DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2022.18
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2445
Date of Award
3-2022
Degree Name
MS in Electrical Engineering
Department/Program
Electrical Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Majid Poshtan
Advisor Department
Electrical Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
A microgrid is a local energy grid that could be disconnected from the larger grid and operate autonomously. This particular segment of the power industry is growing due to its reliability during times of emergency and crisis. Among these benefits are improved efficiency, lower operating costs, renewable generation sources, and improved resiliency of the regional electric grid. Communities can better prepare for unprecedented weather like wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Regions that produce renewable energy can export their surplus through high voltage transmission lines to balance power supply and demand needs.
This Underground High-Voltage Transmission Network project aims to design a blueprint for an underground high voltage transmission network that connects the Cal Poly Solar Farm to campus via an underground network. This Solar Farm produces 4.5MW and provides a quarter of Cal Poly’s power demand, making it essential to everyday operations on campus. The safety of the communities living around these areas is a top priority. The project develops methods to examine network resiliency and analyze load growth or demography trends. These methods include: using GIS to properly locate any existing underground infrastructure and utilizing CYMCAP software to size cable. We use ETAP software to run load flow analysis and device coordination simulation.