FL Energia inaugurated, this Thursday (21), CampusGrid, a microgrid that integrates different energy generation and storage technologies. Part of a broader R&D (research and development) initiative by the company itself, ed by ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency), this action covers two other microgrids in the city of Campinas (SP), with a total investment of R$45,3 million in research and execution.
The project, which is part of the MERGE (Microgrids for Efficient, Reliable and Greener Energy) initiative, has the participation of Unicamp (State University of Campinas), UFMA (Federal University of Maranhão), IATI (Advanced Institute of Technology and Innovation), CEPRI (China Electric Power Research Institute) and Hexing Energy Group, adopting the same EMS (Energy Management System) solution used on the campus of Guangzhou University (China), integrating a medium-voltage microgrid with distributed energy sources, including solar, energy storage and gas generators. Hangzhou Hexing Technology Co., Ltd. is the general EPC contractor, while CEPRI provides technical .
The design is capable of achieving flexible configuration and control, such as peak shaving, power arbitration, voltage and frequency regulation. In addition, it can realize autonomous start-up (black start) of the medium voltage network function of the storage system and allows continuous and imperceptible switching (seamless pattern) between the microgrid and the main grid on the medium voltage side, both from grid-connected to grid-disconnected and from grid-disconnected to grid-connected.
Importance of partnership
The partnership with Unicamp reinforces the commitment to technological innovation and the development of energy solutions that can be replicated in different contexts, such as industries, hospitals and remote communities.
“These pilots are essential for us to expand the frontiers of innovation in the electricity sector, integrating distributed generation and storage in order to guarantee a more efficient, reliable and sustainable energy supply”, said Gustavo Estrella, president of the FL Energia Group.
With annual savings of approximately R$450 for Unicamp and a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions, CampusGrid demonstrates the positive impact of the partnership. “We are committed to developing solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment, preparing the electrical system for the challenges of the future,” highlighted Estrella.
The initiative also reinforces the technological partnership between Brazilian and Chinese institutions, especially in cooperation in innovation and solutions to increase grid reliability and improve the integration of renewable sources and storage solutions.
CampusGrid's Differentiators
CampusGrid serves two libraries, a multidisciplinary gymnasium and the campus's Physical Education Faculty, integrating a 565 kWp photovoltaic system, a 1 MW/1,27 MWh BESS and a 250 kVA natural gas generator – all integrated into the EMS system. Designed to operate connected to the FL Paulista grid or autonomously, it ensures energy even during power outages.
Ao Canal Solar, Professor Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva, from the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Unicamp, with experience in the area of energy efficiency and energy management and conservation, highlighted that this is the largest university microgrid in Latin America and the Caribbean, covering a campus area of 144 thousand m².
“The unique feature of this project is that this entire area will be immune to blackouts. This is because in a situation of blackouts on the external grid, the microgrid can automatically separate from the main grid and operate in island mode, autonomously,” he explained.
Furthermore, the engineer emphasized that CampusGrid has smart s controlling the loads in all buildings and the EMS – which receives all the data, makes decisions on energy dispatch, disconnection from the main grid, reconnection, load shedding, storage and even cutting photovoltaic generation.
“This system is state-of-the-art in of smart grids. You have full monitoring of everything and even a specific server to defend against cyber attacks. A microgrid depends on communication and information exchange – and is therefore subject to cyber attacks. So we installed a specific server to monitor this risk,” he added.
Other microgrids
In addition to CampusGrid, the FL Energia project includes two other initiatives. The first, also at Unicamp, is NanoGrid, a microgrid installed at LabREI (Intelligent Electrical Grids Laboratory), aimed at testing applications of the system in homes.
The second is Congrid, a microgrid located in a residential condominium in the Barão Geraldo district, which benefits 47 homes with solar generation and a battery storage system, capable of maintaining supply throughout the day.
Model for other universities
The application installed at Unicamp can serve as a model for other universities, as it guarantees energy resilience and protects critical campus operations against potential risks.
This specific microgrid configuration, comprised of photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage and backup generation, ensures that colleges remain aligned with their sustainability and financial goals – enabling on-site renewable energy generation and storage, reducing energy costs and demand, and lowering their carbon emissions.
Another point is the advancement in scientific research that Brazilian universities can carry out. By conducting experiments using microgrid technology, universities can provide valuable test data and industry standards for the development of microgrids in Brazil, driving continuous improvement and advancement in such technology.
Construction Challenges and EPC
The project engineering was provided by Hexing Energy Group, which integrated the design and construction for the modernization of the electrical infrastructure. The company is responsible for the delivery of the microgrid and its operation and maintenance for two years.
Hexing, through the Livoltek Power Brasil and Eletra Energy Brasil teams, as well as global experts from the Chinese headquarters, effectively coordinated with all relevant stakeholders throughout the initiative, ensuring comprehensive compliance with requirements, including specific university research requirements.
The project presented significant challenges, mainly due to the complex integration of several connected energy sources, including solar generation, a natural gas generator and batteries, all from different manufacturers.
This integration required an advanced technical approach to ensure compatibility and optimized performance of each component within the system. Additionally, as this is a medium voltage installation, highly specialized solutions were required to meet regulatory and technical requirements, as well as operational safety.
In addition to technical engineering expertise, Hexing provided the turnkey solution, including the BESS and all services. By leveraging technical expertise, the company fulfilled its project development responsibilities, which ensured efficient technical delivery on site as part of the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) process.
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