Towards energy independence at KENTECH: A comprehensive microgrid implementation roadmap

Lismer Andres Caceres-Najarro; Joonsung Jung; Yonggeon Lee; Seorin Yoo; Muhammad Salman; Jip Kim; Gyusub Lee; Youngtae Noh

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39131

Towards energy independence at KENTECH: A comprehensive microgrid implementation roadmap

Heliyon. 2024 Oct 29;10(21):e39131. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39131. eCollection 2024 Nov 15.

Authors

Lismer Andres Caceres-Najarro¹, Joonsung Jung², Yonggeon Lee³, Seorin Yoo², Muhammad Salman⁴, Jip Kim², Gyusub Lee⁵, Youngtae Noh³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Computer Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
² Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), Naju, Republic of Korea.
³ Department of Data Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
⁴ College of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.
⁵ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

This paper introduces a comprehensive microgrid roadmap for the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), an energy specialized institute in South Korea, aligning with the country's overarching objective of achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050. The roadmap outlines the integration of diverse energy resources-primarily renewables-to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency on campus. The paper also describes key elements for achieving autonomous energy operations through advanced technologies such as energy management systems, network gateways for system interoperability, static transfer switches, intelligent electronic devices, and power condition systems. It also presents details on our microgrid management system and customized data collection platform that acquires data from internet of things devices, advanced metering infrastructure, and automated revenue measurement. Additionally, by using a stochastic two-stage optimization model, we evaluate 1,320 scenarios to identify the optimal energy mix, focusing on the integration of renewable sources. Our findings reveal that a 15 MW solar capacity, coupled with an advanced energy storage system (ESS), can significantly enhance energy self-sufficiency, achieving up to 100% self-sufficiency in specific scenarios. The study demonstrates that increasing the solar installation from 5 MW to 15 MW, while integrating ESS, reduces dependency on imported power by 35% and enhances operational efficiency. Moreover, the optimization model indicates a potential 15% reduction in operational costs when demand response strategies are effectively implemented, particularly during peak activities. Furthermore, the microgrid design is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 60%, contributing to KENTECH's role as a leader in sustainable energy management. These results highlight the roadmap's capability to transform KENTECH into a model of energy independence, with significant implications for similar institutions globally.

Keywords: Building energy management system (BEMS); Campus energy management system (CEMS); Energy efficiency; Energy storage system (ESS); Investment cost; Korea Institute of Energy and Technology (KENTECH); Microgrid; Net present cost (NPC); Operational cost; Photovoltaic (PV).

Publication types

Review