In recent years, decentralized energy solutions like microgrids and distributed energy resources (DERs) have become a financially attractive alternative to traditional electricity sources. On-site generation and storage of power by smaller operators has proliferated and brought with it new methods and technologies to ensure energetic equilibrium and profitability models.
Microgrids represent heightened reliability. They enhance system efficiency while mitigating the need inefficient balancing, storage and distribution solutions. They can function during grid outages and secure electrical supply for entire regions. When operating off-network, these island systems, are able to maintain equilibrium by exporting surplus and importing surplus from nearby systems to cover for shortages. These systems can power anything from individual urban structures to entire agglomerations, making them a flexible and versatile solution for operators. Since these systems are as close as possible to the point of main consumption, they reduce the need for transportation and storage.
Energy production at the point of consumption requires careful planning, engineering, and maintenance. To efficiently run microgrids, complex multi-nodal smart grid solutions need to be implemented taking into account the perimeter and setup of the system (all the way down to cable length and transformers) and the environmental conditions in which it is deployed. Management systems must integrate numerous energetic solutions within a single system including photovoltaics, floating photovoltaics, wind, storage, etc. with full geolocalized real-time data to ensure systems are robust and efficient both in generating energy, in transferring it, and in balancing it. Microgrids can work independently, within a constellation or connect out to other grid systems. They need to be versatile and dove tail with traditional energy production sources and systems. And this is where the notion of scale becomes crystal clear. If you imagine a constellation of micro-grids, each centered at the point of consumption, you can clearly understand the benefit and efficiency. The objective is efficiency – and efficiency is profitability. We ensure you meet power demand for a system running at equilibrium with optimal architecture, and management processes.
