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Solar + Storage Microgrid: a modular and scalable sustainable infrastructure for the SIUC campus
Energy harvesting
This project aims to build a scalable infrastructure consisting of photovoltaic (PV) panels and energy storage units to generate electricity in normal conditions and function as a backup power source in case of an electricity outage. Currently, the system is installed on the roof of SIU Engineering Building D. In the event of power outage; it sustains the operation of a computing and control room and a wireless communication infrastructure. With this infrastructure and data obtained from its operation, the project aims to demonstrate that PV systems with energy storage can provide a viable alternative to traditional diesel-powered generators when selecting backup power sources for small-scale applications.
Wireless communication
Additionally, the project has installed LTE communication modules to sustain cellular communication for emergency responders in natural disasters that cause outages of both power and cellular service. The communication module consists of a micro LTE base station, a satellite Internet access system, and a PV system with energy storage capacity. The developed communication modules are installed in strategic locations to provide backup cellular communication for both campus and community emergency responders.
This project has been funded by the IIllinois Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Energy (Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)
