Regulatory frameworks for integration of renewable power systems: Cuyahoga County microgrid development project

Background and significance.

Rapidly growing wind and solar generated power will need to be integrated into the existing electricity grids, most likely as distributed energy resources (DERs) [1]. Engineers and other STEM professionals will need to understand the regulatory framework to integrate DERs into existing systems. In 2018 CSU led an investigation into building a downtown Cleveland microgrid, which focused on incorporation of solar and combined heat and power projects, as well as the Lake Erie offshore wind project [2]. Over the next five years, Cuyahoga County plans to develop microgrids in commercial locations around the county, targeting delivery of resilient power from local generation via DERs including wind and solar systems. The research will evaluate regulatory frameworks and how energy storage systems can be used to support DERs to maximize power resiliency, as a part of the Cuyahoga County micro-grid projects. Analysis will take into account a variety of cross-disciplinary factors, including identifying and resolving relevant state and federal regulatory considerations, site permitting, and local regulations. 

REU student involvement. 

REU Students will review and analyze the federal, state, and local rules that govern DERs deployment and particularly shape adoption of wind and solar, Students will evaluate and rank the factors based on the significance for specific Cuyahoga County microgrid projects at the planning stage. 

References.

1. A. R. Thomas, M. Henning, R. A. Simons et al., "The economic and fiscal impact of a microgrid in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio," Urban Publications, 2018.

2. A. H. Ahmed, A. R. Thomas, and M. Henning, "Techno-economic feasibility analysis of a microgrid in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio," Urban Publications, 2018.