL2003-341 Simulation and Modeling of Reactivity in Nanoporous Materials $46700 P/ANL2004-002 Development of Germanium Double Sided Strip Detectors for Nuclear Imaging $112200 Applications P/ANL2004-009 Ultrafast Laser/X-Ray Interactions $67100 P/ANL2004-014 Development of Cross-Polarization Confocal Microscopy for Measurement of $86400 Subsurface Microstructure P/ANL2004-018 Fundamental and Applied Studies of Novel Intermetallic Thin Films for Lithium $130300 Ion Battery Anodes P/ANL2004-019 Multiphase CFD Analysis of Vascular Lesion Formation $118500 P/ANL2004-026 Science and Technology of a New TiAlO Alloy Oxide and Its Application to a $86600 New Generation of Integrated Circuit Gate Dielectric P/ANL2004-038 Time-Resolved Studies of Magnetization Dynamics in Nanostructured $105000 Materials P/ANL2004-041 Site-Specific Magnetism in Crystals $74800 P/ANL2004-044 Palladium/Semiconductor Nanohybrids as Hydrogen Sensors for Fuel Cell $126300 Applications
    [Show full text]
  • The 144Mhz Anglian 3 Transverter
    The 144MHz Anglian 3 transverter A high performance 144/28MHz transverter G4DDK document issue V1.2 5/11/16 Introduction Anglian 3 is an update to the 144MHz Anglian 2 transverter. The Anglian 2 is no longer available. Unlike the assembled-board Anglian 2 kit, the Anglian 3 is available as a kit of parts or PCB only. This article is a technical description of the 144MHz Anglian 3 transverter. A separate, comprehensive, Assembly Manual, with overlays and a component list, is available on my web page. Anglian description The Anglian 144MHz transverter converts 28 to 30MHz transmit signals to 144 to 146MHz. On receive 144 to 146MHz signals are down converted to 28 to 30MHz. Due to the large number of component changes that would be necessary to use the transverter with an alternative IF, such as 21 or 14MHz, this is strongly discouraged. Table 1 shows the measured performance of the Anglian 3 transverter. You will notice that this is similar to the Anglian 2. 1 Parameter Performance Receive converter Noise figure 1.6-1.8dB Gain 24-25dB Input third order intercept (IIP3) +0.5 to +1.5dBm Image rejection (88MHz) >70dB Transmit converter Power output ( Saturated/P1dB) +22/+20dBm Transmit gain 20dB (35dB with optional TX IF stage) Drive required for +20dBm output 0dBm ( -15dBm with IF amplifier) Harmonic output (2nd/3rd/higher) -40dBc/-50dBc/<-60dBc Image frequency output suppression >70dBc LO suppression >70dBc Table 1 Performance of the Anglian 3 144MHz transverter Anglian 3 physical construction Surface mount technology (SMT) is used for reproducibility. Moderately sized 0805 passive components have been used with corresponding semiconductor SMD parts.
    [Show full text]
  • Latin Derivatives Dictionary
    Dedication: 3/15/05 I dedicate this collection to my friends Orville and Evelyn Brynelson and my parents George and Marion Greenwald. I especially thank James Steckel, Barbara Zbikowski, Gustavo Betancourt, and Joshua Ellis, colleagues and computer experts extraordinaire, for their invaluable assistance. Kathy Hart, MUHS librarian, was most helpful in suggesting sources. I further thank Gaylan DuBose, Ed Long, Hugh Himwich, Susan Schearer, Gardy Warren, and Kaye Warren for their encouragement and advice. My former students and now Classics professors Daniel Curley and Anthony Hollingsworth also deserve mention for their advice, assistance, and friendship. My student Michael Kocorowski encouraged and provoked me into beginning this dictionary. Certamen players Michael Fleisch, James Ruel, Jeff Tudor, and Ryan Thom were inspirations. Sue Smith provided advice. James Radtke, James Beaudoin, Richard Hallberg, Sylvester Kreilein, and James Wilkinson assisted with words from modern foreign languages. Without the advice of these and many others this dictionary could not have been compiled. Lastly I thank all my colleagues and students at Marquette University High School who have made my teaching career a joy. Basic sources: American College Dictionary (ACD) American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (AHD) Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology (ODEE) Oxford English Dictionary (OCD) Webster’s International Dictionary (eds. 2, 3) (W2, W3) Liddell and Scott (LS) Lewis and Short (LS) Oxford Latin Dictionary (OLD) Schaffer: Greek Derivative Dictionary, Latin Derivative Dictionary In addition many other sources were consulted; numerous etymology texts and readers were helpful. Zeno’s Word Frequency guide assisted in determining the relative importance of words. However, all judgments (and errors) are finally mine.
