Homeostatic control of sustainable energy grid applied to natural disasters

Abstract

According to seismologists Chile has yet to face another big earthquake in the very
near future, yet the country remains largely unprepared against massive electric power
systems brake-down. The problem lies in the centralized electric power systems and
the lack of adequate technologies and back-up/emergency power systems for disas-
ter recovery. The flaws that are built into the very fabric of the presently centralized
power systems were on full display in the February 27th earthquake in Chile. Nowhere
it becomes more evident that hugely centralized power generation and distribution
systems are extremely vulnerable and ineffective to disruptions from natural disasters,
human error or other calamities. The large power networks that once proved very
efficient and secure, are now at the center of discussion fueling the need for decentral-
ization and the rapid growth of distributed generation (DG). Highly decentralized,
diversified and DG-oriented energy matrix is notoriously much better suited to with-
stand these disasters. In centralized electric power grids, servicing large metropolitan
areas, albeit with some but limited differentiation in service, can only be on or off,
so either everyone gets power or no one does. This makes recovering power service in
an emergency situation a much more difficult task. On the other hand, decentralized
power systems (DPS) reduce the obstacles to disaster preparation and recovery by
allowing the focus to shift first to critical infrastructure and then to flow outward to
less integrated outlets. A DG-based model for a smart micro-grid based on hybrid
electric power systems (HEPS) using both renewable energy technologies (RET) and
conventional power generation units is presented. The hybrid energy system may be
portable or fixed in one place, highly reliable, easy to assemble, modular, flexible and
cost-effective solution, that is ready-to-run and go to where it is needed to supply
power in natural disaster.