What Is Micro-Grid?
A microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid.
The primary advantage of micro-grid systems is their ability to provide energy resilience by operating independently or in conjunction with the main power grid, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during grid disruptions or blackouts.
PICOGRID
Pico-Grid is a highly reliable power system using solar or hybrid solar, with built-in communications, and can be remotely monitored, controlled, and proactively managed by Illumience.
NANOGRIDS
A nanogrid is an electrical power supply for a single house or single load, as opposed to a microgrid which is usually a power supply system for multiple buildings. Nanogrid feature DC electrical architecture instead of the conventional AC and are regarded building cells of a microgrid
Grid-Connected Microgrids:
A Grid-connected microgrid is a self-contained mesh network that facilitates real-time energy generation and consumption among various energy nodes within a defined geographical boundary.
Key Components Of Micro-Grid Systems
- Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): These include small-scale power generation sources like solar panels, wind turbines, microturbines, fuel cells, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems.
- Energy Storage Systems: Batteries and other forms of storage (e.g., flywheels) to store excess energy and supply it when needed.
- Control Systems: Advanced control systems that manage the microgrid’s operation, including the balance between generation and consumption, and the interface with the macrogrid.
- Loads: The devices and systems that consume electricity within the microgrid, including homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.
Features Of Micro-Grid Systems
- Resilience and Reliability: Microgrids can operate independently from the main grid during power outages, enhancing the reliability of supply for critical loads.
- Energy Efficiency: By generating power close to where it’s used, microgrids can reduce losses associated with long-distance electricity transmission.
- Renewable Integration: Microgrids can incorporate a higher proportion of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which can be locally abundant but intermittent.
- Economic Benefits: Microgrids can reduce energy costs through improved efficiency and by allowing participation in energy markets, such as selling excess power back to the main grid or providing grid services.
- Environmental Benefits: By incorporating renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency, microgrids can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
Applications Of Micro-Grid Systems
- Remote or Off-Grid Locations: Providing reliable power to remote areas where extending the main grid would be impractical or too expensive.
- Urban Areas: Enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure like hospitals, military bases, and data centers.
- Industrial Sites: Improving reliability and potentially reducing costs for energy-intensive industries.
- Educational and Commercial Campuses: Managing energy use more effectively and sustainably across large campuses.