Smart microgrids are localized power grids that can be connected to mains power or completely isolated. Their defining feature is that they can disconnect and operate autonomously, meaning the microgrid can still function even if the entire city is without power.
While microgrids have existed since the dawn of electricity distribution networks, the “smart” moniker denotes the integration and critical role played by new technologies. These technologies automatically manage load-shifting and perform operations such as firing gen-sets, ensuring a seamless transition from mains power or that the power within the smart microgrid is used as efficiently as possible.
Smart microgrids can be powered by renewables such as wind or solar, fossil fuel generators, or a combination of sources. They can be found everywhere, including:
University campuses
Medical complexes
Local neighborhoods
In this article, we will examine one element of smart microgrids that have greatly benefited from recent technological advances, improving reliability and the ability to harness renewables: energy storage.
The Role of Energy Storage in Smart Microgrids
Renewable Grid Reliability
Energy storage is crucial for fossil fuel and renewable-powered grids, but it’s especially vital for the latter. Unlike fossil fuels, wind and solar energy cannot be guaranteed. By storing excess energy when it’s abundant, renewable-powered smart microgrids can ensure a consistent and reliable supply, even when generation is low. This capability allows them to meet users' needs around the clock.
Making renewables more reliable also makes it easier for microgrids to decarbonize and reduce their reliance on gensets, which is important for meeting the organization’s environmental goals, whether a university or the US Army.
Increasing Microgrid Capacity
Smart microgrids harness modern technologies to improve efficiency in creating, storing and delivering power throughout the grid. Integrating improved storage options allows smart microgrids to extend their coverage and expand their uses without sacrificing stability.
As part of efforts to decarbonize energy usage, storage capacity will have to increase greatly, which is already happening. The International Energy Agency (IEA) found that battery usage had grown from 2 GW in 2016 to 28 GW in 2022, which then grew to 70 GW in 2023, giving hope that the goal of reaching 970 GW by 2030 may be possible. In any case, the vast increases in storage capacity mean an ever-larger number of users can avail themselves of the energy security provided by smart microgrids with integrated energy storage.
Reducing Strain at Peak Demand
All grids are most stressed at “peak demand.” Since microgrids don’t have the larger resources of utility-scale grids, such as power plants that can be switched on, they need effective reserves to act as redundancy or feed actual demand. For mains grids, peak demand also means peak prices, as all resources must be used to meet it, no matter the cost.
Integrating greater energy storage capacity into a smart microgrid can achieve better load management and “peak shaving”. This will save money on peak demand costs while simultaneously ensuring all needs are met.
Enabling Black Start Capabilities
Restarting a power supply to a grid that has suffered a complete outage is known as a “black start.” If there are no systems to coordinate the restart (as they rely on power) or fire genset starters, then there’s no way of getting power going again. This can be a major issue, especially in areas prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters. However, energy storage, namely high-capacity batteries, can quickly restore essential power to the grid, which can be used to start operations again.
Improving Energy Independence
While some smart microgrids function independently of mains power, most do not. In these non-autonomous cases, the microgrid is used to better manage load and distribution, integrating self-generated power with mains supply and providing backup power during a mains outage.
Without large-scale storage capacity, a smart microgrid is still essentially dependent on the mains, as a shutdown would seriously disrupt operations. The greater storage capacity available (up to days or weeks, depending on the size of the grid) means greater independence, ensuring the supply of critical loads and improving the resilience of the communities and industries relying on the grid.
Creating Economic Opportunities
One of the most attractive features of smart microgrids is how they can help underserved areas and communities develop themselves. In many places, it can be difficult to get reliable mains power to a community due to environmental, political, or economic reasons. Communities can expand services and facilities by turning to a smart microgrid, especially one with the greater reliability and resilience afforded by improved energy storage options. Smart microgrids can also help take advantage of resources that would otherwise be inaccessible in hard-to-reach areas.
Conclusion
Smart microgrids utilize modern control and monitoring technology to improve efficiency in energy production, distribution and storage. One of the greatest advances in their growth has been the development of better battery technologies, which give microgrids greater reliability and resilience, allowing them to expand coverage and make them easier to deploy.
Energy storage is a growing market, growing at more than 50% YoY, and innovations in technology, such as battery chemistry, solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and ultra-capacitors, can deliver higher energy densities and faster charging times. This makes the future outlook for smart microgrids even brighter.
At Enercon, we have helped design, build and install microgrids for clients across numerous industries. We understand how much improved storage options can improve the functionality of smart microgrids and meet their users' needs. To find out how we can help you with your smart microgrid project, get in touch with us here.
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