1
Microgrid Infrastructure Modeling for
Residential Microgrids
Daniel J. Cox, Senior Member, IEEE
Abstract-- Utility system vulnerabilities to multiple failures
and the potential for such failures will increase as demand grows,
utility plants are forced to add units at suboptimum locations,
and transmission capacity lags the population growth.
Microgrids have the advantage of allowing better recovery from
disasters as well as to boost utility system performance. By being
placed close to the load, the microgrid can be switched into and
out of the transmission system. It can also operate independently
from the rest of the system for a period of time. This affects the
workflow of the disaster recovery and can also alter the economic
impact to the utility and the utility’s customers. Modeling these
system interactions in terms of case study examples demonstrates
the potential benefits of using microgrids to improve power
delivery and expansion of utility grids within urban areas and the
methods of implementing them.
Index Terms—distributed generation, distributed control,
microgrids, neighborhood design.
I. INTRODUCTION
U tility system vulnerabilities to multiple failures and the
potential for such failures under natural and/or man-
made threat are real exposures to power distribution
systems. Robust and secure community and
residential
neighborhood based microgrids may in the future lead to
hardened power systems by providing significant reliability
and security benefits.
Blackouts in power delivery systems are well publicized,
and the cascading events contributing to these situations are
often complex. The power distribution infrastructure
vulnerabilities to disasters such as hurricanes are also
extremely highly visible in recent history.
In a utility power distribution system, the isolation of parts
of the system, or islanding, creates a system of microgrids.
For example, the microgrids at hospitals, government
buildings, and resources such as regional airports can also be
considered as support resources for islanding once excess and
stable sub-system capacity is achieved.
Distributed generation stations also support microgrids.
Advanced concepts for intelligent adaptive power microgrids
with distributed intelligence are needed as part of the
infrastructure to increase robustness of the overall grid.
Models must first be developed to understand the inherent
This work was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Daniel J. Cox is with the College of Computing, Engineering and
Construction, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA (e-mail:
dcox@unf.edu).
1-4244-1298-6/07/$25.00 ©2007 IEEE.
nature of these microgrids under expected operational
scenarios and extreme scenarios.
II. BACKGROUND
In many ways Florida has become a leader in the
development of planned communities to address issues of
urban sprawl while improving quality of life for its residents.
Approaches to power distribution and load profiles can be
used for planning an electric distribution system [1,2]. While
a great deal of progress has been made in evolving community
design concepts to address the human, social, environmental
and overall quality of life issues, little work has been done to
address integration of energy systems into the community
design.
Before energy systems can be integrated into the
community, modeling and analysis of the distributed
generation and distribution of energy must take place.
Detailed residential models have been used to simulate
distributed feeders [3] and examples of modeling distributed
generation into the electrical system have taken place [4]-[6].
Connecting a distributed generation subsystem to the main
utility grid also requires much preparation and coordination
[2],[7]-[8]. The concept of distributed generation and local
transmission that encapsulates an entire local subsystem, or
microgrid, can operate independently or as a component of a
larger electric grid.
III. MICROGRID OF ELECTRIC POWER INFRASTRUCTURE
Power system operation consists in producing,
transmitting, and distributing power, meanwhile minimizing
the negative effects of failures and other unexpected events.
Power system management consists in determining which
sources are to produce power, what their set points are, and
which loads are to be satisfied, and maintaining all
transmission lines.
The US wishes to increase the robustness and efficiency of
the nation’s electric power infrastructure. One way to do it is
to augment large power plants with small power plants, or
microgrid resources. The impact of individual failures would
be reduced and power sources would be closer to points of
use. This would reduce transmission losses and take pressure
off the transmission grid, which cannot keep pace with
growing generation and consumption.
The creation and validation of robust models of existing
power grids within a defined region provides the basis of
potential future islanding strategies to create intelligent
distributed microgrids within a defined region. These

microgrids of the future will have distributed generation
capabilities, distributed intelligent sensing capabilities, and
software infrastructure using intelligent sensing agents to
support islanding control strategies.
A power system is a set of sources, loads, and
interconnections such that any of the loads can be at least
partially supplied by any of the sources. Breakers and
switches govern the interconnection of these elements.
