Microgrids: What They Are and How They Can Help

Microgrids are basically a collection of energy sources that are situated within a given area. These microgrids are typically connected to the national grid. However, they can operate without support from the national grid when a disconnection occurs. A good example of this is a power outage.

Microgrids are made up of multiple energy generation sources, usually renewable energy generators such as wind turbines or solar panels that are assisted by devices capable of energy storage (batteries). Such grids can sustain themselves by feeding energy into the national grid. However, the actual control of these grids is in the hands of the community using it. These communities usually have a cooperative or group that attends to the management and maintenance of microgrids.

System of Installation

There are mainly two ways in which microgrids are installed. First, you have customer microgrids that are located within a single specific site, controlled by the individual user.

Second, you have microgrids made out of segments belonging to the regulated grid. These grids make use of technologies distributed across multiple locations.

Now, the thing about microgrids is that they rely on renewable energy sources and that makes them quite beneficial. In fact, that’s what we are here to see – the benefits that microgrids provide. So, let’s take a look.

Efficient Energy Delivery

Microgrids are designed to deliver energy efficiently. There is usually a plan in place that determines the design of the grid. These plans will have objectives and even identify locations that are in line with those objectives. The plan will also look at how suitable the locations are for setting up such an infrastructure.

More importantly, these grids function via the involvement of the community or group. Technologies that facilitate the generation of energy from renewable sources are included in the design. This includes solar panels, biomass boilers, or wind turbines.

As a result, there are immediate benefits, economic and environmental.

More Reliability

Microgrids are far more reliable, as they function as backup power sources. They can deliver energy even when the main grid goes down. This reliability is achieved by incorporating the right technologies, the right system management tools, and proper energy storage etc.

For example, system management tools will make use of sensors and smart switches to detect outages and enable the grid to operate without support from the national grid. This is further facilitated by the energy storage components.

Energy Security

Communities that rely on microgrids are energy secure. They are not dependent on energy from other nations or larger and more controlling entities.