Our Mission-Critical Microgrids (Pat. No. 11,932,130 B2) use locally generated, renewable power from solar, wind, water, and/or the earth. We combine those sources with an energy storage system, typically batteries, then control them with a smart energy management system. This "micro" grid is able to operate on its own during a power outage to create an island of energy for use in its area.
Municipal microgrids are a unique application, because they are located on, around, or near local government critical infrastructure. Mission-critical microgrids not only support these essential facilities, they also support the electrification of facility systems and fleets. When a community adopts electric vehicles they must be able to respond and charge quickly without fail at any time day or night. A microgrid is the only way to provide a robust, resilient charging system for mission-critical service delivery, especially during a disaster.
Microgrids use the cheapest energy sources, the ones no one charges you for. They monetize unused space like rooftops, parking lots, vacant properties, brownfields, and/or closed landfills by turning them into energy producers. Because these systems are inherently oversized to meet peak demands during adverse conditions, they have excess capacity. This allows the operator to sell extra energy back at the right time for a higher rate than it took to create it.
These systems also offset energy being purchased from the local utility providing direct savings. When the utility is a partner, distributed microgrids located across a community will support the electric grid through energy services like demand response, voltage variability, and load balancing.
Mission-critical microgrids are designed to operate independently during power outages or disasters. This helps to limit adverse effects as microgrids are able to support the local grid until the entire grid is brought back online.
Distributed energy systems (microgrids across your community) make it easier to maintain operational capability through grid-level resiliency. Microgrids support more than just individual facilities, when installed across a community they help everyone.
Legacy energy requires a long supply chain from locations across the region and even the globe. Microgrid-based electricity is generated, stored and distributed locally. It is not dependent on foreign and costly sources. Their local focus provides the energy you need to operate your facilities and fleets free from interference.
Once a microgrid is built it operates quietly and efficiently without for decades of service. Global conflicts and supply chain disruptions have limited to no effect on microgrids. When microgrids are affected by adverse events, the controller will disconnect from the threat and only reconnect to the grid once the threat has been mitigated.
Businesses, schools, campuses and municipalities should embrace microgrids to achieve these multiple benefits simultaneously. Enabling smart, efficient electrification transition starts with planning for a more resilient, cost-effective and sustainable future using microgrids.
The first step is to assess the feasibility of adding renewable energy sources to your facilities. You must calculate the power and energy needed to support robust, resilient electrification and vehicle charging infrastructure. Microgrid locations, types, and capacities must be established to ensure adequate power and reliability will support your essential services, especially during high-demand scenarios and adverse conditions. Most businesses, campuses and municipalities do not have the capacity or capability to make these determinations.
High upfront costs for infrastructure and grid upgrades are a challenge, but long-term savings from reduced fossil fuel reliance, lower maintenance, and greater efficiency will mitigate those expenses. In addition, microgrids produce value so they pay for themselves over time. This also makes them eligible for energy service financing options which frees up capital budgets and provides budget neutral options to pay for microgrid development.
Outdated policies, limited interoperability, and complex permitting processes hinder implementation of renewable energy technologies. Collaborative efforts to update regulations, streamline guidelines, and foster partnerships are essential for overcoming these obstacles. Local governments should lead the way on this transition to smarter, more efficient, and more cost-effective energy systems. Local ordinances, codes and regulations should be amended to support and promote the development of modern, clean energy systems.
An electrification transition based on microgrids requires careful planning, a thorough understanding of this technology, and thoughtful consideration on how to apply it. It is a complicated process to develop an electrification strategy by defining your needs, and determining the feasibility of developing microgrids designed to meet your current and future needs.