New Energy Microgrid Demonstration

Will the energy grid become a grid of microgrids?

Some energy futurists see the grid eventually becoming a grid of microgrids. For now, the concept of connecting microgrids is still in its infancy. The most notable is a project underway by Commonwealth Edison in the Bronzeville area of Chicago. The project featured here, a community being developed by KB Home, is also worth watching.

Can microgrids use EVs as energy resources?

An example is a pilot project for a California library announced by Schneider Electric and several partners. It’s nothing new for microgrids to include EV charging stations. But it is unusual for microgrids to use charged EVs as energy resources — as power sources. Even more unusual is the use of hydrogen-electric buses.

What are some examples of successful microgrid demonstration projects?

6. Include customer microgrids: Many of the successful microgrid demonstration projects have been located at customer sites downstream of 1 m, where there are fewer regulatory barriers. Maxwell Air Force Base, Sendai, and Santa Rita green jail projects are all great examples of successful microgrid projects downstream of one meter. 7.

What is a renewable microgrid?

Just supply fuel and start it up—so easy, anyone could do it. Renewable microgrids, on the other hand, are not so simple, with their suite of controls, software, and asset coordination. But the beauty of renewables is that fuel is free and already available on-site, even in remote disaster areas.

Should microgrid demonstrations be based on economic goals?

Microgrid demonstrations should be planned to be either as economic as possible, or to represent anticipated economic conditions. Designing and executing demonstrations based solely on specific technical goals are likely to prove highly uneconomic, and this outcome can overshadow any technical achievement and impede future deployment.

Is China ready to launch a microgrid demonstration program?

As China prepares to launch the largest microgrid demonstration program in the world, we review progress made by demonstration programs across Europe, Asia, and the Americas as well as microgrid benefits and barriers.