Fractalgrid

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In

distributed energy resources
or DERs. In a fractalgrid
substations.[2]

Variations

There are two main variations of the fractalgrid concept. Though not mutually exclusive, CleanSpark's FractalGrid architecture is a

quality attributes
.

CleanSpark's FractalGrid

This variation is a

command-and-control platform that integrates energy storage technology with on-site generation, monitored by a distributed data monitoring and controls system.[3] The fundamental goals of the fractalgrid are to ensure energy security
to critical facilities and functions of the local area while reducing overall cost.

Features include

clean energy storage integration, technology-agnostic implementation, load management, demand response
, peak shaving, and real-time energy optimization.

Within a fractalgrid, microgrids are placed in parent-child relationships in which a child microgrid can be islanded from its parent microgrid.[4] Each fractal microgrid can operate autonomously or federated with others. The federated state allows for sharing of resources but also allows for disconnection in the cases of maintenance and emergencies. In the same way that microgrids are able to island from the utility when needed, fractal microgrids can disconnect from one another in order to maintain power supply to critical loads.[5]

The fractalgrid was conceived in 2012 by Art Villanueva, CleanSpark's founding

CSO[6]
and designed and implemented by Jennifer Worrall. The implementation uses recursion and bounds complexity to O(N).

Camp Pendleton FractalGrid Demonstration (CPFD)

Starting July 2014, an active fractalgrid

distributed energy resources (DERs). This analysis is used to determine how many loads can be powered by local generation.[4]

The CPFD illustrates islanding within a fractalgrid. Each fractal microgrid is capable of completely separating from its parent microgrid in order to best support critical loads.[10]

NRECA's Agile Fractal Grid

The Agile Fractal Grid is a concept envisioned by Craig Miller, scientist at the

NRECA), as well as Maurice Martin, David Pinney, and George Walker. According to their report, "Achieving a Resilient and Agile Grid"[11]
the ideal principles of Fractal Operation are as follows:

  • All segments of the grid operate with the same information and control model - regardless of scale
  • Every segment of the grid has a decision-making capability
  • The means for exchange of peer-to-peer information are defined clearly in standards
  • The rules for when to divide and when to combine are defined clearly

An integral part of the agile grid is

utility grid supplying energy for a large geographical area. Units are segmented in such a way that they are able to act as individual units and localize power supply and control. A large benefit to segmentation is the ability for the individual units to act separately from a central control system, which can create more stability in the overall system and decentralizes the source of energy.[11]

The basis for the agile grid is segmentability, rather than segmentation. It is crucial for the units to have the ability to operate separately from each other, but only when it is practical to do so. Integration between units must also occur for the system to be efficient.[11]

References

  1. ^ What are Fractals?
  2. ^ Advanced Architectures and Control Concepts for More Microgrids
  3. ^ a b CleanSpark Microgrid Technology
  4. ^ a b Camp Pendleton Energy Security: The Fractal Grid
  5. ^ a b A look inside the fractal microgrid at Camp Pendleton/
  6. ^ CleanSpark Team
  7. ^ Indian Energy News: United States Marine Corps to Honor Navajo Code Talkers During Navajo Nation’s Advanced FractalGrid Tour of Camp Pendleton
  8. ^ "Microgrids – Benefits, Models, Barriers and Suggested Policy Initiatives for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-11-06. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
  9. ^ Camp Pendleton Microgrid - Energy Security CW6
  10. ^ "American Public Power Association - Microgrids: Self-Sufficient Energy Islands". www.publicpower.org. Retrieved 2015-10-19.
  11. ^ a b c Achieving a Resilient and Agile Grid
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