Microgrid Energy Storage for Energy Cost Optimization and Resilience

Microgrid Energy Storage for Energy Cost Optimization and Resilience

In the face of increasingly volatile energy markets, utility grid disruptions and global climate change, organizations seek ways to optimize power costs and increase resilience at their facilities.microgrid energy storage One powerful solution is microgrid energy storage, a localized energy network that can operate independently from the main power grid and keep critical infrastructure running during a blackout or other power crisis.

Microgrids combine distributed energy resources (DERs) and loads to provide a clean, reliable source of power.microgrid energy storage They can be grid-connected or off-grid, with some able to disconnect from the grid and continue supplying energy in an “island mode” when necessary. These localized energy systems often use renewables like solar panels or fuel cells, backed by backup generators and battery energy storage.

When combined with on-site power generation, microgrids enable enterprises to pursue three critical objectives: energy cost optimization, resilience and decarbonization.microgrid energy storage On-site, primary power microgrids are powered by a wide range of sources, including Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Combined Heat-Power Systems and small turbine generators fueled with natural gas or biogas. These microgrids can deliver 24/7 baseload power, and when coupled with a battery energy storage system, can provide uninterrupted service during outages or weather events.

Energy storage maximizes the value of these types of DERs by decoupling production and consumption. It allows the microgrid to take advantage of renewables’ cyclical nature, generating energy at peak times when the sun is shining and using it during off-peak hours. Similarly, it helps balance peaks in energy demand on the grid, mitigating the need for costly fossil-fuel plants that would otherwise be turned on to stabilize the frequency of the grid and avoid cascading power outages.

In addition, microgrids can leverage a function called peak shaving to shift excess energy stored in batteries back onto the grid, offsetting electricity prices and reducing the need for expensive fossil-fuel plant operation. Finally, it can also help achieve net-zero decarbonization goals by allowing the microgrid to replace some or all of its grid-supplied electricity with clean, low-carbon power from a BESS.

The most effective microgrids include on-site, battery energy storage as a core component. This allows them to leverage the power of their DERs and deliver energy at a lower cost by leveraging microgrid-specific battery chemistry and capacities. As such, Schneider Electric offers a suite of microgrid solutions that incorporate BESS and automation. Whether you need a fully integrated battery system or to supply selected components, we can create a microgrid that meets your unique needs.

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