Generally, power systems are often designed such that peak
system load can be satisfied by system sources, but these
peaks are increasingly vulnerable as demand grows. Peak
shaving can eliminate the exposure. Unfortunately, this peak
shaving is often needed in mid afternoon during the summer
and slightly after midnight on the coldest nights of the year.
Additionally, if the electric power infrastructure needs access
to this energy for local voltage support or power quality,
overall control of the energy storage needs to be shared.
The ability to make and implement coordinated, precise
management decisions quickly can make the difference
between continued operation and going dark. If community
based microgrids are to make a significant impact on the
national infrastructure’s robustness, they must have sufficient
generation capacity to supply loads outside of the community
itself. This is to support islanding. Islanding is the division of
a power system into two separate power systems, the smaller
of which is the island. The power system definition implies
that when either the source or the load of a transmission path
does not lie within the island, the source will not be able to
provide power to the load after the transition. It is possible
that island sources will not be able to satisfy island load at
pre-island levels [9].
The future of a national grid supported by community
based energy systems, requires significant and in excess
energy storage and generation. Proper encouraging economic
incentives need to be given to developers and homeowners.
Additionally, rules need to be allowed that will allow these
communities deal equitably with the corporate and municipal
entities that they are connected. Overall concepts must be
validated through modeling and benefits beyond the
boundaries of the microgrid must be quantified.
IV. RESIDENTIAL MICROGRID MODELING
A residential microgrid provides reliable emergency
backup power to the homeowners of a residential
development during times of extended power interruptions
resulting from storm damages or other related causes.
Currently the main alternative to the electric utility in periods
of prolonged outages such as following hurricanes is the
individual home generator. Such home generators,
particularly gasoline engine generators, are wasteful,
expensive, and potentially dangerous to the homeowner as
well as personnel of the electric utility.
Currently, home developers have only the home generator
option to offer emergency backup power generation to the
prospective purchaser of a new home. The cost of a generator
including a utility approved manual transfer switch, wiring,
controls and fuel tank becomes significant to homeowner. The
homeowner is also required to provide routine maintenance,
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periodic starting and testing, and maintain the fuel integrity.
If routine maintenance and testing are not performed the
emergency generator is likely not going to start when called
upon. In contrast to the individual home generator approach,
consider the concept of a neighborhood microgrid.
Collection of industry data to develop a residential
microgrid model is underway to demonstrate the feasibility of
a residential microgrid system. Two main types of industry
data are being used for the model. The first is the residential
development data obtained from Centex Homes [10]. The
development is Cypress Trace located in southern Duval
County. This Centex development is adjacent to Nocatee [11],
a master planned development with expected population of
35,000 over the next 20 years. A challenging unique aspect of
this area of Florida is that it is on the end of the transmission
lines of both JEA [12] and Florida Power and Light [13].
Centex is also planning additional communities in Nocatee as
are other residential developers. The second focus area for
industry data is to obtain representative data from the electric
utility, JEA in this case, regarding power distribution to the
residential microgrid community and consumer usage data.
Cypress Trace electricity is supplied by JEA.
Cypress Trace is a modern home development consisting
of approximately 250 homes averaging from 1,200 to 3,000
square feet in a new planned community. The homes are
constructed according to the latest standards, both for
structural integrity to withstand storms as well as a high level
of energy efficiency. JEA has designed and layout of the
distribution feeders, interconnection fuses and switches
during the planning stages of the development. The residential
microgrid system includes installation of a cost-effective,
safe, reliable and dependable system. This provides the
homeowner a smooth, safe transition from regular service to
emergency power in the event of an extended interruption,
even if not home. It also provides cost savings, both capital
and operating, over individual home generators, ensures
safety to the homeowner by not handling fuel, avoids
improper interconnection with the utility, and avoids exhaust
hazards from internal combustion engines. This ensures safety
to the electric utility workers to perform power restoration
duties without the danger of electric shock from improperly
connected emergency generators.
