Thomas A. Nyquist, PEtnyquist@princeton.edu

Maryland Clean Energy SummitHyattsville, MD

October 15, 2013

Princeton University’s Microgrid Operation During Hurricane Sandy

System Design

•Distributed base-load generator(s)

•Ability to run isochronous

•Underground utility distribution

•Multi-fuel Capability

•Load-shed capability

•Black start diesel

Thank you

• Long term research samples need to be kept frozen• Experiments running under deep vacuum need to

continue operating• MRI machines cannot quench• Computer systems for research and administration

need to remain operational• Vivariums need to maintain environmental conditions• 1000 students on campus need housing and food• Campus workers need food and shelter • Town emergency workers need food

Major Campus Needs During Sandy

Campus Power During Hurricane Sandy

29-Oct 30-Oct 31-Oct 1-Nov0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Campus Demand MW

Gen Output MW

Charlton Street Purchased MW

Backpressure Turbine MW

Solar PV MW

Elm Drive Purchased MW

Meg

awatt

s

Testing and Training• Need good personnel to handle switching

• Staff to selectively load shed

• Commission fully

• Repeat testing

• Solar PV – Did not use• High wind dangerous for personnel needed for switching.• Employees have personal problems during storms

or cannot travel during or right after storm.• Prepare for an extended outage – people on site

get tired.

Lessons Learned

Community Members Perceptions• Researchers – labs had power and no research was lost• IT – Computers and network stayed up• Senior Administration – things worked out well • Senior Administrator that also went thru Hurricane

Katrina in New Orleans and the Northridge earthquake – Sandy not so bad

• Town person – why did the utility keep the University’s lights on and not mine?

• Town person – appreciative that university opened buildings for food and power.

• Essential Princeton Staff – tired, but rightly proud of their response.

• Student – “what no omelets?”

Questions

Gas Turbine

Power Turbine

Gearbox Electric Generator

Hot exhaust Gas

CO Catalyst

AC Electricity

Steam

Air

Feed Water

Heat Recovery Boiler

Exhaust Gas

Fuel & Water

Cogeneration

Gas Duct Burner

Plant Energy Flows

Campus Energy Users

Chilled Water&

Thermal StorageSystems

Gas Turbine&

HRSG

Duct Burner &HRSG

AuxiliaryBoilers

PSEG Electricity

Natural Gas

#2 Diesel Fuel Oil

Electricity

Steam

Chilled Water

Biodiesel Fuel Oil

Backpressure Turbines

Solar PV Electricity