This project will see an entirely direct current microgrid system installed at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. The microgrid is intended to provide the university with power resiliency, reduce electricity costs, and enable new cutting-edge research at the University.
When reviewing the available technologies that could potentially meet the University¹s requirements for the project, WorleyParsons’ Smart & Distributed Energy team identified ARDA Power as the clear leader in the field for Direct Current microgrid systems of this size and functionality.
The microgrid will couple energy supplied by the grid and rooftop solar power with a lithium-ion battery and DC loads. The university’s laboratory will use the microgrid system to develop and test new energy management software for various approaches to electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Tristan Jackson, director of Smart & Distributed Energy for WorleyParsons said, “DC microgrid technology holds great promise for simplifying microgrid design and the related interconnection process, and for improving efficiency by eliminating redundant AC/DC conversions. The direct current approach … can save significant costs on equipment, installation, interconnection to the grid, and operations. We anticipate many more such projects in the near future. Two areas where we see the greatest potential for these systems to bring disruptive value are electric vehicle charging and indoor agriculture.”
The engineering and procurement phases are underway, and the construction phase is set to begin in July 2019, with project completion expected by the end of December 2019.
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