Masters Theses

Abstract

"Microgrid energy systems have emerged as a potential solution to rising greenhouse gas emissions from dependence on fossil fuels. This research provides a framework for evaluating the utility of microgrids. Three key findings are presented: use of a state-of-the-art matrix (SAM) analysis to identify gaps in key research areas that inhibit wide-spread microgrid adoption, development of a system dynamics (SD) model, and a cost benefit analysis case study to evaluate microgrid feasibility in partially meeting the energy demand of a building. Governments play a central role in developing clean energy strategies. A SAM was developed to determine if key microgrid barriers to adoption defined by a state government were being addressed. The results of the study suggest that environmental and sustainability benefits had not been sufficiently addressed. Using the SAM findings, an SD model was used to evaluate the environmental and sustainability benefits of transitioning a state's residential electricity portfolio. The SD model outputs suggest that fossil fuel depletion and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced, but the financial investment would be significant. Lastly, a cost benefit analysis was conducted on a microgrid partially meeting the energy demand of a university campus building. The results demonstrated that selection of a proper discount factor and recognition of useful life are critical success factors for microgrid energy projects. Collectively, these findings provide the engineering manager with a method to evaluate the feasibility of proposed microgrid projects, the city planner with the system-level implications of a large-scale energy transition project, and the policy maker with the necessary information to develop policies that promote a clean energy future"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Long, Suzanna, 1961-

Committee Member(s)

Crow, Mariesa
Qin, Ruwen

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Engineering Management

Sponsor(s)

U.S. Solar Energy Technologies Program

Comments

The U.S. Department of Energy SUNSHOT GEARED program partially funded this research through DOE PROJECT DE-EE0006341.

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2018

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

  • Determining microgrid energy systems dynamic model inputs using a SAM analyis
  • A system dynamics approach to evaluate environmental and sustainability benefits of transitioning a residential electricity portfolio
  • Microgrid implementation of a rooftop photovoltaic system

Pagination

x, 86 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references.

Rights

© 2018 Jacob Marshal Hale, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 11377

Electronic OCLC #

1051223709

Download

Share

 
COinS