Hanan Fishman, president of Alencon Systems, discusses practical considerations for building a DC microgrid. In the last article on this topic, we discussed the relative merits of building a DC microgrid. We, of course, won’t regurgitate that information, as you can read it for yourself by clicking here. At this point, we’ll assume you are … [Read more...]
Sophisticated ‘Air Gap Microgrids,’ Invisible to the Utility
'Air gap microgrids' -- DC microgrids electrically separated from the utility -- open up the opportunity for installing and adapting microgrids with fewer permitting requirements and less strain on the utility’s grid system. North American microgrids are normally connected to the grid with AC coupling. Each item of equipment in the … [Read more...]
Cold Beer, Hot Shower — Off Grid in Virginia with All the Comforts
Alexis Zeigler describes Living Earth Farm, a conservationist-oriented community in rural Virginia where a DC microgrid provides reliable energy, fossil-fuel free. It's been a windy spring in the Mid-Atlantic. Our neighbors have lost power several times, including a multi-day outage that caused vexation and set the generators abuzz. I live in a … [Read more...]