Introduction to Hybrid Power Systems and Case Studies

Lunch

Lecture 1 (45 min.)
Introduction to Hybrid Power Systems & Hawaii Case Study
Thomas Ackermann, PhD (Energynautics, Germany)

Energynautics CEO Dr. Thomas Ackermann will provide an introduction to the world of hybrid power systems, focusing especially on small power systems on islands or in remote areas. This session intends to give an insight into the current state of small power systems, which are typically still mainly powered by diesel generators, and the challenges and opportunities of supplementing or replacing conventional generation with renewables in such systems.

Furthermore, he will present insights on the Hawaiian power system.

Discussion (15 min)

Lecture 2 (45 min.)
Experiences with 100% Inverter-Based Generation
Dr. Helma Maria Tróndheim, PhD (SEV, Faroe Islands)

The Faroe Islands have been aiming for a 100% renewable electricity sector in 2030 since 2014. In order to reach this goal, there have been several studies conducted and state of art approaches tested. Recently there have been large battery systems and synchronous condensers installed. These allow for 100% wind power, when the resource is available, and the load is less than the rated wind power. This lecture will share the experiences running on a high penetration of renewable resources.

Discussion (15 min)

Break

Lecture 3 (45 min.)
From Cape Verde to Mars: Insights into Isolated Power Systems
Daniel V Pombo, PhD (EPRI, Ireland)

This lecture explores the challenges and innovations in different isolated power systems, from Earthly archipelagos to reasonable Martian colonies. By linking real-world applications with forward-looking research, we aim to widen our perspective and see how lessons from Earth’s islands can inform resilient energy solutions for the future, both on our planet and beyond.
Case studies from Cape Verde serve to examine planning and operational challenges of a developing country with extremely ambitious decarbonization goals. From the US Virgin Islands we learn about post-hurricane grid restoration. We continue exploring integrated energy systems by turning an eye on the nexus between water, electricity, and heat. Expanding beyond Earth, we analyze the energy needs of a Martian settlement, addressing other questions such as redundancy, reliability, and technology selection. In the end, we’ll see that all of these examples share large similarities.

Discussion (15 min)

Lecture 4 (45 min.)
Perspectives on First Generation Grid-forming BESS and The Alaskan Experience
Nicholas W Miller (HickoryLedge, USA)

The vast size and sparce population of the US State of Alaska have long presented a spectrum of reliability and economic challenges for electricity supply.   The long, thin backbone “Railbelt” power system connects and serves the state’s major population centers over vast distances.  Hundreds of electrical islands, including some physical islands, serve more remote communities.  Reliability considerations can have extreme human factors, with sustained outages being life-threatening in some communities that experience extreme cold and complete transportation isolation for extended periods. As with many island systems, liquid fossil fuels have high costs.  In some places, the handling and transport costs are extreme.  Today, these factors provide strong economic motivation to use renewable resources.  But even before the modern era of rapid VER growth, Alaska adopted a variety of cutting edge inverter-based technologies for economy and reliability.   Of particular interest now, multiple battery energy storage projects were built in the state in the 1990s.   This lecture will examine the history and motivations for some of the projects, and then delve into the particulars of the 1^st generation grid-forming inverters and controls used in the Metlakatla Power & Light BESS.   This project included many of the features that now, nearly 30 years later, are identified as crucial for success.

Discussion (15 min)

Closing