Associate professor Xiaonan Lu is developing a novel grid architecture using interconnected microgrids, a concept he describes as a "Lego-style" approach to make local power systems more resilient and flexible. Lu is leading this long-term research effort to strengthen the nation's electrical distribution systems.
The work is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity.
This research targets the distribution systems, which are the local networks that deliver electricity to homes and businesses and are often vulnerable to disruptions. Lu’s group is using different types of microgrids—small, self-sufficient power grids—to support and stabilize these local systems.
The latest evolution of this work involves creating what Lu calls “‘dynamic’ and ‘modular’ microgrids.”
The project "builds an interconnected network integrating multiple microgrid ‘building blocks’ to implement a novel Lego-style grid architecture," Lu said. This modular design "emphasizes much higher grid operation resiliency and flexibility."
In this system, individual microgrids act as standardized building blocks. They can be connected, disconnected, or reconfigured as needed to respond to disruptions like storm damage or to meet fluctuating energy demands. This creates a power grid that is inherently tougher and more adaptable than traditional, monolithic systems.
Lu noted that the research is focused on producing tangible results that can be applied in the field. The work targets "both early-stage research innovations and field-oriented research impacts," aiming to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.
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