Smart Grid Functionality of a PV-Energy Storage System

Renewable Energy will be the key to preserving the Earth\u27s remaining resources and continuing this surge of technological progress that we have experienced this past century. New philosophies of how/when/where energy should be consumed and produced are attempting to improve upon the current grid infrastructure. The massive advancement in communications, renewable and control systems will allow this new-age electric grid to maximize its efficiency while reducing cost. Renewable, green energy is now at the forefront of innovation. As the world population increases, there will be a need to free ourselves from natural resources as much as possible. Advanced Energy Storage Systems (AESS) will play a vital and large role in this new-age infrastructure. Because renewable energy is not constant (aside from hydroelectricity), this energy needs to be conserved and used at appropriate times. The Sustainable Electric Energy Delivery System (SEEDS) project features an AESS made from Lithium-ion phosphate (LiFeP04) and a Photovoltaic (PV) source connected to the grid. Every current technology has different parameters, efficiency, charge/discharge rates, lifespan, etc. The current Li-FeP04 system will be used as an example and a model. This project acts as a pilot project for future large scale smart grid endeavors. This thesis is written in conjunction with the SEEDS project and will outline and discuss in detail the findings. For the PV system, the performance is analyzed. For the storage system, the round-trip efficiency (measured) and life cycle are broken down. The thesis concludes with a capacity sizing estimation of the storage system which is based on the renewable energy source (solar)