The residential microgrid system consists of a common
generation facility, protective relays, controls, and monitoring
all to meet the utility interconnection requirements [1],[2],
[14]-[16]. The system is being modeled using the
MATLAB/Simulink SimPowerSystems toolbox [17]. The
generation facility consists of a set of four generators. It is
designed to be located on the common areas of the
development and interconnects with the underground
distribution system of the utility. The generation facility
could actually be built by the developer, pro-rated on a “per
lot” basis for approximately one-half the cost of individual
generators, and the ownership turned over to the utility in a
manner similar to the other infrastructure of the development.
Advantages of such a neighborhood generation system include
added value to the community. The distributed microgrid
system increases marketability of the subdivision. The set of

generators correctly sized to supply the subdivision instead of
one unit per residence, is as low as one-half the cost of
individual home units. One strategically located central
building for the generators and their controls is located away
from the individual residences. This generator building can be
architecturally treated to blend in with the other structures in
the subdivision.
The system connects at the main feeder from the utility
and ties into the underground distribution system to the
individual homes in a manner approved by the utility. As the
subdivision grows additional generation of various types can
be strategically added to accommodate phased community
expansion. In the event of a power outage, the system
provides emergency backup power automatically to the
homeowners in a smooth, safe transition. The homeowners
are not required to do anything but wait for the system to
start. The homeowners’ association fees will include the cost
of operating and maintaining the emergency backup power
service. The distributed microgrid reduces the need to vacate
the residence during the emergency. If the homeowner
chooses evacuation, the emergency backup system starts
automatically, so the critical home electrical systems will be
functional. The system is designed to enable the owner to
maintain current lifestyle and comfort, virtually eliminating
stress associated with power interruptions.
The distributed microgrid eliminates the need for the
individual homeowner to be concerned with any aspect of
owning an emergency generator. Maintenance and/or repairs
will be performed by professionals. There are no requirements
for storage of fuel or lubricants at each residence and there is
no concern for noise or vibration or exhaust fumes at the
residences. The distributed microgrid system minimizes the
environmental impact. Fewer, larger generators are more
efficient than hundreds of smaller units, therefore emitting
fewer pollutants.
Although the residential microgrid concept poses some
technical, legal, and regulatory issues that will require
understanding and collaboration among the developer,
homeowners, and the electric utility, there are distinct
advantages of the microgrid system to the utility. The
possibility of inadvertently energizing the utility’s distribution
network is eliminated. Because criticality of power restoration
is reduced, the microgrid enables the utility to safely restore
power at a lower priority; this potentially eliminates the need
for line crews to perform repairs during periods of dangerous
storm conditions. The utility will be able to remotely monitor
the status of the system through the utility control and
monitoring system.
There are currently two main scenarios being considered
for the residential microgrid model to demonstrate the
feasibility and benefits of the residential microgrid system
using the modeling and simulation efforts. The first and
primary scenario is the outage due to catastrophic event such
as a hurricane. The second is the use of the system to
supplement the power distribution of the utility. As mentioned
above, the subdivision under investigation is on the
distribution end of the utility transmission feeder lines. An
additional resource would likely benefit the utility on extreme
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hot weather days. The distributed microgrid could be remotely
dispatched by the utility for peak shaving and load balancing.
Therefore, some level of supplemental power from the
residential microgrid system can be made to the electric utility
to be used elsewhere in the distribution system.
The present condition of power generation is done in large
on a macro scale. While there are safeguards to isolate parts
of a larger system so it can protect itself, these safeguards can
also contribute to detrimental consequences in real systems.
Microgrids offer benefits to the macro scale distribution by
enabling additional resources to be spread out to
accommodate operating conditions out of the norm. These
conditions could include catastrophes due to weather, or other
events, or simply due to an overstressed power distribution
system on a hot summer day.
Current utility planning considers placing “peakers” in the
system to provide supplemental power on high-demand
occasions, but there has been no methodology developed to
examine distributed generation and the effect of microgrids
either connected to, or isolated from the main utility grid. The
disadvantage of peaking systems is that they are often located
away from the load and begin to loose their ability to control
voltage.
By placing generating assets closer to the source of the
load using microgrids, the overall transmission utilization
increases, and the necessity to upgrade the transmission
system for its peak load is deferred. Microgrids are expected
to offer better VAR control and a stiffer distribution system
with improved power delivery. Once they become widely
used, it is expected that microgrids will offer more options for
utility system dispatching and will make available better
power quality while maintaining the same, if not improved
reliability.
