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.
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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:
• Long Life of Microgrid Systems |
• Choice of facilities to be included |
• Cooperation from local utility |
• Access to an uninterruptable fuel source |
• Initial cost to install - 100% financing available |
• Helps mitigate cost & choas of disasters |
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Did you know that a back-up generator will not operate for an extended period of time?
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