PowerStream’s Utility-Scaled Microgrid Now Operational

June 30, 2016

PowerStream, in partnership with the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), has officially launched a utility-scaled microgrid, which has the capacity to provide several hours of backup power supply for 400 customers in Penetanguishene, ON.

The microgrid is also helping to reinforce the existing grid by increasing resiliency and operational flexibility.

At the heart of this solution is the Microgrid Distributed Energy Resource Automation System (MiDAS), an advanced microgrid controller that can operate autonomously and optimize the way in which power is delivered. It has the flexibility to operate the microgrid either connected to (grid mode) or disconnected from the provincial grid (island mode), which enables PowerStream to provide power to customers even when there is a loss of supply from the Hydro One transmission lines.

In addition to providing backup power supply, resiliency and operational efficiency, MiDAS can also facilitate the use of renewable power sources to provide a lower carbon footprint and ultimately a cleaner environment.

Installed adjacent to PowerStream’s Robert Street Municipal Substation, located east of the town’s Main Street and connected to a distribution powerline, the system consists of a 750 kilowatt (kW) power conversion system, 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of stationary batteries, a number of automatic switches, voltage regulation devices and other grid automation equipment.

The Penetanguishene microgrid is being operated from PowerStream’s System Control Centre at the company’s head office in Vaughan, and allows for performance monitoring by KEPCO through remote accessibility.

Photo courtesy of PowerStream.