In the modern world of technology, we rely on energy almost as much as we rely on food and water! Many people will start each day by switching on the lights, charging their phone, or boiling the kettle- energy is used in almost every part of our day. One vital component of keeping our energy resources consistent, strong and sustainable are microgrids, which allow communities to be independent with their energy usage, cut down energy costs, and become more environmentally friendly. You may not know it but generators play a huge role in the microgrid that provides your energy. This article will delve into the role of generators in microgrid power plants.
Table of Contents
What is a microgrid and how does it work?
Before understanding the role of generators in microgrids, it is important to get your head around how these energy stations work. Microgrids can be found across the country- you may even be using the electric power that is produced by one right now!
What is a microgrid?
A community microgrid is a decentralized energy system that usually serves a discrete geographical area or location. Micro-grids are self-sufficient and produce their power separately from the national grid through multiple power sources including wind turbines, solar panels, combined heat and power, and generators. Microgrids have control capability, which means that they can disconnect from the main and power a local site autonomously- this is incredibly helpful if there are problems with the main grid.
Microgrids take the form of a group of interconnected power sources that are positioned into a formation and kept within a certain boundary. Each power source works together to produce a single controllable energy unit or grid. Microgrids can be connected to the main grid and will switch between island-mode and grid-connected to best meet the energy demands of its users.
Basic components of the microgrid
There are three main components that are considered when building a microgrid:
- Generation
- Storage
- Demand
Each component operates within a controlled network that is limited to a bounded space. The generation component of a microgrid is responsible for creating the initial energy that is then stored and distributed according to people’s needs. Microgrid power generation will often use several energy resources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and generators.
How do microgrids work?
Most of the time, microgrids will operate whilst connected to the grid but are able to break off and operate on their own if power outages or other problems occur in the main grid. When microgrids break off from the national grid, they will use local power sources to generate microgrid energy and distribute this energy to the local area.
Microgrids come in a variety of sizes and are a great way to cut down energy costs and can sometimes even help to make our energy usage more environmentally friendly. Depending on the size of the microgrid, they can be used to power anything from a school to an entire local community and provide an excellent backup energy source.
What is the role of generators in microgrid power plants?
Generation is the first major component of a microgrid that produces energy to be used to power out electricity, heating, and gas. Almost all microgrids will use some kind of generator to produce power alongside other power sources such as solar panels.
Generators are a favored source of power in microgrids because they can respond quickly to changing demand and can be easily connected and disconnected from the main source of local energy. Generators can be combined with a smart management system to allow for the planning of running hours, which can hugely increase the grid’s efficiency. With smart management, generators will produce more power during times of peak energy usage and less power during times of little energy usage.
While alternative sources of power may appear more sustainable, implementing a generator set into a microgrid can actually improve the environmental impact of the grid whilst making it a more reliable source of power. Generators are able to produce power around the clock and keep up with varying demands. Generators are used alongside renewable energy sources because these alternatives often rely on unpredictable weather conditions, so require a backup source to provide power when the weather isn’t right.
What type of generators are used in microgrid power plants?
Most microgrid power plants will use diesel generators and backup systems. Diesel generators are favored over other types of fuel because the diesel is burned at a higher temperature which means that it can provide greater power to the generator.
The size and model of diesel generators that are used will vary between each microgrid. Grids that power larger areas will generally use larger generators that are capable of producing more power. Grids that supply smaller geographical locations may only require a smaller-sized generator.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is a microgrid generator?
In a microgrid, generators are used as backup systems when sustainable energy resources are unable to keep up with power demands. An electric grid generator will be managed by a smart managing system to maximize the efficiency of the generator and quickly switch its power outage to keep up with variations in power demand. Microgrid generators can be connected or disconnected from the main grid.
2. What is DG in a power system?
DG stands for ‘distributed generation’ and refers to the number of power-generating technologies that are installed at a microgrid. Most microgrid power systems will use several different forms of power supply to generate power for optimal efficiency.
3. What is the function of distributed generation?
Distributed generation systems, also known as microgrid technology, are used to temporarily supply power to select areas when the main grid is experiencing problems or when energy storage is running low. Distributed generation makes it possible to keep up with the continuous demand for power, despite any problems that may occur. Distributed generation systems are designed for optimal efficiency and to be an environmentally friendly option of power. They will use sustainable forms of electricity generation, along with backup generators, to produce sustainable power at varying levels, depending on user needs.
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