#United States #Milwaukee #Microgrid #Robert Cuzner #Nanogrid

Transforming Electrical Reliability with Nanogrids

Electrical outages are becoming increasingly common across the world, mainly due to severe weather conditions, heightened energy demands, and an aging electrical grid. Robert Cuzner, an electrical engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), has brought attention to this pressing issue. Studying the energy landscape in Southeast Wisconsin, where Microsoft is constructing the state's largest data center, he sheds light on the dire need for improved electricity reliability. Given his personal experience with power outages—tracking over 100 hours without grid service in the last year—Cuzner advocates for innovative solutions.

To enhance the reliability of the U.S. electrical infrastructure, Cuzner points to microgrid technology as a transformative option. Microgrids are localized networks that integrate various energy sources, including diesel generators, solar panels, wind turbines, and fuel cells. These systems can either connect to the main grid or operate independently as backup power sources. One of the significant advantages of microgrids is their ability to communicate system-wide, thus detecting and addressing faults before they escalate into widespread outages.

However, despite their potential, microgrids are complex and expensive to implement. In response to these challenges, Cuzner proposes the concept of “nanogrids.” These simpler, smaller units of microgrid components are easier to manage and cost-effective, serving as building blocks to create larger, more efficient networks. By simplifying microgrid architecture, Cuzner aims to promote commercial viability and functional integration.

The Challenge of Microgrids

The slow adoption of microgrid technology can often be attributed to equipment compatibility challenges. As Cuzner notes, existing infrastructure often struggles to accommodate the modern technology necessary for microgrids, creating inefficiencies and increasing installation costs. Mark Vygoder, a doctoral student in Cuzner's lab, likens this integration to “the Wild West,” where the lack of uniform standards forces users to juggle products from various vendors. Such complications add significant costs to setups that rely on independent operation.

Collaborating with researchers from the Naval Postgraduate School, Cuzner is actively working on projects to streamline microgrid architectures. Current research, supported by the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC), focuses on employing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operability and lower costs. UWM has established a reputation as a leader in energy storage and electric grid technology, further underlined by Cuzner's expertise in power distribution.

His lab is a pivotal participant in the GRid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) initiative, aimed at enhancing the integration of power electronics into the national grid. This summer, Cuzner and fellow researchers visited U.S. military bases in Europe to analyze how microgrid systems are utilized and identify existing limitations. Their observations highlighted the need for solutions to address transmission issues in expansive bases where solar arrays can be located miles away.

Introducing Nanogrids

One crucial advancement Cuzner's team has developed is the “zonal distribution concept.” This method divides microgrids into smaller splinter systems, or nanogrids. Cuzner draws parallels to naval architecture, where a ship’s power distribution employs damage-control zones to allow other segments to remain operational despite local failures. Nanogrids function similarly, enabling a more manageable approach to system design and implementation.

By standardizing nanogrid components supplied by various vendors, Cuzner believes it is possible to create “plug and play” technologies that can be produced more efficiently. UWM has built a functional microgrid on its campus, providing researchers a live testing environment to observe interactions between various components and evaluate performance under different conditions.

Future Prospects for Nanogrids

The establishment of UWM's microgrid has garnered attention from local industry partners, as well as the Office of Naval Research. Their objective is to develop a digital twin model, which utilizes artificial intelligence to provide real-time insights into the performance of both microgrids and nanogrids. Such innovations offer the potential for early detection of issues, facilitating self-managing systems that can autonomously adjust in response to internal or external challenges.

As energy demands continue to grow, particularly in regions like Southeast Wisconsin with a strong presence of energy-related companies, the role of nanogrids could become increasingly essential. Researchers at UWM, in collaboration with industry, aim to make groundbreaking strides in energy distribution, ultimately enhancing grid reliability and efficiency across the United States.

By addressing compatibility issues and fostering innovation in microgrid technology, Cuzner and his team are positioned to play a pivotal role in transforming the future of electrical infrastructure.