Princeton University Microgrid Case

What is Princeton university's'microgrid' power generation & distribution network?

Two years after Hurricane Sandy, Princeton University’s “microgrid” power generation and distribution network is a national example of how to keep power running for residents, emergency workers and crucial facilities when disaster strikes. Pictured is the microgrid’s main generator, which is powered by a natural-gas turbine.

How does Princeton's microgrid work?

The microgrid is centrally managed from a control room in the cogeneration plant. When campus power use is high or utility power is inexpensive, the microgrid draws from the main grid maintained by the utility company PSE&G, and when campus demand is low, Princeton’s microgrid can contribute power to the main grid.

Where does the University microgrid get its power?

About 5.5 percent of the University microgrid’s power comes from a solar panel field southeast of campus in West Windsor Township, New Jersey. (Photo by Christopher Lillja, Facilities Organization) “For a day and a half, we had to generate everything the campus needed,” Borer said.

Can Princeton University keep power running after Hurricane Sandy?

In the nearly two years since Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey, darkening swaths of the nation’s most densely populated state for days, Princeton University has emerged as a national example of how to keep power running for residents, emergency workers and crucial facilities when the next disaster strikes.

What is an example of a microgrid?

The most advanced microgrids use multiple fuel sources, multiple power-generating assets, energy storage, CHP production, and modern digital controls. They operate with an awareness of the real-time commodity costs of fuel and electricity. An example is the microgrid at Princeton University.

Is'resiliency' a good idea for a microgrid?

In addition, while “resiliency” has been the word on people’s minds, Nyquist said he has used the recognition from Sandy to promote the microgrid’s other, in a way, more significant, benefits — namely, cost efficiency, reduced environmental impact and the opportunity to use renewable energy.