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Natural Gas

Midland Tornado damage photos.

Midland Offices Overcome Tornado Damage, Continue Customer Care

The weather forecast in Midland, Texas, seemed normal the morning of May 30. The high would be around 100, but Shop Lead Johnathon Roderick said that is to be expected this time of year. “I think it was, you know, higher winds,” Roderick said about the forecast. “10 to 20 mile per hour winds later in the day is what was expected.” Clear skies most of the day gave way to a storm that exceeded expectations, as shortly after 5 p.m., weather alerts for a possible tornado and baseball-sized hail appeared on Midland workers’ phones. Roderick said he left work about five minutes before the warnings came. He saw what looked like a dust storm out of the window of his truck and thought little of it. “Like a minute later, I luckily was going under an underpass,” Roderick said. “It just happened so fast. It started raining really bad — crazy, ridiculous winds — so I just ended up staying under the underpass.” Jerome Goodboe — the health, safety, and environment manager — had left by the time the

Microgrid Electrical Design, power producer.

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

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

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

Mesa Solutions + Alterra Power Systems Partnership

Mesa Solutions and Alterra Power Systems Announce Transformative Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Loveland, CO, September 12, 2023 – Mesa Solutions, a provider at the forefront of cutting-edge power solutions, is thrilled to announce a strategic distribution partnership for portable natural gas generator sets with Alterra Power Systems, a Palmer Johnson Company.  This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies and sets the stage for a new era of excellence in power generation and power solutions. Alterra Power Systems has earned a stellar reputation as a trusted distributor specializing in power generation systems for commercial and mission-critical applications. With a team of industry veterans known for their expertise and commitment to quality, Alterra Power Systems has consistently delivered top-notch solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients. Palmer Johnson Enterprises, the parent company of Alterra Power Systems, brings to the partnership a rich history of industrial distribution excellence and innovation and a culture of customer service that complements Mesa’s core values perfectly. This combination of industry experience and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction is truly unparalleled in the power generation industry. The partnership between Mesa and Alterra Power

High voltage electric power lines delivering energy.

Microgrid Fuels: Simple Concept, Complex Reality

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

ISO and RTO in Deregulated Markets image with little house and lighting bolt.

Unveiling ISO and RTO: Powering Efficient Grids and Deregulated Markets

In the intricate landscape of the modern electricity industry, Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) stand as vital guardians of grid stability and catalysts for efficient power markets. As electricity consumption continues to surge and the integration of renewable energy sources becomes paramount, understanding the roles, qualities, and differences between ISOs and RTOs becomes crucial. Moreover, exploring the benefits of a deregulated market, shaped in part by these entities, sheds light on the transformation of the power sector. The Role and Qualities of ISOs and RTOs: ISOs and RTOs are specialized entities responsible for managing, coordinating, and optimizing the transmission and distribution of electricity across defined geographic regions. Their primary aim is to ensure the reliable, safe, and efficient operation of the electric grid. By overseeing power generation, transmission, and consumption, ISOs and RTOs mitigate the risk of blackouts, improve power flow, and pave the way for the integration of diverse energy sources. Key Qualities of ISOs and RTOs: Grid Reliability ISOs and RTOs prioritize grid reliability by constantly monitoring and managing the electricity system. They balance

US Electric Grid at Sunset

The US Electric Grid: A Basic Overview

The US electric grid is an intricate system that powers our homes, businesses, and industries. Understanding how it functions is crucial for ensuring reliable and efficient electricity delivery across the country. In this blog post, we investigate the working mechanisms of the US electrical grid, exploring its components, power generation sources, and the challenges it faces. Join us on this informative journey to gain insights into the backbone of our nation’s power infrastructure. Overview of the US Electrical Grid The US electric grid comprises three key components: power generation sources, the transmission system, and the distribution system. Power generation sources include diverse options such as fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil), nuclear power, and renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal). These sources produce electricity, which is then transmitted and distributed to end consumers. The transmission system consists of high-voltage transmission lines and substations that transport electricity over long distances, while the distribution system delivers power to individual consumers via lower-voltage distribution lines and transformers. Power Generation and Transmission Power generation involves the conversion of various energy sources into electricity. Fossil

Image Depicting Renewable Energy with an electrical load.

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

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