Energy optimization of a food-energy-water microgrid living laboratory in Yukon, Canada

Like most northern settlements, Kluane Lake Research Station (KLRS) in Yukon Territory, Canada, is an islanded microgrid dependent on diesel generation and subject to high fuel costs. To reduce diesel costs, the station has a 48 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array alongside a 27 kW/171 kWh lead-acid battery system to store solar energy for nighttime use, primarily during summer. However, substantial solar energy is often curtailed when the battery becomes full due to prior charging with diesel-generated electricity. The goal of this analysis is to determine how to best operate the diesel generator to maximize solar PV generation, and thus minimize diesel costs. On a monthly basis, solar PV plus batteries can meet 96% of load during June, but only 3% during December, and 67% year-round. This study also analyzes how demand-side management of new food and water infrastructure can aid this objective while providing a constant source of electricity, locally-grown food, and clean water. Findings demonstrate that optimizing the KLRS diesel generator, battery management, and solar energy conversion may reduce diesel generation by up to 100% during June, 31% during the field season (mid-April to early October), and approximately 31% year-round (due to limited solar PV generation during the winter), compared with past operational data.