Micro-grid 101
A Micro-grid is a stand-alone small transmission and distribution network which leverages on decentralized distributed power generation systems and exploits locally available resources. In a way, it is a self-sustained power system which serves various electrical loads in a radial distribution network and can operate in a centralized grid-tied or completely isolated mode. Figure 1 (Source: UPES) depicts a simple sketch a Micro-grid network. As shown, the network rely on distributed renewable energy (DRE) technologies such as solar PV, Read More...
There are many concurrent benefits of a micro-grid. Firstly, it helps in exploitation of local renewable energy resource through DRE based technologies whose deployment may see harnessing clean power generation instead of polluting fossil fuel based generation. It also helps in mitigating global greenhouse gas emission and improved air quality issues locally. In addition, micro-grid can stand as an auxiliary power supplier during hours when grid power is unavailable. Such network can also improve the reliability as well as quality of power delivered. Read More...
Electrical energy storage or batteries are key components of micro-grid systems, especially the solar PV or small wind based ones. The storage system provides valuable functionalities to the micro-grid systems, most significantly in extending the output of the generation plant through dark hours of the day or when the wind is not blowing. Along with a power conditioning unit and inverter, the battery storage systems also serves the purposes of smoothing intermittent power flow from renewable generation, regulating voltage in the system and providing peak shaving. Read More...
MICRO initiative by CES and IESA addresses the fundamental challenges faced by the developers and funding agencies by creating an ecosystem to make microgrids sustainable and economical. Through this initiative we want to have a real time monitoring system installed at as many microgrids and use the archived data to build analytics for Read More...