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Microgrids

Microgrid Electrical Design, power producer.

Microgrid Electrical Design Essentials:
Evaluating Parameters for Reliable, Cost-Effective, and Optimized Power Solutions

December 1, 2023

As distributed generation, energy storage, and controller technology advance, microgrids are becoming more prevalent and viable. The capability to push power into and draw power from the grid while also independently supplying power to a local load offers significant advantages in terms of reliability, control, and cost minimization. Below is a brief overview of the parameters to consider when designing a microgrid. Considerations for Load Profiles and Power Sources Two of the most prominent aspects of microgrid design to consider are: What type of load profile exists? For example, how does power consumption vary over regular intervals such as an hour, a day, a month, or a year? What power sources are available to supply the load? Load Profile A typical load profile features a base load, which represents the minimum amount of power consistently consumed, a peak load, which denotes the maximum power consumption within a specific interval, and intermediate loads that transition between the base load and peak load. The specifics of the magnitude of each type of load, typical durations of each, and how quickly transitions must

Resilient Mesa Power Solutions in Action in Texas.

Resilient Power Solutions for Critical Infrastructure: Leveraging Natural Gas Generators

November 1, 2023

The world is rapidly changing, and maintaining a reliable power supply is paramount, especially for critical infrastructure systems such as hospitals, data centers, and emergency services. Disruptions to the electrical grid can have catastrophic consequences, making it imperative to invest in resilient power solutions. One technology that has proven its worth in ensuring uninterrupted power is natural gas generators. In this article, we will explore how natural gas generators offer a viable and efficient solution for critical infrastructure, focusing on their reliability, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness. Reliability When it comes to critical infrastructure, reliability is non-negotiable. Natural gas generators have established themselves as a reliable power source, offering consistent performance even during times of grid outages or extreme weather conditions. Unlike renewable energy sources that rely on weather conditions, natural gas generators provide continuous power, making them a steadfast choice for critical systems that demand an uninterrupted electricity supply. These generators are designed with advanced technology and sophisticated control systems that ensure seamless operations. They can automatically detect power failures and swiftly transition to generator power, minimizing downtime and preventing

High voltage electric power lines delivering energy.

Microgrid Fuels: Simple Concept, Complex Reality

September 5, 2023

Microgrids can be powered by a variety of fuel sources. The challenge lies in selecting a fuel that can supply the project with clean, cost-effective, and reliable power. To address this challenge, it is essential to understand the type, quantity, regulations, and requirements of the available fuels. Once this information is gathered, the potential for power generation can be determined and project feasibility can be assessed. Selecting Microgrid Fuels Depending on the project location, a wide variety of fuels can be available. Examples of such fuels include natural gas, LNG, CNG, wellhead gas, propane, and LPG blends, all of which can be used in a sustainable way to power microgrids. Each of these fuels has unique characteristics that can impact the overall project outcome. Differences in combustion behavior affect the total power output and system efficiency. Some fuels require cleaning or filtering to maintain proper operation. Fuel can be supplied by pipelines, virtual pipelines, or stored locally in tanks. Some project locations may have extreme weather conditions which can also influence fuel performance. These factors help determine which fuel aligns

Image Depicting Renewable Energy with an electrical load.

A Balancing Act: Navigating the Potential Overwhelming Effects of Renewable Energy on the Grid

July 13, 2023

Renewable energy has emerged as a somewhat promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering a cleaner and more sustainable future. However, as the adoption of renewable energy sources continues to surge, concerns are arising about the potential strain it may impose on the electrical grid. This piece explores the challenges posed by renewable energy and how we can effectively address them to ensure a more seamless transition to a greener energy future. The Rise of Renewable Energy The last decade has witnessed huge growth in renewable energy installations worldwide. Solar panels adorn rooftops, wind turbines grace landscapes, and hydropower facilities harness the force of flowing water. This green revolution is undoubtedly a significant stride toward preserving our environment and reducing our dependence on finite resources. Nonetheless, the increasing capacity of renewable energy sources threatens to overwhelm the electrical grid. The Grid’s Achilles’ Heel The electrical grid, an intricate network of power generation, transmission, and distribution, was primarily designed to handle centralized power sources such as coal and natural gas plants. With the surge in distributed generation through renewables, the grid faces

