primary drivers behind their ability to lower carbon dioxide emissions . This aligns with the global push for carbon neutrality that is motivating many companies , especially multinationals , to adopt microgrid solutions .
The ability to closely monitor , model and predict a building ’ s energy usage patterns is a key advantage of advanced control systems integrated with microgrids . This enhances the microgrid ’ s performance and the building ’ s overall energy efficiency .
Integrating with BMS Advanced control systems integrate with the building management system ( BMS ) to monitor and optimise energy use across various building systems like HVAC , lighting and occupancy . This allows the microgrid to be optimised to meet the building ’ s predicted energy needs , whether that ’ s through solar , batteries or the grid , most efficiently and cost-effectively .
These advanced systems can use weather data to model the building ’ s energy usage patterns . For example , they can predict how much air conditioning will be needed on days when the temperature is 25 ° C vs . 30 ° C .
Microgrids integrate with a BMS to receive data on energy usage and loads . The microgrid ’ s control algorithms then analyse this data , along with input from an energy management system , to determine the optimal way to power the building — using solar , batteries or the grid .
This real-time optimisation allows the microgrid to intelligently manage and distribute the available energy sources to meet the building ’ s needs efficiently . The integration of the microgrid ’ s control algorithms with the building ’ s energy data is key to enabling this optimisation of energy consumption and costs .
Decentralised energy sources like microgrids are crucial for essential facilities , such as hospitals and data centres .
Microgrids offer a dependable backup power source , ensuring that hospitals can continue to operate fully even during grid outages . Likewise , for data centres , a power loss can lead to significant downtime and financial losses , particularly for large enterprises that depend on uninterrupted operations .
Technology Advancements At the core of Schneider Electric ’ s microgrid technology are advancements in battery energy storage systems and solar power integration . Effectively managing these alternative energy sources is crucial . For solar power , it is about seamlessly incorporating it into the microgrid and optimising its utilisation . With battery storage , the focus is on ensuring tight coordination between the batteries and other microgrid components to best support the building ’ s energy needs .
We also emphasise the intelligent optimisation of backup generators . While generators provide resilience , their carbon emissions and fuel costs must be carefully managed , especially when solar and batteries are unavailable . The overarching goal is to find the right balance and integration between all the energy sources — grid , solar , batteries and generators .
This allows us to deliver microgrids that achieve optimal carbon neutrality and cost-effectiveness in powering buildings . Advanced control systems , energy source coordination and holistic optimisation are the key innovations driving our microgrid technology .
Ultimately , microgrids are an enduring solution that forwardthinking businesses in South Africa should strongly consider adopting , despite the recent changes in the local power reliability landscape . Their benefits in terms of carbon reduction and cost savings make them a technology with a bright future .
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