Educational simulation platform for micro-grid

Recently, the micro-grid concept has been widely discussed and it is anticipated to be a key player for future power grid. Nevertheless, students often find micro-grid knowledge too complicated to comprehend with due to lack of real-life working examples. In this paper, we propose a new educational simulation platform to teach micro-grid technology with the help of the latest Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP). This fully integrated software has capabilities in planning and operating the electric grid with power monitoring and system optimization tools available for all project scales with high flexibility. A benchmark 0.4 kV low-voltage micro-grid including photovoltaic arrays and wind turbines generators is used both in grid-connected mode and island mode in this paper. Students can input different system parameters on static and dynamic components; the software can then conduct various simulations for further analysis. This paper will illustrate the use of power flow analysis and transient stability analysis. Students would learn more about the system outcome with result analyzer and alert view function on the result display interface. In short, this simulation platform is a valuable learning resource for students and it has a significant implication to the industry as well.