Challenges and opportunities: Microgrid modular design for tribal healthcare facilities

Abstract

There exist significant challenges and opportunities for improvement the power system of healthcare facilities for American Indian and Alaska natives. Creativities, new technologies, and joint efforts among different stakeholders are needed to address tribal concerns about their environment, their wild life and their traditions while improving the electrical power system. This paper establishes plans and methodology to include the research process in the power system design utilizing Kayenta health center, which is located in the Navajo nation, as a subject study. A microgrid modular design architecture is defined. Modeling and simulation tools combined with experimental results are proposed for future implementation of the actual microgrid. The microgrid architecture can be used for improvement the power system of existing and new healthcare facilities for American Indian and Alaska natives.