Microgrid Designs Can Be More

Microgrids provide resilient power for communities and corporations. Sound microgrid designs can encompasses small-scale power grids operating independently (islanded) or in conjunction with an area’s main power system. They can reduce energy costs, enhance reliability, and can help to incorporate sustainable renewable power that is non-dispatchable. Non-dispatchable energy sources combined with a storage solution can provide localized and enhanced reliability. 

We spotted this article from Energy Manager Today on microgrids and how they need to support the macro grid if they are to be widely adopted. 

“Few people argue the value of microgrids. They take the edge off spikes, moderate costs, provide resiliency and, when fed by renewables, are environmentally attractive. That’s all true—but it’s all on the consumer side. To thrive they must create benefits beyond those directly connected to them which will reflect the true financial and environmental benefits of a microgrid system thus making them more affordable. A microgrid would create this broader value if, for instance, it came online to reduce pressure on the macro grid that is experiencing a usage spike elsewhere.” 

These spikes are becoming even more prominent with electrical vehicle super charging infrastructure coming into the system. A supercharger, that is often installed by the local utility, may temporarily cause a significant energy spike that could easily be mitigated using the microgrid’s stabilizing and storage capacity but without the microgrid supporting the macro grid needs, the whole system may require a significant capital upgrade to support the periodical demand.  

Click here for the article: To Thrive, Microgrids Must Help the Macrogrid

About Microgrids: “Microgrids are small grids that are parallel to the legacy grid serving a particular area. They can remain independent and replace the grid for the buildings it serves, act in a standby mode and kick into action if there is a blackout, and/or supplement the macro grid to offer load reduction and resilience. DERs (Distributed Energy Resources) are assets — such as geothermal and solar power installations — that power to the microgrid. Batteries often are part of a microgrid. They allow brought by the DERs to be saved (sometimes quite literally) for a rainy day.”

Hedgehog’s impact: our microgrid projects with school districts, utilities, Powertech Smart Utility Center, Hartley Bay, and other remote communities have included microgrid design, demand response, microgrid optimization, and load balancing work. We create innovative, pragmatic, and environmentally conscious solutions for the energy industry. Our experience spans more than 20 years and we have built a reputation as a premium electrical engineering company for energy providers, communities, developers and independent power producers.

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