Resilience in Multi-Energy Systems

Abstract

This dissertation addresses power system planning strategies for resilience and the interaction with other critical infrastructures, in particular natural gas networks and health systems. In light of recent events, from a global pandemic to wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes and freezing temperatures, there is an urgency to adapt our power grid's operation and planning in order withstand and recover from the challenges posed by extreme events. Current practices, metrics and standards no longer meet our society's needs for more, reliable and resilient power. This work focuses on four main aspects of resilience: robustness, resourcefulness, recovery and adaptability. First, an evaluation of resourcefulness in the restoration phase after a natural disaster. We compared stand alone PV-battery system against emergency diesel generators to supply critical loads during an extended outage. Secondly, mapping interdependence of power and natural gas networks. We modeled both infrastructures and conducted N-k analyses to identify vulnerabilities of each system and the quantify the dependency of gas-fired generators on natural gas pipelines. Lastly, we focused on different investments strategies to increase robustness of the grid by comparing hardening actions against increasing distributed energy resources. Our findings in each project aid decision making as we plan for more resilient grids against natural disasters.