    [Show full text]
  • Minimizing the Deluge of Data Local Data, Intelligence, Storage & Implementation Eliminates Most Data Communication and Processing
    Minimizing the Deluge of Data Local data, intelligence, storage & implementation eliminates most data communication and processing Heart Akerson, CEO Heart Transverter www.transverter.com #GridInterop Grid-Interop 2011 Smart Grid Idea: Data Intensive Monster EPRI estimates this will cost over $338 Billion and take 20 years to install. Real time decisions involve detailed data being sent all the way to the central control center and then back to each device. This idea depends on an extremely complicated high speed communications network that is a The Grid could be inundated with combination of HAN, FAN/AMI, WAN & LAN calls about why someone’s (the blue dotted lines). The software to washing machine doesn’t work. manage this amount of data processing will be cumbersome and introduce major new There is no autonomous energy security risks. security for the office or home. #GridInterop Phoenix, AZ, Dec 5-8, 2011 Grid-Interop 20112 The Real Cost of Central Processing Central Grid Control and Data Processing Medium Medium Thin Data Central Data Comm Decisions Comm Data House or Data House or Data Source Business Source Business Source Thin Rich Local Rich Local Local Data Decisions Data Data Data Source Source #GridInterop Phoenix, AZ, Dec 5-8, 2011 Grid-Interop 20113 Anatomy of Grid Stress When grid capacity is reached the voltage drops. Different types of loads respond differently. 19.00 17.00 CURRENT IN AMPS 15.00 13.00 Motor 11.00 Above line = grid unstable Resistive 9.00 Electronic 7.00 5.00 Below line = grid stable 3.00 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 VOLTS •Resistive loads are the most stable because the current drops and relieves grid stress.
    [Show full text]
  • THETIS User Manual
    THETIS User Manual Edited by Laurence Barker G8NJJ on behalf of the HPSDR Project THETIS User Manual Page 1 of 129 Table of Contents Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 History ..................................................................................................................................... 8 1.2 Purpose and Structure of this Document ............................................................................... 8 1.3 Writing Style ............................................................................................................................ 9 1.4 Alternatives to THETIS ............................................................................................................. 9 2 THETIS Overview ........................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Screen Layout - Expanded view ............................................................................................ 10 2.2 Screen Layout - Collapsed view............................................................................................. 10 2.2.1 Classic ............................................................................................................................ 10 2.2.2 Andromeda view ........................................................................................................... 11 2.3 Changing Appearance with “Skins”
    [Show full text]
  • Occupy Your Side of the Meter
    Occupy Your Side of the Meter By Heart Akerson, CEO, Heart Transverter We continually hear about global warming, peak oil and environmental concerns while we watch our power bills continue to increase and it can feel that it is all happening out of our control. Many people want to do something, now, to take control of their own energy profile and their own energy future as well as do their part to create a sustainable future for everyone. Getting involved with grid interaction, permits, regulations and everything else makes it complicated and confusing and many people are putting off acting. The grid was created to supply power and has really only been able to absorb solar power effectively as long as the solar power was insignificant. However, grid tied solar has caught on significantly and with it has come stability and profitability issues for the grid companies. Now, in many areas, it is a lengthy and expensive process to get the permits to connect grid tied solar and, in some areas, there are additional monthly charges to connect solar. It is really time to rethink the home energy system and the Transverter solution gives you new tools that create new possibilities. The issue with the grid company comes from you pushing power back through their meter so the idea is to create a system that gives the home maximum benefits without involving the grid company and any of its permissions, standards or policies. The idea is to occupy your side of the power meter in the privacy and freedom of your own home.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrating Renewables
    David Katz Sustainable Resources Management Former: Ontario Hydro System Planner Financial Evaluations Officer Member: Ontario Smart Grid Forum Corporate Partners Committee Domain Expert on SGIP H2G/B2G/DRGS Continental Automated Building Association Executive Summary • Ontario Sandbox effort and how it is under review in light of Smart Grid Award to Ryerson U. • US NIST Smart Grid Interoperability Panel transition to global SGIP 2.0 Membership Agenda I have contacted the authors of the following papers and presentations and they welcome the opportunity to have me share them with CEATI on the topic of the Integrating Renewables into the Home ( Net Zero Homes) • 2010- Modular power manager and gateway: an approach to home-to-grid energy management and demand response Timothy Schoechle, Ph. D. 2010-11-16 • Integrating Renewables into Homes and Buildings(Elaboration on Modeling Distributed Premises- Based Renewable Integration Using HOMER) @ 2011 GRID INTEROP • Heart Akerson CEO Heart Transverter -.EPRI PQ and Smart Distribution 2010 Conference • Heart Akerson at OSI Soft Conference at 2013 • CABA Home Area Networks in a Smart Grid @ Smart Energy Canada (if time permits) • Transverter ETL/CSA Approval IEEE 1547 received. Discussion • SGIP Distributed Generation Microgrid Priority Action Plan • Home 2 Grid DEWG White Paper on micro grid and micro gen including behind the meter Enabling Interoperable Solutions • The modernized electrical power grid is expanding • SGIP eases Smart Grid growing pains by – Comprehending customers’ requirements
    [Show full text]