WHAT IS A MICROGRID?

A Microgrid is a small group of interconnected, distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries which acts as a single controllable entity and operates either connected to the grid or in island mode.

Islanding is the act of physically disconnecting a defined group of electric circuits from The Grid and operating those circuits independently. Islanding capability is fundamental to the function of a Microgrid.

IDEAL MICROGRID APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Municipalities requiring critical facilities to continue operation during a disaster.
• University campuses, especially those with research laboratories which risk severe damage if the grid and backup generators go down.
• Hospital complexes with several buildings that can use both the electricity as well as the thermal energy produced.
• Large military bases that cannot afford to have their mission critical operations without electricity.
• Large state complexes such as prisons and large office buildings.

The Microgrid market is expected to increase from $ 8.3 Billion today to $40 Billion by 2020. Currently, there are 260 Microgrid projects planned or operational in the U.S. The Military recently added 21 new Microgrid projects for a 65% increase in Microgrid MW power.

WHY MICROGRIDS?

• The government supports microgrids. Several states offer grants
• Microgrids usually include a CHP System and therefore enjoy the benefits of CHP
• Microgrids usually have Natural Gas as the primary fuel and therefore enjoy the benefits of the "Fuel of the Future"
• An optimum Microgrid allows sale of excess energy to the Macrogrid.
• Microgrid CHP Systems are 30% more efficient than the grid
• Microgrids provide "cleaner energy transition"
• Microgrids save transmission expenses.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS: