Microgrid Engineering Technology Center

What is a microgrid & how does it work?

A microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid. It can connect and disconnect from the grid to operate in grid-connected or island mode. Microgrids can improve customer reliability and resilience to grid disturbances.

What is a microgrid controller & energy management system modeling?

Controller and energy management system modeling. Many microgrids receive power from sources both within the microgrid and outside the microgrid. The methods by which these microgrids are controlled vary widely and the visibility of behind-the-meter DER is often limited.

What is microgrid management system?

microgrid management system is an integrated real-time power distribution management system unifying SCADA functions, energy resource controls, and load management, with a common user interface.

What is a microgrid design tool?

The MDT allows designers to model, analyze, and optimize the size and composition of new microgrids or modifications to existing systems. Technology management, cost, performance, reliability, and resilience metrics are all offered by the tool.

What are advanced microgrids?

Advanced microgrids enable local power generation assets—including traditional generators, renewables, and storage—to keep the local grid running even when the larger grid experiences interruptions or, for remote areas, where there is no connection to the larger grid.

Where can electrical utilities test microgrid concepts?

Electrical utilities have begun testing microgrid concepts in laboratory-type settings. One example is Duke Energy, which maintains two test microgrid facilities: one in Gaston County, North Carolina , and one in Charlotte, North Carolina .