As renewable energy penetration increases and distributed energy resources (DERs) and electric vehicles (EVs) are integrated into the grid, utilities must make fundamental changes to their grid operations. To address the challenges they face as they transition to a renewable grid, utilities need a road map in place that will help them balance a … [Read more...]
The Opportunity for Propane in Microgrid Backup Generators
Many microgrids consist of a solar PV system, battery storage, and a backup generator or back up fuel cell system. The backup generator or fuel cell system, run on hydrogen, natural gal, propane, diesel, gasoline, or other fuel sources, provides resilience for the microgrid. Propane is a low carbon fuel source that produces less soot than diesel … [Read more...]
Engine-driven Generators and their Criticality in Microgrids
The purpose of the microgrid solution is to provide cleaner, more efficient, and locally-created power when compared to utility-scale distributed power typically based on coal or nuclear. The benefits have been well documented in industry. Microgrid designs today typically start with a focus on the renewable aspects of the power solution. A … [Read more...]
Before, During & After the Storm: Quantifying Resiliency and Reliability
Recent natural event patterns suggest that extreme weather events are only increasing in intensity and frequency. Eight of the ten costliest hurricane seasons have been in the past 20 years — with four of these in just the past five years — and wildfires are burning more often and more destructively. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was the … [Read more...]
Transactive Energy Market for Energy Management in Microgrids: The Monash Microgrid Case Study
Transactive energy is a novel approach for energy management and trading, which can be used in microgrids to facilitate the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in existing networks. The key feature in transactive energy is using market-based solutions for energy management. Hence, an appropriate transactive energy market (TEM) … [Read more...]
Optimizing Microgrid Systems: Integrating Renewable Energy Sources and Battery Storage
A microgrid utilizes multiple power generation assets to create energy. These assets can be conventional distributed energy resources such as generator sets, or renewable resources such as wind turbines and solar panels. These resources, paired with energy storage are not just technically feasible, but also cost-effective for many … [Read more...]
The Effect of COVID-19 Work from Home Policies on Building Energy Profiles
The rapid spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is upending our economies and reshaping the way we live our lives. While we can easily anticipate some corresponding actions and reactions – empty streets and economic fallout – the short and long-term impacts on the energy and natural gas industries are less certain. This article is part of a … [Read more...]
The Latest Evolution of Distributed Energy Resources — Opportunity for Business Within PJM
Distributed energy resources have evolved. No longer merely rooftop solar panels or backup generators, they are imbued with software intelligence and new capabilities. These advanced technologies create opportunities for businesses to: Leverage electricity markets with demand response, price management, and the sale of energy to the grid … [Read more...]
The Case for Waste to Energy: Utilizing Low-Btu Reciprocating Gas Engine Generators
With the development of large reciprocating generator sets that can run reliably on alternative fuels such as low-Btu (i.e. dilute) methane, landfills, waste treatment plants, coal mining facilities and other sources of waste fuel now have a way to harness these “free” energy sources. Low-Btu reciprocating generator sets use proven technology … [Read more...]
Without Digital There Will be No Energy Transition
We have a world that's changing. A population increasing. And a fundamental need for energy that's conservatively projected to increase by around 10% by 2030. But how do we produce more energy while lowering our carbon emissions? How do we scale up our renewables to the levels and reliability required? How do our heavy industries decarbonize? How … [Read more...]
