Renewable Energy Microgrid Integration for Remote, Off-grid Cabins in Nunavut
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Abstract
This project will investigate the energy-resilience and diesel consumption reduction for Arctic homes and shelters through integration of renewable energy conversion technologies and the sympathetic reduction of community energy demands focused on the IQ principles of qanuqtuurniq (being innovative and resourceful) and avatittinnik kamatsiarniq (respect and care for the land, animals, and the environment).
Demand reduction measures will investigate feasible advanced building design configurations and operational strategies to inform new solutions towards Net Zero Best Practice which are applicable to the extreme climatic conditions experienced and the cultural way of life of the Mumavut population. The implementation of these practices will serve to improve the indoor environmental comfort conditions experienced while reducing both the extreme seasonal energy demands and resulting plant capacity needed to service the Communities during the extremes of seasonal climate variations to be experienced. Applicable low/ zero carbon energy supply strategies will be investigated which meets the extremities of the energy demands. This will consist of hybrid renewable energy supply solutions where seasonal operational factors will be developed in order to account for the variation in practical energy yields across the seasons. This is to ensure demand-supply matching is maintained across the different energy outputs when operating under the influence of seasonal climate effects (snow, ice, freezing temperatures) and resulting fluctuations in the renewable resource (wind, solar, hydrokinetic, etc.). In addressing the energy yields to be expected from seasonal influences in performance of the renewable energy technologies, A Capacity Balance Ratio will be developed which informs the mix of technology type i.e. wind, solar and micro-mini hydro kinetic supply systems with capacity rating of these in order to minimise energy buffering/ storage requirements. The socio-economic benefits to be attained by the adopting communities through embedding indigenous installation and maintenance capabilities and capacities within the communities will be demonstrated while community upskilling and engagement will be enacted through local enterprise engagement and bi-lateral 'village hall' interactions.
Demand reduction measures will investigate feasible advanced building design configurations and operational strategies to inform new solutions towards Net Zero Best Practice which are applicable to the extreme climatic conditions experienced and the cultural way of life of the Mumavut population. The implementation of these practices will serve to improve the indoor environmental comfort conditions experienced while reducing both the extreme seasonal energy demands and resulting plant capacity needed to service the Communities during the extremes of seasonal climate variations to be experienced. Applicable low/ zero carbon energy supply strategies will be investigated which meets the extremities of the energy demands. This will consist of hybrid renewable energy supply solutions where seasonal operational factors will be developed in order to account for the variation in practical energy yields across the seasons. This is to ensure demand-supply matching is maintained across the different energy outputs when operating under the influence of seasonal climate effects (snow, ice, freezing temperatures) and resulting fluctuations in the renewable resource (wind, solar, hydrokinetic, etc.). In addressing the energy yields to be expected from seasonal influences in performance of the renewable energy technologies, A Capacity Balance Ratio will be developed which informs the mix of technology type i.e. wind, solar and micro-mini hydro kinetic supply systems with capacity rating of these in order to minimise energy buffering/ storage requirements. The socio-economic benefits to be attained by the adopting communities through embedding indigenous installation and maintenance capabilities and capacities within the communities will be demonstrated while community upskilling and engagement will be enacted through local enterprise engagement and bi-lateral 'village hall' interactions.
