Cyber Analytics for Energy Infrastructure Networks

By Daniel Reich, PhD (Graduate School of Defense Management) and Giovanna Oriti, PhD (Electrical and Computer Engineering Department)

Selecting the sizes of distributed energy resources is a central planning element when designing a microgrid. We propose a simulation-based nested binary search methodology for rightsizing the distributed energy resources (DERs) of a stand-alone microgrid, given the historical load profile of a facility or building, providing a variety of choices for the energy manager of a facility in which a microgrid is to be installed. Using this design space as a compass, decision makers will be able to select the design(s) most suited to their particular requirements, whether they have cost constraints, environmental specifications or seek to achieve operational resilience. Our method can be used to size DERs for AC or DC microgrids and also for hybrid AC/DC microgrids.

We decouple component-specific modeling assumptions, energy management system logic and objective measurements from our simulation-based nested binary search method for rightsizing to meet power loads. In doing so, we develop a flexible, customizable and extensible approach to microgrid design planning. Aspects which have traditionally been incorporated directly in optimization-centric frameworks, such as resilience and reliability, can be treated as complementary analyses in our decoupled approach. This enables decision makers to gain exposure to a wide range of relevant information and actively participate in the microgrid design assessment process.