Microgrids have the advantage of allowing better recovery
from a disaster. By being placed close to the load, if the main
transmission lines are disabled, the microgrid can be switched
out of the main power distribution system and operate
independently for a period of time. This is one of the key
benefits of microgrids, however, the level of sophistication in
the control strategy needed is well beyond current utility grid
operation capabilities.
Compared to generation resources, transmission and
distribution systems are not as well utilized. For example,
generation assets are typically used at 70% of capacity or
more at least 50% of the time. A typical distribution feeder,
by contrast, is used at 70% of capacity or above less than 10%
of the time. Another comparison is the amount of time the
assets are used at high capacity. Overall generation assets
usually never fall below 50% utilization. However, a typical
distribution feeder is utilized at 50% capacity less than 40%
of the time.
This points out the potential value of distributed generation
as a means of leveling the peak demands not only of the
generation assets of a utility, but more significantly, the peak
demands of the transmission and distribution system. By
placement of small generation capacity at key locations in the
utility system grid, the peaks can be leveled and the existing
transmission capacity can be more effectively utilized.

The distributed generation assets also become a key backup
feature in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane or other
disaster. The utilization of distributed generation can alleviate
reliability concerns and help a utility recover in a more
responsive, cost efficient and safe manner when used with
islanding control strategies.
The telemetry and current data capabilities for a utility
system vary widely across the industry. Although, there
typically is a fair amount of data, the type and periodicity of
the data is insufficient for sophisticated real-time control
strategies. Nevertheless, much insight is gained by the data
available and logged on present-day grids, in order to examine
sensing requirements for microgrids of the future.
A key element in a control strategy such as an islanding
control strategy of a larger grid to create microgrids, is a real-
time sensing capability. With an agent-based approach using
islanding agents in an islanding control strategy, intelligent
sensing agents for the intelligent distributed microgrid are
necessary. Intelligent sensing agents use strategically placed
sensors within the designated microgrids and communicate
real-time information to control systems of intelligent
distributed microgrids. The types and modalities of intelligent
sensing agents require further research and development. The
aim is that residential microgrid modeling can also help in this
effort.
V. REQUIREMENTS OF RESIDENTIAL MICROGRID MODEL
Even though different types of generating units can be used
to makeup a microgrid, the underlying characteristics of a
microgrid are still the same. All microgrids provide power
generation independent of the main utility grid. They have the
ability to connect and disconnect from the main power lines
and provide emergency back-up power service when needed.
They distribute power in close proximity to their consumption
loads and are capable of improving power quality to the main
grid. Microgrids also incorporate similar functions as the
utility grid including wired and wireless communications, load
control, integrated control system, protective relaying,
programmable logic control, substation logistics, and remote
dispatch capability. Microgrids control both supply and
demand side functions to optimally meet the power supply
and distribution needs of the community served.
The main use of the microgrid is to provide power in an
emergency to the residential community. However in times of
need, the model will examine the potential of using this power
supply to supplement the main grid in times of peak usage. In
addition to dispatchable capacity, the incumbent utility is
interested in VAR support to help manage stability in the
affected power grid.
The requirements of the model are developed from the
pattern of a basic new start up community located in the
Northeastern Florida area. The community would likely
distribute the cost of the microgrid equitably to a minimum
number of residential homes and multifamily dwellings to
support a defendable business case. A primary benefit and
attractiveness to the homeowner of the backup generation of
the microgrid is to minimize the effect of hurricane power
outage. As Florida becomes increasingly more populated it
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will be more difficult to evacuate from hurricanes. Newer
home construction encourages homeowners to “ride out” all
but the worst storms. New homes, particularly those in south
Florida include the use of multiple construction enhancements
such as high impact windows, poured concrete construction,
steel truss system, and metal roofs. As confident as builders
are that construction techniques will withstand major
hurricanes, the type of lifestyle that they are envisioning and
promoting for prospective homeowners will be dramatically
impacted if there is a loss of power.
