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Post date: May 05, 2010 6:31:39 PM
Microgrids are key to future energy strategy
Microgrids are key to future energy strategy
The allmighty Smartgrid over Internet vulnerable
Utility reliance on Internet-based communication for their move to smart grid technology makes the system vulnerable to hackers. In April 2009, for example, U.S. intelligence officials reported evidence of cyberspies penetrating the U.S. electrical grid. The intruders buried but did not activate disruptive software programs.
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, lower overall energy costs, create more green jobs, and improve the critical reliability and security of our electric grid.
Microgrids could enable us to fast track implementation of renewable energy sources,
Blackouts, still local power
In a power outage or disturbance, a microgrid can separate from the utility grid. Members of the microgrid retain power availability, avoiding blackouts and lost productivity. With the power source located on-site, microgrids are less vulnerable to cyber attacks on the grid since they do not rely on transmission lines and have the security of redundant systems.
Central plants 35% efficiency, microgrids 85%
Microgrids have a range of benefits. Central plants are at best 35% efficient because of line losses and smoke stack waste heat. Microgrids have no line losses and can capture surplus heat and use it to warm and cool buildings, making them up to 85% efficient. Each project creates hundreds of local green jobs. Through the use of renewable sources and recaptured heat, microgrids generate an estimated 48 to 50 percent reduction in GHGs and can save from 10 to 12 percent in energy costs. Equally compelling: the average microgrid takes 18-24 months to construct, meaning that we can implement the climate bill’s proposed renewable energy mandates on the timetable that both the President and Congress are proposing. Furthermore, the reductions in energy costs and enhanced efficiency of microgrids mean that they pay for themselves in five to ten years.
Microgrids cost less
Microgrids have the ability to address our nation’s energy crisis by reducing the power load on our national grid, reducing national security risks and providing clean energy resources that are more reliable and cost less.
Author Guy Warner
is a leading economist and the founder and CEO of Pareto Energy a company that provides counsel in the design, development, funding and maintenance of microgrids.
source: thehill.com/opinion
Microgrids emerging with on-site power local DGA
A new architecture of peer-to-peer power networks known as Microgrids is emerging. Microgrids can meet both environmental and national security challenges through the introduction of “on-site power” – local power solutions developed for local needs under local control. Microgrids operate in parallel to the utility grid. They often utilize natural gas or renewable energy sources, such as solar, geothermal or biomass power and are ideal for high-use building clusters, (hospitals, office complexes and data centers.) The buildings remain connected to the utility grid but by generating their own power they reduce reliance on the grid and can even send surplus power back into the grid.
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