Abstract
Energy balance models have been used to help size and predict viability of wind generation integration into microgrid communities and can provide comparable analyses for marine resources as well. HOMER is a leader in techno-economic modeling software for microgrids allowing for component comparison and cost optimization over project lifetime based on hourly resource availability and demand. MiGRIDS offers a greater management of generation control and scheduling than HOMER, as well as higher temporal resolution, but lacks project lifetime analysis. These software tools will be used to analyze benefits and impacts of marine energy integration into Alaska microgrids using two sites as a case study for two types of marine energy converters. Igiugig on the Kvichak River will be simulated with a river current energy converter and Tyonek on the Cook Inlet will be modeled with a tidal energy converter. It is demonstrated that both models yield similar results, but each is designed to focus on different aspects of microgrid simulation.