Community Microgrids to Increase Local Resiliency

Microgrids present a more resilient alternative than centralized power systems, especially in regions prone to natural disasters. This paper presents the design considerations for a community microgrid based on an actual community. Real insolation, demand and system data were used to evaluate three possible designs. The selected design alternative was further developed by undergraduate students in a Senior design course at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM). The main recommendation was to begin with a few individual rooftop PV systems, use those as a learning experience to develop a solar community, and eventually the community microgrid. Future work includes to better characterize the actual energy demand of the whole community residents to obtain more accurate simulations. Capacity building activities will continue with support from UPRM personnel.