Tools and Facilities

Grid Modernization and Microgrid Test Bed

LEAPS’s one-acre Grid Modernization and Microgrid Test Bed contains three microgrid nodes that can be isolated or operated in parallel with the utility. Those nodes include:

 

  • Microgrid Test Platform as a large “breadboard” for any asset configuration (2-25 kW)
  • Microgrid Trailer used primarily for training and mobile demonstrations (7 kW)
  • Microgrid Container disaster response or weak-grid applications (20 kW)

Mobile Microgrid Training Platform

LEAPS provides a mobile 14-foot training platform containing a 10 kW generator, 4.5 kW of solar PV, a 7 kW inverter and microgrid controller, and 6 kWh of battery storage. The provided transfer switch and controls allow for grid integration and grid forming (islanding). Standard inverters and controllers include equipment by Outback, with optional inverters/controllers available from SMA, ABB, Ageto ARC, Victron, or other vendors if desired.

Mobile Microgrid Training Platform

LEAPS provides a mobile 14-foot training platform containing a 10 kW generator, 4.5 kW of solar PV, a 7 kW inverter and microgrid controller, and 6 kWh of battery storage. The provided transfer switch and controls allow for grid integration and grid forming (islanding). Standard inverters and controllers include equipment by Outback, with optional inverters/controllers available from SMA, ABB, Ageto ARC, Victron, or other vendors if desired.

Mobile Training Toolkit

The Mobile Training Toolkit (MTT) is a portable solar PV training center “out of a box” that incorporates solar PV components, test equipment, tools, and educational materials to conduct hands-on training exercises as a part of a solar PV technician training curriculum. The MTTs are contained inside protective Pelican cases, making them ideal for transport both domestically and internationally.

Microgrid on a Desk

The Microgrid-on-a-Desk™(MOD) provides students an opportunity to learn, build, and play with a small form-factor microgrid. Real and representative components can be assembled in multiple configurations and paired with an interactive control interface. The controller serves as both component controller and game interface, displaying the student information, goals, and rewards based on their skill level.

© 2020 Arizona Board of Regents for Arizona State University

Microgrid on a Desk

The Microgrid-on-a-Desk™ (MOD) provides students an opportunity to learn, build, and play with a small form-factor microgrid. Real and representative components can be assembled in multiple configurations and paired with an interactive control interface. The controller serves as both component controller and game interface, displaying the student information, goals, and rewards based on their skill level.

© 2020 Arizona Board of Regents for Arizona State University

IncSys|PowerData Power4Vets and PowerSimulator

The Power4Vets program was created by IncSys and PowerData (http://www.incsys.com/) to match the human talent needs of North America’s electric power organizations with the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills available in United States Military Veterans. The Power4Vets program offers a self-paced, online program to prepare individuals for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) certification exam using instructional videos and interactive exercises on a simulated network via the IncSys | PowerData PowerSimulator. PowerSimulator’s realistic models allow operators to experience operation conditions without the risk of interacting with a live power system. The simulator responds in real-time with flows and voltages updated every few seconds. Analytics include detailed one-line diagram and geographic displays.

XENDEE|Bankable Energy Microgrid Optimizer

XENDEE | Bankable Energy (https://www.xendee.com/) is a secure cloud computing microgrid platform that implements quasi-steady state power flow simulation, short circuit analysis, reliability analysis, arc flash hazard analysis, and impact load starting. XENDEE leverages OpenDSS for power flow and DER-CAM for economic optimization. XENDEE implements an intuitive user interface with GIS data to allow users to drag-and-drop power system components with line lengths and distribution network requirements auto-generated. The resulting one-line and three-line diagrams are used for professional engineering design and approval. Time series analysis is coupled with financial evaluation to provide cash flow analysis for the full life of the microgrid. Optimization algorithms can be user-defined to minimize cost, maximize return on investment, maximize resiliency, and minimize carbon footprint. Once a project gets underway, XENDEE’s program management engine can allow a developer or funder to track the status of projects to commissioning and beyond.

XENDEE|Bankable Energy Microgrid Optimizer

XENDEE | Bankable Energy (https://www.xendee.com/) is a secure cloud computing microgrid platform that implements quasi-steady state power flow simulation, short circuit analysis, reliability analysis, arc flash hazard analysis, and impact load starting. XENDEE leverages OpenDSS for power flow and DER-CAM for economic optimization. XENDEE implements an intuitive user interface with GIS data to allow users to drag-and-drop power system components with line lengths and distribution network requirements auto-generated. The resulting one-line and three-line diagrams are used for professional engineering design and approval. Time series analysis is coupled with financial evaluation to provide cash flow analysis for the full life of the microgrid. Optimization algorithms can be user-defined to minimize cost, maximize return on investment, maximize resiliency, and minimize carbon footprint. Once a project gets underway, XENDEE’s program management engine can allow a developer or funder to track the status of projects to commissioning and beyond.

Resilient Infrastructure Simulation Environment (RISE)

The Resilient Infrastructure Simulation Environment (RISE) is a real-time simulation and training environment that enables planners and operators to test network design configurations and operating strategies to improve system resilience to environmental stressors, cyber attacks, and kinetic attacks.

City planners and utilities use RISE to evaluate how extreme events and attacks affect infrastructure. The information helps plan more reliable and resilient systems for municipal, utility, island, and defense applications.