Dimensioning of a Residential Microgrid in Sweden

Sammanfattning: This project aims to evaluate through simulationsin Simulink whether an average power consuming, 4-person household in Sweden, can be successfully supplied from a microgrid system powered by solar panels. The goal is to achievea 48 V DC system and examine both its voltage stability and long term power balance for stationary and transient conditions. The simulations are based on weather data such as temperature and solar irradiation as well as an estimated consumption pattern fort he household. Loads and sources in the system are identified as well as possible algorithms for communication between nodes. Two scenarios are tested, a stand alone grid with optional energy storage and a system connected to the main grid. The results indicate that a Swedish household can not be supplied from a stand alone microgrid due to low irradiation values, without an unreasonably large energy storage or change in consumption. Although a continuous power supply is missing, voltage stability and power balance is established for this scenario. With connection to the main grid all requirements above are met. The observed limitations of the methodology are analyzed. For future projects a communication algorithm for load variation, synchronized with irradiation inputs, can be implemented in the model. Also, simulations can be done for alternative geographical conditions to yield different results where alternative renewablesources, such as wind and geothermal, can be included.