Microgrid data collection

How is data collected in a microgrid system?

Data is aggregated from components within a functional microgrid system using a variety of communication methods. A main control unit processes the collected data, calculating quantities and housing a database used for dashboard display.

What is microgrid specific data acquisition?

This paper presents a microgrid specific low-cost data acquisition system that enables monitoring of electrical system quantities with an emphasis on power quality and energy analysis. Data is aggregated from components within a functional microgrid system using a variety of communication methods.

How much does a microgrid cost?

The analysis shows that controller costs per megawatt range from $6,200/MW to $470,000/MW, excluding outliers, with a mean of $155,000/MW for the microgrids in the database. In total, controller cost data was available for 21 microgrids out of a total of 80 projects in the Phase I Microgrid Cost Study by NREL.

How does a microgrid function?

A microgrid is a system that can connect and disconnect from the main power grid to operate independently (DOE 2011). It is composed of distributed energy resources (DERs) that can provide power to designated critical loads when the primary source of energy is lost.

Are microgrid complexity and component costs related?

In our database, we have limited information about both microgrid complexity level and component costs. Component costs, particularly for conventional generation, represent the largest share (88% for Level 2 and Level 5), leaving limited data for analysis by complexity level.

What is the DOE's microgrid cost study?

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) microgrid cost study is identifying the costs of components, integration, and installation of U.S. microgrids; project cost improvements; and technical accelerators during the next 5 years and beyond.