Microgrid System Branch

What is a microgrid & how does it work?

In 2002, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison were the first to coin the term “microgrid,” referring to a group of energy sources and loads and the control system to allow it to operate with or without the larger power grid. The US Department of Energy provides the following formal definition:

What is a microgrid control system?

Microgrid control systems: typically, microgrids are managed through a central controller that coordinates distributed energy resources, balances electrical loads, and is responsible for disconnection and reconnection of the microgrid to the main grid. Load: the amount of electricity consumed by customers.

Are microgrids a viable alternative to traditional power distribution?

As the central energy grid continues to face both infrastructure and energy security challenges, microgrids are becoming a popular alternative to traditional power distribution. Microgrids are small, self-sufficient energy systems and are playing an increasingly important role in grid modernization and distributed energy systems.

What makes a microgrid unique?

From our experiences at Mayfield Renewables, we'll stipulate that most microgrids share these four features – all within a defined boundary: Distributed energy resources (DERs): local (on-site) energy storage and generation sources that can function independently from the centralized, bulk power supply infrastructure.