UC–San Diego Researchers Tackle Microgrid Sharing Technology

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The modern utility grid is designed to distribute electrical energy from large central power plants. It’s an “all for one and one for all” arrangement. Either the power plant is functioning as intended or is out of commission entirely. The idea of a distributed grid with many local microgrid elements that could continue functioning while the larger grid is unavailable — such as during emergencies after hurricanes — is still in its infancy.

microgrid alternativesBut the few microgrid arrangements that do exist are typically controlled by local utility companies. There presently are few ways that locally sourced electricity from renewable sources such as rooftop solar panel systems or small-scale wind turbines can be shared with others nearby. In times of a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Harvey or Hurricane Irma, that capability could provide life-saving energy to a small, localized area.

Researchers at the University of California–San Diego have been looking for ways to enable local microgrid sharing among neighbors ever since Superstorm Sandy struck the East Coast and cut off power to millions of people. They have come up with a variety of algorithms that allow homes with battery storage systems installed to be disconnected from the grid using remotely controlled circuit breakers. The algorithms prioritize the distribution of power based upon the amount of energy storage available and how much power a home is projected to use. It also tracks weather forecasts, which may impact the need for heating or cooling.

The team found that although an individual energy storage system in each home results in optimal power performance, customers prefer to share a community-scale storage system because it benefits more people in a crisis. But they note such systems will require new laws and regulations designed to promote microgrid arrangements. That’s something utility companies are likely to vigorously oppose — although, the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma may change the political calculus in America.


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Steve Hanley

Steve writes about the interface between technology and sustainability from his home in Florida or anywhere else The Force may lead him. He is proud to be "woke" and doesn't really give a damn why the glass broke. He believes passionately in what Socrates said 3000 years ago: "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new." You can follow him on Substack and LinkedIn but not on Fakebook or any social media platforms controlled by narcissistic yahoos.

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