Microgrid design considerations for a smart-energy university campus

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to propose a design approach to transform the current distribution network of the Eindhoven University of Technology campus into a smart grid. First, the needs and interests of different stakeholders are translated into a local definition of the smart grid concept. This definition is the starting point for outlining the values and services that the smart grid should provide, and the goals it needs to fulfill. Future campus loads, distributed generators, and mobile storage capabilities are modeled and simulated in order to assess their impact on the distribution grid and determine hosting capacity. Recommendations are given on the infrastructure needed for enabling the transition to smart grids, not only for the university as a concrete case study, but rather as a blueprint for future smart grid pilots.