Considering changing your energy strategy? Learn more about our microgrid energy solutions, which incorporate solar power, energy storage, and advanced control systems. Visit our page for Microgrid Solutions to learn more about the solution that best fits your energy needs.
A microgrid is a sub-scale configuration of the larger power grid, which can function both in isolation or interconnected with the main grid. It is a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy solution that integrates various distributed energy sources, including microgrid solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage devices for powering facilities, such as hospitals, schools, remote communities, and industrial parks.
In essence, microgrid energy systems guarantee continuity of supply when the grid goes down and minimize energy costs by utilizing on-site generation.
Microgrids generate electricity through the integration of distributed energy resources, such as solar panels and conventional generators, while smoothing energy output and storing excess energy for emergencies with energy storage systems like batteries. The energy is then supplied to end consumers, either a home or business, via localized networks. Intelligent control systems monitor the energy flows, optimize the efficiency, and manage the grid connections to assure smooth operation of the microgrid in effectively balancing energy production and consumption for efficient energy use and reliability of supply.
Below is a comparative table of the two operational modes of microgrids: grid-connected operation and islanded operation
| Feature | Grid-Connected Operation | Islanded Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The microgrid is connected to the external power grid and can exchange electricity. | The microgrid is disconnected from the external power grid and operates independently. |
| Operational Stability | Relies on the support of the external power grid, with high dependency. | Requires the microgrid's internal generation and storage facilities to be fully self-sufficient, with high demands on the stability and reliability of internal power sources. |
| Control Strategy | The microgrid's internal power sources mainly adopt PQ control to minimize the impact on the distribution network. | Requires some distributed power sources to be capable of regulating voltage and frequency to ensure power supply when operating in island mode. |
| Applicable Scenarios | Suitable for areas with stable and high-quality power grids, maximizing the use of renewable energy. | Suitable for areas with unstable power grids or where increased power supply reliability is needed, such as remote areas or emergency situations. |
| Switching Mechanism | The microgrid can smoothly and quickly switch from grid-connected mode to islanded mode through control devices. | The microgrid needs to have the ability to quickly disconnect from the power grid to protect internal loads from external grid faults. |
| Economic Viability | Can utilize peak and off-peak electricity price differences for energy storage charging and discharging, reducing costs. | Requires more storage facilities and backup power sources, with higher initial investment costs. |
Each mode has its specific advantages and challenges, and microgrid operators need to choose the most suitable operational mode based on actual conditions.
These range from small systems designed to power only one building to large networks capable of meeting the power needs of an entire campus or community. But the core characteristic of a microgrid is not size; rather, it's a small power system that can serve the electrical power needs of the immediate area through local generation resources even when the central grid is down. These grids are particularly suited to locations where power interruptions could have serious consequences, such as scientific research institutions, military installations, emergency services (including police and fire stations), and healthcare facilities.
The amount of time that a microgrid can operate independently of the main grid depends on the type and size of its power generation, as well as the energy storage technology it is equipped with. A well-designed microgrid system can theoretically run continuously for a considerable period of time - from days to weeks and beyond.
High energy utilization efficiency: In the microgrid, by adjusting the output of every distributed power source in response to user demand and energy price, it can realize local production and consumption of energy, reduce the loss of electric energy in the transmission process, and improve energy utilization efficiency.
Flexibility and adaptability: microgrids can flexibly switch between grid-connected and islanded operation modes according to the actual situation, enjoying the resource advantages of the large power grid and operating independently when needed to ensure the security of power supply.
Some factors that will remain constant but might affect the overall cost in building a microgrid include the size, technical configuration, geographic location, and particular needs of the project. You might want to get in touch with us to get more details on our Microgrid program so we can tailor-make your microgrid unique, if that is what you want for yourself.
