The McAlpine Microgrid is a distribution voltage level microgrid and contains a number of firsts for Duke Energy including new relay protection schemes, control and monitoring systems design and integration strategies with Energy Storage and Solar Energy assets. We discuss:

Integrating Inverter based technologies into existing Protection and Control schemes

Identifying and overcoming potential fault current issues

Creating effective switching schemes using standard utility reclosers and controllers

Balancing distributed resources utilization to maximize islanding duration

   Thomas M. Fenimore has been employed at Duke Energy for 18 years in a variety of roles including Customer Operations, Regulated Energy Efficiency and the Emerging Technology Office. Tom is currently leading projects within Duke Energy including: CEA2045 Modular Communications Interface testing, Energy Storage and Solar Systems Control Algorithm Development, and the McAlpine Microgrid development project.The McAlpine Microgrid is currently in the final stage of construction in South Charlotte. Tom is the lead developer and has directed the project from inception in early 2013. Completion is currently scheduled to complete in December, 2014. The McAlpine Microgrid is a distribution voltage level microgrid and contains a number of firsts for Duke Energy including new relay protection schemes, control and monitoring systems design and integration strategies with Energy Storage and Solar Energy assets.
   Tom currently serves on the Academy of Engineering Board at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte as an advisor on curriculum development. Tom also teaches in the Continuing Education and Professional Development program at NC State University- Mc Kimmon Center where he teaches Energy Management and Building Automation Systems. Tom has a BSME from Drexel University and is a professional Engineer in the states of North and South Carolina.