Calistoga Microgrid Studies and Testing

 

Objective

Demonstrate reliable islanded microgrid operation and protection coordination for a multi-resource system integrating BESS, fuel cells, and behind-the-meter PV on a 12 kV distribution feeder.

 

Approach

• Conduct microgrid islanding studies (MIS), including black start and load restoration.
• Perform effective grounding and protection coordination analysis.
• Evaluate power quality, harmonics, and transient stability.
• Execute CHIL testing of the protection system
  in island mode.
• Conduct CHIL testing of the microgrid controller
  in island mode.

 

Results

• Validated black start and load restoration capability.
• Optimized grounding and protection settings for islanded operation.
• Verified controller and protection system performance through CHIL testing.
• Reduced field deployment risk through advanced laboratory validation.
• Enabled resilient microgrid operation for community-scale deployment.