Category

Resiliency-as-a-Service

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

Utility Transmission Lines with the sky.

Deregulated Markets vs. Regulated Markets: Illuminating the Electrical Landscape

Electricity flows through the modern world, driven by a fundamental question at the heart of this intricate system: Should electricity markets be regulated or deregulated? This question shapes how we produce, distribute, and price energy, forming a central debate in the electrical landscape. In this blog post, we’ll investigate the dynamic interplay between regulated and deregulated markets, exploring their advantages, and challenges. By illuminating these key aspects, we aim to offer a comprehensive overview of this pivotal choice that underpins the electricity grid’s operation. Previously, we looked at a basic overview of how the electric grid works in this blog post.  Below, we’ll dive into the question about market regulation. Deregulated Markets: Fostering Competition and Innovation In deregulated markets, consumers gain the freedom to select their energy suppliers. This competition spurs innovation, fosters cleaner energy solutions, and offers competitive pricing to attract and retain customers. No longer confined to a one-size-fits-all model, consumers can now choose energy plans aligning with their preferences—whether those preferences involve renewable sources, fixed rates, or tailored services. Market Competition: Deregulated markets empower consumers with the freedom

Mesa Solutions’ New Investors

On Friday, June 30, 2023, Arroyo Investors, a Houston-based, independent investment manager, announced that it closed an investment in Mesa Solutions. To learn more about Arroyo and read the press release, click here.

Diagram of an Automatic Transfer Switch Connected to Utility and Load

The Importance of an Automatic Transfer Switch in Backup Power Systems

An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is a critical component of a backup power system that ensures and automatic transfer of power supply from the primary power source to a backup generator during a power outage. It plays a vital role in maintaining power supply in various industries, including healthcare, data centers, and manufacturing. This article will explore what an ATS is, how it works, and its advantages. What is an Automatic Transfer Switch? An ATS is an electrical device that switches the power supply source from the utility grid to a backup generator in the event of a power outage. It is designed to detect power outages and immediately transfer the power supply to the backup generator, which can be powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel. An ATS also monitors the power supply from the backup generator to ensure that it is stable and reliable. How does an Automatic Transfer Switch work? An ATS works by constantly monitoring the voltage and frequency of the incoming power supply from the utility grid. When a power outage occurs, the ATS automatically

Grocery Store Freezer Aisle on the Left Side, Electrical Storm on the Right Side - Need for Backup Power for Grocery Stores

Natural Gas Generators: Ideal for Backup Power in Grocery Stores

In today’s world, the ability to keep a grocery store running during power outages is more important than ever. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, can cause long-term power outages that can put your store’s inventory and reputation at risk. In addition, unexpected power outages can occur due to equipment failures, accidents, and other factors, leaving you with no time to prepare. Without a backup power plan in place, your grocery store could face several risks that could have serious consequences for your business. These risks include: Loss of Inventory: One of the biggest risks of power outages is the loss of inventory. Without power, your refrigeration units will stop working, causing your perishable goods to spoil. This can result in significant financial losses for your business. Damage to Equipment: Power surges and outages can also damage your equipment, including your refrigeration units, lighting, and point-of-sale systems. This can lead to costly repairs and replacements. Loss of Revenue: If your grocery store is forced to close due to a power outage, you will lose revenue. In addition, customers

Microgrids Made Easy

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

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

Microgrid Controllers: Functions and Benefits

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

Resiliency-as-a-Service Quick Chat with Microgrid Knowledge

Resiliency-as-a-Service: Solutions for a More Resilient Future

Are you looking for Resilient Power Solutions? Resiliency-as-a-Service is one strategy your business can employ to safeguard its future. In this QuickChat video with Microgrid Knowledge‘s Editor in Chief, Elisa Wood, Malcolm Taylor talks about strategies for customer needs and the value they can create for the customer. He also talks about the Mesa PowerCore™ and how we use it to provide resiliency and reliability. Watch Now