Power Grid Alliance Cup Micro-Lesson Competition

What is a microgrid?

The term “microgrid” refers to the concept of a small number of DERs connected to a single power subsystem. DERs include both renewable and /or conventional resources . The electric grid is no longer a one-way system from the 20th-century . A constellation of distributed energy technologies is paving the way for MGs , , .

How can a microgrid help resolve a power outage?

A microgrid can help solve a power outage by distributing electricity to small areas such as a few buildings or a town before upstream power is restored. This is particularly useful in cases where traditional power sources are unavailable. The microgrid's size can vary, but it presents an opportunity to address outages locally by using alternative energy sources.

Where can electrical utilities test microgrid concepts?

Electrical utilities have begun testing microgrid concepts in laboratory-type settings. One example is Duke Energy, which maintains two test microgrid facilities: one in Gaston County, North Carolina , and one in Charlotte, North Carolina .

Will grid-tied microgrid customers stay connected if the grid fails?

Although grid-tied microgrid customers will likely stay connected to the grid for the foreseeable future, only islanding in the case of utility grid failure, self-consumption of microgrid generated energy could erode the revenue base that has traditionally paid for utility infrastructure investments.

What is a PPA & how does a microgrid work?

The infrastructure in a PPA is owned by a third party and leased to customers to provide electricity and related services to end customers. In the case of microgrids, improved security, reliability, and sustainability can be marketed along with economic benefits like energy cost savings.

What challenges did the European Union microgrids project face?

The European Union MICROGRIDS project explored similar technical challenges such as safe islanding and reconnection practices, energy management, control strategies under islanded and connected scenarios, protection equipment, and communications protocols . Active research continues on all of the topics pioneered in these early studies . 2.