2018 Hurricane Season: Social and Engineering Constructs for Uniquely Re-Energizing (SECURE) Hurricane-affected Grids: A Post-Hurricane Michael Effort on Designing Resilient Grids

Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO

Investigators

Abstract

This project seeks solutions for re-energizing the electricity grid in hurricane-affected regions by synergistically considering the convergence of unique aspects of systems engineering, social science, and field data. Specifically, it will include fragility (vulnerability), sustainability, and survivability (resilience) as the core principles of design and operation. The social science approach to this work includes understanding the perceived barriers and benefits of grid infrastructure that can increase resilience during extreme weather events and routine storms. Field data, enabled by the participation of a utility affected by Hurricane Michael, will play a crucial role in defining the solutions proposed using resilient microgrids. The currently affected electric grid in the Florida panhandle, combined with the heightened need for reliable access to electricity, provides a unique opportunity to re-engineer this critical infrastructure using self-reliant, local, and resilient concepts such as the microgrid. In that regard, the team will use its extensive body of work in the field of electric power microgrids, aimed at normal and disaster-recovery modes of operation, to fulfill the requirements of a stable, reliable, and economical source of electricity supply to communities. The work will consider social factors by extensive engagement with the people on the ground including the more vulnerable populations affected along with those most involved in current efforts in providing relief. This information will be used in a multi-criteria based prioritized design of microgrids for minimizing fragility, including sustainability measures, and increasing resilience. This idea of engineering the grid will create a template for Smart electric infrastructures, especially in the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico regions, so that they can all become prepared for future onslaughts from hurricanes. The team includes engineers and a behavioral psychologist that are experts in electrical power systems design and operation, resilient and sustainable systems engineering, and surveys-based approaches to identification and quantification of barriers and benefits. Collaborations with a municipal utility from the FL panhandle, entities engaged in Hurricane Maria related rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico, a national lab, and an international academic institution strengthen our team. The significant and transformative components of this RAPID proposal are: (a) engagement of local communities and utility to assess electricity supply needs; (b) engagement of relief/recovery providers in the area for coordinating solutions; (c) design of specialized microgrids using multi-criteria based priority-oriented approaches; (d) co-optimization of design objectives including fragility, sustainability, and resilience of microgrids; and, (e) creation of template for resilience plan for hurricane-prone electric grids. We will achieve the goals of this RAPID proposal by utilizing real data gathered from the ground, basing our design and operation principles on sound mathematics and engineering, modeling and simulating on realistic test systems, and proposing validation techniques for future implementation in the field. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.