Even though many homeowners are not home at the time
of a storm, they do not want the power to be lost for extended
periods because of food spoilage, mold, security issues, and
preservation of the home’s contents. More people work at
home than ever before. It has been learned that the worst
impact is generally not only from the storm damage, but also
from the millions of dollars in lost business due to the
extended power outages following the storm. More
homebuyers are requesting and purchasing individual home
generators as part of their new Florida home.
Added value to the community, the distributed micro-
grid system will increase marketability of the subdivision,
lower cost, 3 or 4 generators correctly sized to supply the
subdivision instead of one unit per residence, as low as one-
half the cost of individual home units. One strategically
located central building for the generators and their controls,
located away from the individual residences.
Generator building can be architecturally treated to blend
in with the other structures in the subdivision. The system will
connect at the main feeder from the utility and tie into the
underground distribution system to the individual homes in a
manner approved by the utility. Adaptable to future expansion
as the subdivision grows additional generation can be
strategically added to accommodate phased community
expansion. In the event of a power outage, the system
provides emergency backup power automatically to the
homeowners in a smooth, safe transition. The homeowners
are not required to do anything but wait for the system to
start. The homeowners’ association fees will include the cost
of operating and maintaining the emergency backup power
service.
The residential neighborhood used as a basis for the
residential Microgrid model is Cypress Trace [10]. There are
two types of residences in Cypress Trace, multi-family
residences consisting of town home condominiums and single
family homes. Cypress Trace is a modern residential
development with many energy saving features standard in the
residential units. All units are frame construction using wood
studs and truss system with hurricane tie downs. Deluxe R-30
ceiling insulation is used, R-11 is used in the interior walls,
the water heaters are 40-50 gallons, the A/C units are 10
SEER, insulated fiberglass entry doors, and dual-glazed
thermo pane windows are used.
There are a total of 51 single family homes comprised of
six models of floor plans. The smallest plan 2063 sq. ft. uses a
200 amp electrical source. The remaining models ranging
from 2543 sq. ft. to 3547 sq. ft. use a 300 amp source. The
town home condominiums (multi-family homes) are grouped

in arrangements of four living units and six living units. There
are 3 different floor plans comprising the units.
There are 4-unit complexes and 6-unit complexes. The
total number of 4-unit complexes is eight. The square footage
on the units in the 4-unit complexes is 3765 sq. ft. on the main
floor and 3674 sq. ft. on the upper floor. The total building
demand load of 81,351 VA uses a 339 amp source. There are
31 6-unit complexes with 5,508 sq. ft. on the main floor and
5114 sq. ft. on the upper floor. The total building demand load
is 114,778 VA with a 478 amp source. The individual units
range from 1067 sq. ft. to 1468 sq. ft.
General loads are modeled for normal use. These include
general lighting load, air handler fans, seasonal electric
heat/heat pump/air conditioning and appliances. Appliances
include laundry machines, electric range/oven, dishwasher,
disposal, microwave, entertainment and other small
appliances. The approach is to model these into a residential
power consumption model for each of the residences. The
seasonal effects are also being considered, in the summer
time, cooling loads are modeled, and in the winter heating
loads are modeled. These loads correspond to the types of
HVAC units in the residences.
The neighborhood infrastructure consists of a community
center, pump station, street lights, and the existing
neighborhood electrical distribution system. The pump station
consists of two 60 hp pumps that are 3 phase, 460 volts, and
250 amp units. The existing grid tie-in to the power utility grid
is interconnection single point of an existing grid tie–in to 26
KV on the main grid. A grid radial feed of 4160 volts
disperses to transformers throughout the neighborhood.
There are two likely candidates for neighborhood
generation. These would supply 4160 volts. Either diesel
generators, or gas turbine generators are to be considered.
Models of the power plants [18] must be integrated into the
residential microgrid model. The distributed generation is
then modeled with the existing neighborhood electrical
distribution system. These small units can be incrementally
initiated in the microgrid. In the scenarios of supplying excess
capacity to the main grid, the 4160 volts is stepped up to 26
KV. Synchronization to the main grid would need to occur.
Further functional and operational constraints are also
included in the modeling effort. This is somewhat limited by
the tools used but consists of startup, transient behavior,
limited control of the individual units, synchronization, and
considerations for communication and safety.
