Sometimes one microgrid in a single footprint is not enough. Sometimes a community needs a nested microgrid -- several separate microgrids in one -- to take energy reliability to a whole new level. A NY Prize contender, the Town of New Paltz, N.Y. has proposed such a project, a $12 million nodular microgrid to maintain energy supplies for … [Read more...]
Energy Storage is an Enabler for Microgrids
September 6, 2016 By 2 Comments
ABB's Bob Fesmire explains how energy storage is becoming more refined, and acting as an enabler for microgrids. Most of the time when people talk about microgrids, they talk about reliability (e.g., for a hospital or other critical load) and renewables. When people talk about renewables, they often talk about storage (e.g., to maximize the … [Read more...]
With Flexibility, Eastern Grid Can Get More than 30 Percent Renewables Online
September 6, 2016 By 1 Comment
With increased flexibility, the eastern grid can get more than 30 percent renewables online, and at times, can boost its renewables penetration to up to 60 percent. That's the word from a new report from the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), "The Eastern Renewable Generation Integration Study (ERGIS)." To bring … [Read more...]
Reciprocating Engines and Microgrids: A Natural Fit
August 31, 2016 By Leave a Comment
From the Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: The Last Defense Against a Power Outage, this article looks at the natural fit between reciprocating engines and microgrids. Microgrids are not a new idea; in fact, there are microgrids that have been operating for decades. But it wasn’t until after Superstorm … [Read more...]
US Microgrid Market Growing Faster than Previously Thought: New GTM Research
August 29, 2016 By 5 Comments
The US microgrid market is growing faster than expected, fueled by a rise in new ownership configurations, says a report released today by GTM Research. GTM now forecasts that US microgrid capacity will reach 4.3 GW by 2020, up from the research firm’s estimate last quarter of 3.71 GW. The US currently has about 160 microgrids with 1,649 MW of … [Read more...]
Why it Takes Time to Develop Community Microgrids
August 25, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Community microgrids aren't exactly a pop-up businesses. But what delays their development is also a key appeal – local control of energy. That’s one of the points raised in Black & Veatch’s recent snapshot of the electric industry, the “2016 Strategic Directions: Electric Industry Report.” The report emerged out Black & Veatch’s … [Read more...]
Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: What’s the Best Fuel for Use in a Genset?
August 24, 2016 By Leave a Comment
From the Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: The Last Defense Against a Power Outage, this article looks at the pros and cons of the fuels used in reciprocating engines. Electricity costs are determined largely by the price and availability of fuels used in power production. As a result, the power … [Read more...]
What is a Reciprocating Engine Generator?
August 16, 2016 By 1 Comment
Everyone knows what solar and wind energy is. But ask, 'What is a reciprocating engine generator?' and most people are stumped. Yet this mainstay technology plays a crucial role in keeping on the lights. We define 'reciprocating engine generator' in this excerpt from the new Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and … [Read more...]
Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: Unsung Heroes of the Electric Grid
August 11, 2016 By 3 Comments
The new Microgrid Knowledge guide, Reciprocating Engine Generators and Microgrids: The Last Defense Against a Power Outage, looks at a technology that gets little attention but serves a crucial role on the electric grid. Reciprocating engine generators are often the last line of defense when all other resources fail in a power outage. That's just … [Read more...]
Grid-Connected Microgrids and Battery Technology
August 10, 2016 By 1 Comment
Grid-connected microgrids are considered the future of a smarter electric grid. So as large-scale battery technology and economies of scale continue to improve, many utilities are investigating the use of battery technology as the basis for Grid Energy Storage Systems (GESS). AusNet Services, the largest energy delivery service in Victoria, … [Read more...]
