Microgrids – Nation’s Future towards Clean Energy

A microgrid is an integrated energy system with control capability of operating independently or in parallel with an existing utility grid, managing distributed energy resources and interconnected loads. These localized grids have a great impact in transforming the electric grid of a nation because of their ability to help grid mitigate and strengthen grid flexibility.

Working of Microgrids

An electrical grid allow us to use electronic devices, electrical appliances and heating/cooling systems by connecting homes, buildings and businesses to central power sources. A drawback due to an interconnected system is that everyone gets affected if any part of the grid needs repair. This drawback is eliminated with a microgrid. Generally, a microgrid is connected to a grid for operation, but most significantly, it can operate independently using local energy generation in case of power crisis like outages or storms. Distributed batteries, generators or renewable resources like solar panels provide power to a microgrid. It can run indefinitely depending on its requirements and how fuel is provided.

Same voltage level is maintained of a microgrid as the main grid by connecting it at a common coupling point. A microgrid can be separated from a main grid manually or automatically by a switch to work independently.

Why and When to Use a Microgrid?

A microgrid not only improves efficiency and reliability, but also reduce costs required to extend or fix over capacity transmission and distribution system. It can eliminate the issues of fluctuating gas and electric prices and provide technological innovation by distributed generation, control grid stability, demand response and renewable resources. It allows our communities to be more environment friendly and energy independent.

A microgrid could be used for various reasons. There are certain factors that determine the use of a microgrid instead of grid extension. These factors include the cost, size of a community, terrain, environment, and distance from the existing grid.

Advantages of Microgrids

While the main grid is down, a microgrid has the ability to work independently, strengthen grid flexibility and help mitigating grid disturbances. It also offers faster system recovery and response by functioning as a grid resource. Microgrid supports electric grid efficiency and flexibility by enabling integration of distributed energy resources, such as energy storage, power and heat and renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar. Furthermore, efficiency of electric utility system increases by the use of local energy sources that help in reducing transmission and distribution losses.

References

http://energy.gov/articles/how-microgrids-work

http://www.districtenergy.org/assets/pdfs/03AnnualConference/Monday-A/A5.2SANCHEZIvette-Sanchez-IDEA.pdf

http://energy.gov/oe/services/technology-development/smart-grid/role-microgrids-helping-advance-nation-s-energy-system

http://www2.ee.ic.ac.uk/daniel.mewton09/yr2proj/whymicrogrid.htm

image - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/Microgrid.jpg