Explore applications of microgrids in various businesses & industries. Discover how microgrids transform the future energy landscape & learn about Mission Critical Facility International's microgrid solutions.
To succeed in today's competitive business world, many businesses are looking for a cost-effective, reliable and uninterrupted power supply. This is where microgrids come in. Microgrids are a fast-growing segment of the energy industry and provide businesses with the power to uncouple from larger, unreliable and expensive traditional grids. It represents a paradigm shift from centralized power plants to a more localized and distributed power supply, especially for remote communities, large corporations and educational campuses.
What Is a Microgrid?
A microgrid is a local energy grid that can disconnect itself from the traditional power supply networks and operate independently during power disruptions. A challenge with the traditional grid is that if one of the interconnected systems fails due to a natural disaster or other crisis, it affects the entire system. In such scenarios, a microgrid acts as a standalone system, helping to isolate your business, residential complex or organization from the problem in the primary grid.
Microgrid Applications
Traditionally, microgrids have been installed in mission-critical facilities like military bases and remote communities not connected to the central power supply. However, with advancements in microgrid technologies, microgrid applications are becoming increasingly popular in various industries, such as:
- Colleges and universities
- Government facilities
- Municipal facilities
- Farms
- Hospitals
- Mission-critical infrastructures
- Airports and other transport hubs
- Manufacturing industries
- Corporate campuses
- Small businesses
Types of Microgrid Applications
Microgrids are available in a variety of configurations and designs. The four popular microgrid examples are:
1. Remote Microgrids
Setting up traditional power supply lines in remote communities such as islands or deserts is often expensive and infeasible. Microgrids are an attractive option to supply power to remote communities located away from the coverage of traditional utility networks. When setting up a microgrid in a remote area, you need to consider local environmental conditions. For example, in areas with an abundant supply of wind and solar energy, the microgrid can include solar photovoltaic arrays, wind turbine generators, fuel generators and batteries.
2. Renewable-Energy Dominant Microgrids
In communities with abundant solar and wind energy, you might face overvoltage problems if these renewable sources are connected directly to the distribution networks. A renewable-energy-dominated microgrid can help to improve the capability of the traditional power grid without leading to overvoltage issues. These grids are usually connected to the central power supply units and operate in island mode when required.
3. Integrated Energy Microgrids
An integrated-energy microgrid is the best choice for areas with abundant energy sources but diverse power demands like cooling, heating and electricity. These grids can serve large hospitals, schools, colleges and other public buildings by integrating energy use. In these grids, electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, geothermal, wind, or biomass is stored in thermal or electrical energy systems.
4. Microgrids in Distribution Networks
These grids are used as a part of intelligent distribution networks. Since distributed renewable energy sources like wind turbines and photovoltaic cells are connected directly to the distribution network, they cannot supply power independently and are shut down in the case of faults in the local distribution network. By integrating distributed microgrids at the branch, feeder, or substation levels, these grids improve the self-healing ability of distribution networks, thereby significantly reducing downtime.
Transform Your Energy Landscape With MCFI's MicroGENIUS
Mission Critical Facilities International (MCFI) offers MicroGENIUS, a sustainable microgrid providing efficient, renewable, cost-effective energy solutions. Fitted with solar PVs for primary energy, a hydrogen fuel cell for backup power and scalable lithium energy storage batteries, MicroGENIUS is the answer to your microgrid application needs. Achieve energy independence and reach your sustainability goals with our solutions.
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Connect with our team to learn about MicroGENIUS and get a free quote for pricing.