Power Systems Integration Program

Traditionally, power system modeling has included four sets of tools — capacity expansion, production cost modeling (PCM), electromechanical dynamical (positive-sequence) modeling and electromagnetic transient (EMT) modeling — each focused on a distinct time scale. However, the proliferation of emerging technology (including variable renewable generation [VRG], distributed generation, load participation and energy storage), the increasing frequency of extreme climatic events, and new market mechanisms are requiring linkages and/or new approaches between the traditional capacity expansion, PCM and dynamical modeling tools to ensure reliability and equity across expected future scenarios. Furthermore, the proliferation of inverter-based resources (IBRs) is forcing linkages and/or new approaches between the electromechanical and the electromagnetic modeling tools to ensure stability and reliability for expected operating conditions including contingencies.

In addition to a physical transformation, the ability to measure, store and process massive amounts of digital information is creating new opportunities to leverage data analytics. Data analytics is the process of discovering, interpreting and using patterns in raw data, for the design and operation of power systems. There are four types of data analytics, each seeking to answer a different question: Descriptive (What happened?); Diagnostic (Why did it happen?); Predictive (What will happen next?); and Prescriptive (What should we do?). Power system modeling and data analytics go hand-in-hand because the models can be used to create rich data sets to develop and validate analytical algorithms. 

The PSI program operates a 480 V, 500 kW scale microgrid test bed which was designed to represent an exemplary remote Alaska microgrid (embed link to PSI lab site).  The PSI lab includes a diesel generator, battery energy storage system capable of grid-forming operation, PV and wind emulators, programmable load banks, an RL line length emulator, and a fault emulator. In addition, the lab includes programmable AC and DC power supplies for power electronic development and testing. Testing activities in the PSI lab include validation of equipment functionality before deploying, evaluation of microgrid control strategies, testing of prototype power electronic converters, and benchmarking of power system / power electronic dynamic models.

While laboratory testing is invaluable to validate components and functionalities, the Alaska energy landscape offers unique opportunities to deploy practical, effective, innovative, and equitable energy solutions in real-world applications where they can not only make a direct impact on local communities, but they can also serve as credible demonstrations at the national and international level.  In fact, Alaska has a long history of developing renewable microgrids beginning in the late 1990’s with Kotzebue, St. Paul, and Wales. ACEP power system research focuses on finding opportunities where supporting a community to achieve their own self-determined energy goals aligns with globally relevant research and could (continue) to put the spotlight on Alaska as an innovative leader in renewable microgrid technologies. The core enabler for these efforts are relationships with community, utility, industrial, regional, and tribal energy leaders across Alaska.