Open Routed Energy Distribution Network Simulation for Maui Village Case Study

Abstract

As the electricity generation is shifting to renewable energy sources (RES), the grid infrastructure faces multiple challenges, such as intermittency and volatility of a wide range RES. A high penetration of renewables requires profound changes to the current energy distribution system. The conventional grid is increasingly becoming a bottleneck for expanding the share of RES because of its rigid architecture, which is built around centralized energy source. We propose a new energy exchange model for a routed energy distribution system, which can perform electricity routing based on smart routing algorithms and presented protocols. We utilize a concept of an energy router device that controls energy flows and utilizes protocols stack to smartly route the energy between houses in the grid. This paper describes current results with experimental network of Maui village with multiple houses interconnected through energy routers.