The solution for our faltering electricity grid?
Smart grids and microgrids
By Nico van den Biggelaar - The energy transition is gaining momentum. Step by step, fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum are being exchanged for sustainable solar and wind energy. Unfortunately, we are also encountering obstacles, such as an electricity grid that cannot handle the growing amount of 'green' energy.
The main problem of the electricity grid
“Congestion” aptly summarizes the current issues with the Dutch electricity grid. In more than 250 places, the capacity to transport electricity is insufficient. In those areas, users are faced with power shortages, and renewable energy producers, such as solar parks, cannot deliver the generated power fully.
This means very concretely that a new distribution center or a new factory hall is left without a power connection. Or that the expansion of a large bakery or the development of a hotel chain becomes impossible. Just to name a few examples.
It is clear that the problem is big and will remain so for the time being because reinforcing and expanding the grid simply takes a lot of time (3 to 7 years) and money. How can we solve the capacity problem as sustainably as possible in the meantime?
The solution: microgrids and smart grids
The solution consists of microgrids and smart grids. These are standalone energy networks that function together with or independently of the traditional energy grid. Local, sustainable energy sources are integrated into these networks and, depending on the situation, may or may not be connected to the traditional energy grid.
A microgrid is essentially a mini version of the regular energy grid. A smart grid is the smarter sibling of a microgrid, thanks to its associated measurement and control system, which ensures that the grid functions as sustainably and efficiently as possible. For example, available energy that is not needed at the moment can be sold at the right time.
What makes microgrids and smart grids so special
In itself, creating standalone energy networks using existing assets, including gas engines, solar panels, emergency power installations, and energy storage means like batteries, is not so special. What makes both microgrids and smart grids so special is the energy optimization system developed by Pon Power, the Grid Controller.
How Pon Power's Grid Controller works
The assets within a grid continuously exchange information with each other via the Grid Controller. This Controller uses algorithms to calculate what is most efficient to do at any given time. This includes optimizing to be as 'green' and quiet as possible while also considering reliability and cost.
The weighting of the information and the resulting actions differ per company, depending on what the user's energy priorities are. For example, solar energy is often a priority because it is sustainable and free. So, in case of a surplus, the use of the gas engine(s) is reduced in favor of the solar panels.
In all cases, the result is custom-made: the grid is configured to exactly match your company's situation and requirements.
What is the difference between a microgrid and a smart grid?
The main difference between a microgrid and a smart grid can be found in the communication. In a microgrid, the components within the grid communicate with each other. In a smart grid, the components are connected to each other and to energy trading platforms on the internet.
Another difference is that a microgrid is intended for energy use, while with a smart grid you are also an energy supplier in addition to being a user. But what about if we have just established that there is congestion on the electricity grid? Then you don't want even more energy suppliers, do you?
The answer can be found in the link with the smart measurement and control system of the smart grids. As a result, the grid supplies energy when the electricity grid asks for it or provides space for it, and energy is stored when there is congestion
When do you use which grid?
A microgrid is used for medium-sized locations. Think, for example, of large bakeries and hotels. For locations like these, a relatively small grid suffices. For instance, a bakery might choose a gas engine, solar panels, and a battery pack. A hotel might opt for a gas engine, a battery pack, and an emergency power installation.
A smart grid is usually used for large locations, such as distribution centers and factory halls, rented out by property owners. For these types of locations, a substantial energy network is needed, so the grid consists of gas engines, many solar panels, a battery pack, and an emergency power installation.
The size of a smart grid and the fact that these types of large locations are often rented out make it interesting for the owners of distribution centers and factory halls to sell available energy to the network operators at certain times.
This is possible because energy surpluses are stored in the battery pack and the smart metering and control system is set up in such a way that these surpluses are sold to the grid operator automatically and at the right times. Read: when the grid can use it and a good price is paid for it.
Micro- and smart grids are a good, temporary solution
Grid operators are working hard on the energy grid of the future. However, in the coming years, we will continue to hit the limits the grid because modifying and expanding the grid takes a lot of time and the demand for electricity (for now) continues to grow. This is especially true for companies that want to expand or undertake new construction.
Micro- and smart grids are a good solution for the interim period we are currently in. They also fit well with a different kind of time we are in: a transition period, from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. The grids combine traditional energy generation (gas engines and a diesel emergency power installation) with sustainable energy solutions (solar panels and energy storage).
Incidentally, it wouldn't surprise us if these grids continue to play an important role in the energy supply even after the electricity grid has been upgraded. Developments are advancing rapidly and more applications are emerging. So who knows, we might still be using micro- and smart grids for decentralized energy generation or for purposes we haven't even considered yet in 5 to 10 years.