Microgrids Made Easy

Microgrids Made Easy: Three Things You Should Know About Microgrids That Even Your 4th Grader Can Understand

June 15, 2023

The concept of microgrids has been around for a while. However, it’s only recently gained popularity as more and more communities look for ways to generate their own electricity and reduce their dependence on the utility grid. But what exactly is a microgrid, and how does it work? Below, we will break down the basics of microgrids into three key points that even a 4th grader can understand. What is a microgrid? First, a microgrid is a small-scale power system that can operate by itself or with the main power grid. A microgrid can generate its own electricity. It can do this using sources like generators or renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines. It can also draw power from the main utility grid. However, the key difference is that a microgrid can also store energy in batteries or other energy storage systems, allowing it to operate even when the utility grid is down. It’s good to have a variety of power sources in a microgrid so that when one or more of them are unavailable, you will still

Graphic depicting data integration of a microgrid

Optimizing Microgrid Performance Through Effective Data Integration

June 1, 2023

Microgrids are an increasingly popular form of energy system, offering benefits such as improved energy resilience and reduced energy costs. However, as technology becomes more complex, effective data management becomes critical for optimizing system performance and achieving these benefits. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of data integration for optimizing microgrid performance and the challenges and best practices for implementing it. Benefits of Data Integration Improved Visibility and Control The first benefit of integrating data is improved visibility and control over microgrid operations. By feeding data from the microgrid into internal systems such as SCADA and energy management systems, operators gain a holistic view of the microgrid and can monitor and control system performance more effectively. This can lead to improved energy efficiency and lower costs, as operators can identify areas of the microgrid that are using excessive energy and make adjustments to optimize performance. Improved Decision-Making Another benefit of data integration is improved decision-making. By collecting and analyzing data from the microgrid, operators can gain insights into system performance and identify areas for improvement. This can help operators

Graphic of a possible set up of a microgrid with a Microgrid Controller

Microgrid Controllers: Functions and Benefits

May 18, 2023

As interest in power reliability and renewable energy management continues to grow, the subject of “microgrids” continues to gain consideration. It’s also important to understand how microgrid controllers play a role in this space. Microgrids are decentralized power systems that consist of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and conventional generators. Microgrid controllers are systems that enable the effective coordination of microgrid components such as renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and loads. Microgrid controllers play an important role in managing the distribution of energy within a microgrid by ensuring optimal use of available resources, minimizing energy losses, and reducing operating costs. Below, we will explore the functions of microgrid controllers and the benefits they offer. Functions of Microgrid Controllers Microgrid controllers are designed to enable effective coordination of microgrid components, and they do this by performing several functions. One of the primary functions of a microgrid controller is to manage the distribution of energy within the microgrid. The controller ensures that the available energy resources are used optimally and that energy losses are

Road closed photo near Mt. Hamilton.

Overcoming Microgrid Selection Barriers: Three Roadblocks to Consider

February 16, 2023

Microgrids have proved to be a reliable and sustainable way to provide energy to communities, businesses, and institutions in recent years, However the process of selecting the appropriate microgrid solution for a given location can be complex and challenging. Three significant roadblocks typically arise when decisions are made about whether to build (and pay for) a microgrid. Two or three of these roadblocks are often present, but any of them can stop the decision-making process. Roadblock 1: Determining the desired application for a given location Stated simply, what are we going to do and why are we going to do it? Answering these questions can be difficult because there are numerous desirable goals to go after. Often, organizations have the desire to achieve multiple goals that require different approaches to accomplish. So, a solution may look inefficient at best or illusive at worst. An excellent method to cut through the clutter is to determine a location’s power load requirement and the time a standby solution must provide backup power in the event of a grid outage. For example, suppose a

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