Two scenarios are for using the model are under
development for use within the residential microgrid model.
The first scenario is the primary scenario of insuring power to
the residential neighborhood in the event of a natural disaster
such as a hurricane. The second is a hot weather scenario in
which excess capacity from the distributed generation of the
residential microgrid may introduce excess capacity to the
larger electric utility main grid. The amount and available
excess is found using the base model to assess the
neighborhood requirements and using the excess for the main
grid.
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VI. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK
Utility system vulnerabilities to multiple failures and the
potential for such failures under natural and/or man-made
threat have been discussed. Florida is an excellent target
market for near term exploitation of distributed generation in
microgrids. As communities are developed and evolve they
need to be monitored and analyzed to assure the continued
appeal of their future development. Models of the residential
communities are being developed using industry data to
understand the capabilities for expected backup usage and for
potential support of the main utility grid.
Other objectives of the modeling include analysis of
advanced concepts for integration of distributed energy
resources and microgrids within a defined regional electric
distribution system to establish islanding control strategies.
Advanced concepts for intelligent adaptive power grids with
distributed intelligence is a longer term objective to increase
robustness of the overall grids of the future. Another benefit
gained from modeling effort for sensing within the defined
grid to determined real-time requirements for intelligent
sensing agents used in intelligent control of microgrids of the
future.
VII. REFERENCES
[1] Willis, H.L., Power Distribution Planning Reference Book, Marcel
Dekker, Inc, 1997.
[2] Short, T. A., Electric Power Distribution Handbook, CRC Press, 2003.
[3] Guttromson, R.T., Chassin, D. P., and Wildergren, S.E., “Residential
Energy Resource Models for Distribution Feeder Simulation,” Proceedings
IEEE/PES Summer Conference, 2003, pp. 108-113.
[4] Delfino, B., “Modeling of the Integration of Distributed Generation into
the Electrical System,” Proceedings IEEE/PES Summer Conference, 2002,
pp. 170-175.
[5] Slootweg, J.G., “Representing Distributed Resources in Power System
Dynamics Simulation,” Proceedings IEEE/PES Summer Conference, 2002,
pp. 176-178.
[6] Chao, X.H., “System Impact Studies for DG Projects under Development
in the US,” Proceedings IEEE/PES Summer Conference, 2001, pp. 772-
774.
[7] Funabashi, T., “Study on Protection and Control of Dispersed Generators,”
Proceedings IEEE/PES Summer Conference, 2001, pp. 775-776.
[8] Papathanassiou, S.A.., “Technical Requirements for Connection of
Dispersed Generation to the Grid,” Proceedings IEEE/PES Conference,
2001, pp. 749-754.
[9] Phillips, L.R., Cartes, D., Liu, W., Cox, D., Davis, T., Simmons, S.,
Edwards, D., Wilde, N., “Agents and Islands: Managing a Power System
Before, During, and After Transition to the Islanded State,” 2006
IEEE/SMC International Conference on System of Systems Engineering,
pp. 161-166.
[10] http://www.centexhomes.com/
[11] http://www.nocatee.com/
[12] http://www.jea.com/
[13] http://www.fpl.com/
[14] G. Johnson editor, “Onsite Power Generation: A Reference Book,”
Electrical Generating Systems Association, 1993.
[15] “Power Distribution Planning,” IEEE Course 92 EHO 361-6-PWR.
[16] “Protection of Synchronous Generators.” IEEE Course 95 TP 102.
[17] http://www.mathworks.com/
[18] Lesseter, R., “Dynamic Models for Micro-Turbines and Fuel Cells,”
Proceedings IEEE/PES Summer Conference, 2001, pp. 761-766.
 6

VIII. BIOGRAPHY
Daniel Cox was born in Gainesville, Florida, on
April 10, 1957. He graduated with both the
BSME with Honors and Master of Science in
Mechanical Engineering from the University of
Florida. He received his Ph.D. from the
University of Texas at Austin in Mechanical
Engineering. He worked for 16 years with the
IBM Corporation, 3 years as a Research Scientist
at UT Austin and is currently on the faculty at the
University of North Florida.