Microgrid Battery Cost Model

What is a microgrid cost model?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy to complete a microgrid cost study and develop a microgrid cost model. The goal of this study is to elucidate the variables that have the highest impact on costs as well as potential areas for cost reduction. This study consists of two phases.

How much does energy storage cost a microgrid?

In commercial and industrial microgrids, energy storage represents 15% and 25% of the total costs per megawatt, respectively. In commercial microgrids, soft costs account for 43%, while in community microgrids they account for 24%.

Do battery energy storage systems affect the economics of microgrids?

Existing literature on microgrids (MGs) has either investigated the dynamics or economics of MG systems. Accordingly, the important impacts of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) on the economics and dynamics of MGs have been studied only separately due to the different time constants of studies.

Is a hybrid microgrid better than a diesel-only microgrid?

We have demonstrated for sites in California, Maryland, and New Mexico that a hybrid microgrid (which utilizes a combination of solar power, battery energy storage, and networked emergency diesel generators) can offer a more cost-effective and resilient solution than diesel-only microgrids that rely only on a network of emergency diesel generators.

How does a battery generate revenue compared to a microgrid?

The battery achieves significant revenue from the frequency regulation market. The breakdown of wholesale revenue is about 60% from frequency regulation, 39% from energy, and less than 1% from spinning reserve. The demand response revenue is reduced compared to the diesel-only microgrid because of the reduced EDGs.

Are hybrid microgrids a viable economic option?

Existing life cycle cost studies on hybrid microgrids—which combine photovoltaics (PV), battery storage and networked emergency diesel generators—also have not identified all the potential economic opportunities.